Maybe you have been thinking about scheduling a boudoir shoot, but your nerves have you feeling a bit apprehensive. It is completely normal to be a little anxious about it. After all, you are about to have your picture taken, in very little clothing, by someone you don’t know very well. A few butterflies are to be expected! But this should be fun and exciting – not stressful. There are some things you can do to ensure that your session is relaxing and comfortable.
First, nerves are usually based on a fear of the unknown. Most of these ideas are going to be about preparation. Knowledge is power. Have a game plan. Do your research.
Begin with finding the right photographer for you. There are many talented boudoir photographers. In your research, you will probably run across several whose style you like. But even more important than appreciating their artistic choices, it is crucial that you vibe with your potential photographer/boudoir team. Find someone who will take the time to do a consultation. You are going to be in a vulnerable position, and it is so much easier to relax with someone you enjoy being around.
Ask questions. Ask them during your consultation, ask friends who have had a boudoir shoot, ask on social media. Ask all your questions. The more you know, the better you will feel. Preparation is powerful. Having a clear understanding of what to expect will help put you at ease.
Trust that your photographer is an expert. This might be your first boudoir session, but it isn’t theirs. Trust the process. Building a connection with your photographer is a big part of that, but so is building a connection with your body. Be open minded. Forget your hangups. You can remind yourself of why you wanted to do this. Accept your nerves, fake a little confidence, and focus on having fun!
Communicate, communicate, communicate. Not just with your photographer, but with yourself. Give yourself a peptalk. Get excited about it. Talk yourself up. Reassure yourself. You are a bad ass!
Know what you like. No photographer will copy another person‘s work, but if you create a mood board or a Pinterest folder that inspires you, they will know more about what kind of shoot you are seeking. What kind of aura are you looking for? What clothing or lingerie appeals to you? What colors?
Think of ways to personalize your session. The more you feel like yourself, the more comfortable you will be. Do you always wear the same lip color? Do you have a necklace that is practically part of you? Something that makes you feel at home in your skin will be reflected in relaxed pictures.
There are some basics that everyone should do to have a more comfortable boudoir session. Non-negotiables like making sure you take care of yourself by hydrating and eating something before you attempt to be photographed for a few hours. Sleep and be well rested. Things we should always do for ourselves, but we sometimes forget.
While you definitely don’t want to be impaired during your session, a relaxing glass of wine or champagne can help settle and calm your nerves. A great playlist can also make you feel all sorts of confident. Play music that helps you feel yourself. Your playlist is powerful, and so are you.
Make sure all the outfits you choose make you feel incredible. Worrying about the fit of a bra or thigh-highs that keep falling down is a quick confidence killer. You are amazing. Choose outfits that showcase that.
Many photographers allow you to bring a friend for moral support. Depending on the friend, this can definitely be a game changer. You want someone that you trust completely. Someone who will be your cheerleader. If you are the least bit self-conscious around them, leave them home! You can be your own hype woman. If you bring moral support, make sure they add to your comfort, not take away from it.
If it is at all possible, try to make your boudoir session your only scheduled appointment of the day. If you are worried about being late for something else, or getting back to work, that tension will show. Relax. Take a day off. You deserve it.
Most of all, enjoy the experience. Breathe. You are here to gain confidence. Enjoy being pampered. Enjoy feeling beautiful. Deep breath. You are calm, comfortable, and confident. You are going to rock this!
