Boudoir Preparation Guide

Your empowering London boudoir experience starts here!
“As long as you show up, it’s going to be wonderful. That’s it. I’ve got the rest.”
— 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. Take a moment to get comfortable, and let’s walk through everything together.
What should I wear?
Wardrobe Ideas and Recommendations
Where to start
The best boudoir photographs begin with comfort and confidence. If lingerie makes you feel unstoppable, lean into it. Whether that’s delicate lace, sleek satin, or a favourite high-waisted set. But boudoir is never limited to lingerie. A soft slip, an oversized shirt, a flowing dress, or even something as simple as bare shoulders can be just as powerful. The magic lies in how you feel in what you wear.
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.
Staying well hydrated in the lead up to your photoshoot can help you feel comfortable and well on the day of your session.
Moisturise.
In the days leading up to your session, keep your skin comfortable with your usual moisturiser. Pay a little extra attention to drier areas like heels and elbows.
Keep Your Lips Soft and Luscious.
Apply a gentle, hydrating lip balm regularly in the days leading up to your session to avoid dryness or cracking. Dermatologist-developed formulas, such as La Roche-Posay, are ideal. Avoid introducing new products close to your session.
Pamper those nails.
Well kept nails always photograph beautifully. You might enjoy a salon manicure or pedicure, opt for elegant press-ons, or keep things natural with bare, polished nails. Whichever feels best for you.
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?
Breakouts happen, but don’t worry. I retouch temporary blemishes and bruises as standard, so nothing distracts from the final images.
Should I skip the party the night before?
While it can be tempting to drink to calm nerves, it’s best to take things gently the night before your session. Instead, try a bubble bath, a good book, or relaxing to soothing nature sounds. Pilates or yoga can also help ease anxiety.
If you’d like a glass during your session, sparkling wine is available, entirely optional and there for enjoyment, not expectation.
Should I cancel if my period starts?
Periods can be inconvenient, but they won’t impact your experience or your photographs. We’ll keep things comfortable and work around whatever feels best for you on the day.
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.
Many people worry they’re not photogenic, usually because of past experiences rather than reality. My role is to guide you throughout, so you never need to know how to pose. The vast majority of clients are surprised by how much they enjoy their images. If you come in with an open mind, we’ll shape photographs that feel natural, confident, and very much like 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 respectful, non-judgemental space. I use lighting, posing, and angles that flatter you and reflect how you want to be seen.
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. You’re very welcome to bring your own playlist, or I do have a number of 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 boudoir images 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 motivations for a boudoir session is to spend time together finding a renewed appreciation for yourself. 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!"
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.