How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session: Confidence, Style & Mindset Tips | San Diego Boudoir Photographer
Preparing for Your Boudoir Session | Style & Mindset Guide | San Diego Boudoir Photographer
A boudoir session is more than a photo shoot — it’s an act of self-love. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, gifting something special, or simply honoring your body and confidence, preparation helps you feel grounded and radiant on the day of your session.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what to wear, how to prepare your body and mind, and how to walk into your session feeling unstoppable.
1. Cultivate the Right Mindset
Your mindset sets the tone for your entire boudoir experience.
It’s normal to feel a little nervous. The key is to shift from self-critique to self-celebration. And I am here to help you!
Remember your “why.” Are you doing this to celebrate growth, confidence, or love? Anchor into that intention.
Release perfection. You don’t need to “look” a certain way. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s authenticity.
Trust your photographer. A great boudoir photographer (me) knows how to guide you, pour confidence into you, and lift you up, pose to pose.
💡 Pro tip: In the days leading up to your session, take a few moments each morning to say something kind to yourself in the mirror. It helps rewire how you see yourself.
2. What to Wear: Style Tips for Your Boudoir Session
Your wardrobe helps tell your story — choose pieces that make you feel powerful, sensual, or soft, depending on your vibe.
I can’t tell you how many women come to me for their sessions and say “I have no idea what to wear or where to shop.”
When you book a session with me, I will walk you through all of this through a custom style guide where I pull looks for you, in your size, colors and styles you love and package it all together into a shopping guide. My goal is to take the hard work off your plate and introduce you to some amazing brands and styles you might not even realized were out there!
Lingerie + Outfit Ideas
Classic: Black lace bodysuit, silk robe, or matching bra + panty set.
Playful: Oversized shirt, cozy sweater, or denim jacket.
Personal: Partner’s shirt, your favorite perfume, or a meaningful piece of jewelry.
Color Guide
Neutrals: timeless + elegant
Black: bold, strong, mysterious
White or ivory: soft and romantic
Red or burgundy: fiery and confident
Earth tones: warm and natural
It’s not your job to guess and stress - let me help you with your outfits and take the pressure and stress of you.
3. Physical Prep Tips
A few small details can make a big difference in how comfortable and confident you feel:
Hydrate + moisturize the night before.
Avoid tight clothing before your session (no elastic marks!).
Bring touch-up essentials: lipstick, hairbrush, and water.
Sleep well and eat something light before your shoot — you’ll need energy to shine.
💋 Optional add-ons: Professional hair + makeup can elevate your confidence and ensure you look flawless on camera.
4. The Day of Your Session
When you arrive, take a deep breath. This is your time. You’re in a safe, supportive space designed to help you feel your most authentic self.
During the shoot:
Follow my guidance — we’ll talk about posing, what to expect from me, the vibe you’re inspired by, etc. I got you.
Laugh, stretch, and move — let yourself be. My goal is to help you embody the most natural version of yourself. I am your biggest cheerleader and I want to see you shine from the inside out.
Focus on how you feel, not how you think you look.
5. AFTER YOUR SESSION
You did it — celebrate! This experience isn’t just about the photos; it’s about seeing yourself with fresh eyes. Many clients say their boudoir session completely transforms how they feel about their bodies.
Take some time afterward to reflect on your experience — journal, take yourself out, or plan a self-care evening. You deserve it.
About 2 hours after your session, I will send you a secure online gallery to review your images and start making your selections. This is where you will see all your hard work pay off and the bravery it took to do something vulnerable for yourself.
You are amazing and I am so proud of you.