Hi, Friend!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I am so excited that you have decided to do a boudoir session and I can’t wait to work with you! It’s normal to be a little nervous or cautious when it comes to your session, but I’m hoping that this guide will help clear up any concerns or questions that you may have going into this session.
First, I understand the level of trust that goes into participating in an experience like this, and your privacy is my number one priority. Whenever I pick up my camera, I strive to create beautiful images that will also have an incredible experience attached.
My boudoir style prioritizes sensuality over sexuality by using painted light and photographing details that bring a breathtaking sense of intimacy. I also believe in empowering females and with every boudoir shoot I aim to boost your self-confidence and make you feel completely beautiful inside and out.
Please let me know if you have any questions and don’t hesitate to reach out: courtney@creativeninetythree.com
I am here to you!
- courtney
Keep an open mind, fully commit, and we’re going to have a lot of fun! At first, you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera in your underwear, but I know at the end of the session you will say that you had fun.
While you read through this guide, please let me know if you have any questions that are not covered on the guide!
you
A letter TO
If you are looking to give your groom a book on your wedding day, I suggest giving yourself at least 10 weeks before your wedding to make sure it is there on the day of. That way you can be at ease and not stress about getting it completed in time. However, if you are within that time frame already, I can turn out your photos and an album within 2.5 weeks with the Rush Fees that is offered in my pricing.
On another note, boudoir sessions are always done indoors, so the best time for a photoshoot is when it is still nice and bright outside. The really soft light that is almost painterly cannot be mimicked by an artificial flash, so when choosing a time, it’s best to start well before the sun goes down.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
Locations
indianapolis & birmingham LOCATIONS
When it comes to choosing a location for your boudoir session, hotel rooms are the first thought that comes to mind. The best locations are the ones with great light and clean décor and white bedding. Any colorful or patterned bedding is going to be distracting and could likely reflect and alter your skin tone.
If you are in the Indianapolis area, I have a home studio that I am happy to share. Otherwise, I would love to explore local hotel options to find a great fit for your session. If you think your home could be a good location, I would love to see photos of your space so we could discuss the options. *Also, always request a higher floor for privacy if you book a hotel.*
My Home Studio
The Hotel Carmichael
Ironworks Hotel
Le Meridien
The Alexander
JW Marriott – no red accents
The Westin
indianapolis
Grand Bohemian Hotel
Redmont Hotel
Hotel Indigo – most neutral decor
birmingham
The above locations are all beautiful, but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my clients.
During your boudoir session, I will definitely grab some detail shots of your hands and your engagement/wedding ring(s). If possible, please try to have your engagement ring professionally cleaned by your jeweler, but if you cannot, here is a way you can clean it yourself. To clean your ring at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes, then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush. If it still looks dirty, rinse and repeat.
Ring Cleaning
Note: When I clean my ring at home it usually will dry with spots on it. To resolve that, I place it on a wash cloth and use my hairdryer. Be careful if you use the heat setting. Your ring will be hot to the touch, so wait a few minutes before putting it back on.
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When choosing your boudoir outfits, it’s the most important that you choose something that you are completely confident in. If you are confident in your outfit and think you look good, it will show in your face and in your images.
For boudoir specifically, I recommend having at least three outfits you want to shoot in and you can always bring backups as well. I like to recommend a variety of styles and colors. Even if you are doing a “bridal” boudoir shoot, don’t be afraid to include color.
My standard checklist would include: one or two bodysuits, one or two bra & underwear sets, and a nice robe. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories. Especially for a boudoir shoot, I recommend very minimal jewelry. For example, simple pearl or diamond studs, and your engagement/wedding ring(s). Less is much more in this case.
However, other accessories are highly recommended. These can include, but not limited to: a garter belt, stockings, veil, bridal garter, your heels, dainty hair pieces, more than one robe, anything tulle or lace.
Pinterest Board – Boudoir Session Outfit Ideas
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I have found that a bodysuit or teddy photographs extremely well, as well as high waisted underwear for the shots where you are facing me head on. But there are really no wrong answers when it comes to outfits, it’s all about personal preference. Having a variety of styles to shoot in will give you many different looks and images.
I do recommend when searching for outfits, don’t be afraid to buy sheer pieces. There are many ways to cover intimate body parts with posing if you wish. Another option if you are very modest is to look into purchasing slip like dresses or rompers that have pretty lace details. Those will photograph just as beautifully.
