How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session (Even If You Have No Idea What You’re Doing)

Apr 22

You booked your session.
You’re doing the damn thing.
And now you’re probably thinking… “Okay but what do I actually do to get ready for this?”

First, take a deep breath. Take in the mana (energy). You don’t need to be a model, a certain size, or have a Pinterest board of poses to prepare. Everything you need, I’ve got you covered for.

But if you’re the kind of person who likes to feel a little ahead of the game, here’s what I recommend to help you feel your best when session day comes.

ONE WEEK BEFORE: TAKE IT EASY

Drink water. A lot of it. It’ll help your skin glow and reduce puffiness.
Moisturize. Your skin will love you and so will the camera.
Avoid trying anything new on your face or body (skincare, hair removal, tattoos, etc.)
Don’t get a spray tan. I promise, natural skin tones edit beautifully. Orange undertones don’t. And leaving with a bill to replace our stained furniture and wardrobe is NOT relaxing.

If you’re doing any grooming (waxing, shaving, brows), do it a few days ahead, not the night before!

WHAT TO WEAR OR BRING

If you’re using my client closet, you don’t need to bring anything at all. I have over 300 pieces in sizes XXS–6X, plus shoes, robes, and accessories. I’ll help you choose something that fits and feels like you.

If you do want to bring something, here’s what photographs well:

Lingerie you love (bodysuits, basic undies/bra sets, even a favorite oversized shirt or sweater)
A personal piece (your partner’s button-up or hat, your favorite perfume, a leather jacket, spicy books)
Any jewelry or accessories that feel special to you

Bonus tip: Bring loose, comfy clothes to wear out of the studio. You’ll leave feeling soft and glowy and you’ll want cozy, not tight jeans.

HOW TO MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY PREPARE

This part is most important.

If you’re feeling nervous, self-conscious, or unsure if you can “pull it off,” that’s normal. You are not alone in that. Nearly every client walks in with some version of those thoughts, including myself for my own sessions!

And here’s what happens next:
You show up.
We ease into it.
You start to feel it.
And by the end, you leave feeling like the version of yourself you’ve been waiting to reconnect with.

You don’t need to know how to pose. I guide you through everything. You don’t need to act confident. Just showing up is enough, and the confidence naturally follows.

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Wash your hair, and blow out if needed, but mainly just clean and 100000% dry. Never arrive with damp or wet hair!

Pack anything you want to bring so you’re not rushing
Set your alarm and plan a slow morning
Remind yourself: you are already worthy of this experience

A FEW QUICK DON’TS

Don’t skip meals. You’ll need your energy.
Don’t wear tight clothes right before and avoid marks on your skin.
Don’t overthink it. Truly. Just come as you are.

Boudoir is about you.
Not who you think you’re supposed to be. Not who you’ll be “once you lose the weight.”
Just you. As you are, right now.

And I can’t wait to photograph her.

IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT IT…

Start here: newenglandboudoir.com/instantminis

The Instant Mini is the easiest and most affordable way to start.
$99 to reserve your date.
The rest? Set up on a payment plan that works for you.

No pressure. No sales tactics. No pretending to be someone you’re not.
Just you. Just real. Just yes.