Boudoir Preparation Guide

Your empowering London boudoir experience starts here!
“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
Welcome! Whether this is your first boudoir session or a return visit, this guide is here to help you feel confident and calm ahead of your shoot.
Below you’ll find my top tips, practical advice, and reassurance for every stage of your experience. It’s about a 10–12 minute read, so pop the kettle on, get comfy, and let’s walk through everything together.
What should I wear?

Wardrobe Ideas and Recommendations
Where to start
The best boudoir photos begin with comfort. Start with a lingerie set you love. The one that makes you feel unstoppable. It could be delicate lace, sleek satin, or high-waisted pants. The magic comes from how you feel in them.
The Style Consult will help
In our video style consult we’ll go through your ideas together and refine your looks so you feel fabulous in every shot.
Where to buy Boudoir outfits?
I’ve curated a list of recommended brands for all shapes, sizes, and styles. Perfect if shopping feels overwhelming.
Before your Boudoir Photoshoot

Basic Must Haves
Hydrate.
Sip water throughout the days leading up to your shoot. Staying hydrated keeps your energy up and helps your skin glow.
Moisturise.
Moisturise twice daily for three days before your session. Don’t forget any drier areas like heels and elbows for silky-smooth skin.
Keep Your Lips Soft and Luscious.
It’s important to keep your lips moisturised to avoid dry, cracked lips that can be tricky to edit afterwards. I recommend applying a hydrating lip balm regularly.
Many clients rave about La Roche-Posay lip balms, or lip scrubs like L’Occitane or Kiko work wonders. Gently brushing over your lips while brushing your teeth will also exfoliate dead skin!
Pamper those nails.
Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure a few days before. If you’re short on time, or prefer to skip the salon, simply remove any varnish from your nails for a clean, natural look. Press-on nails are also a great option.
A Few Quick Answers

Should I get a completely new hairstyle and look?
With an empowering experience like this, you’ll want to feel grounded in your own style. A big change right before the shoot can sometimes make you feel less like yourself.
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. 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 to calm your nerves the night before, it’s best to avoid it. 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.
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 products here too. 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 this!
The 3 things I hear the most

Let me support you here.
I don't know how to pose.
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! 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.
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

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, boost your confidence and highlight your unique style.
I have a speaker ready at the studio, and I’ve also created Spotify lists for inspiration:
On the day of your Boudoir Photoshoot

Your day is here!
Plan for traffic and slow tubes!
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.
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

What happens next?
At the end of the shoot.
You did it! I will help you pack your things and we’ll schedule your video appointment to choose your collection.
Your Collection
Within one week of your experience, I’ll send you a PDF of tiny, low-resolution thumbnails so you can start thinking about your favourites. This usually has a minimum of the best 30 images (depending on your package). You'll choose your full collection during our video call together!
Choosing Your Collection
Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy a slideshow of your images. We’ll go through them together and pick your final collection comparing different poses and styles.
Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Unless you ask me otherwise, I will always remove spots and bruises. 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
Read more about my editing philosophy: Do you edit my boudoir photographs

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!
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.
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.
If you’d like to print through me I have different product options from postcards to albums. Read more about your keepsakes at Boudoir Pictures
Final thoughts

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.