Babe, Relax. Here's How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session
So, you booked the session.
First of all, congratulations.
Second of all, if you're currently excited, nervous, questioning every outfit you own, and wondering if you should suddenly start drinking a gallon of water a day, you're completely normal.
I hear the same questions from women every single week.
"What do I wear?"
"What if I'm not photogenic?"
"What if I hate my stomach?"
"What if I don't know how to pose?"
Babe, relax.
I got you.
Whether you're booking a luxury boudoir session in Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, or joining me during one of my limited Las Vegas dates, your job is simple:
Show up.
My job is everything else.
At Amanda Chantee Photography, I guide you through every step of the experience. From styling and wardrobe planning to posing, image selection, and creating artwork you'll treasure for years.
Let's talk about exactly how to prepare for your boudoir session.
Hydrate. Then Hydrate Some More.
If there is one thing I wish every client would do before their session, it's drink more water. Hydrated skin photographs beautifully. Your makeup sits better. Your lips look healthier. Your body simply feels better. Start increasing your water intake several days before your session, not just the morning of.
Trust me on this one.
Water isn't glamorous advice, but it works.
Get a Good Night's Sleep
Boudoir sessions are surprisingly active. You'll be stretching, arching, holding poses, changing outfits, and moving throughout your session. A good night's sleep helps reduce puffiness, brightens your eyes, improves your mood, and gives you the energy you need for the day. You deserve to feel your best.
Moisturize, Babe
Moisturize your skin regularly in the days leading up to your session.
Pay special attention to areas like elbows, knees, hands, shoulders, and legs. Dry skin can create texture that becomes more noticeable under professional lighting. No need to buy expensive products or try a complicated skincare routine. Just keep your skin hydrated and happy.
Avoid Spray Tans, Tan Lines, and Sunburn
I know the temptation is there. But spray tans often photograph differently than they look in person and can sometimes appear orange or uneven under studio lighting.
The same goes for fresh tan lines or sunburns.
Try to avoid excessive sun exposure in the weeks leading up to your session. Swimsuit lines, peeling skin, and sunburn can be difficult to hide and may limit some wardrobe choices.
Your natural skin tone is already beautiful.
Waxing, Shaving, and Beauty Appointments
If you're planning on waxing, schedule it at least 72 hours before your session. Personally, I prefer even longer if possible. Waxing can leave redness, irritation, and sensitivity that may still be visible a day or two later.
The same rule applies to facials, peels, or new skincare treatments. Shoot week is not the time to experiment.
If you shave, the night before or morning of your session is usually perfect.
Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing to Your Session
This is one of the biggest tips people forget.
Tight bras, shapewear, leggings, socks, and elastic waistbands can leave marks on your skin that sometimes take hours to fade.
Instead, wear something loose and comfortable to your appointment.
Think:
Oversized sweater
Loose dress
Pajamas
Flowing pants
Anything cozy
The goal is arriving with smooth, mark-free skin.
Remove Tags From New Lingerie
If you're bringing brand-new outfits, take the tags off before your session. Nothing ruins a gorgeous image faster than discovering a bright white tag peeking out from the back of a corset. Double-check everything before packing your bag.
Future-you will thank you.
Nails Matter More Than You Think
Your hands appear in a lot of boudoir images. More than most people realize. A fresh manicure and pedicure can make a huge difference, especially during close-up shots. I usually recommend neutral tones because they're timeless and coordinate beautifully with almost every outfit. Soft pinks, nudes, creams, and French tips are always a safe choice.
That said, if bold red nails make you feel like a million bucks, wear the red nails.
Confidence photographs beautifully.
What Should I Wear?
Probably the most common question I get.
And here's the good news:
You do not need an entire suitcase of lingerie.
During your styling consultation, we'll talk through your wardrobe options and what photographs best for your body, comfort level, and vision.
I also have a client closet available with:
Corsets
Draping fabrics
Statement pieces
Coats
Select props
Artistic styling elements
Sometimes a bodysuit is perfect. Sometimes an oversized sweater is perfect. Sometimes a dramatic fabric drape creates the most beautiful image of the entire session. There is no single right answer.
Make Sure It Actually Fits
Not the size you hope to wear next month. Not the corset that requires you to stop breathing. The pieces that fit your body right now.
Well-fitting garments photograph better, feel better, and help you move more comfortably throughout your session.
Your body is not the problem.
The wrong size is.
Hair and Makeup
Professional hair and makeup is available as an add-on and can absolutely elevate your experience. Many women love having that extra pampering before stepping in front of the camera. If you choose to do your own hair and makeup, keep it simple and practice your look beforehand.
Shoot day is not the day to test a brand-new contour technique you found online at midnight.
Please Eat Before Your Session
I'm serious.
Eat.
Posing is exercise. You'll be using muscles you forgot existed. Choose something healthy, balanced, and filling a couple of hours before your session. Avoid trying mystery foods or extra-spicy adventures that day.
We want energized.
Not bloated.
Avoid Alcohol the Day Before and Day Of
Alcohol can contribute to:
Puffiness
Dehydration
Red eyes
Tired-looking skin
Save the celebration for afterward.
You'll feel better and your body will thank you.
"But I'm Not Photogenic"
Ma'am. Being photogenic or not is not a thing. This is the job of your photographer, not you. You do not need modeling experience. You do not need to know your angles. You do not need to know what to do with your hands.
I will guide every single pose. Literally.
There is a very good chance you'll find me on the floor demonstrating poses right alongside you.
You'll hear things like:
"Move your elbow."
"Drop your shoulder."
"Point your toe."
"BABE LOOK AT YOU."
I got you.
"How Do I Hide My Stomach?"
Trust me, this is a normal fear because we all see imperfections we'd like to hide. I am very body-positive. I also respect boundaries.
If there are areas you don't want highlighted, tell me. We will work together to create images that make you feel confident and comfortable. Posing, lighting, wardrobe choices, camera angles, and professional retouching all play a role.
You are never expected to figure this out on your own.
Spend Some Time Looking at Yourself
This one might sound a little strange. Spend a few minutes looking at yourself in the mirror before your session.
Not to criticize yourself. Not to pick yourself apart. Just to see yourself. Most women spend years focusing on flaws instead of appreciating the whole picture.
Start noticing the things you love. The curve of your waist. Your smile. Your shoulders. Your eyes. Your strength. Your softness.
You don't have to love every single thing about your body to deserve beautiful photographs.
What Happens on Shoot Day?
You arrive. We laugh. We talk. You settle in. If you've added hair and makeup, you'll have time to relax and be pampered. We'll go through outfits. I'll guide every pose.
We'll create images that feel authentic to you.
Some clients want soft and romantic. Some want bold and powerful. Some want a little spice. Some want artistic implied images.
Some want all of the above.
There is no right way to do this. The experience is built around you.
Ready?
Whether you're celebrating a milestone, entering a new chapter, healing from an old one, turning 40, 50, or beyond, getting married, becoming a mother, or simply deciding you're done waiting for the "perfect time"—
You deserve to exist in photographs now.
Not after you lose weight. Not after life slows down. Not after confidence magically appears.
Now.
So babe, relax.
I got you.
If you're looking for a luxury boudoir photographer in Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, or one of my limited Las Vegas sessions, I'd love to help you create something incredible.
Your transformation starts with a conversation.
Let's chat.
