BOUDOIR SESSION PREP GUIDE

TRISH HADLEY BOUDOIR

HEY THERE 🙂

Congrats on booking your session! I know it took a lot of guts to commit to this and you might be nervous or have questions! This Guide gives you all the nitty gritty on how to prep, but honestly, your biggest job is just showing up. Let me and/or the stylists deal with the ‘getting good images of you’ part done. We got this. 

WARDROBE: WTF DO I WEAR?

The best answer:

DON’T. OVER. THINK. IT. 🙂

 Most clients assume they need to purchase a bunch of lingerie outfits but that’s not true. Boudoir does not have to be bra + panties. Some really popular (and more non-traditional outfits include):

• A Partner’s Shirt
• Bodysuits (these are actually a great option)
• Blazer or Coat
(fur, trench coat, leather jacket)
• Cardigan Sweaters or Oversized + Off-the-Shoulder Sweaters
• Tank tops and/or Camis
• Just Jeans
• Panties and a Sheet
• Nude

I SUGGEST STAYING AWAY FROM:

• Costumes (they photograph cheesy) or ‘props’
• Patterns…solids are best
• Neon anything…just don’t do it 🙂

Studio Wardrobe

We have a Studio Closet and all Full Session clients (booked 2022 or earlier) and Collection Clients (booked after January 2023) are allowed access. While we don’t have a catalog of all the items, we have tulle skirts in assorted colors (a client favorite), a set of dove grey wings, several bodysuits and random items like cardigans, tanks, teddies and bodysuits.

Traditional items like bras and panties, (like an actual bra with panty bottoms) you’ll need to bring with you.

HAIR + MAKEUP

FOR THOSE WITH SESSIONS THAT INCLUDE HAIR + MAKEUP:

Just come with clean face (no makeup) but if you need moisturizer than apply as needed or bring your favorite kind for the stylist to use. For Hair, come in with clean, dry hair, NO product. Wash and condition as normal but it’s better to not have existing product or a buildup of dry shampoo.

If you have a look your prefer, please bring pictures for the stylist. They are visual and that method works better most times than trying to explain it.

If you have ANY allergies, like specific brand of foundation, eyelash glue, etc., please let the stylist know upon arrival.

Bringing hair extensions to be put in by the stylist?
For clip-in or ‘halo’ type, it’s super important you’ve had these cut/styled to your hair color prior to your shoot. Fresh, never-out-of-the-box extensions isn’t necessarily workable as our studio is not equipped to handle coloring/cutting as part of the session.
If you wear tape-in or sew-in, please be sure to have them in good condition (not dried out/ratty, moved up relatively close to your shoot.

SKIN + NAILS

Most clients worry about not having the ‘perfect’ flawless body for their shoot and I’m here to tell ya, A) I’ve never seen a flawless body and B) don’t worry about it. Have bruising or a wound that is still healing? It’s TOTALLY FINE. That is what editing is for! 🙂

I DON’T RECOMMEND:

Excessive Tanning. If you feel you need a little color then go for it but I suggest getting a full, even body tan via spray or old fashioned booth (but avoiding severe tan lines). A big reason—whatever you wear for the shoot (or if you decide to be nude for some shots), having really dark legs and a super white butt doesn’t photograph well.

Neon Colored Nails. In the event you are going to be wearing multiple outfits, my suggestion is you go with a neutral color, nude or even clear. Also, please have your toenails match your fingernails! You’ll thank me later.

SHOES + BOOTS

This area is a toss up because there is no requirement to bring shoes. If you love the look of high heels but hate wearing them, we can always do the ‘heel shots’ first and then you can kick the shoes off and call it good. 🙂

If you love high heels however, they DO photograph well. I would suggest going with a 3″ heel or higher however as lower heels have a tendency to look kind of weird. Also, nude stilletto heels do wonders for making legs look really long.

OTHER FAQs

I’m worried about the posing, I don’t know what I’m doing.
That’s totally fine! I will tell you what to do (and even demonstrate the pose for you in most cases). Easy peasy!

How long will all of this take?
This factor mostly depends on your styling (someone with a pixie cut will take less time than someone with waist length hair) and the shoot you signed up for (for instance a Petite Session will take less than a larger shoot). If you need help narrowing down the time, contact us about your shoot and we can estimate your particular finish time.
My advice: Don’t make any plans the day of your shoot that are going to cause you to feel ‘rushed’. Take the day off from work, make arrangements to have someone else pick up your kids. Get a massage before your shoot and make the day about YOU.

Can I bring a friend?
Unfortunately due to liability issues we do not allow third parties to hang out (unless they are part of the session). If someone is driving with you to your session, there are a few restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance of the studio to visit while you’re in your session.

What happens after my session? How long until I see images?
It kind of depends on the time of year we do your session (fall is the busiest) but generally 1-2 weeks. Your ordering appointment is a separate, scheduled appointment that we can do either in-person or over Zoom.

Are all the images edited?
Absolutely. Not every studio will edit all of their proofs, but I’m a big believer in showing finished images only.

Should I come earlier than my scheduled time?
Nope. Your scheduled time is the start time for you to be there whether you are getting hair/mu done or not. Please do not show up super early as we might still be prepping the studio and getting things ready for you!

Where is the studio?
We are located at 220 East Washington in St. Louis, Michigan (its a red, Victorian house on the corner of M-46 and Clinton Street). The studio is on the entire top floor and normally I will meet you at the back door to walk you up.

Where should I park?
You are more than welcome to park right in the driveway (accessible from Clinton Street), however if there are multiple cars in the driveway (usually from a stylist) there is a ‘side spot’ right at the entrance of the driveway if needed.
The easiest door to come in is the back entrance (the one that faces the driveway). If you prefer to park in the street, there is side street parking as well. If you need help carrying your items, just text me at 989.313.6304 and let us know to come help!

Still have questions? I’m happy to answer. You can just email them to me or we can totally set up a phone or Zoom chat and go over any and all your concerns. I look forward to photographing you!  Thanks 🙂
~Trish