Things Not To Bring To Your Boudoir Session
“I booked a session as a gift for my groom. But it turned out to be the most incredible gift for ME.”…Susie
At Madison Bou, we are big believers in celebrating your own uniqueness.
If you love heels and they’re your thing, then go ahead and bring a suitcase full. We’ll incorporate the things you love into your photoshoot and make it just that little bit more…. you.
That said, if heels aren’t your thing and you’d rather rock up in pumps or Doc Martins then we’ll make those work for your session.
Most importantly, it’s you who set the rules.
In general though and in the spirit of today’s subject ‘Thing’s Not To Bring To Your Boudoir Session’ We would recommend not bringing the following…
WHAT NOT TO BRING TO YOUR BOUDOIR SESSIONS
Tight Outfits.
Any bras that are too tight, underwear that digs into your skin, jeans that are tight around the waist, leave them at home. Always go one size up for boudoir sessions– always!
You want to dress for your body and love your body! It’s not worth wearing a smaller size for the sake of it and then having unflattering pinching in photographs.
Stockings, in particular, hold ups, can pinch your thighs leaving little bulges of thigh skin which isn’t a good look. Treat yourself to a new bra and panties set that fits you perfectly and doesn’t squeeze you in.
(Don’t bring - Your Entourage of Family and Friends)
Leave the friends, leave your Mom, leave the kids, and leave the dog at home! If you really, really need someone to spur you on from the sidelines, a supportive partner is fine. As long as they really are supportive of everything you do.
This is a no negativity zone.
While you may want to share the excitement, having an audience is actually very distracting and takes away from focusing on dedicating this moment for YOU. Thinking of doing a couple’s boudoir session? Then your partner can join in on the fun!
Don’t bring - Too many pairs of shoes.
You only need to bring 1-2 pairs of shoes with you to your shoot.
In fact, many clients end up going barefoot for their images because of how free, natural and comfortable they feel.
Shoes are also bulky and can take up so much space in your bag.
Wearing sleek black or nude heels helps us elongate your legs so definitely bring high heels if that is your style, but don’t stress if it’s not.
forgetting your heels on the day is no big deal.
Don’t bring - Ill Fitting Bras
According to the lingerie industry, the vast majority of women have never had a proper bra fitting in their lives and the result is most women are wearing badly fitting Bras. This unfortunately shows on camera.
Ill fitting bras look like too much or too little space in the cups and the band, wire, or straps digging into your skin.
You may not even be aware that your Bra doesn’t fit well so it’s always a good idea to get a free professional bra fitting from a local independant lingerie shop or try Victoria’s Secret, for example.
Once you’ve got bras that fit well, they’ll make you feel more confident as well.
Don’t bring too many bra and knicker sets to your shoot either.
Try and include some real variety from your wardrobe, such as one piece body’s and negligees. Keep in mind that if you don’t like your tummy area, for example, then a bra and knicker set will be pretty unforgiving, so wear bigger knickers and leave the thongs and g-strings behind.
So please, please, take the time to get those bras fitted before bringing them to your shoot… You’ll thank us later..
No to -Corsets and Shape-wear
It’s often tempting to bring corsets and ‘shape-wear’, But these often limit your mobility which can make our posing quite difficult and in some cases impossible. Plus, we spend loads of time tying up corsets and the results are rarely as good as anticipated. Some women carry off a corset better than others and if that’s you, then fabulous. If not…. be cautious.
It is far more important that you are able to move and breathe freely than it is to have an pinched waistline.
Additionally, these items tend to create harsh skin creases and bulges that are not flattering to have in your pictures.
Again, If you are self conscious about your tummy area, try bringing a bodysuit instead.
Be cautious with Costumes
So before you start getting upset because you pictured yourself in a Nurses outfit and your husband thinks it’s super sexy in the bedroom…let’s discuss this for a second. No matter how hot the woman looks on the packaging, these costumes are NOT made to fit to your body or enhance your curves. Most of these costumes are made of cheap fabrics and materials and often poorly made. If you are in a deep desire to flaunt a themed wardrobe, I encourage you to find actual fitted pieces that fit the theme and can be combined to make the look you want. (In other words, nothing but a real nurse’s uniform will do.)
No to - Fake Tan
NO, NO, NO…. More often than not, fake tan looks ‘fake’ and streaky. If you absolutely must fake tan, please invest in a professional salon.
No cheese please. No to - Your ‘Go-To’ Poses And Facial Expressions
Please try and leave all of your normal "camera faces" at home when you come in for your boudoir session! (We all have them)
Boudoir photos are very different from your average selfie. We want to convey emotion with each portrait. Each pose and angle combination tells a story, and each facial expression should be cohesive and intentional.
So - trust in the process and trust in your photographer. We’ve been doing this for quite a while!
Patterns
Busy patterns simply distract and often clash with other things in the pictures. Keep lingerie to stylish lace with simple, solid colours and you’ll never go wrong. Polka Dots, Florals and Stripes often clash with wall coverings and bedspreads. Again though, these are not firm rules. If you’re a Polka Dot girl we’ll make it work for you.
Absolutely no to Negative Self Talk / Inhibitions
it takes some courage to step outside of your comfort zone and pose with little clothing in front of an ‘almost’ complete stranger, we know. However, if you try to leave your insecurities and fears at the door in return we will take care of you.
You are everything and more, just as you are NOW.
Remember, you are coming in for your boudoir session because you want to let go of the negative. Use this boudoir shoot to discover a new perspective of you. This is your moment to get back in touch with yourself and not keep pushing yourself back.
Try not to listen to the voice in your head that tells says things like
“I don’t want you to photograph this part of me because ….”
“I don’t think I will love any of these images.”
“Boy have you got a lot of work to do!”
Rest assured we’ve been doing this for a long time and so you’re in good hands. You will love everything you see when your boudoir session is done.
We will guide you every step of the way. You will feel totally safe with no judgement. All you have to do is show up, trust the process, and have FUN!