What is Included in a Boudoir Photo Session?
Updated: Feb 27
If you're reading this, there's a chance you just booked your first boudoir session. Congrats! Or maybe you are looking for the perfect gift for someone special in your life. If that's the case, a boudoir shoot is a unique way to allow them to experience empowerment like they never have before. No matter the reason, I'm glad you're here to learn more about what to expect in a boudoir photo session. Every boudoir shoot is a little bit different, but I'm going to outline the 4 steps that every boudoir photographer follows.
Consultation
Whether this is your first boudoir session or your hundredth, it is always a good idea to start with a consultation. This allows you and your photographer to get to know each other better and gives you the opportunity to explain what you would like to get out of your experience. Are you putting together an album to gift to a fiancé? Are you celebrating a journey of healing or self-love? Whatever the occasion, a consultation will help both parties feel prepared and know exactly what to expect. You will also go over session details like location, time, and theme.
Hair & Makeup
Feeling glamorous is an integral part of every boudoir photo shoot. After all, it's not every day that you get to pose in front of a camera wearing your favorite lingerie! Not all photographers offer hair and makeup as part of their session package, so be sure to ask ad you may be responsible for proving this on your own. Lace Boudoir Photography in San Francisco is a photographer that invites you to sip champagne, as a professional hair and makeup stylist works their magic before your shoot. Don't skip this step, it makes all the difference!
Photo Shoot
Lights, camera, action! Once you've gotten ready, it's time to pick your first outfit and start posing. If you're not sure how to pose, don't worry - this is totally normal. Your photographer will help guide you through poses, and will even coach you on what facial expressions to make to get the perfect photos. Boudoir is not just for professional models, but by the time you leave your shoot, you will probably be feeling like one! Time to step into the confidence you deserve.
Ordering Session
Now that you've finished up your photo shoot, it's time for the best part. The reveal! Sit back and relax as your photographer showcases your photos. You get to pick which ones you want to keep forever, and which ones you never want to see again. They will then go over your ordering options. Do you want to put your photos in an album? Do you want to display them proudly in a book for your coffee table? Do you want digital files so that you can have access to your photos forever? There are so many fun and unique things to do with your photos and trust me, your photographer will have plenty of ideas. In about 3 weeks' time, you will have your images printed in the medium of your choice.
I hope this was informative and fun to read. If you'd like to learn more, I have created the ULTIMATE Boudoir Guide with even more information on what to expect when planning your boudoir session. You can download it for free right here.
Be sure to check out my business Lace Boudoir Photography if you ever find yourself in the San Francisco Bay Area. I would love to meet you and help you create a timeless gallery that you can look back on for years to come. Or, feel free to follow me on Instagram or Pinterest for boudoir inspiration of your own.