What Is It Like to Have a Boudoir Shoot?
There is nothing as empowering as looking and feeling beautiful in your own skin. Never underestimate the power a great photo can have on your confidence.
Boudoir offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and document your beautiful body. The experience goes far beyond just looking sexy and posing. It can help individuals boost their confidence while creating an empowering experience that you can look back on and be proud of.
At Trish Hadley Boudoir, our goal is for you to enter your shoot feeling relaxed, comfortable, and confident. We do this by preparing you as much as possible before your session. Once you have booked a session, you will receive a Session Guide and our 21 Wardrobe Ideas Wardrobe Guide.
Boudoir is much more than just the beautiful photos you receive—it’s about the entire experience. The Trish Hadley experience includes professional hair and makeup, access to our studio wardrobe, and posing guidance directly from me, your photographer.
Types of Boudoir Photoshoots
Destination Boudoir
If you are looking for something outside of traditional boudoir, you can have your session at a destination. We have had sessions at many different locations, including hotels, fields, woods, beaches, and clients homes.
Themed Boudoir
Instead of a traditional shoot, you may want to consider stylized or themed boudoir. Examples of themed shoots include body paint or cosplay attire. If you’re interested in doing a theme, please let us know during your consultation, as our themed boudoir package is different from our traditional boudoir package.
Celebration Boudoir
You don’t need an occasion to book a boudoir session, but if you are celebrating something, let us know so we can help incorporate it into your session. We offer specialized sessions for brides, couples, and pregnant individuals.
Trish Hadley Boudoir Process
Whether you are new to boudoir or not, Trish Hadley Boudoir offers a new and unique experience. We are a full service studio. All sessions include professional hair and makeup as well as access to our studio wardrobe. From the minute you schedule your consultation, all the way through the photo ordering process, we are here to support you!
Free Virtual Consult
If you are interested in a boudoir session or still have a few questions about the boudoir process, schedule a free consultation with us. Consultations are available Monday through Friday and take about 15 minutes.
You can choose a 15-minute phone call with our studio assistant, Nicole. She can answer any questions about pricing, availability, and turnaround time, as well as any basic questions that you may have about the boudoir process.
You also have the option to schedule a 15-minute Zoom call with me, Trish. This is for the people who have more specific questions about our process, or if you would just like to meet the person who will be photographing you beforehand. If you would like to customize or make special requests for your session, this is your opportunity to do so.
Prep for Photoshoot
The Month Before
We suggest that you start preparing for your photoshoot at least a month in advance.
Around this time, you should start to consider what you would like to wear. Take yourself on a shopping spree, try on some outfits, and buy a couple options that make you feel confident and sexy. Remember, we do have a wardrobe for you to access, but we do not provide bra and panty sets due to sizing limitations.
This process is meant to be fun. If you are lacking inspiration or having trouble finding something you love, please reach out! We have our 21 Wardrobe Ideas, which also contains links to online resources to purchase your wardrobe. Once you have your desired outfits, we suggest that you cut out all tags, including the permanent ones (they don’t photograph well).
The Week Before
About a week out from your session is when the real preparation starts.
If you are someone that likes to be pampered, schedule all of your appointments for this week. This may include facials and nail appointments—none of which are necessary, but can be a nice addition if you choose. With waxing, please schedule your appointment at least a week before the shoot, if not earlier, to give your skin time to recover if you have a bad reaction.
We do not recommend tanning before your appointment because it will cost extra to smooth out uneven skin during the photo editing process. However, if you absolutely must tan, remember to do so in the nude to avoid tan lines, and do NOT get a spray tan—more often than not, the colors do not photograph well.
Around this time you should also increase your water intake. This makes your skin more hydrated and luminous, which looks beautiful on camera. Water retention is real, so if this is something you’re worried about, we suggest decreasing your alcohol and salt intake.
The most important step in the preparation process is rest. Prioritize your sleep this week, especially the night before your session. We also suggest packing a bag with your outfits and other necessities. This makes for less stress the day of your shoot.
The Day of the Shoot
As we stated above, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before. When you wake up in the morning, eat a light and nutritious breakfast. Then, take a shower, do your regular skincare routine for your face as best suited for your skin (oily, dry, or combination), and layer on the moisturizer everywhere else!
Please come with a makeup-free face, hair that is clean and dry, and clothes that can be removed without ruining your beautiful hair or makeup. No other prep is necessary. Simply meet us at the location of your shoot, and we will take care of the rest.
Have Fun on Your Session Day
The day of your session is the most exciting part of the boudoir experience! Be prepared to be pampered. When you arrive at your location, you will be welcomed in, and we will start the hair and makeup process. You can choose to come with looks already picked out, or our hair/makeup stylist can assist you.
Once you have your makeup and hair done, you will change into your first outfit. This can be something that you have brought or something from the wardrobe.
Finally, once you are dressed and ready to go, we will start the photoshoot. Do not panic about poses—we will walk you through each step. Your job is to be present and relaxed.
Photo Reveal
After your session is complete, the photos should be available within one to two weeks, depending on the time of year. Our busy season (September–November) may result in longer wait times. We will schedule a viewing session, which you have the choice of doing in person or online over Zoom.
Plan for this session to last at least 30 minutes. Once we reveal the photos, this is your opportunity to make your purchasing decisions. Please note that all decisions must be made at this time, as we do not hold photos.
Purchase Prints, Albums, and More
We have a variety of photo options available for purchase, from the complete collection of images from your session (which includes albums, master files with printing rights, and studio credits) to individual albums, digital only collection, or even wall art. Generally, purchases start at around $799.
If you still have questions about purchasing options, please contact us.
Boudoir FAQs
Who Can Do Boudoir?
Anyone can do boudoir! Trish Hadley Boudoir is honored to offer an inclusive boudoir experience. We welcome all adult individuals of any shape, size, age, gender, and sexual orientation.
What Products Are Available for Purchase After My Shoot?
We have a variety of different products available for purchase, including albums, prints, wall art, and even access to the master files. Pricing and package options can be discussed further in the consultation.
How Will I Know How to Pose?
Posing for photos can make some people anxious or uncomfortable. Do not worry. You do not need to know how to pose to do boudoir. I will walk you through each pose, making sure you feel comfortable throughout the experience.
What Should I Wear?
You can wear as much or as little clothing as you would like! At the bare minimum, we suggest bringing a simple bra and panty set. Our studio has a wardrobe filled with a plethora of different accessories, teddies, and bodysuits that are available for your use. If you are still questioning what to wear, we can discuss ideas and options in your consultation.
Can I Keep My Photos Private?
Yes. Besides my editor and me, nobody will see your photos unless you choose to share them.
You may have seen photos of our past clients displayed on our website and social media profiles. We always ask for consent before sharing a photo, so the option is left completely up to you.
Schedule a Chat with Trish Hadley Boudoir
Boudoir with Trish Hadley Boudoir is an experience like no other, but don’t just take our word for it. Start the boudoir process today by booking a consultation. We look forward to working with you!