How to Get Ready for Your Shoot Without Losing Your Mind (or Confidence)
You’ve booked your boudoir session. Cue the butterflies… Maybe panic just a little… Maybe you’ve already torn through your closet wondering if anything you own is “sexy enough.”
Stop. Take a breath. We’ve got you!
Whether you’re walking into this session full of fire or fighting a nerves, these prep tips will help you feel more grounded, more prepared, and most importantly, more you.
1. Let’s Talk Wardrobe
You do not need to raid Victoria’s Secret or show up in rhinestones (unless that’s your thing- then sparkle on, babe!). Lace, leather, bodysuits, robes, oversized sweaters, your partner’s button-up, nothing at all is fair game. The only rule? Wear what makes you feel like you.
Still stressing about what to wear? Don’t. Every client gets access to our in-studio lingerie boutique, where you can shop with one-on-one help from us. When you book your session, you’ll automatically have a $50 gift card on your boutique account! If you decide to bring pieces from home, we’ll help you narrow it down with those too.
Heads Up: I am not the friend who tells you everything looks good. We all have one of those friends and we adore them but it’s not always helpful. If something’s bunching weird or not photographing well, I’m gonna tell you- lovingly, but directly. Because you deserve to look amazing in every frame!
Pro tip: Break your outfits into 3 categories- something classic, something daring, and something totally you.
2. Hydrate Like You’re About to Walk a Runway
Water is your best friend the week of your session. Glowing skin, clearer eyes, and a little less bloat? Yes, please! Toss in some lemon or cucumber if you want to feel fancy. Plus it’s delicious! And with all due respect to ladies night and margaritas on a taco Tuesday, be sure avoid alcohol the night before. Remember, we’re going for radiant, not puffy and dehydrated.
3. Skip Anything New on Your Skin
No new skincare products or treatments 14 days before your session. This is not the time to test out a chemical peel or a new razor that promises dolphin-smooth legs. Stick to what you know works for your body.
For waxing and shaving, we give you a complete preparation timeline in your Session Preparation Guide so you know exactly when to schedule.
4. Show Up Comfortable (and On Time)
Wear loose clothing to the studio- no tight bras or leggings that leave marks on your skin. In fact, don’t feel like you have to wear a bra at all! A lot of our clients come in comfy PJ’s, full commando. You’ll change into your looks here after we get you glammed up. You’ll also get grounding techniques and breathing guidance from me throughout the session to help calm those nerves.
Trust me, I’ve seen it all: nervous pacing, happy tears, coffee jitters (I relate), and full-body laughs. I’ve got you!
5. Know This: You Don’t Need to “Fix” Anything
You don’t need to lose ten pounds. You don’t need to tone your arms or buy new boobs. You need to show up as you are. The way you exist right now is already beautiful and worthy of being seen, documented, and celebrated.
Your scars, stretch marks, softness, and strength? All of it belongs here.
6. Trust the Process (and Me)
I’m going to guide you through every pose, expression, and breath. You don’t need to be a model or know your angles. You just need to show up and let yourself be seen. I’ve got the technical side handled- lighting, posing, facial expressions, emotion. Those things are my job. Your only job is to show up ready to own your space.
Bonus Reminder: You’re Not Alone
You’re not the first woman to feel nervous. You’re not the first to want to cancel (trust me, you don’t want to!). You’re not the first to cry, laugh, freeze up, or overthink your face.
Almost every woman walks in with stomach doing a couple of back flips but every woman who’s walked into the studio left changed- more connected to herself, more proud of herself, more free.
Remember, we don’t need confidence to show up. Confidence comes from doing the hard thing and having the courage to do it even when you’re nervous or scared.
So don’t worry about being perfect. Let’s just focus on being real.
Ready to feel unstoppable?
If your session is coming up soon, be sure to read through your full session prep guide. If you haven’t booked yet but this lit a fire in you? Good. Let’s talk!
