Feeling a little nervous before a boudoir session is completely normal. Preparation is what turns those nerves into excitement. This checklist is the same one I share with clients before sessions in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.
Three to four weeks before
- Decide the purpose. A gift for a partner, a milestone, or simply for you. It shapes the mood and outfits.
- Choose the location. Your home, a hotel suite or an Airbnb with big windows and a clean, uncluttered bed.
- Collect inspiration. Save five to ten images you love — the feeling, not the exact pose.
- Book hair and makeup if it is not included in your package.
One to two weeks before
- Try on your outfits and remove anything uncomfortable.
- If you plan a manicure, spray tan or waxing, schedule it a few days before, not the same day.
- Have a short planning call with your photographer to review outfits and the space.
The day before
- Drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep.
- Pack outfits on hangers, plus heels, jewelry and a robe to wear between looks.
- If the session is at home, make the bed with light, neutral sheets and clear surfaces.
The morning of your session
- Wear loose clothing with no elastic, to avoid marks on the skin.
- Eat something light so you have energy.
- Put on music you love. It genuinely changes how relaxed you feel.
- Arrive with clean, dry hair if a stylist is coming.
During the session
You do not need to know how to pose. I guide every movement and we start slowly, often with fully clothed or robe images, so you can warm up. Most clients forget the camera within about 15 minutes. You can pause at any time, and nothing happens that you are not comfortable with.
After the session
Your images are carefully retouched with a natural approach and delivered in a private, password-protected gallery in two to three weeks. No image is shared anywhere without your written permission.
Frequently asked questions
Should I lose weight before a boudoir shoot?
No. Boudoir is about celebrating the body you have now. Posing and light are chosen to flatter you as you are.
Can my partner be present?
For couples sessions, yes. For individual sessions, most clients find they relax more when it’s just them and the photographer, but it’s your choice.
What if I feel awkward?
Almost everyone does at the start. That feeling passes quickly when every pose is directed.
If you have questions before booking, the boudoir FAQ covers the most common ones, or you can write to me directly.