The Boudoir Photography Checklist: How to Prep, What to Wear & How to Feel Like That Girl
- athousandwordstexa
- Nov 8, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 1, 2025
So, you’ve booked a boudoir session — now what?
First of all: yes, queen. You’ve already done the hardest part — saying yes to yourself.
Whether this shoot is a gift for your partner, a post-baby confidence reboot, or a “because I damn well deserve it” moment, I’ve got you covered.
I’m walking you through everything you need to know before your boudoir session — from prepping your skin to choosing lingerie, nailing your vibe, and walking in like the main character (because you are).
How to Prep Your Body (Skin, Hair & The Little Details)
You don’t need to do a full glam squad takeover — just a few simple steps to help you feel your best on camera.
Skin care: Start moisturizing daily a week before your session. Focus on hydration — think luminous, not sticky. If you’re prone to dry skin, exfoliate lightly two to three days before.
Tanning: If you self-tan, go easy — patchy hands and knees are the enemy. Aim for 2–3 days before your shoot so it settles naturally. (Or skip it altogether; your natural tone photographs beautifully.)
Hair removal: If waxing or shaving, do it a day before your session to avoid redness or bumps. No need to go overboard — whatever grooming makes you feel confident is perfect.
Hydrate & rest: Drink water. Get some sleep. You’ll glow more from eight hours of rest than from any “brightening” serum. Promise.
Where to Get Lingerie You’ll Actually Love
You don’t need a drawer full of lace to look incredible — just a few well-fitting, confidence-boosting pieces that make you feel amazing.
Local favorites:
For my Houston and Sugar Land babes, try:
Victoria’s Secret (First Colony Mall) – reliable staples.
La Perla or Journelle (Houston Galleria) – splurge-worthy classics.
Savage x Fenty – inclusive sizing + modern styles.
Amazon or ASOS – surprisingly great finds when you’re short on time.
Pro tip: Don’t forget the non-lingerie options — a white button-down, your favorite bodysuit, an oversized sweater, or even just sheets can look insanely chic in photos.
Find Your Style (and Send Me Your Inspo!)
Here’s the secret sauce: boudoir isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Before your shoot, spend a few minutes scrolling Pinterest or Instagram. Save 5–10 images that feel like you — not just the outfit, but the mood. Is it soft and romantic bridal boudoir vibes? Glamorous and editorial boudoir photos? Moody black-and-white boudoir?
Send those inspo images to your boudoir photographer (hi, that’s me 👋). This helps me tailor lighting, poses, and the overall vibe to create images that speak to you, not just look pretty.
The Different Types of Boudoir Sessions
Let’s demystify the options:
Classic Boudoir: Think magazine model, not centerfold. Elegant lighting, flattering poses, timeless wardrobe. This is my personal style — soft, empowering, and elevated.
Fine Art Nude: Tasteful, sculptural, and artistic — more about shape and shadow than skin. I also love these when clients are into it. These pieces make great boudoir wall art and albums.
Lifestyle Boudoir: Cozy, natural, often in-home or designed to look that way. A lot of my boudoir photography also leans more towards lifestyle with women feeling confident and comfortable in real surroundings.
Outdoor Boudoir: Adventurous and dramatic, but only for the brave (and private). My studio has a private outdoor pool that is perfect for boudoir photoshoots in the summer months.
My Sugar Land boudoir sessions lean classic — think Vogue meets real woman confidence. You’ll look like you, just the most glamorous, radiant version possible.
For Him or For You? (Or Both.)
Here’s the truth: there’s no wrong reason to do a boudoir shoot.
If you’re doing it for yourself, this is a confidence power move. You’re investing in your own self-love and seeing yourself in a whole new light.
If you’re doing it for your partner, take five minutes to look at boudoir photos together. See what they find sexy — is it sultry and bold? Playful and romantic? That gives us direction without losing you in the process.
In my studio, the focus is always on you — your comfort, your confidence, your personality.But I do love hearing what your partner might adore too. It’s a team effort, and the result is always something both of you will treasure.
Hair & Makeup Tips
If you’re booking professional hair and makeup (which I highly recommend), plan soft glam that enhances your features without feeling like a disguise.Think glowing skin, defined eyes, and a hint of drama on the lips.
Prefer to DIY? Keep it simple — blend, highlight, and avoid anything too shiny (it can reflect oddly under studio lights).
Bring lip color and powder for touch-ups. And yes, we’ll keep tissues and a mirror handy for mid-session tweaks.
What to Bring to Your Session
Pack like you’re going on a mini luxury vacation. Here’s a quick checklist:
2–4 outfits (mix of lingerie, bodysuits, and “cozy chic” pieces)
Heels (neutral or black)
Accessories (necklace, earrings, veil, leather jacket — whatever feels you)
Robe or sweater for warm-up shots
Nude + black underwear (seamless if possible)
Touch-up makeup, water, and deodorant
A playlist that makes you feel confident (I’ll happily DJ if you’re shy)
Mindset: Show Up, Not Show Off
Boudoir isn’t about “performing sexy.” It’s about feeling powerful in your own skin.
Nervous? Totally normal. Most of my clients start their session saying,
“I’m so awkward,”and end it saying,“Can we do this every week?”
Your session is all about laughter, direction, and connection. I’ll guide your posing, coach your expressions, and help you relax until you forget there’s a camera between us.
The Day Before Your Session
A few golden rules:
Skip alcohol (it can make you puffy).
Get a good night’s sleep.
Drink extra water.
Pack your bag the night before so you’re not stressed.
Eat breakfast or a light snack — no one feels confident when they’re hangry.
After the Shoot
You’ll leave glowing, buzzing, and probably saying, “I can’t believe that was me.” And when you see your photos? You’ll realize — it was you.The confident, gorgeous, fully alive version that’s been there all along.
Ready to check “Ultimate Confidence Boost” off your list?
If you’re in Sugar Land, Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Pearland, Sienna or greater Houston area, I’d love to help you create images that remind you who you are — strong, beautiful, and absolutely unforgettable.
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