What Not to Do Before a Boudoir Photoshoot
When your boudoir photoshoot is getting closer, it's completely normal to start thinking about all the things you should do to prepare. But sometimes, knowing what not to do is just as important.
The days before your session aren't the time to completely change your routine, transform your body, or suddenly try every beauty treatment you've been considering.
You want to arrive feeling comfortable, rested, and like yourself.
Here are some of the most common things I recommend avoiding before your boudoir photoshoot.
1. Don't Try a New Beauty Treatment Right Before Your Session
A few days before your photoshoot is not the best time to experiment with something completely new.
That includes a new facial, chemical peel, spray tan, self-tanner, waxing service you've never tried before, or dramatically changing your hair.
Even treatments that normally seem harmless can occasionally cause redness, irritation, breakouts, uneven color, or simply give you a result you weren't expecting.
If something is already part of your normal beauty routine and you know how your skin or hair responds, that's different. The key is avoiding experimentation right before you're going to be photographed.
Familiar is usually better than last-minute.
2. Don't Crash Diet or Try to Change Your Body
Please don't spend the week before your boudoir photoshoot trying to lose a few pounds.
You don't need to skip meals, drastically cut calories, or suddenly start an intense exercise routine because you're going to be in front of a camera.
Your body doesn't need to be different for your photographs.
Part of my job as your photographer is knowing how to photograph the body you bring into the studio—not asking you to change it first.
You don't have to lose weight to deserve beautiful photographs of yourself.
3. Don't Overdo It the Night Before
The night before your boudoir photoshoot should be pretty uneventful.
Try not to stay up unusually late, overindulge in alcohol, or do anything else that's likely to leave you feeling exhausted or dehydrated the next morning.
You also don't need to spend half the night getting yourself “camera ready.”
Professional hair and makeup are part of your Bella Chic Photography experience. Arriving rested is much more valuable than arriving exhausted because you stayed up trying to make everything perfect.
→ Why Professional Hair & Makeup Are Included With Your Photoshoot
4. Don't Wear Anything That Leaves Marks on Your Skin
This is a small detail that can make a difference.
Avoid arriving at your session in clothing that's extremely tight or likely to leave deep lines or impressions on your skin.
Think tight bras, snug waistbands, socks that dig into your ankles, or anything else that tends to leave noticeable marks when you take it off.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is a great choice for the trip to the studio.
And if you're wondering what you should bring to wear during your photoshoot, I have a complete guide for that:
→ What to Wear for a Boudoir Photoshoot
5. Don't Practice Posing or Worry About Your “Good Side”
You don't need to prepare for your boudoir photoshoot by studying poses online or practicing expressions in the mirror.
And you don't need to arrive knowing your best angle.
That's my job.
I guide you through your posing throughout the entire photoshoot, including your hands, body position, facial expressions, and where to look. I also use lighting and camera angles intentionally for your individual body.
You aren't expected to know how to pose before you walk through the door.
6. Don't Compare Yourself to the Women You See Online
It's easy to look through boudoir photographs before your session and start wondering whether you'll look like the women you're seeing.
But your session isn't about recreating someone else's body, personality, or photographs.
Inspiration is wonderful. Comparison isn't nearly as helpful.
The goal is to create photographs that look beautiful and still feel like you.
You don't need to become someone else for a day to have beautiful photographs of yourself.
7. Don't Let Nerves Talk You Out of It
You might feel nervous as your session gets closer.
That's okay.
Being nervous doesn't mean you aren't ready, and it certainly doesn't mean you won't photograph beautifully.
Most women aren't accustomed to being professionally photographed, much less being the center of attention for an entire photoshoot. You don't need to walk into the studio overflowing with confidence.
Sometimes the confidence comes from the experience itself.
The Best Preparation Is Usually the Simplest
You don't need to completely transform yourself before a boudoir photoshoot.
Avoid experimenting at the last minute. Get some rest. Wear something comfortable to the studio. And don't put pressure on yourself to already know how to look or pose in front of a camera.
I'll take care of those things with you.
If you're getting ready for your own session, read the companion guide for the things I do recommend doing beforehand:
→ 5 Tips to Prepare for Your Boudoir Photo Session
And if you're considering a session with Bella Chic Photography, you can learn more about my Tacoma boudoir photography experience here: