Flaunt It: How to Rock Your Boudoir Photoshoot with Confidence

Looking for a bold and unique gift for your partner but drawing a blank on ideas? Or maybe you’re feeling blah and need a little self-confidence boost? 

Today, we’re talking about all things boudoir photography!

Have you thought about doing a boudoir photoshoot and are ready to take the plunge? But feel a little camera-shy? 

Don’t stress – we’ve got the 411 to help you rock it and feel absolutely amazing.

What Is a Boudoir Photoshoot?

If you have no clue what a boudoir photoshoot is, here’s a quick recap: 

A boudoir photoshoot involves a photographer capturing romantic and intimate photos of you in a private setting, using poses that are both flattering and suggestive. The photos aim to highlight your beauty, figure, emotions, and femininity. You can use the pictures as a gift to captivate your partner, as a form of self-care, or as a major pick-me-up for your self-esteem.

For a boudoir shoot, you can wear:

• lingerie 
• sexy loungewear 
• be fully or partially nude with objects strategically placed to cover intimate areas (think bedsheets or hands). 

If you’re ready to book a boudoir photoshoot, let’s help you crush it with some helpful pointers: 

Tips To Help You Nail Your Boudoir Shoot

Here are Mentionables' five best tips for feeling like a bombshell when doing a boudoir photoshoot:

1. Choose the Right Photographer

Arguably, the most important detail for a successful boudoir photoshoot is choosing a seasoned photographer who knows their craft. They’re the ones behind the camera, working their trigger-finger magic to get the right angles, poses, and lighting – making you look ravishing. 

It’s so very important to pick someone that you feel comfortable with and can trust; after all, they will probably see more of you than most! Try to connect beforehand through phone calls, texts, DM’s, or a meet-up to get to know each other and see how well you get along. 

If you’re on the shy side and know that you’ll need lots of guidance, make sure to pick a photographer who’s comfortable giving directions and confident with posing. Check out their previous work and see how they pose different body types – is it always the same? Is there variety? 

PROTIP: We recommend choosing someone who is experienced but also collaborative so that together, you can achieve the exact aesthetic you want. 

2. Make a Plan With Your Photographer 

Once you’ve chosen your perfect photographer, carve out some time with them to plan out boudoir photoshoot ideas like:

• The location (photographers usually have a studio space for this but could do it in your home or place of choosing)
• What you want to wear
• The vibe and tone you desire (sweet, sultry, romantic, kinky, etc.)
• How you want your hair and makeup to look

While it's good to make decisions ahead of time, don’t forget to keep an open mind. There are always things that you just can’t plan for and will have to figure out as you go. That’s when having a great photographer you trust really comes in handy!

PROTIP: If you're shopping online for new pieces to wear, order in advance to make sure they arrive on time and to see if they’re a perfect fit for you.

3. Choose Lingerie That You Feel Best In

When selecting lingerie to wear for a boudoir photo shoot, choose a style that makes you look and feel amazing. The last thing you want during the shoot is to feel awkward and have to adjust your lingerie every time you move. Remember – if you’re uncomfortable, it’ll show in your pics! 

If you aren’t sure which lingerie styles to wear, ask your photographer for advice. 

PROTIP: Here at Mentionables, we’re proud of our expansive inventory of inclusive lingerie, designed to fit all shapes and sizes. Check out our lingerie style guide for tips on how to pick the right lingerie that brings out your best (and for your boudoir photoshoot).

4. Hydrate Starting A Few Weeks Before the Shoot 

Worried about not feeling your best or a surprise pimple showing up the morning of the shoot? 

Start drinking plenty of water (about 4-6 cups p/day) a few weeks before the shoot to ensure you’re refreshed on the big day. Drinking lots of water helps you stay hydrated for a long photo day. Plus, it helps keep your skin nice and clear as it flushes out toxins and bacteria. Fresh, dewy skin? Yes, please! 

PROTIP: It’s also best to avoid sugary drinks a few days before the shoot as they can contribute to breakouts. 

5. Get A Professional Tan and Hair/Makeup Done

A boudoir photoshoot is a great excuse to pamper yourself. But unless you're a YouTube beauty guru, it's best to leave the details to the pros for a flawless look.

We can confirm – spray tans are a game changer (if that’s your jam) in helping you feel radiant. Book your tan a few days before the shoot to allow time for any color adjustments and to prevent it from rubbing off on your lingerie.

Likewise, boudoir photoshoots can last hours – you need hair and makeup that holds up but also highlights your greatest features. Cosmetologists and hair stylists know all the tricks to keep hair perfectly coifed and makeup smudge-proof all day.

PROTIP: Check to see if your photographer offers complimentary hair and makeup services with your photo package or if they have some recommendations. 

6. Relax, Trust Your Photographer, and Accept Yourself

Know that your photographer is not going to give you unflattering pics; they are just as invested in your satisfaction as you are! 

Accept that your body is beautiful and that anyone can rock a boudoir photoshoot, especially with the right poses, lighting, and lingerie. We highly recommend spending some time a few weeks before the shoot reciting some positive affirmations (practicing in the mirror helps, too!). 

A few of our favorite phrases are:

Everyone has something they don’t like about their body, even supermodels. Know that it's okay to be nervous, but trust that once the photoshoot begins you’ll be rocking every inch of that lace. 

PROTIP: Try having a fun and flirty playlist going during the boudoir photoshoot to help you relax and get you in the sexy headspace. 

When To Do a Boudoir Photoshoot

So, when is a good time to do a boudoir photoshoot? The answer to that is anytime, but it also depends on why you’re doing it. Traditionally, many women do one as a gift to surprise their partner for:

• Birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Weddings
• Holidays 

Boudoir shoots are also an ideal gift for long-distance relationships or partners who travel often, as they can take the photos with them and keep the connection alive no matter where they are. 

However, if a boudoir shoot is part of your self-care routine, scheduling one whenever you feel like it is also a great reason to book that session you’ve been dreaming about.

How to Gift the Boudoir Photoshoot Pictures 

Ok, the boudoir photoshoot is over – now what? How do you gift the photos to your partner? 

We’ve got a few steamy ideas to spark your creativity:

1. You can discreetly leave a photobook or loose prints on his bed pillow while you change after date night.
2. If heading out for a girls’ trip, leave a special box of prints for him to discover and enjoy while you’re gone.
3. If it’s your wedding night, give him the photos to look through while you freshen up after a long day.
4. To be playful, hide prints or Polaroids in unexpected spots to surprise your partner. (Think a wallet, briefcase, or clipped to the inside of the sun visor of his car).
5. Share your photos through a private online gallery, allowing access to the pictures from anywhere but still keeping things discreet.
6. You can make the photos into a novelty item like a calendar, paperweight, or even retro viewfinders for his eyes only.

PROTIP: Choose a high-quality print service to ensure your photos look their best. 

Remember, A Boudoir Photoshoot Is About Celebrating You 

With these tips, you'll not only look amazing during your boudoir photoshoot but feel incredible, too. So go ahead, strike a sultry pose, and let your glowing confidence shine through every picture. 

And if you're looking for stunning lingerie to complete your look, check out Mentionables for a beautiful selection that’ll make you feel as fabulous as your boudoir photoshoot pics will be.