What Actually Happens During A Boudoir Session: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide | San Diego Boudoir Photographer
Inside the boudoir studio experience
Many women tell me, “I want to book… but I have no idea what actually happens during a session.”
If that’s you, you’re not alone.
A boudoir experience with me is equal parts photography, self-reflection, emotional release, and celebration. This post walks you through exactly what you can expect from the moment you walk into the studio until you leave with a full heart.
1. Before You Arrive
You receive a personalized style guide and prep guide with:
• Wardrobe options - your customized style guide built and curated just for you to shop from or use as inspiration
• Makeup + hair prep
• How to pack your bag / outfits
• What to wear to the session + what to bring with you
• How to send me pose / image inspiration
This helps you walk in already feeling grounded.
2. When you walk into the studio
The studio is run out of my home intentionally and with good reason. Privacy + safety (yes) but also because I want the studio to feel like an extension of myself. My home has the most beautiful natural daylight and is decorated and curated with beautiful hand picked vintage furniture that carries a timeless energy and vibe as well.
It is designed to be soft, warm, and inviting. Soft, clean bed linens, curated textures, fresh flowers, candles- a space that allows you to breathe.
When you arrive and set down your things, we will go over your outfits, posing and we’ll talk through your comfort level. I will explain start to finish what to expect from me throughout the session and how I will guide you through every single pose. At this point, you’ll start to feel less nervous and more “at home”.
3. WE START SLOWLY
I guide every pose — nothing is left for you to figure out. You don’t need modeling experience. You don’t need to know angles. That’s my job, not yours.
We intentionally start with poses that feel the most natural and comfortable. I will focus on the details; ensuring your lingerie is placed perfectly and style for the pose, that your hands are placed where they need to be, and I’ll guide you on where to look and remind you to breathe. I always say, if you can take direction or follow along, you can do this.
Before we even begin, we go over what poses you want and what you’re sure you don’t want. Remember, this is your session. I am here to meet you where you are at and help you feel incredible from the inside so that it shines on the outside.
4. When the magic happens
You begin to soften. You forget about your insecurities. You start laughing, moving freely, taking up space.
This is usually where women say, “I can’t believe this is me.”
5. AFTER THE SESSION
After your session, we’ll sit down and I’ll walk you through how you’ll view your images later that day. YES. You get access to view your images on the same day as your session. Your private, online gallery is where you’ll be selecting the images I will edit based on which package you booked. Once you’ve made your selections, I begin the editing.
Everything is edited with intention — no over-processing. No overly smooth skin. No body modifications. Why? Because you don’t need that.
Just the most honest, beautiful version of you.
Boudoir is so much more than photos.
It’s a reclamation. The edited images are proof of your hard work and the strength and confidence you had within you to do something hard and scary.
ready to join us?
If you’re feeling the call to book your session + see for yourself, I am inviting you to inquire below - that’s all you have to do! Tell me about yourself, your “why” and I’ll lead you from here. No pressure, no worries, no stress.
See you soon??