Getting naked with a Smile

Hello everyone! Thanks for keeping up with me here. Today I want to share a few images from my latest sessions in boudoir and offer tips to any of the fine people out there who are too shy or nervous to take on the exciting experience of having your boudoir photographs taken.

For many people, men and women alike, boudoir can be intimidating. I am here to help release some of those fears and help you "get naked with a smile."

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1. Plan ahead.

Think about shots and angles that you might like. Consider your body type, your current comfort level in front of a camera (with or without clothes), and generate a number of ideas, poses, or concepts for your shoot. If you are stuck, write down your concerns or perceived "problem areas." Bring your positives and negatives with you to your pre-session consultation.

2. Meet your Photographer before your session.

Not everyone is naturally comfortable getting naked, semi nude, or even wearing a bathing suit in front of strangers, however for a session like this, meeting your photographer before your session can make a world of difference in how you feel.

Bring your ideas and concerns to a pre-session meeting where you can discuss both topics. Your photographer should be open to and even require a meeting like this, in order to get to know you, your personality, and assess your comfort level. Your photographer should take YOUR lead in a boudoir session and never ask you to do anything you are not completely comfortable with. You should feel positive, comfortable, attractive, and even a little powerful if you are working with a great boudoir photographer.

3. Do a pre-session meeting/brainstorm

Yes, I just told you to do a pre-session meeting. Beyond meeting the actual PERSON who will be taking your photographs, you should also work on what poses you have considered or have not considered, why you are doing a boudoir session, what the timeline will need to be in order to receive your products (prints, albums, digital, etc.). This meeting covers getting to know you, but it should also cover the mechanics of your session and they style of images that you are looking to have as an end result.

4. Discuss your comfort level.

This one is HUGE!!!! I have had clients who wanted to remain fully clothed, who preferred suggested nudity, some who were semi-nude, some who have had no issue standing at an open hotel window fully nude in the middle of the day - everyone has a varying degree of comfort when it comes to boudoir. Don't let this discourage you. Sexy photographs can be created regardless of how much or how little clothing you wear - so be sure to tell your photographer what level of clothed you plan to be and what you are comfortable with. Comfort level also refers to your level of comfort or modesty when it comes to the actual session itself. If you prefer to change outfits in another room, that is always acceptable. If you would like to have a friend in the room for moral support, that too is also welcome.

5. Get your hair and makeup done.

You don't want to be stressing out about small details like hair being out of place or running mascara, so guys and gals - get your hair and makeup done. With a pampered FACE, you won't be worrying so much about the rest of the body and you will look your best. While you are at it, give some love to your fingernails, toenails, and any body hair you might be concerned about. Pamper yourself ahead of time and worry less on photo day.

6. Try on your lingerie and outfits before your session.

This one ties into plan ahead - but more on a technical level. Make sure that you can fit in your garments, that there are no snags, pulls, unwanted holes, and that you are comfortable with the level of opacity of the garments. Many "boudoir" type garments become see through with the power of an off camera flash, and you don't want to be surprised. You also want to make sure that you have all of the items you will need for your look or looks on photo day, including jewelry, shoes, hosiery, clothing, hats, props, and more. Do a test run and then pack your boudoir bag.

7. Stretch

No one ever believes me when I tell them that they will need to stretch before a boudoir session. Many poses that you may see all over Pinterest or stereotypical boudoir sites DO require a certain level of strength and flexibility even though it looks like sexy people just laying around, being lazy. Many boudoir poses require you to hold a position which may or may not be natural to you. You also should consider that you may be wearing garments or shoes which require you to move differently than you normally would. I don't think you need to take an advanced yoga class to prepare for your session, but do stretch your arms, legs, back, neck, and even your feet, Your body will thank you.

8. Hydrate

HYDRATE! For several days before your photo-shoot and even on photo day, make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. When I say plenty, I mean that 64 ounces should be a minimum. Being properly hydrated will eliminate clothing lines on your body when you change and pose, as well as reduce bloating and body swelling that you might see when less hydrated.

9. Relax - it is not my first rodeo.

Yes, please relax. Being in the photography and health and fitness industry, I see nude or nearly nude people live and in photographs on a daily basis. Your body and any flaws you may think it has, will not worry, frighten, or disturb me. I photograph boudoir to present the beauty of the human body in its many forms. That includes you.

10. Remember that YOU are BEAUTIFUL!

Lastly, remember that you are beautiful. You are an amazing human being and you have bravely chosen to have your photographs done for a celebration, a gift, or even a memory. You will be photographed in your best light and your personality will shine through if you remember your inner beauty as well as your external beauty. Now, let's rock that session!!