Another great outfit option is your birthday suit. While this might sound really scary, remember the goal is sensuality over sexuality. I am not into the Playboy showing off all the goods just staring you in the face, but the curve of your back or booty without any fabric can be beautiful and tasteful. You will see some sample images in the Pinterest board I have listed above. Also, I want to mention, I would never have you do something that I wouldn’t do myself or put you in an uncomfortable spot. This is where the feel of the shoot and open communication comes into play!
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
personal care
MANICURE
Outfits
for the bedroom
For boudoir shoots, I highly recommend wearing the least amount of jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, big earring can become distracting. I recommend wearing simple stud earrings, such as classic pearls or diamonds.
Other accessories are also highly recommended. These can include, but not limited to: a garter belt, stockings, veil, bridal garter, heels, dainty hair pieces, more than one robe, anything tulle or lace.
With that being said, I love shooting new elements if you have anything else in mind that you want to add to your shoot!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
personal care
MANICURE
Outfits
for the bedroom
find it fast
Places to Shop:
Nordstrom
Shopbop
Victoria’s Secret
Girl & A Serious Dream
The Lace Atelier
Anthropologie & BHLDN
Free People
ASOS
Favorite Shops
Brands:
Bluebella
Fleur du Mal
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
personal care
MANICURE
Outfits
for the bedroom
Here are my favorite shops and brands that will hopefully give you a starting point when it comes to shopping for your boudoir outfits. There are so many great places to shop. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
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This applies to spray or self-tanning, shaving and waxing.
Your personal hygiene is completely your business, but I highly recommend shaving either the morning of, or the day before your session.
Another thing to note is any sort of tanning. If you choose to do spray tanning or self-tanning, be cautious with any streaking or extra pigmentation around the fingers and knuckles.
personal care
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
personal care
MANICURE
Outfits
for the bedroom
find it fast
Details are a huge part in boudoir. There will definitely be times during your session that I will be shooting your hands and your engagement/wedding ring(s). Which means, it’s a great idea to have your nails cleaned up before your session. I would also recommend a pedicure since you will more than likely be barefoot for the entire session.
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
personal care
MANICURE
Outfits
for the bedroom
find it fast
Props
When it comes to props for a boudoir session, we usually are talking about candles, candlesticks, and/or some sort of floral arrangement. This can be a table arrangement for a nightstand, a bouquet to lay on the bed or for you to hold if you want to mimic the photos like they were shot on your wedding day, or just some loose roses or rose petals that we can spread on the sheets. It really depends on the type of look you are going for during the session.
The more “romantic” you want to go with your shoot, the more we can dress up the location with these types of details. Going over props is something we will talk about in our first conversation, when we discuss what you’re looking to get out of the session.
Romanic details to enhance your session
When it comes to posing for your boudoir session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I will guide you through the entire process. On the day of, right after we discuss outfits, I will walk you through a couple of posing tips that I have learned from my own experience and while working with clients.
I am going to tell you that a lot of it will feel unnatural at first, and you will probably get an ab workout during of the session, but it’s worth creating beautiful images. However, if I ask you to do something that feels way too out of your element, we will definitely change course.
This is also where the line of sensual verses sexual comes into play. I will guide you through sensual poses that are tasteful, but how intense the poses get is completely up to you. I will follow your lead and help direct you as well.
Throughout your session, I will also keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure everything is staying in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your experience!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
As soon as possible after your session, I will upload your digital files and/or ship your film off to my lab in Oregon if I shot any film. It normally takes them about 10 business days to send the digital files back to me. Then, it will take me another week to edit your images. Unless I have a holiday close by, you can expect to receive your engagement photos between 4 and 5 weeks after your session in your online gallery, fully ready for print.
When to Expect Your Images
albums
If you are looking to create a book of your boudoir session photos, I have plenty of album options that you can choose from. I have listed out an album option with my first collection, but the style can always be modified.
These high quality and professionally designed albums come in a variety of materials & colors. These are beautiful and timeless, lay perfectly flat and look incredible. This album will beautifully hold your photos. Not to mention for this specific type of shoot, I can request an all-female staff to put together your album and I completely control the uploads and where the files go.
If you were to create an album on your own, you will have to upload the files on the album creating site, and you do not know who is seeing your images while putting your album together and if they are fully gone once deleted. I chose this printer because I trust them with my clients!
album information
You made it! Thank you for taking the time to read through my boudoir guide! I can’t wait to start planning and getting to know you even more. If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I’m here for you. I hope this guide makes planning all of your boudoir details much easier and eases your mind. I can’t wait to see you soon! xx
THANK YOU!
@2022 Ninety Three Creative