A Note About This Post & Its Messaging

Before you go further, I'd like to acknowledge that this post was written and created EARLY in my boudoir and body image journey. Following the notions of boudoir photographers before me, in a world of predominantly small/white women. I read a lot about "Flattering" outfits. Since then, I've learned to say Fuck Flattering. Flattering is what society taught us to make us appear smaller. Flattering is fatphobic. Please take this post with a grain of salt and as a way to brainstorm ideas and a way to take care of your outer appearance prior to your session.


A true INNER prep guide for my session really involves you being ready to go deeper than your looks, being able to allow yourself vulnerability, meeting me in the middle and accepting that these images won't make all your worries dissipate. I won't photoshop your rolls. I won't smooth away your stretch marks. I want you to be there as you during your shoot and after.


BUT that's a discussion for another blog post! Thank you for stopping by.


- Jess, Jan 2020

Bringing out Your Inner (and Outer) Goddess


If you’re here, you’re either considering a boudoir session OR have taken the leap and booked one! If it’s the latter of the two, then you may now be wondering what you have gotten yourself into and what you, yourself can do to have the best session EVER (other than having fun with it) Right? As your photographer, I’m here to ensure these photos reflect not only your outer beauty, but your true inner beauty as well! So much time, thought, and preparation goes into an intimate portrait session such as this, and it’s only natural to be overwhelmed or worried… but, keep reading! Below is my little guide to keep in mind what you can do to prepare for your “fresh photos with the bomb lighting” as Lizzo would say.

Wardrobe

  • Keep calm and bring what makes you FEEL amazing and in-turn, you will look amazing! Think, 1-3 outfits.
  • On the day of your session, try to wear comfy, loose clothing before and upon your arrival as to not leave any marks or indentations on your skin.
  • Accessories, props! Feel free to bring a few extra little things to your session such as your favourite cardigan, a silky robe, meaningful jewelry and socks/other hosiery. (I also tend to have a few coverups, comfies and fuzzy things handy!)
  • If you are bringing shoes to your session, give the soles a little clean-up as they may show in photos. (If you’re a size 8.5, I gotchu! We’re still building out little boudie wardrobe, other sizes and more coming soon)
  • If you have ANY doubts or IDEAS, email me!! I am but a message away and would love to know what your vision is. Better yet, call me and let’s schedule your in-person or zoom meeting planning sesh!


Hands & Feet


Your hands can be used in very sensual as well as creative ways, they will also be showing in most of your photographs. Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure (even a DIY one at home) before your session to make sure your digits and toes are looking their best. If you don’t wear polish, I do suggest at least a clear polish on your nails for a glossy feel. If you do wear polish, stick with more neutral tones. Nudes, burgundy, brown, etc… Unless we’re planning a very vibrant, vivacious shoot! If you’re wearing rings, bracelets, etc… please make sure they’re clean and looking their best! (This goes for earrings and necklaces as well)

Face & Skin


Hydration is key here! Make sure you’re drinking your water, especially the week of your shoot. Your skin will love it, love YOU and leave you looking refreshed. Exfoliating your body is a wonderful idea, but not necessary! If you choose to do so make sure to not irritate or redden the skin. It’s best to do this 2-3 days prior to your session.


For your face, why not treat yourself to a facial? Even one at home will leave your face glowing. I recommend not trying anything new if you know how your skin will react. Give it time to calm down if need be after your treatment.

Eyebrows, Tanning & Waxing, Oh My!


Remember, hair-removal of any kind is a personal choice! It’s entirely up to you how you want to express yourself and your body. If you choose to get your eyebrows, or elsewhere waxed, it’s recommended to do this a few days before your session to avoid redness and irritation in your images.


Protect yourself from the sun! You’ll want to avoid any burns before your session, as retouching of streaks, sunburns and tan lines are not included (in my sessions anyway, but that’s okay, some say tan lines are IN!)


For your session, I’d like to advise you do not use self-tanner as it significantly will not look natural on camera and add and orange tint to your skin. (NOT TO MENTION- it can get on my sheets.) This does go for regular tanning as well. If you go tanning, hold off at least one week before your session. Bring your body lotion with you to your shoot.

Hair & Makeup


My full session includes hair & makeup (But it isn't mandatory!) It’s helpful for my stylist if you arrive with clean, dry hair. If you’d like to style it before you arrive, light curls or waves give a nice bedroom vibe. If you have braids, big hair, no hair, we love it here! Anything goes.

As for your makeup, you can come barefaced if you’d like to be ‘au-naturel’ you or a simple eyeliner/mascara combo with your favourite lipstick will do! Sometimes, our makeup artist will ask you to come with just a foundation base, this is only to save on time for smaller events. As always, if you are unsure of colours of styling, get in touch or bring your lippies to the session and we can pick one out together.

Often times, I can do simple hair & makeup touchups from curls, to eyebrows and highlighter! (but unlike my glam squad, I am NOT a licensed makeup artist or cosmetologist of any kind)


(Glam squad bios to be added to our site soon! We may have room to grow as well <3)

More About Your Session


  • If makeup/hair is booked through me, arrive with a clean face and dry hair. Please let the makeup artist know if you have any sensitivities, and do bring some photo inspiration for your makeup look if you’d like.
  • Please be punctual! If you have makeup and hair included in your session, makeup alone can take up to an hour, with hair styling taking anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. Give us time to pamper you while you get glammed up! Our time together will also be approximately an hour and a half. Plan to be with us for about 4 hours!
  • If you arrive too early, we may be with another client. If you arrive late, that time will be deducted from your session.
  • Remember that to book your appointment, you must pay the session fee in full, it is non-refundable and due at time of booking your session.
  • Payment plans are available, please see our pricing page & contact me if you have any questions.
  • If you must reschedule, it is limited to one time, and the rescheduling cut-off is 1 week prior the shoot unless it is a special event. (Emergencies & other circumstances will be assessed on case by case basis).
  • No shows and last minute cancellations will not be refunded or rescheduled.