5 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO FOR YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT Minneapolis Boudoir

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO FOR YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT

October 03, 20244 min read
Minneapolis Boudoir woman laying on couch in red lingerie

Boudoir photo shoots are an incredible way to celebrate yourself, boost your confidence, and create stunning, intimate portraits that reflect who you are. To ensure you look and feel your best, it's essential to prepare in advance. Here are five key things you should do to make your boudoir session amazing:

  1. Say No to Crazy Accessories (But One is Fine!)

    While accessories can add flair to your boudoir look, less is often more. Too many bold accessories can compete with each other and distract from your natural beauty in the photos. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear one statement piece! If you love the idea of wearing a crown or a pair of funky sunglasses, go for it—but just stick to one standout item. This allows your personality to shine through without overwhelming the image.

    Pro Tip: Balance is key. A bold accessory like a crown can look stunning if paired with simple, elegant lingerie or a natural look.

Minneapolis Boudoir woman laying on bed in white lingerie

2. Keep Your Makeup Simple and Natural

When it comes to boudoir makeup, you’ll want to aim for a look that enhances your natural beauty rather than something too over-the-top. On camera, makeup tends to appear more subtle than in real life, which is why a slightly stronger application than you're used to can still look natural in photos. Our professional makeup artist, Amy, specializes in creating natural, glowing looks that still pop on camera. Even if you’re not accustomed to wearing much makeup, trust that we’ll keep it flattering and appropriate for the session.

Why It Works: Strong but simple makeup will enhance your features without overpowering them. Even if it feels bold at first, it’ll translate beautifully in photos!

Minneapolis Boudoir woman posing on bed in white lingerie

3. Consider Your Hair, Teeth, Skin, and Nails

A little preparation goes a long way! Here are some key areas to focus on:

  • Hair: Opt for a style that feels true to your personality. Most clients love soft beach waves that flow naturally and look amazing in photos.

  • Teeth: You may want to whiten your teeth a few weeks before your session to brighten your smile.

  • Skin: We retouch your images to remove blemishes, but keeping your skin hydrated and clear before the shoot is always a good idea.

  • Nails: Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure if your hands and feet will be visible. A simple, neutral nail polish will complement any outfit and keep the focus on you.

Avoid: Don’t try a new or drastic hairstyle on the day of the shoot—it’s best to stick with what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Minneapolis Boudoir woman sitting on couch in black lingerie

4. Avoid Drastic Changes Right Before the Shoot

As tempting as it might be to switch things up before your boudoir shoot, it’s better to avoid any major appearance changes right before your session. Whether it's a spray tan, a significant haircut, or a drastic change in hair color, these alterations can leave you feeling less like yourself and impact your confidence during the shoot.

For example, if you’ve always had red hair and decide to go blonde right before your session, you may feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable with the change. Similarly, drastic changes like tanning can sometimes result in unnatural skin tones or uneven lines that may be difficult to retouch.

Play it Safe: Stick with your current look and save any big style experiments for after the shoot. If you're curious about a new hairstyle, try a wig first to see how it feels without committing to a permanent change.

Minneapolis Boudoir woman laying on floor in black and blue lingerie

5. Wear Outfits That Make You Feel Confident

Boudoir photography is all about empowerment and embracing who you are. The best way to feel confident in front of the camera is by choosing outfits that make you feel comfortable and empowered. Avoid any clothing that makes you feel self-conscious. If you’re fidgeting or uncomfortable in an outfit, it will show in your photos.

Consider pieces like high-waisted underwear, bodysuits, or even oversized shirts that offer both style and comfort. If you’re more daring, you can also choose to shoot with a simple, soft sheet, which can create a sensual and sophisticated look.

The Goal: Your comfort translates into confidence, and confidence is what makes your boudoir photos truly stunning.

Boudoir photography is an experience that’s all about embracing your beauty and having fun in the process. Preparing with these five simple tips ensures that you’ll not only look amazing but also feel confident and relaxed during your session. When you're ready to create beautiful, timeless images, reach out, and we’ll chat about how to make your boudoir session perfect for you!

Let’s get you into the studio and capture the empowered, gorgeous you! 💖

Owner and photographer of Belle Marie Boudoir located in Minneapolis, MN empowering women one session at a time.

Olivia Smith

Owner and photographer of Belle Marie Boudoir located in Minneapolis, MN empowering women one session at a time.

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Belle Marie Boudoir business owner portait

Hey there! I'm Olivia

I’m absolutely obsessed with empowering women through boudoir photography. For me, it's all about showing you how incredibly beautiful, confident, and fierce you truly are—just as you are! My studio is a space where you’ll feel celebrated, pampered, and totally you from the moment you walk in. So if you're ready to embrace your curves, feel like a total queen, and capture this amazing version of yourself, let’s start planning your dream session today so shoot me a message. I can't wait to help you see what I see—you're stunning!