How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session: The Week Before

Once your boudoir session is booked, the week before usually brings a different set of questions.

What should I do ahead of time? When should I try on outfits? Should I tan? What should I bring? What should I avoid?

You don’t need a complicated prep routine. A few simple things during the week before your session can make the day easier.

5 to 7 Days Before

Start by trying on every outfit you’re considering. Put it on, move around in it, and make sure it stays where it’s supposed to. If you’re still deciding what to bring, read what to wear for a boudoir session.

This is also a good time to drink plenty of water, start some light stretching if you aren’t used to arching or kneeling, remove tags or stickers from anything you plan to wear, check shoes, jewelry, stockings and accessories, and make sure everything you want to bring is clean and ready.

Avoid trying new skincare products, tanning products, or treatments you haven’t used before.

If you’re unsure about an outfit, send us a photo or bring it with you. We can help decide what works.

2 to 3 Days Before

Keep things simple.

Continue drinking water and do some light stretching if it helps you feel less stiff.

If certain foods, alcohol, or high-sodium meals tend to make you feel bloated or uncomfortable, this is probably not the week to overdo them.

You don’t need to change your diet or start doing anything extreme.

This is also a good time to start organizing what you’re bringing so you aren’t packing everything at the last minute.

The Night Before

Pack your bag.

Get your outfits, shoes, accessories, and anything else we discussed during planning together in one place.

Double-check that you have everything you wanted to use.

Try to get a normal night of sleep. And don’t stay up late second-guessing every outfit you packed.

If we planned your wardrobe ahead of time, trust the plan.

The Morning of Your Session

Eat something. You don’t need a heavy meal, but showing up hungry isn’t going to make the session easier.

Drink some water and give yourself enough time to get to the studio without rushing.

Follow whatever hair and makeup instructions we gave you before the session. If professional hair and makeup are part of your session, you don’t need to show up fully done.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing if possible. Tight bras, socks, leggings, or waistbands can leave marks on the skin that may take a while to fade.

What to Bring With You

Bring the outfits we planned, plus any backup options you’re still considering.

Depending on your session, you may also want to bring shoes, jewelry, stockings or garters, a robe, an oversized shirt or sweater, personal items we planned to use, and any accessories that belong with a specific look.

If you aren’t sure whether something is worth bringing, bring it. We can always decide not to use it.

What You Don’t Need to Prepare For

You don’t need to practice posing.

You don’t need to memorize expressions.

You don’t need to rehearse what you’re going to do once the camera comes out.

And you don’t need to arrive knowing how the session is supposed to go.

We handle that part with you.

If Something Comes Up Before Your Session

If an outfit suddenly doesn’t fit, your skin reacts to something, you have a physical limitation we need to know about, or anything else changes, tell us.

We’d rather know before the session and adjust than have you spend the morning worrying about it.

Most of the preparation is simple.

Try everything on, take care of yourself, pack ahead of time, and show up with enough time that you aren’t already stressed when you walk through the door.

We’ll handle the rest with you. When you’re ready, you can book a free consult.