How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Shoot
I don’t know how carefully you’ve been following along with my blog, but one of my goals for 2014 was to do a bourdoir shoot. Or maybe you’re like my mother (or maybe you are my mother) and you’ve been avoiding that fact. Well, I had my boudoir shoot May 31 in Austin with the so incredibly nice and talented Jenni, owner of J. Noel Photography in Austin, TX and you know what, it went wonderfully.
On trying to be healthy
I was actually shocked at how much this shoot actually occupied my brain. I booked it 4 months in advance and decided that I wouldn’t actually think about it until 1 month ahead of time. There are some people in the world who really love working out, being in shape, and eating really healthy all the time – I’m not that person. However, I knew that I could handle a month. One month of eating healthy and working out. I started running a mile every day, lifting three pound weights (and goodness gracious those things were incredibly heavy – and caused a few problems going through TSA security), and I gave up sweet tea for the month of May. Giving up sweet tea might not sound like much, but it was just the right amount of I’m going to be healthy for me. It felt like I was in control of things. Also, I was surprised to find out that when I started running some of my dessert cravings disappeared.
On my clothing style
Jenni reached out to me beforehand and gave me plenty of details and tips. It was her idea for me to make a Pinterest board. It was through this board that I was reminded of my love of black and white photography and close up shots. She made me feel incredibly comfortable weeks in advance, and told me to take some time trying a few faces in the mirror, and gave me some tips about places to search for lingerie. I looked at Urban Outfitters, Free People, Anthropologie, Victoria’s Secret, Aerie, and more in search of an outfit that I thought was me. I ended up buying a $60 bra from Victoria Secret that was light pink. I took it home. I tried it on in the mirror again – and then I tried on a few bras that I already owned. I realized that I liked my $15 3-year-old black bra from Marshalls significantly better and returned the bra soon after. I did decide to splurge on a $12 pair of panties from Victoria Secret though.
On my makeup style
Also, I ended up deciding to go natural when it came to makeup and hair. I couldn’t fathom doing a shoot with straight hair because curly hair is just so much fun. Also, I still remember very clearly how right after I got ready after Junior Prom – blonde highlights, straight hair, tight up-do, fake curls, a face covered in foundation, caked on eye makeup, and more – that I felt so so uncomfortable. That look works for some people, but it just didn’t feel right for me, so I knew I didn’t want to chance it again – especially when it was my money at risk this time (sorry mom and dad). I put on a very thin layer of lipstick, a thin line of eyeliner, one coat of mascara, painted my nails a light pink, and painted my nose the same color as the rest of my face and called it a day.
On my hair
This one actually all came together 2 weeks before my shoot. I took a chance on a new hair studio in Philadelphia, Rapunzel’s, and can I say – I seriously could. not. be. happier. with the results. Sure, the cut was good – a trim with long layers, but really pushed the experience over the top was a stylist named Marcos. He has curly hair too. He told me more about curly hair in my first 3 minutes in that studio than anyone ever has before, and not just any curly hair, my curly hair. I walked out of salon, bought a leave-in condition, repeated the steps he told me and IT WORKED. I was able to repeat the same style I got in the salon. Here’s the trick that worked for my hair. Put in a leave-in conditioner while your hair is wet, brush it through, then put in your product, then brush it through again, then scrunch. Exact details and products vary depending on the person, but goodness gracious, if you live in Philadelphia and have curly hair. Go. See. Marcos.
On choosing my photographer
I could not be happier with my photographer choice. I considered doing the shoot in Philadelphia, but I don’t actually know anybody in Philadelphia. I looked into a few places based on recommendations and found that the quality just wasn’t what I expected. Lucky for me, Jenni was running a special back in February and I thought to myself – I plan on going to Austin this year anyway, why not do my shoot down there with somebody that I know and trust and love her work. She was great about contacting me beforehand, giving me some tips beforehand, telling me exact directions for how to get to her studio, told me not to worry about random bug bites or bruises, and even brought me champagne for the shoot. Not only that, but I felt completely comfortable from the second I walked in the room. I don’t have my entire gallery yet, but let me tell you, based on the few shots I have seen so far, I am so excited to see the rest. Here’s (a cropped-version) of one of my favorites.
On my choice to do a boudoir shoot
This was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. It forced me to get into some good habits and to be healthier – even if it’s just for a month. Whether it’s getting myself out of bed (once I’m already in it) to wash my face or paying more attention to how my body looks and feels – these little changes in my life definitely made a difference. I’m excited to see how many of them continue in the month of June.
I created a list of steps for you in case you’re interested in doing a boudoir shoot as well. Things that you should do one month away, one week away, the day of, and a minute before you get in front of the camera.
