Tips & Tricks for your Boudoir Session - 2021 edition
Tips & Tricks
For Your Boudoir Session
We all know that baring yourself, physically and emotionally, can be a bit scary. You're nervous, but excited. Like jumping out of an airplane or leaning in to that very first kiss.
I want to ease some of those fears and anxieties…at least in way of your Boudoir Session ;)
Boudoir is Transformative. Both literally and figuratively. For both you and itself. Boudoir is no longer the corny and overly softened shots in front of a school picture background with overly teased hair. Boudoir in this day and age is about self expression. It’s about showing off who you are on the inside and the out. It’s about yelling who you are from the top of the mountains. It’s about reclaiming your narrative. It’s about becoming who you are. It’s about showing how much you love. It’s about your inner beauty. It’s about you.
So, let’s walk through some Tips & Tricks on how to have your Dream Boudoir Session with Wanderlust Boudoir Studio…
First thing’s first….it’s a Workout
First thing I do after we finish hair and makeup is to warn you that what’s to come is gonna be a workout. I then walk you through several stretches and warm ups before we even start posing.
It's going to feel awkward sometimes, you'll feel like you look ridiculous; you’re going to feel a bit of strain and stretch, and you're gonna feel sore the next day in places you didn't think to get sore…
But it's so worth it!
By the end of it you’ll get to see yourself in a totally new light. Something that you might’ve never experienced before. Using posing and lighting, I emphasize all the curves and features that you love. While at the same time, minimizing those that you don't. So that you finally see that you that's been dying to come out. The one that your Significant Other and friends insist that they always see, yet you never truly do. We’re finally going to show you that You!
You and your #beautyredefined
What To Wear
Day of, you want to wear loose fitting clothing so that you don’t get any marks (this includes socks). Come in comfy wear!
For your Session, Bring clothing that makes you FEEL sexy, rather then what you THINK is sexy. Don’t purposefully go out and buy lingerie that will make you feel super uncomfortable. We’ll be able to see it in your face in your photos, and in your body language. The sexiest clothing can sometimes be the simplest items: off the shoulder tops, a length of chiffon, a satin sheet, a string of pearls…
We do only include 3-5 outfits per session. But, feel free to bring as many items as you’d like and we’ll narrow things down! It’ll be easier to pick and choose items that’ll fit together, if you just go ahead and bring them along ;)
Make sure, though, to bring AT LEAST: 1 NUDE & 1 BLACK pair of undies (think stretchy plain thong) to wear under any Client Closet items you choose to utilize
Speaking of which…
My Client Closet
Now I have a confession to make…I have a bit of a lingerie addiction…And I’m a reformed Costume Designer….So I have a pretty Spectacular Client Closet!
My regular Client Closet is actually included, complimentary, with your full Boudoir Session. This is full of everything from bodysuits to corsets, to tank tops to tear, and strappy lingerie sets. Everything is fully washed and sanitized between every use (even try ons). Even the body jewelry gets a disinfectant spray down after use. Items come in sizes from xs all the way to 4x+
Then there’s my Luxury Closet. This is my specialty closet full of Diva Robes, Angel Wings, and specialty costume pieces and body jewelry. The Luxury Closet is a pre-payment perk for my Collections or can be added on: 1 for $150, 2 for $200
Plan Ahead!
Be sure to pack and check and double check on all your clothing, lingerie, and accessories BEFORE your session day! Trust me, better to be safe then sorry and get to the studio having forgot your favorite item. If you’re bringing shoes, take the stickers off the soles and make sure they’re not too scuffed. If you’re one to notice, make sure your nails are nice and neat (or done up, if you want to). Cut the tags off all your lingerie and other items you’re wanting to be photographed in (if it’s easily seen).
The night before your shoot (or earlier), make sure you’re organized with everything you need in one place. Even if you have to everything in a little hiding place, to keep away from prying eyes.
Don’t get fixed on the Inspiration
By all means, check out pinterest, instagram, and any other websites for inspiration pictures, but don‘t expect your portraits or session to look exactly like them. We’ll definitely use it all for inspiration. But, just as that, inspiration.
For the mood, for the type of lighting, for the expression, for the possible pose. But, the place is different, the time is different, the subject is different, the photographer is different. So, it will be different.
I definitely a very visual person, though, and Love seeing the inspiration and things to try! I’ll definitely utilize it in crafting the direction and vibe of your session. But, we’ll also let your session be organic, so that the main inspiration is you, not someone else’s photos
We actually will use pinterest, though, during your style consult to perfectly describe the feel of your session and to narrow down some selections for hair, makeup, and lingerie. And Here is my personal Pinterest so you can peruse all my existing inspiration boards. Get a feel for me as an Artist and where I draw inspiration from!
Think of the Little Things
Think of items/clothing/activities that are meaningful and/or important to you and/or your Significant Other! Believe me, it doesn’t all have to be about the lingerie and stilettos. Bringing in something unique to you and/or your relationship with your S.O. serves as a Great way to personalize your session.
