Hey girl! You did it!!

You have booked a boudoir experience, but beyond that, you have said YES to a transformation that is all about you. You’ve challenged yourself to leap outside your comfort zone, you’ve pushed past your fears and doubts, and you have placed your trust in my process. You have made the decision to embrace this experience that I have curated just for women like you--women who want to realize their beauty in spite of insecurities, who want to reclaim their femininity, and who want to celebrate themselves just as they are.

As you walk through this season of preparing for such a special experience, I want to remind you that you are enough. No matter what your story is or what your day-to-day looks like --you are absolutely worthy of feeling seen and heard. Believe me when I tell you that you are more--more than a wife, mom, girlboss, friend, sister, daughter. You are you, first and foremost. Part of the magic in this experience is remembering the ‘AND’. You are a beautifully multi-dimensional being, my friend. You can totally be a mom, wife, employee of the month....AND sexy, AND powerful, AND smart, AND beautiful. I want you to be able to look in the mirror and always see the AND.

Let’s talk about your number one question…. what to wear??

The single most important thing to remember as you think about what you’d like to wear to your session, is that I want you to feel comfortable (I mean, as comfortable as you can be in this situation, right?) Never feel like you have to bring a certain type of outfit just because this is a boudoir session. If lingerie isn’t your jam at all, maybe choose just one piece so that we can try it out, but know that there are so many other options out there that I can’t wait to chat about in this guide! I want to challenge you to try something that might be out of your comfort zone (because the greatest transformations happen when we kiss that zone goodbye!), but I also want you to feel like you when you view your portraits. So, don’t be afraid to pack a bag to bring to your shoot! If a piece sings to your soul, pack it. If a different piece is beautiful but scares the crap out of you--pack it, too. We will play around with different looks until we find the perfect combination of outfits that make you feel beautiful!

lingerie

The number one thing to remember when you set out to look at different lingerie pieces is that fit is everything. You want to make sure your outfit fits you well, as ill-fitting lingerie is difficult to hide. Check to make sure the piece you choose isn’t too large (specifically in the chest)--no gaps, no excess fabric, nothing ‘droopy’ in the booty area. Also make sure it isn’t too small--that it isn’t too restrictive and cutting into your skin, hugging you in unflattering areas, or creating bulges/rolls.

bra/panty sets

A bra/panty set is right for you if you want to show off your stomach, hips, booty, and back! If you are interested in wearing a killer bra/panty set to your session, one of my favorite pieces of advice to offer you (that I really hope you take!) is to be properly fitted by an expert! As much as I don’t want to knock a particular brand that is seen in every shopping mall and offers a plethora of bras, many of their associates aren’t thoroughly trained to fit you for a bra. Instead, try to find a specialty bra/lingerie store, or walk into Nordstrom and find an expert fitter in their department. There are many different bra cuts and styles, and each one flatters a different body type/circumstance. Talk with a fitter about which cut and style will highlight your favorite features the most! More than 80% of women wear the wrong size bra--so know that you aren’t alone if you are totally off in choosing the correct size!

ways to amp it up

If you love the idea of a bra/panty, but want some fun ideas on how to make it a little more interesting and fun, try pairing it with a garter belt or a pair of fishnets, or adding some fun body jewelry or chains! Another suggestion would be to look for a set that has a bit of texture! Example: a more see-through demi-cut bra with pretty details, a modest amount of crystals or beading, or something with a dainty, feminine strap.

bodysuits

All the praise hands in the air! Bodysuits are my absolute favorite type of outfit to photograph! The reason is simple: they look amazing on every body type! Bodysuits are right for you if you want to show off your shoulders, neck, upper back, legs, and curves without highlighting your stomach. Bodysuits are typically sold in sizes XS-XL or 1X-5X, though some are sold in pant sizes. You don’t need to consult with a fitting expert to correctly choose a bodysuit, but make sure that it is form fitting and hugs close to your body.

pro tip:

Choose a bodysuit that is cut to highlight some of your favorite physical features. If you love your chest, choose a lower cut bodysuit. If you are totally diggin’ your back, choose one that has a low swoop in the back. If you want to show off your collar bones and shoulders, choose a bodysuit that has singular straps (like bra straps) instead of a halter (which would mask your collar bones). Halter straps or bodysuits that cover the shoulders make it difficult to showcase your feminine features, and we lose the ability to pull the straps down for a sexy, playful look!

if lingerie isn‘t your thing...

Though I still want to encourage you to bring at least one outfit that terrifies you just a bit, there are so many other options to explore when planning your outfits!

1. CALVIN KLEIN SETS: So these are sort of like a bra/panty set, but with a much more laid back, comfy/sporty vibe. Cut to look like a sports bra, you have more coverage up top, while you can opt for a thong or cheeky cut bottom to show off your booty! These come in a variety of colors, cuts, and styles--and are undeniably sexy while maintaining a low-key vibe!

