How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Photo Session: A Week-by-Week Timeline

I’m a Seattle-based photographer and I specialize in outdoor boudoir as well as family portraits. With my clients, we create customized artwork to celebrate your body for how it is today. Our time together is about reconnecting with our bodies, reflecting on how far we’ve come, and taking up space outside with nature.

If you’re interested in doing a boudoir session , whether it’s with me or another fabulous photographer, here is a guide for how to best prepare for your time. These are based on my own experiences with clients; everything outside of the first 2 are optional!

16 weeks before:

Research boudoir photographers, notice who they photograph, pay attention to what they post online, how they email, etc. Consider if you feel represented or if you like their style of photography.

Start saving; boudoir sessions range from 2-6k and sometimes more. Most photographers offer payment plans, but prepare to invest in this luxurious experience

12-16 weeks before:

Reach out to photographers you are interested in working with to schedule a quick call with them.

Start to consider what questions you have for your potential photographer.

Start window shopping or light researching for what you might wear.

10-11 weeks before:

Decide on a photographer that you feel good with - remember, you can do this again! There are so many fabulous photographers so there will be more opportunities to work with more folks if you’re having a hard time deciding.

6-8 weeks before:

Meet with your photographer for an intro call and/or in person meeting; solidify a date for your boudoir session.

Clarify most of your questions with your photographer, like when you can expect to see images after your session.

Schedule makeup and hair.

Purchase any items you’d like to wear.

Take time off work and prepare for maximum relaxation.

2-6 weeks before:

Expect nerves to come and go as you think about your session.

Reach out with ANY questions or concerns so you can make a plan with your photographer.

Get your community and friends to hype you up.

Try on your clothing options to make sure they feel good on your body. If you’re unsure about how they might photograph, text your photographer to get a second opinion! But chances are that if you feel good in them, it’ll be perfect.

1 week before:

Get confirmation from photographer, especially if outside.

Tan at least 3 days before to avoid streaks or burns.

Wax if you’d like.

Consider getting nails done.

Remove any visible tags on clothes.

Day of:

Bring snacks and water for yourself.

Arrive early to use the restroom and get photo ready.

Take a deep breath - you got this! Doing scary things is badass and gets easier the more we do them. Showing up for yourself in this way is healing. Take up that space! And trust in your photographer. You are both in it together. With all of my boudoir sessions, I consider it a collaboration with my clients. I love to show images along the way so you know how good you look.

Day after your session:

Hold on to how you felt after your session for as long as you can. Use the images to remember every day how powerful, soft, badass, sexy your body is.

Consider taking this day off too and if you can, get a massage or hit the spa to maximize your rest