How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session: The Ultimate Guide

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Boudoir photography is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a celebration of confidence, beauty, and self-love. Whether you’re stepping in front of the camera for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, preparation is key to feeling relaxed and looking your best. This ultimate guide covers the main things you need to prepare for your boudoir session, from skincare and outfit tips to mindset and confidence boosters. Perfectly Peachy created the perfect guide to prepare for your boudoir sessions. Keep an eye out for the full version of our guide in our online store coming soon!

Skincare, Outfit Selection, and Makeup Prep

We highly recommend grabbing some Jelly like under eye patches and keeping them in the fridge. Use them nightly after your skincare routine especially a concentrated under eye cream. You'll love the results!

Skincare Tips for a Healthy Glow

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session to keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated.

Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate your face and body 2-3 days before your shoot to remove dead skin cells. We have a lot of clients who love dry brushing. Moisturize: Use a hydrating body lotion or coconut oil to keep your skin soft and supple.Always Cleanse: At the end of the day don't forget to always cleanse your skin whether or not you wear makeup. This will always keep your skin looking the most radient. Pollution will dull your skin too. Avoid Sunburn: Avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure right before your session. You don’t want red, peeling skin in your photos.Avoid Skincare treatments and peels: Avoid getting facials, any type of chemical peels, skin treatments etc. Skin often becomes extra sensitive and red causing color in the photograph to become over saturated easily. Skip the retinol the week leading up to your session too, this often causes irritation and dryness easily. Avoid New Skincare Routines the Week Before: Avoid trying anything new with your skincare just incase your skin reacts negatively to a product.

Choosing the Perfect Outfits

Select outfits that make you feel confident and highlight your personality. Perfectly Peachy offers the best boudoir guide to help you prepare for your session with confidence & style your body type with the most flattering choices. Here's a little inspo!

Classic Lingerie Sets: A matching bra and panty set always looks polished and put-together.

Bodysuits: These can accentuate curves and are universally flattering.

Oversized Shirts or Sweaters: Casual yet sexy, especially when paired with thigh-high socks. This will create a more modest and cozy aesthetic.

Silk Robes: Perfect for a sensual, romantic vibe, I always recommend starting with a robe to keep yourself more covered as you get more comfortable & confident in front of the camera.

Personal Touches: Bring items with sentimental value, like your partner’s shirt or a special piece of jewelry, Shoes: If you don't plan on being barefoot for your session make sure to bring a couple pairs of sexy high heels to add a more put together look. Accessories: Bring all the necklaces, earrings, bracelets, stockings, gloves and whatever accessories you think will look best. You can never have enough accessories!

Tip: Bring at least 3-4 outfit options so you can mix and match during the session. Actually toss all your ideas in your bag and you can choose on the spot

Our artists and stylists, Tirzah and Aimee glamming up for a big tv episode! Luxury Real Estate Agent & Host for American Dream TV Tammy Dewolfe, getting voluminous curls for her photoshoot with Adrianna Kopinja who owns Adrianna Kopinja Photography in Newton, MA!

Makeup and Hair Prep

Book a Professional: If possible, hire a makeup artist and hairstylist who specializes in boudoir photography. They will help you relieve the stress and help you feel pampered rather than rushing around to get prepared. If you book with Perfectly Peachy we offer beauty services as an add on to your photoshoot package!

Timeless Over Trendy: Opt for classic looks that enhance your natural features, such as soft glam makeup or loose waves. Sometimes the simple yet contrasted looks photograph the best and mean even more to you in the future.

Avoid Drastic Changes: Don’t try a new hairstyle or makeup look right before your session. Stick with what makes you feel like you.

Mental Preparation: Mindset Tips and Confidence Boosters

Preparing mentally is just as important as physical prep. Here are ways to get into a confident mindset:

Affirmations: Start your day with positive affirmations like “I am beautiful,” “I am worthy,” and “I embrace my body.”

Practice Posing: Stand in front of a mirror and experiment with poses to discover what makes you feel confident.

Remember Your Why: Focus on the reason you’re doing this—whether it’s for yourself, your partner, or a milestone celebration.

Relax and Breathe: Nerves are natural! Take a few deep breaths before your session to calm your mind.

Pro Tip: Listen to an empowering playlist on the way to your shoot to get in the mood.

The Do’s and Don’ts for a Stress-Free Session

Do’s

Do Trust Your Photographer: They’re there to make you look and feel amazing. Trust their guidance.

Do Get Plenty of Sleep: A well-rested body and mind will boost your energy and confidence.

Do Eat a Light Meal: Don’t skip meals before the shoot—have a light, balanced meal to avoid feeling faint.

Do Communicate Your Vision: Share your ideas, preferences, and any insecurities with your photographer.

Don’ts

Don’t Overthink It: Let go of perfection and focus on having fun.

Don’t Drink the Night Before: Alcohol can dehydrate your skin and leave you feeling tired. Don’t Wear Tight Clothes Before the Shoot: Avoid clothes that leave marks or indentations on your skin.

Creating a Mood Board to Capture Your Vision

A mood board helps you and your photographer align on the aesthetic, vibe and poses you want. Here’s how to create one:

Use Pinterest or Canva: Create a board and pin images that resonate with you (poses, outfits, lighting styles). Follow our pinterest page for inspiration!

Add Personal Elements: Include quotes, colors, or themes that reflect your personality.

Be Specific: Identify key aspects you love (e.g., “soft, natural light” or “moody, dramatic shadows”).

Share this mood board with your photographer to ensure they understand your vision.

Your Boudoir Preparation Checklist

We created the perfect photoshoot planner for you! Sign up for our email and receive a pdf version to organize your session!

✅ Skincare: Hydrate, exfoliate, and moisturize.

✅ Outfits: Bring 3-4 outfits and any personal accessories.

✅ Hair & Makeup: Book professionals or plan your DIY look in advance.

✅ Mindset: Practice affirmations, deep breathing, and visualization.

✅ Essentials: Pack any props, jewelry, or special items.

✅ Self-Care: Get a good night’s sleep and eat a light meal beforehand.

✅ Mood Board: Create and share your inspiration board with your photographer.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for your boudoir session is about more than just looking good—it’s about feeling empowered and celebrating yourself. Follow this guide, trust the process, and most importantly, have fun! Your boudoir experience is a chance to embrace your beauty and capture your confidence in timeless photos.

Ready to book your boudoir session? Let’s make magic happen!

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