Preparation for the boudoir shoot

How does it work and how long does it take?

Hair and makeup will take about an hour before the shoot itself begins.

The shoot is likely to take a couple of hours more, so please plan to have a half day free.

Where will it be done?

We’ll search for the best location, whether at your home or at a hotel*.

What should I wear?

You’ll choose your lingerie depending on the look(s) you want to try out

If you want a dramatic look why not choose a basque with suspenders and stockings in dramatic colours, blacks and reds are gorgeous

If you want a ‘pure’ look go for white, cream and pale pink colours and a range of bras, pants, boy-shorts-type underpants, transparent overtops

A pretty lacy top can give a coy/demure look over lacy ‘undies’

Pick out lingerie you feel comfortable in (don’t worry that you think you’ve nothing to wear, that’s just because you are used to your clothes)

If you feel able, why not buy some new lingerie to make yourself feel special for the shoot

What else needs to be arranged?

I can arrange a hair and makeup artist if you wish me to do that; there will be a small extra cost.

If you don’t want a hair and makeup artist (i.e. if you are an expert yourself) please do your hair and makeup as though you were going out for the evening, i.e. a bit more than the morning makeup or the ‘work look’

Please use Matt powder if possible - a shiny look isn’t usually flattering.

Please have your nails done before the shoot if you can, it makes a huge difference to the overall effect.

Most importantly - Please don’t wear any tight clothing/elastic for at least 2 hours before; it will leave marks which are hard to deal with

(Don’t worry about any small spots you may have, I can remove these after the shoot)

What props should I think about?

We’ll pick out some props together that we might use, e.g. hats, umbrellas, fabrics, furs, throws, rugs

If this is a Bridal Boudoir Photo-shoot then please bring your veil, any other headgear and any underwear you have for the Wedding day or after on the honeymoon; also your wedding day shoes, any jewellery you plan to wear on the wedding day and any other important accessories, e.g. feather boa, shrug, your dress, or petticoat if you feel able to bring it. All the above accessories for a non-Bridal Boudoir shoot also apply as you will want several different looks.

See if you can secretly borrow one of his shirts for the day – it adds greatly to the element of surprise and makes for an even more personal gift.

After all this relax and have fun – I promise to set you at ease from the start