Preparing for Your Boudoir Session - Lingerie

In the next post about preparing for your boudoir photo session I wanted to write about lingerie.

You can find lots of ideas for what to bring by looking through my portfolio or at the bottom of the info page. You can also find articles about lingerie here on this blog.

There are endless ideas for lingerie and accessories and I won't go through them. There are a couple things you should bring though:

• Panties - bring a couple in different colors so you will have plenty of options.
• Sexy bra - choose one that flatters you and makes you feel great, this is one time you shouldn't worry about comfort.
• Heels - a classic black pair of stillettos, strappy or peep toe, choose your favorite sexy pair to complete your lingerie outfit
• Thigh highs - optional, if you like them, they can really add to the sex-appeal of any lingerie
• Corset - this one is also optional, but oh-so-flattering and sexy on everyone.

Bring these items as part of your recommended amount of oufits for your shoot, or in addition so can create variation in your outfits.

Just a note on why I put a recommended number of outfits for each session - it's not to limit you or make it hard to choose, it's because that is the number I have found works best for the time and amount of pictures we will be taking. If you have another outfit you want to bring, do so, we will try and squeeze it in. Through experience I have found that focusing on variations in posing and expressions is far more important than trying to do a marathon of outfits where you are dashing to change, take a few frames, and then dashing back to change again. I want you to spend your energy in front of the camera getting quality images.

Prepare your lingerie by packing ahead of time everything you will need so you don't forget something (it happens all the time). Bring dresses or other items that will wrinkle on hangers if possible. Cut the tags off any sheer items and all bras (they have a tendency to slip out and tags are not sexy). Bring any jewelry and accessories you may want to use with you.

We start out boudoir sessions by laying out your lingerie in order of how we will do the shoot. Generally we start with the outfit you are the most comfortable with and move to the most risque. We take a look at what you have brought first for a couple of reasons. First it helps the makeup artist know what style and look you are going for as well as the colors the makeup should compliment. It also prepares me to know which backdrop we will be working with for each one, so while you are getting ready I will prep the scene and the lights.

Don't worry if you don't have a lot of lingerie, I love simplicity and some of my favorite shots are done in just panties or even just draping with a sheet. Fancy undies aren't required.

On the way to your shoot wear something comfortable that won't leave marks on your skin and a top that you can get off without ruining hair and makeup.

And, as always, let me know if you have any questions about what to bring to your boudoir photo shoot.