Boudoir Photoshoot: What Really Happens Step by Step

Your journey starts with a simple chat. I offer a no-pressure Discovery Call where you can ask questions, share any nerves, and decide if this is the right fit for you. When you’re ready to book we move to the next stage!

Preparation is part of the fun. Outfits, hair, and makeup all help set the mood for your boudoir session, but it’s not just about what you wear. Preparing is also about easing nerves and stepping into the session feeling ready.

That’s why I provide preparation and wardrobe guides. I also ask each client to gather a handful of photographs that inspire them, perhaps from Pinterest or Instagram. These don’t need to be perfect or polished; they simply give us a starting point.

This exercise does two things:

Clarifies your vision: We can talk through what you love about the images, whether that’s a pose, a colour palette, or a mood.

Eases the nerves: Having examples to hand makes the process feel less abstract and helps you imagine what’s possible.

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A week before your shoot, we’ll meet on a video call for your Style Consult. This is where your vision comes to life.

Every person brings their own energy into the studio, which means no two boudoir sessions ever look alike. Some clients arrive with a clear vision like “Hollywood glamour with dramatic shadows”, while others simply know they want to feel confident and let the rest evolve.

During our style consult, we’ll pin down the looks that excite you most. This might include:

→ Lighting choices — from soft, natural sunlight to bold, sculptural shadows.
→ Wardrobe direction — whether flowing silks, favourite lingerie, or something playful like an oversized shirt.
→ Posing preferences — deciding if you’d like a balance of candid moments and guided poses, or a more stylised, artful feel.

On the day of your shoot, you’ll arrive at my private North London studio. There’s a separate changing room, bathroom, and plenty of space to breathe. If you’ve chosen hair & makeup, you’ll be pampered before we start.

Most sessions last around 2–3 hours, giving time for:

→ Outfit changes
→ Breaks to relax and reset
→ Exploring more than one lighting setup

Most people arrive a little nervous, but nerves fade quickly. This boudoir photoshoot gives plenty of time to relax, change outfits, and explore different lighting. Here’s how it flows:

→ Warm-up shots — simple, relaxed poses to get comfortable.
→ Guided posing — I’ll show you exactly what to do so you’re never left wondering.
→ Different looks — we’ll switch between 2–3 lighting setups for variety.
→ Space to pause — breaks for conversation, outfit changes and laughter.

Within a week, you’ll receive a contact sheet and we’ll review your images together over a video call. Together, we’ll:

Select your favourites.

→ Discuss any retouching preferences
→ Explore keepsakes such as albums, framed art, or postcards
→ This stage is often just as moving as the session itself, you’ll see yourself in a whole new way

Your chosen photographs are retouched with care and delivered digitally. You can also upgrade to luxury prints, albums, or wall art, so you can hold the images in your hands and treasure them for years.

Boudoir is for everyone, at every age, shape, and stage of life. Whether you want to mark a milestone, reconnect with your body, or simply do something for yourself, a boudoir photoshoot can be a powerful reminder that you are enough exactly as you are.

For more reassurance, you can read:

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Most sessions last around 2 hours, giving us time for outfit changes, different lighting styles, and plenty of breaks. The pace is relaxed, so you never feel rushed. Add 1 hour if you’re including hair and makeup in your package.

A: Not at all. Some people choose lingerie, others prefer a favourite dress, jeans and a t-shirt, or nothing at all. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in what you wear.

A: Yes. Many clients love the pampering of professional hair and makeup, while others prefer a more natural look. It’s completely up to you!

A boudoir photoshoot is about being yourself. It’s a chance to step into a safe, supportive space, let go of self-criticism, and create portraits that reflect your story.

If you’re ready to explore your own experience, the next step is simply a conversation. You can read more on my London boudoir photography page, or reach out for a no-pressure chat.