You may have been considering a boudoir photo shoot for a while, but something about dropping your robe in front of a stranger is nerve-wracking, scary, and intimidating.
Feeling a lack of confidence and a bit uncomfortable at a boudoir photo shoot is normal, but it doesn’t have to be the case for you and your shoot.
As a trusted professional photographer in the boudoir industry, here are my top tips and tricks to feeling cool, calm, confident, and beautiful walking into your boudoir photo shoot.
Table of Contents
- How Do You Mentally Prepare for a Boudoir Shoot?
- 13 Tips for Feeling Comfortable and Confident During Your Boudoir Photo Shoot
- Relax and Shine With a Boudoir Photo Shoot by Evgenia Ribinik Studios
How Do You Mentally Prepare for a Boudoir Shoot?
The idea of scheduling a boudoir photo shoot might seem like a good one in the moment, but if you’re not truly comfortable with yourself, you’re probably quickly starting to freak out as your photoshoot approaches.
So to have the best experience, how do you mentally prepare for a boudoir shoot?
At Evgenia Ribinik Studios, Evgenia believes that having a trusted photographer that you can resonate with is key.
Consider these tips to help you shake the nerves so you can feel like the most confident version of yourself as you walk into your boudoir shoot:
- Anyone and everyone can be photographed.
- Take the time to choose an experienced photographer.
- Love your photographer’s style.
- Choose the “full experience” package.
- Get a professional spray tan.
- Do something to relax yourself leading up to the shoot.
- Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin.
- Get a good night of sleep the night before the shoot.
- Choose outfits you love and that make you feel good.
- Splurge on professional hair and makeup.
- Know that your body is amazing.
- Understand your “why” for doing the photo shoot.
- Trust the process.
13 Tips for Feeling Comfortable and Confident During Your Boudoir Photo Shoot
#1: Know That Anyone Can Be Photographed
It doesn’t matter what you look like or how awkward you might feel. Whether you’re curvy, slim, have cellulite on your butt and legs, or have defining birthmarks.
Whatever it may be — everyone can look beautiful in front of the camera.
It’s normal for people to start a boudoir shoot feeling awkward. It’s likely that you don’t know your photographer on a personal level. You’re probably wearing sexy clothing items that show a bit more skin than you’d show a stranger. But, this uncomfortableness starts to disappear as the shoot begins.
Many professional photographers have a way of making their clients feel comfortable, celebrated, and beautiful — and that’s the case at Evgenia Ribinik Studios.
Not only have I gained a lot of credibility and recognition in the boudoir photography industry, but I make sure to spend time getting to know my clients and talk them through their sessions to make them feel the most comfortable from start to finish.
#2: Choose an Experienced Photographer
Before you just go choosing any photographer you find on the internet, take the time to do proper research and pick a photographer experienced in boudoir photography. Not only will this help you feel more comfortable walking into your session that the photographer’s done this before and knows what they’re doing, but you’ll leave with photos you can feel comfortable gifting and treasuring forever.
When doing your photographer research, consider these factors:
- Do they know how to pose all types of bodies?
- Do they talk you through what to expect at your session?
- Can they help you work through your nerves to get the final look that you want?
- Does their style and work resonate with your vision?
- Do they have extraordinary reviews?
- What kind of experiences are included in their packages?
- Are they experienced in boudoir photography?
If you choose the right photographer, you don’t have to lead yourself through the session and worry about being awkward — they will guide you. Remember, boudoir photography shoots are a luxury experience, so you want someone you can trust with the whole process.
#3: Love Your Photographer’s Style
This is simple. If you don’t love your photographer’s style, you’re not going to love the final product.
If you have a vision of playful and flirty photos and your photographer only shoots sexy and seductive boudoir shots, you’re going to be disappointed during your session and when you see your pictures.
This is why reviewing portfolios, checking out websites or Instagram pages, and reading photographer reviews are so important.
#4: Book a “Full Experience” Shoot
Diving head first into your boudoir shoot with a full experience might sound intimidating, but the full pampering session can give you the time to feel comfortable before the shoot begins. This might not be offered by every photographer, so be sure to double-check during your research process. But if it is, I recommend taking advantage of it.
At Evgenia Ribinik Studios, a “full experience” is offered, including hair and makeup by professional artists and access to a closet of lingerie and outfit choices.
During this time, we spend plenty of time talking. I can answer any questions you might have. We can talk through different poses and what you feel comfortable with, share your goals and intentions for the session, and talk through how the session will go.
#5: Get a Professional Spray Tan
Who doesn’t love a little sun-kissed glow on their skin?
Maybe getting a professional spray tan before your boudoir shoot will help you feel more comfortable because it not only “hides” some imperfections — like cellulite or stretch marks — but it can also accentuate some of the features you love about your body.
Try to avoid DIY or at-home self-tanners because not only can they apply splotchy or spotty, but they can photograph orange and not give you the sun-kissed glow that you’re after.
