An asian boudoir photograph with a woman seated on a couch in pink drapery

Step into Your Power

Boudoir Preparation Guide

“As long as you show up, it’s going to be AMAZING! That’s it. That’s all you have to do. I’ve got the rest. Can’t wait to see you!”

–  Siorna Ashby

This is a guide to help prepare you for your boudoir experience! It's a 12-minute read.

These are my top tips and frequently asked questions from clients.

Grab a cup of tea and get started.

What should I wear?

a woman in heels and a black body suit looking over her shoulder on a London boudoir photoshoot

Wardrobe Ideas and Recommendations

Where to start

The best boudoir photos begin with comfort and I always recommend starting with your favourite lingerie set. The one that you love and makes you feel unstoppable.

It could be anything from delicate lace to high-waisted black pants. The magic of these photos comes from how you feel wearing them. If you're comfortable and confident, it shines through in every image.

The Style Consult will help

In our video Style Consult we will talk through your wardrobe ideas and we'll put together the perfect outfits to help you feel fabulous in every shot!

Where to buy Boudoir outfits?

If the thought of finding the perfect outfit to capture your intimate elegance can seem overwhelming I have the perfect read for you.

Over the years my clients and my Facebook group have strongly recommended these 10 brands to me. They cater to diverse body types, ensuring that you can find your perfect fit. Click on the button for the recommendations.

Before your Boudoir Photoshoot

intimate photographs of an asian woman in a white shirt in a house
an artistic image of legs and arms in light silhouette from a london boudoir photography photoshoot

Basic Must Haves

Hydrate.

Make sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your photoshoot. Small sips throughout the day work best. Staying hydrated not only boosts your energy and mood, but it also helps you feel refreshed and glowing for your special boudoir session. I want you to feel your best—from the inside out!

Moisturise.

For the best results, moisturise your skin twice a day in the three days leading up to your shoot. Your skin will feel soft and look flawless on camera. And don’t forget those feet —especially the heels, or elbows, if dryness is a concern!

Keep Your Lips Soft and Luscious.

In the days leading up to your photoshoot, it’s important to keep your lips moisturised to avoid dry, cracked lips that can be tricky to edit in post-production. I recommend applying a hydrating lip balm regularly—my personal favourite is simple Burt's Bees.

Many clients rave about Dr Paw-Paw, Weleda or La Roche-Posay lip balms, and for extra exfoliation, lip scrubs like L’Occitane or Kiko work wonders. My budget-friendly tip? Use your toothbrush! Gently brush over your lips while brushing your teeth to exfoliate dead skin, then apply your favourite lip balm—repeat as needed!

Pamper those nails.

Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure a few days before your session for a polished, finished look—chipped polish can be distracting on camera.

If you’re short on time or prefer to skip the salon, simply remove any varnish from your nails for a clean, natural look. Some clients also rave about press-on nails—BTArtbox Stick-On Nails have been highly recommended and look fantastic in photos.

A Few Quick Answers

A woman with red hair clutching a pink cloth on London boudoir photography photoshoot

Should I get a completely new hairstyle and look?

Now isn't the time to experiment with a completely new hairstyle. With such an empowering experience ahead, you’ll want to feel like your true self—and a dramatic change might make you feel less comfortable on the day.

Will my spots show in the photos?

Yes, spots happen—and they suck. But don’t worry! I retouch blemishes and bruises in every photo, so it’s no problem at all. Let that spot try its hardest, but your photos will be flawless, without a trace of it to ruin your day.

Should I skip the party the night before?

While it’s tempting to drink heavily to calm your nerves, it’s best to avoid that! Instead, try a bubble bath, a good book, or relaxing to soothing nature sounds. Pilates or yoga can also help ease anxiety. A hangover won’t put us in the right mindset for your boudoir session, but I do recommend a little booze to take the edge off. That’s why sparkling wine, which won’t stain your lips and helps you relax, is included in your package!

Should I cancel if my period starts?

Periods can be a hassle, but there’s no need to cancel! It won’t affect your final photos at all. I have Feminax, feminine hygiene products, and am totally fine with multiple bathroom breaks. Start your morning with fresh fruit and a heating pad, and I’ll take care of the rest. Don’t worry about bloating or blemishes—we’ve got it covered!

The 3 things I hear the most

a black and white picture of a woman with bra and hoop earrings with rim lighting on a London boudoir photography photoshoot.
a black bra and a neck in with water dropplets on a london boudoir photshoot

Let me support you here.

I don't know how to pose.

Pose anxiety is totally normal, but you don’t need to know a thing about posing—not even a little! I’ll guide you through every step, demonstrating the poses myself for you to mirror. If something doesn’t work right away, I’ll gently redirect you until we get the perfect shot. Taking amazing photos is my job, and I’m passionate about making sure you look incredible!

I'm not photogenic.

I hear this all the time—and I’ve even thought it about myself. What we really mean is that we’ve had bad experiences with people taking our photos. You don’t have to love every single shot, but I promise you’ll love most of them. You’ll be amazed at how much you can love photos of yourself! Together, we’ll rock your session and capture a stunning selection of beautiful images. Come in with an open mind, and we’ll get even more — because I’ve never met someone I couldn’t photograph beautifully. That includes you.

I don't like [insert body part].

I’ve battled body issues for years and still do on most days, so I completely understand how hard self-love can be—even when someone tells you you’re beautiful. Many clients come to me wishing they had lost a few more pounds before their session, and if that’s you, rest assured—I’ve got you covered.

