
Boudoir Shoot Prep Guide
Thank you for booking a photo shoot with Ex's & Oh's Photography - I am so excited that you decided to have a fun, classy, empowering photo shoot! You’ll find all of the information you need to get ready here, but feel free to reach out if you have any questions. The secret for a successful photo shoot is in the preparation. If you arrive at the photo shoot with well fitting outfits and you have taken care of yourself, you are well set for a fun shoot without any extra stress.
Some things to consider:
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What is the style you want to show in your boudoir photo shoot?
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What do you normally wear that makes you feel sexy?
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Is there something meaningful that you and your other half share?
It is a misconception that you need only lingerie for boudoir, there are in fact many other options. You can incorporate a couple of styles in your shoot or just choose one of them, for example romantic bohemian style, timeless lingerie photography and some implied nude photos.
Before your shoot
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Your session date and time has been reserved just for you! If you need to reschedule your appointment, be sure to get in touch with me ASAP. I offer one complimentary appointment reschedule, if 14+ days notice is given. Please note that we have a $100 reschedule fee for any appointment rescheduling requests with less than 14 days notice or for second reschedule requests. Your rescheduled date must be within 6 months of your original session date. Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice and no-shows will forfeit the entire session fee.
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Be sure to electronically sign the photo contract that will come to you in an email. This gives us permission to photograph you and guarantees your privacy for the photo shoot.
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Make plans to go out on the town the evening after your session – you’ll look stunning, you’ll feel empowered and you will want to celebrate! Need to lie about why your hair and makeup looks so fabulous? Just say that you stopped by the mall to return something and a beauty store was giving away free makeovers! ;)
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I recommend getting a salon manicure and pedicure for for your shoot - your hands and feet will show in many of your images.
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I also recommend getting your eyebrows shaped and having your hair recently trimmed and colored.
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If you like to wax, we recommend getting it done a couple of days before your session to avoid redness or irritation showing in your images.
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Stay out of the sun to avoid tan lines and sunburns.
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For most people, I do NOT recommend getting a spray tan. Your natural skin tone will usually look better on camera than a spray tan. If you get spray tans frequently and know that it looks good on you, then go for it! But this is probably not the time to try your first spray tan :) Most retouching of your photos is included in your session fee (not extra charge). However, retouching of tan lines, sunburns or tanning streaks is not included in your session fee, but can be accommodated at $25 per image. We’ve taken a poll and 99% of men say they think tan lines are hot anyway!
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If you have a tattoo that you do not want to show in your images, consider bringing wardrobe items that cover it. Retouching to remove tattoos is not included in your session fee, but can be accommodated at $25 per tattoo per image.
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Remove the tags and labels from your shoes and lingerie.
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Clean the soles of your shoes - the bottoms of your shoes will show in many of your images.
What to bring...
Plan to bring your own wardrobe for your shoot. You are welcome to bring a variety of outfits and we will help you select the best ones for the camera. Remember, you can always do a look with just white sheets (implied nude). Your photo session comes with camera time for 2 outfits, but you are welcome to add on additional time for $100 per outfit when you get to the studio. Purchasing additional camera time means that you have more images to view in your gallery and more variety!
Lingerie
General rules: the most important thing is that they must be well fitting!
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Try everything on before; choose matching panties and bra because matching colors look better in photos.
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Avoid patterns and choose some bright colors that will pop in the pictures and/or a classic black , blue or white.
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The most popular types of lingerie to bring for boudoir shoots are bra/ panty sets, bodysuits and lace slips.
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Jewel tones such as purple, navy, red, turquoise and crimson look good on almost everyone!
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You don’t have to bare everything. For example, a slip with a built-in bra gives your bust-line a great lift while also covering your middle. Thigh-high stockings are also great for smoothing out the look of your legs. You are also welcome to bring a sexy dress.
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Bring items that fit and that YOU love! If you feel uncomfortable, it will show in your photos.
I recommend sets because they photograph better than separate pieces. Try them on and make sure they fit well. There is not general rule here. Have fun shopping and trying lots of sets on. Choose sets that make you feel good!
Cheekie Panties are better than larger or smaller undies, because they give you more definition. I also prefer a cheeky over a thong as it is not aesthetically pleasing in photo shoots; bring your thongs only if their front side is pretty . A cheeky gives more definition and curve, rather than a small, straight thong.
Where to shop?
