So, you’ve already booked your photoshoot. You took the leap which is the hardest part. Now you just get to count down the days, feeling excited and maybe a little nervous.

Maybe you’re taking a vacation day from work to do this, or maybe you are sneaking in some time after you drop the kids off at school. Maybe you got a baby sitter just for this day.

Here’s your reminder that this is an experience- make it a BIG one.

Often we can’t just roll out of bed, stick on our shoes, and run to a new experience feeling immediately confident and brave. And, if that IS you, then you GO girl!

Think about when you’re getting ready for a girls night out. Everything that goes into planning your outfit and hair and make up, which earrings will look best with those new shoes you bought just for this occasion-the everything shower you spent a whole hour taking.

Did you extra condition your hair?

Wear a face mask?

Paint your toenails?

Approach your boudoir session with the same kind of self-care involved, the same kind of excitement.

Because it really is just like going out with your hype girl!!

Sometimes our nerves can get in the way of thinking through things. I totally get it.

We freeze up, we reconsider, we overthink.

You could potentially be feeling stuck.

“Wait, what do I need to do before my session?”

“What should I include in my everything shower?”

“Should I go all out and cut my hair??”

You definitely should not cut your hair. Let me be your voice of reason, put down the scissors and let me give you my tried and true recommendations for preparing for your session.

Set an intention

“What am I hoping to achieve through this photoshoot?”

“Who am I getting these photos done for?”

“What am I feeling insecure about, what areas of my life can I gain confidence in?”

Setting an intention will help determine the vibe, the mood of this shoot.

Many women are getting a boudoir session simply for themselves. To have a physical reminder of a time they allowed themselves to experience something new and bold. An experience that was so completely outside of their everyday day life, that it will boost their belief in themselves for a long time.

Perhaps you want these photos taken just for you, and all you want is to bring that one outfit you bought and then never had an opportunity to wear anywhere else.

You just want an excuse to wear that bright, bold red lipstick that sits up on your dresser.

Maybe you just need to see yourself through a new set of eyes, or lens, to remember just how gorgeous you are!

Whatever your reason, take some time to think about it.

Bring that reason with you to your session.

Take care of your skin

While going to a boudoir shoot is SO much fun, there are also a lot of things this style of photography can teach you about yourself.

The photo session is a way to pamper yourself, let your hair down, and take a break from life outside the studio.

But the self care doesn’t need to start the day of your shoot.

A lot of what I am photographing is skin.

Your skin that is so beautiful and deserving of being captured on a camera.

You will see the way it looks in different lighting, feel the way it pulls and moves through poses, and see through my lens how magical it is.

Cater to your skin, love it.

Start a skin routine the day you book if you don’t have one already.

Keep your skin moisturized, find a lovely lotion that feels like silk when you put it on.

Wash your make up off at the end of every day.

Scrub the soles of your feet and lather up!

You can use self tanners if they make you feel confident and glowy, but remember not to apply any for at least a week before your session!

Drink water.

Water does WONDERS for your skin.

If you’ve been struggling to give yourself some time everyday to love on your body and start a self care routine, let this be your push.

You don’t need to wait until the day of your session to treat yourself, to pause and consider your well being- start NOW!

Avoid major changes to your appearance

Yes, I've said it before and I will keep saying it. This is an experience, enjoy it.

That being said -put the scissors down.

Please don’t cut your hair the day before your shoot.

Avoid the tattoo parlors within two weeks of your session.

Come as you are. You don’t need the bangs.

You just booked a big thing to boost your confidence, to learn the curves and angles of your body.

Avoid doing anything that will require you getting used to yourself in the mirror.

Some favorable alternatives if you are wanting to be extra (as you should):

Get your lashes done.

Enjoy a mani-pedi, opt for some dazzling nails!

Get your eyebrows touched up.

Deep condition your hair.

Pick out some fresh mascara or lip gloss.

Go for something that enhances what you’ve already got!

Make a day of it!

Yes…you COULD just wake up, get some breakfast, and come to the photo session which will be SO much fun.

BUT, you could also make an entire day of it.

Your hair and make up are already going to be done- might as well show off!

Consider bringing a back up outfit for when you leave the studio.

Get some of your girls, or your partner and go out somewhere!

Everyone’s going to be wondering: “who is she?? Where is she going??”

SHE is just a bold and confident woman, leaving a freaking BOUDOIR photo shoot to go have fun anywhere she dang wants to because she DESERVES IT. Period.

Seriously, live it up on such a good hair day.

The night before

Get LOTS of good rest.

A full nights rest. You can do it, I believe in you.

Settle your mind down with a nice bath before bed.

Read your favorite book, light a candle.

Shave your legs if you wanna, and be sure to moisturize after.

Plan to go to bed a little earlier than normal if possible, or sleep in a little extra in the morning!

Avoid alcohol and salty snack foods. Instead, drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking fresh.

Touch up your nail polish, brush through your hair, use a face mask or eye cream.

Turn your phone on do not disturb.

Do whatever you can to relax and unwind for bed.

Opt for loose comfy clothes to avoid lines in your skin in the morning.

Be so intentional about your rest!

You want to show up feeling rejuvenated, excited, and your skin glowing.

The morning of your shoot

Sleep in. Drink water. Eat some protein. Stretch and move your body.

I will be guiding you through different poses, bouncing around the studio, and coaching you through all of the angles.

Be mindful of what you choose to eat for the day.

Caffeine combined with nerves on an empty stomach never served anyone well.

This is SELF CARE day. This is YOUR day. This is the day all you’ve put all this self love and consideration towards.

It doesn’t end here! Keep these new, lovely habits you’ve formed.

Nourish your body well so that you feel energized and clear headed.

Be present and allow yourself to feel the excitement and joy of trying something new and fun and feminine.

Turn on your favorite hype music or book as you get ready and on your drive over.

Show up as your most authentic self with confidence.

Know that when you show up to my studio, we’re already besties! I’ve been looking forward to this just as much as you! I am honored to capture YOU for who you truly are.

I see how nerve wracking this was for you, the effort you put in to show yourself some extra love, the courage and the determination you had to make it to this photoshoot.

Now allow me to do the rest, to show you the you that I see, all the angles and the curves and work of art that you are. Let me showcase the love you have shown your body.

And finally, let’s just have a really fun time together!

How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session