2. A SIMPLE TEE: Nothing screams effortlessly sexy like a comfy tee we can pull off the shoulder! I suggest that you bring something in an understated color with easy-to-move-around fabric (you don’t want anything too stiff or too tight at the neck where we can’t move the tee to fall off the shoulder). Pair this with a pair of cheeky panties or knee-high white socks and you’ve got a really great outfit!

gems in your closet

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the excitement (plus slight anxiety) of shopping for outfits for your shoot, that you forget about all the possibilities your closet may hold! Consulting your own wardrobe is a great way to infuse your personality into your session in an authentic way! Here are the pieces you can hunt down (that you already own!) that make really unique outfits!

• That ‘old faithful’ tee--something soft, oversized, worn
• A women’s button up--something linen, see through, more fitted
• Tank top
• Crop top
• Loose, slinky dress--something with a slit in it or low cut back?
• Tight, curve-hugging dress--something shorter? Little black dress?
• Leather jacket
• Leather pants/leggings
• Daisy Duke shorts
• Distressed jeans
• High waisted shorts/pants
• Trenchcoat
• Textured long-sleeve shirt (something with texture?)
• Sweaters
• Skirts--denim, leather, high waisted
• Shapewear
• Swimsuits (!!!)--something sleek that could pass for a bodysuit or bra/panty?
• Knee/thigh high boots
• Cowboy boots
• Heels

When consulting your closet, go with your gut. If you love a piece but just aren’t sure if it works, bring it! I can help style you and narrow down outfits once you arrive!

outfits to avoid

While I want you to explore your creativity and have fun selecting your outfits, there are a few options out there that I have found it’s best to steer clear from!

1. Corsets: While they sure look pretty on the hanger, and definitely do a great job of highlighting curves, corsets are very difficult to pose in. Since the majority of my posing is based on arching and being able to move freely, I highly encourage you not to wear a corset in your session. I want your images to be classic and timeless, and corsets can often date an image. They can also be hard to get into!

2. His dress shirt/jersey: It’s such a sweet idea to bring his shirt or favorite team jersey, but because a man’s shirt is cut much differently than a woman’s, these options almost always mask your curves and leave you with a ‘boxy’ shape. If you want to bring something of his, I would suggest a tie, his favorite team hat, or even his long business socks!

3. ‘Babydoll’ style outfits: If you are unfamiliar with this style, it is a piece that is often fitted in the chest and then has a bunch of extra fabric that flows down near the stomach/waist. All of that fabric can add the illusion of inches around your waist, making you appear larger than you are. It also makes posing more difficult because the fabric tends to lay weird, and you’ll be fighting with it the entire time.

4. Distracting colors/patterns: I want the focus to remain on you. Neon colors or crazy prints might take away from our posing and your beauty, so try to find pieces that are solid colors or simple patterns.

Stores to explore

client closet

You are welcome to browse our Client Closet--a collection of outfits I’ve invested in specifically for your use. I have LOTS of outfits, in a variety of styles, colors, and revealing-ness. Most are bodysuits, crop tops, and sporty thongs in sizes xs to xxxl. I carry very few bra/pantie sets simply because the size range is too broad, but there are a few. In addition to all our gorgeous lingerie pieces, I also have a collection of body chains that you will die over! You are also welcome to use a complimentary pair of fishnet tights, which go amazingly over some of our bodysuits, a simple black thong, or nothing at all. I do advise bringing a plain black thong and a plain skin tone thong as well as a simple black bra/bralette, just to have on hand. Some of our outfits are very sheer and/or strappy, so some clients prefer to wear a thong or bra underneath, while others choose a thong and pasties and some choose nothing at all. (The choice is entirely up to you and your comfort level!)

All of my outfits are dry cleaned after each use, so you never have to worry about sanitation. The fishnets are yours to take home. (Have you ever tried to wash fishnet stockings??)

Even if you intend to check out the Client Closet, please focus on bringing 1-2 outfits of your own that you love and that fit well, just in case none of my options catch your eye or fit properly.

hair/makeup

Elise has been my go to hair/makeup artist since I started shooting boudoir and you can count on her to make you look and feel AMAZING. I selected her because not only is she bomb.com at her craft, but because she shares my mission for empowering every single woman who works with us.

When you arrive and slide into the makeup chair, Elise will ask you what you are comfortable with makeup wise. She will want to get a sense of what your normal makeup routine is, and then she will advise you on the look she thinks you will slay! Always let her know if there are any colors or ideas that you are uncomfortable with, as well as anything you would absolutely love to see in your final look!

Elise has an incredible makeup kit and uses luxury makeup/ skincare brands so that you look your very best without risking a skin breakout! She sanitizes everything she uses in between each client, so you never have to worry about hygiene issues.

nails

Before your shoot, treat yourself to a mani/pedi! Choose a muted, neutral color for your nails that won’t clash with any of your outfits. Soft pink, french manicure, beige, gray, black--it doesn’t matter how feminine or edgy you want to go, as long as it’s a solid color. If you opt for fake nails, choose a length that seems more natural.

Bonus Perks

Who doesn’t love extras??