#6: Pamper Yourself Before Your Shoot
Some people find that doing other activities that are relaxing or pampering leading up to your boudoir photo shoot help get you into the right mindset and allows your body to relax and accept what you’re walking into. After all, a little self-care can help you manage stress.
You could do things like:
- Get your hair done
- Go for a manicure or pedicure
- Get a massage
- Shop for lingerie or photo shoot pieces
- Get a spray tan
- Spend a night away by yourself
- Spend a night away with your girlfriends
- Spend time with your significant other
#7: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Staying hydrated is important all of the time, not just leading up to a big photo shoot. But many people still underestimate the positive effects that drinking water and staying hydrated can have on your skin.
Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? By drinking more water, you naturally keep that important organ glowing and healthy, ready for the camera the day of your boudoir photo shoot.
#8: Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep and stress are closely linked, so ensuring you get a good night of sleep — specifically the night before your boudoir shoot — can leave you feeling refreshed and stress-free.
When it comes to sleep and stress:
- Sleep decreases cortisol levels — the body’s stress hormone.
- Sleep regulates the immune system which is essential for living a stress-free life.
- Adequate sleep lessens anxiety by relaxing the part of the brain that controls emotional processing and worry.
#9: Choose Outfits You Love
Not much makes you feel more confident and beautiful than putting on an outfit that you love.
Maybe you’ve got the perfect items in your closet to wear for your boudoir photo shoot. Or maybe this shoot calls for a fun day shopping for something new. You might even have a piece that you have an emotional connection to and would love to include.
Whether you already have an idea of what you want to wear or you’re unsure of where to start, ask your photographer’s advice. They should be honest with you about how well they feel certain pieces photograph, what they like to include in boudoir shoots, and what you should probably leave at home.
If you’re coming up empty and have nothing to wear, don’t stress. Evgenia Ribinik Studios has an entire closet full of options to choose from!
#10: Have Your Hair and Makeup Professionally Done
If a top-knot and minimal make-up routine is your everyday go-to — or even if you go full-glam every day — I highly suggest having your hair and makeup professionally done for your boudoir photo shoot.
Not only are the professionals trained on different hair and skin types to give you the exact look you’re going for, but they’ll ensure it holds up long enough to get through your shoot, and it’ll likely photograph better than something you could do on your own.
Remember, some photographers offer packages with professional hair and makeup included, so consider going that route if it’s available. If not, find a trusted hair stylist and make-up artist and treat yourself.
#11: Know That Your Body Is AMAZING
It’s time for some self-affirmations.
I know, it’s easier said than done to truly believe all the good, beautiful, and amazing that you are, but remember that you were created to be you for a reason.
If you’re feeling like your confidence is low, or you just need a little motivation to walk through those studio doors, practice these self-esteem affirmations before your boudoir shoot.
#12: Understand Your WHY for This Photoshoot
As the day of your photo shoot approaches, the nerves might start to heighten. Breath and remember, you probably didn’t book a boudoir shoot on a whim. There’s a good reason you decided to do something a little uncomfortable — dial in on that.
Maybe you’re planning to gift it to your fiance on your wedding day. It might be an anniversary present for your significant other. Maybe you just want to have some photos for yourself that make you feel beautiful.
Whatever the reason might be, remember it and reflect on it heading into your shoot.
#13: Trust the Process
Finally, you need to trust the process.
If you’ve chosen a professional photographer with experience in boudoir photography, you can feel confident that they know what they’re doing — they’ve done it hundreds of times before.
It takes a lot of courage to strip down to minimal clothing and get comfortable being uncomfortable, but trust that everything is in order for your photos to turn out amazing.
You’ve got the right photographer, your hair and make-up are professionally done, you’ve asked for opinions on your wardrobe, and the lighting is just right … What can go wrong?
If you take the time to choose the right photographer, everything will turn out just fine. At Evgenia Ribinik Studios, Evgenia specializes in boudoir photography and will give you photos you’ll cherish forever.
Relax and Shine With a Boudoir Photo Shoot by Evgenia Ribinik Studios
Having the courage and the confidence to schedule a boudoir photo shoot is a big deal. Maybe you haven’t been paying attention to your health lately, and you’re heavier than you’d like to be. Maybe you’re just not comfortable in your skin. Maybe, despite how often your fiance tells you, you just don’t feel beautiful.
At Evgenia Ribinik Studios, I do all I can to make you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful in my studio.
As a professional boudoir photographer, I encourage clients to take advantage of my hair and make-up team and my stocked closet to ensure you feel your best for your shoot.
I want you to not only love your final photos but love your entire experience with me inside my studio.
If you’re feeling courageous and confident, or maybe need help getting there, schedule a boudoir photo shoot with Evgenia Ribinik Studios. I promise you’ll feel relaxed, comfortable, and beautiful once you’re here.