It may be the lingerie your S.O. gave you for your first aniversary. Or it may be the vintage charm bracelet you found while on your anniversary. Or you love yelling at a sports team every once in a while and have a special jersey that’s close to your S.O.’s heart. One of my clients brought the tie her husband wore on their Wedding. She wanted to wear that…and nothing else.
I’ve had nerdy couples bring video game gear, fun t-shirts, and props. I’ve even had one girl bring in hot jalapenos because of a funny inside joke with her wife.
Trust me, I’ve seen it all, so don’t be embarrassed to mention anything you might want to bring!
For your BRIDES out there (Former or upcoming), think about bringing your Wedding Dress, veil, or other wedding Details to make your session Extra Special
Remember who it’s Really about
Boudoir is a very raw, intimate, and empowering experience. People come to my Studio to feel beautiful and accepted, because somewhere down the line they’ve felt otherwise.
Even if you start out with just wanting gifts for someone else. You’re the one actually having the session. And this session is going to be All about pampering you. And for those of you on the fence, ask yourself this: When was the last time you actually invested in something for just You? To pamper just you? Trust me, your worn out confidence, body and soul will thank you after your boudoir session!
TIMELINE
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1-2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SESSION
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Start drinking double your Water intake. If you’re not one to drink water too often, try to aim for at least 8 tall glasses a day. This will help wash out any excess salt intake weight and give your skin a nice vibrant glow (it even helps with the makeup process!)
If you don’t do it already, start moisturizing with a light-weight moisturizer at least 1 time per day at this point. At least after every shower. If you moisturize your face, make sure to do so with a face moisturizer, so you don’t start to break out.
start gathering and preparing/packing all the Boudoir Necessities (lingerie, shoes, etc)
Lower your salt intake and Avoid alcohol if you’re worried about retaining water
Try to stay out of the sun from this point on. We don’t want any sun burns or awkward tan lines, if we can avoid them
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3-5 DAYS BEFORE YOUR SESSION
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If you wax, do so now, so as to avoid any bumps or redness/irritation on your Session day. If you’ve never waxed before, I would NOT reccomend this being your first time.
If you’re planning to visit the salon or barber for a haircut/color, schedule it for at least a week prior to your session. Just to make sure you’re happy with it and to loosen it up from that Fresh from the Salon stiffness.
If you’re one to notice, be sure to get a manicure and pedicure at the 2-3 day mark, before your session
Time to try on all your outfits and lingerie one last time to make sure they all fit properly and you don’t have to go out trying to find something else.
Remove all tags and labels
Steam or iron your ensembles, if need be, and hang them properly so they’ll kepp shape as you travel to the studio.
—————————THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SESSION
—————————Bathe, shave (if need be), and moisturize.
Double-check everything is properly packed and ready for the shoot: heels, jewelry, accessories, props.
plan out the day for tomorrow, make sure you have the correct route and allow yourself plenty of time to get to the studio without stressing. Make sure you’ve allotted enough time for unexpected delays for Traffic
Enjoy a relaxed, quiet evening the night before. Plan for a good night’s sleep before your session.
Wash your hair 1-2 days before your session
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DAY OF YOUR SESSION
—————————Use clear and/or streak free deodorant PLEASE, especially if you’re planning on utilizing one of my Client Closets
Wear loose-fitting clothing to your session to avoid red marks on your skin (no jeans, tight socks, or tight clothing, for instance
Eat something light but filling before you leave the house
Arrive with a clean and moisturized face and CLEAN DRY HAIR, with no products in it
Try to arrive at the studio no earlier than 5-10 minutes before your session.
Most importantly: Take a deep breath and RELAX! It’s completely normal to be a little bit nervous before your session. Please don’t worry, because you’re in the very best of hands! I will walk you though Everything single thing, so you don’t have to worry
The Little Things
DON’T SPRAY TAN
seriously, please don’t. It gets everywhere. I have satin sheets and velvet furniture. It. Gets. Everywhere. And it looks orange and streaky in film. Even a real tan shows up more orange in my particular camera. I take orange out of Everything. Trust me, pale skin looks gorgeous and lumescent in my studio.Real tans are just fine though, too! Don’t worry if you do have one. And if you have tan lines, we’ll either soften them, or sometimes we even lean into them and they make the pictures all the more schmexy!
We do have body oils and lotions at the studio, but if you have a particular lotion and tend to be on the dry side, please bring it with you!
Once you’re fully booked, you’ll recieve a special, in depth, Lingerie Guide, along with all the finishing details and other links to help you prepare for your session!
Alcohol isn’t provided on the premises. You can bring your own, but it will be limited to 1 glass, for liability reasons
Also for liability reasons, guns are not allowed on the Studio premises
The Main studio is Handicap accessible and there is a private bathroom/changing area open to any and all genders
The Wanderlust Boudoir studio is an open and accepting business of all genders and personal sexual preferences. Couples of any gender are welcome, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community
If you haven’t yet, and would like to learn about my Boudoir sessions and how to book your own, check out my
All About the Boudoir page
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