Our bonus perks are additional outfits, sets, or perks that can be earned by prepaying for your product package. For each $500 that you prepay, you can choose a perk, up to a total of four. Keep in mind that additional sets/outfits will extend the length of your session so plan accordingly!

Additional set options

the day of your shoot

what to pack & bring:

• Outfits (please don’t worry about whether or not you are overpacking)

• a pair of black and neutral panties (cheeky or thong)

• Jewelry (if you want)--focus on understated pieces like stud earrings, simple/ dainty necklace or bracelet

• Shoes (again, only if you want them in your images)--a pair of heels, Converse, knee high boots, whatever suits your style!

• Granola bar + water (so that you can stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar stable through the posing)

  how to arrive:

  Please arrive to your appointment with a clean, makeup-less face and clean, dry hair. If you have a favorite lip shade, feel free to bring that. Wear loose clothing that doesn’t leave marks on your skin. A great example is sweat pants or wind shorts, a loose tee, and loose undergarments. Please remove pony-tail holders from your wrists or any tight jewelry.

  make sure to...

• Eat something before you arrive (trust me, skip worrying about whether or not you will look thinner if you skip food). You definitely don’t want to pass out from lack of nourishment, so make sure to eat a hearty breakfast before you arrive!

• Get a good night’s rest the night before. You want to look fresh for your photos, so try to get to bed early!

• Avoid alcohol (at least the evening before). Skip happy hour or bar hopping the night before your session! I want you to feel alert and ready to soak in this experience. Reach for water and focus on staying hydrated in the days leading up to your session date! It will do wonders for your skin!

frequently asked questions

1. I’m nervous! what is your advice?

Sister, that is totally normal! In fact, I might be a little worried if you weren’t nervous. Being nervous means you aren’t numb to new, exhilarating experiences. By far, the most nerve- wracking part of this is walking in the door for your appointment. After you conquer that, it’s an easy-going, super fun experience!

2. can I bring a friend to the shoot?

You are totally welcome to bring a female friend to the hair/makeup portion of your shoot, but they won’t be allowed to watch your actual shoot. Even if they are your best, best friend-- you will hold back if someone you know is watching you pose. My main focus is making sure that you have an incredibly comfortable environment to be yourself in, so I want it to be just you and I during the session!

3. should I get a spray tan?

NOOOOO! Do you see me waving my arms in panic over here!??: NOOOO! Spray tans in general are ‘wild cards’--they can go very wrong! I don’t want anything rubbing off on our studio sheets, looking streaky/blotchy on your skin, looking uneven, or looking too orange. I have the same vendetta against tan lines--please stay out of the sun before your shoot!

Tan lines are very noticeable in images and take the focus away from your beauty in a portrait. Note: If you decide to spray tan/get tan lines, it will not be fixed in Photoshop.

4. how long does the shoot last?

Normally, around an hour to 90 minutes for the shoot itself. I photograph you until I get everything I need for your gallery. You will never feel rushed!

5. how long will it take to see my photos?

Turnaround time for galleries is 2-3 weeks.

6. I literally have no clue how to pose or be sexy. help!?

Don’t you worry, girl! I’ve got you! I will talk you through every single movement within a pose. I teach you exactly what to do with your face, where to put your hands, where to look, when to arch--I pose everything all the way down to how you breathe! It’s just us in the room, so if you feel silly the first few times, who cares!? Beyoncé will be playing, I’ll be making you laugh, and you’ll totally forget feeling awkward! Be brave, you can do this!

7. what is your reschedule policy?

You are allowed one reschedule, as long as I am given 48 hours notice, or if there is a verifiable emergency. For clients who book one of our travel dates, there is no reschedule (unless you come to us) and there is no refund of the retainer.

8. should I get waxed?

If you have never done it before, please do NOT get waxed. We have no way to know how your skin will react, and to have a full-on breakout would be less than ideal. So if you prefer to have no hair, stick to shaving unless you have waxed before. If you don’t normally remove body hair, no biggie! I want you to feel like YOU in these images, so do what makes you feel gorgeous!

9. what if it rains?

Since I am a natural light photographer, if it’s a severe rain-day at the studio, we will reschedule (I will provide you 24-48 hour notice) Beautiful light is totally essential to create the look you see in my work, so we always hold out for the best weather possible!

you. can. do. this.

Fair warning: even though you’ve read this guide a million times, you are going to walk in and feel like somehow you aren’t prepared. THIS IS NORMAL, friend! This is a new experience, and your fear is of the unknown! Rest assured, you will feel like we are friends by the end of hair/makeup!

Take a deep breath. You can do this! I promise, the minute you meet us, you will feel silly for worrying! Look at yourself in the mirror before heading out and say to yourself, “I am beautiful, worthy, and I am going to have FUN with this experience!” Never forget, you are doing this for YOU.

Please arrive to your appointment no more than 5 minutes early. Leave those nerves at the door, you don’t need them! We aren’t here to judge you--we are here to love and celebrate you!

see you soon, babe!