Preparing for Your Boudoir Photography Session

After making the decision to schedule your boudoir photography session it's time to start preparing. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the best boudoir portraits.

1. Makeup

It is strongly recommended to hire a professional makeup artist. It will add to the overall cost of the boudoir portraits but will be well worth it in the long run. You may find that some boudoir photographers include a professional makeup artist in your boudoir package. And others photographers will be able refer you to a makeup artist.

Remember to allow at least 30 - 45 minutes if you're having your make up applied or an hour and a half if you are having your hair styled as well.

If you choose to do your makeup yourself here are a couple of pointers:

- Eye makeup and blush should be fairly heavily applied. Try and be neat and precise. Boudoir photography tends to be unforgiving.
- Don't use frosted lipstick! It appears too light in photographs.
- Keep eye shadow a shade lighter than normal to accentuate your eyes.
- Lipstick should be at least a shade deeper, particularly if you have dark hair or are going to wear dark clothing.
- Use powder based make-up to maintain a matte finish on your skin.

Clothing and Props

Boudoir, or erotic photography, is often associated with nudity or lingerie. As a matter of fact, a lot of men find their wives dressed as it's also known in their gear to be more attractive than dressing in lingerie. Naturally you should to stick with something you are comfortable with.

The choice of props and clothing for your boudoir portraits are literally endless. Some interesting possibilities are:

His favorite sports team jersey, some tools of his trade, his uniform or a favorite button down shirt. Or maybe something a little more classy like a slinky cocktail dress, a fur coat, a blouse, gloves and hats and of course the old favorites stockings and high heels.

Perhaps sexy choices like a bodystocking, colorful panties and bra, boy shorts, way too tight cut-offs - actually anything tight and anything transparent! If you have any tasteful photographic nudes you want to copy, bring the photos along. Non traditional items are also very effective for boudoir photography.

Some goodies are a bath robe or towel, tight shorts, biker shorts, tight or short tank tops, tees with rips or holes, anything leather, scarves, mini skirts, your slumming at home outfit, boxer shorts, the tools of your trade, workout outfit, cowboy boots and hat, and anything he has given you.

Some great ideas for boudoir portrait props include most home or romantic items, flowers, sun glasses, scarves, beads, wine glasses or teddy bears. Try and consider your choice of these items from his perspective. This is a gift for him after all. Don't be afraid to be daring and creative.

When thinking boudoir, don't forget about the details, check for labels on new items and look out for tears or holes, unless you want them there, of course!

Boudoir photography takes a bit of planning and time. So consider these other tips for your big day.

Relax.

Have something light to eat before the shoot and try and have a bottle of water or juice handy. If you feel a little nervous, ask your sister or girlfriend to sit in with you. You could even split the session with them!

Manage your time.

There is nothing that ruins the atmosphere of boudoir photography quicker than being stressed. Leave yourself enough time to have your hair and makeup done and to get home in good time to complete any last minute errands.

Try to wear loose fitting clothes that don't leave marks.

These take awhile to clear and can waste valuable time. Button up shirts will leave your makeup and hair intact and clear deodorants allow for a larger range of the poses that make for great boudoir portraits.

For His Eyes Only

Taking boudoir portraits is a great gift for the man in your life, it's for his eyes only. And just remember, boudoir photography is erotic, glamor, and naughty all rolled up into one...have fun!