Most people who come to my studio are on a journey to love themselves, but struggle with parts of their body, whether it’s their thighs, belly, or something else. I take those feelings seriously and always aim to make sure no one feels uncomfortable. This is a body-positive space where I’ll use lighting, posing, and angles that flatter you and bring out your natural beauty.

Music

a black woman holding a vinyl for a boudoir photo idea

Why Music Matters

Make a Boudoir Playlist.

Music taps into your emotions, which is why I always recommend creating a personal boudoir playlist. The right songs can empower you, boosting your confidence and highlighting your unique style. Choosing your own music helps you relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience.

I have a Bluetooth speaker at the studio to stream your tunes or you can share your playlist on Spotify. Additionally, I’ve created my own boudoir playlists, inspired by the incredible variety of music clients have brought in over the years. Feel free to check out the links below for some inspiration!

On the day of your Boudoir Photoshoot

a woman seated on a vintage chair in the old hollywood style for boudoir photography with feathers

Your day is here!

Plan for traffic and slow tubes!

Nothing dampens the vibe of a fun and relaxing photo shoot like feeling rushed or late! Plan ahead for traffic and aim to arrive about 5 minutes before your scheduled time. If you’re running late, just shoot me a text and stay calm—it’s totally cool.

Wear loose clothing.

Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfy shoes on your way to the shoot to avoid any unwanted clothing lines and to help you stay relaxed. Don’t forget to remove your watch and hair ties from your wrists to prevent skin marks—and be mindful of those sock marks on your ankles too!

Lean into the experience.

I’m here to make sure you look and feel amazing—there’s nothing you’ll do that will make you look bad. With years of experience, the most common feedback I receive is how comfortable clients feel during their sessions, and that’s incredibly important to me.

So, relax, lean into the experience, and most importantly—have fun!

After your Boudoir Photoshoot

A London boudoir photography photoshoot showing stockings and high heels in black and white

What happens next?

At the end of the shoot.

I will help you pack your things and we’ll get you scheduled for your photo reveal appointment so you know exactly when you’ll be seeing your images.

Photo Reveal.

Within two weeks of your shoot, we’ll have your photo reveal appointment over Zoom, where you’ll see all your proofs and choose your favourites. Before the appointment, I’ll send you a PDF of tiny, low-resolution thumbnails so you can start thinking about your favourites. You'll choose your full collection during the Zoom call together!

Tips for the Photo Reveal.

At your reveal appointment, grab a comfy seat with a beverage while I present a slideshow of your images from the session. Afterward, we’ll dive into viewing your entire collection, which includes at least 20 images (depending on your package). You’ll have the chance to let me know which images you’d like to keep for your order, and you can request any additional touch-ups during this time. I know you’re going to love your photos, and these reveal appointments are always so much fun—I can’t wait to share your images with you!

Frequently Asked Questions

a woman in window light with the idea to love your body with a black and white boudoir photoshoot

What kind of editing and retouching happens?

My editing philosophy is to help you look like you on your best possible day! Photo editing is a conversation, and you can let me know your preferences. These are your photographs and you’re in charge.

These are the things that I will usually edit:

  • Light levels
  • Correct skin tone colour
  • Correct makeup
  • Remove stray hairs
  • Neaten and smooth clothing
  • Change to black and white

Unless you ask me otherwise, I will also remove the following:

  • Bruises
  • Spots

I leave moles and scars unless you tell me otherwise.

The top 5 things I most frequently get asked to tweak are:

  • Add volume to my hair
  • Slim my arms
  • Slim my waist
  • Smooth my skin
  • Reduce or remove my wrinkle lines
a woman smiling with body tattoos and red hair from a body photography photoshoot.

Do you share my photographs online and on social media?

Not without consent. I take your privacy very seriously. All the images you see on my website or social media have the expressed written permission of the client. Some of my clients like to share their images to inspire and empower others to do a boudoir photoshoot session as well, others save the images for themselves. Whatever you decide, I will honour your decision!

Can I print my photographs from the digital photographs I purchase?

Of course! You have personal printing rights for the images you purchase and can print those files on your own. I deliver a special print version of each photograph you purchase.

That being said, I would urge you to consider purchasing through me if you want the best product quality and long-term value. I use the best photo labs in the industry, and if you were to see the difference between my labs and Snappy Snaps, you’d be shocked by the difference. While it is completely optional, I would say if you’ve taken the time and care to book me, you’ll love seeing your custom art in high-quality prints.

How long do you keep the photographs I don't buy?

After 3 months, if you haven't been in touch I will delete the photographs you did not purchase from my hard drives and backup services. I always send a few emails before I delete anything, so you'll know this is happening. I keep photographs you do buy indefinitely in case you need additional copies.

Final thoughts

a woman in pink lingerie and neckalce with the idea to love your body with a boudoir photoshoot

Be kind to yourself.

This is the big one! I’ve spent most of my life being mean to myself. I know how easy it is. One of the main motivations for a boudoir session is to spend time together to find a newfound appreciation for you :) Being gentle with yourself will go a long way in having a fabulous and upbeat experience! A top tip is to start naming a body part you love. Say it out loud. "I love my legs!" I dare you!

A Boudoir photoshoot is a milestone!

I don’t expect every person to be 100% ready for this. Together, we will create something special and unique for you. My aim is always to support you on your journey to appreciate and love yourself. These photographs will be a lasting reminder in the years to come of how truly wonderful you are.

See you soon!

If you have any questions send me an email. I'm here for you.