Lingerie and Underwear:
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Victoria's Secret
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local independent shops
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Naja for ethical shopping supporting women
Underwear and sporty bralettes:
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Victoria's Secret sister brand PINK
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American Eagle for very nice bralettes
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GAP
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ANGL
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Hottie for a great variety of tops and clothing
Tops
SEE-THROUGH
See-through tops are great to play with during the photo shoot as they are revealing, without showing too much. With the light and sunshine they show beautiful curves and allow very artistic creations. Semi transparent lace tops that are see through yet not too revealing, to keep some mystery!
LONG SLEEVES
If you want to go for season-less images and have a cute and sensual look then bring a winter sweater. If they are off the shoulder, even better! I personally love warm, cosy sweaters to feel cute and sexy.
T-SHIRTS AND TANK TOPS
There is so much choice! If lingerie is not really your thing or you want to have that "girl next door look", then panties and a tank top will work perfect for you. Some ladies like to wear one of his shirts too.
DRESSES
Not all the images have to be revealing to be sexy. Sometime more is less, and you can post at least a few images on social media, worry free!
Shoes
Choose whatever you prefer: high heels that slim your feet and help with posing, boots that give you length, cowboy boots, or dancer shoes!
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You will need at least one pair of fabulous high-heeled shoes for your boudoir photo shoot. And the higher the heel, the better!
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I have Lingerie to borrow, that is cleaned after every use. Sizes ranging from xxs-xxxxl
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You may want to bring a pair of black heels (to wear with your dark colored lingerie) AND a pair of nude/ metallic heels (to wear with lighter colored lingerie).
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If you are getting married, bring your wedding shoes!
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Before you come for your shoot, peel off any labels or stickers and clean the soles of your shoes. The bottoms of your shoes are likely to show in many of your pictures.
Accessories
Jewelry
Chunky necklaces, a long strand of pearls or a sentimental piece of jewelry are all great ways to add a bit of bling to your boudoir images. Bracelets and earrings will also look great with your lingerie.
HOSIERY
I love hosiery. Thigh-high stockings are a great addition to almost any lingerie outfit. Stockings can be worn with or without a garter belt. We recommend all varieties of thigh-highs: black, white, fishnet, lace – you just can’t go wrong!
BRIDAL ACCESSORIES
If you are getting married, consider bringing your bridal accessories to your boudoir shoot, including your wedding garter, veil, shoes and jewelry. And be sure to wear your engagement ring!
OTHER ITEMS
You are welcome to bring other wardrobe items to personalize your shoot, such as a man’s white shirt, an off-the-shoulder sweater, a lace robe, a tank top, a black leather jacket or a sports jersey. It’s also fun if you want to bring an item to personalize your shoot - a special coffee mug, his police uniform shirt or a sentimental piece of jewelry. You are welcome to bring anything that makes YOU feel sexy! We have a few items and props at the studio that we can incorporate into your shoot: a man’s white shirt, a Chicago Cubs jersey, lace robes (white, black & pink), black heels with red soles (whole sizes 5-11), pearl necklaces, sparkly earrings, bridal veils and bridal garters.
The Day of The Shoot
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Arrive at your appointment time with your outfits, shoes and accessories. I will take care of the rest! Plan to spend 2-3 hours for your session. You do NOT need to arrive early, as we may be with another client. Your session confirmation email shows your arrival time. Late arrivals may reduce your time in front of the camera.
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Wear loose clothing. Avoid anything that will leave red indentations on your skin, such as tight jeans or socks. Take hair bands off of your wrists to avoid lines!
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Wear a top that buttons or zips in the front so that you can change your clothes without messing up your hair and makeup.
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Use clear deodorant.
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Moisturize your skin heavily all over.
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Drink plenty of water and eat something light but filling beforehand.
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Bring cash or a credit card to purchase your photo package (no personal checks). If you need to keep this purchase a secret, consider buying a Visa gift card or have a girlfriend lend you her card.
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If you choose you are getting your hair and makeup done, I will talk to you about any preferences you have for your shoot.
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During your shoot, I will show you exactly what to do and how to pose. I will tell you exactly what to do with your hands and face. You don’t need to practice posing - I will make you look fabulous no matter what! Some boudoir photos won’t show your face - in that case, just keep a neutral expression while we shoot an anonymous photo.
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Take a deep breath and relax! It's perfectly normal to feel nervous before doing a boudoir photo shoot. But don't worry - you are in great hands and we will be with you every step of the way!
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After your shoot
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You are going to leave feeling confident and empowered! Enjoy that feeling for the rest of the day!
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If you have purchased digital images, they will be delivered to you within 7 business days via a password-protected gallery send to your email address on file.
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If you have purchased a print product (album, book, calendar), it will arrive on your doorstep in 4-6 weeks. Rush delivery available for $75.
