How To Prepare For Your Boudoir Photoshoot

Here are the most important things to remember:
1. Start ordering/buying your wardrobe now, if you haven't already. If you wait until the last minute, you will be stressed out. Lingerie shopping is like buying jeans, you sometimes have to try on MANY pairs until you find ones that fit perfectly.

2. Please TRY ON ALL lingerie! We cannot photoshop ill-fitting lingerie to make it fit properly. When things are too loose or too tight it will not be complimentary in pictures. Please do not bring loose nightgowns. In general, these are not flattering.

3. We will not photograph tops with no bottoms on because it just doesn't look right. We know it’s hard to find matching sets at some stores, but please have an idea what you want to wear together. Keep in mind, when colors are slightly off in person, this is exaggerated in images.

4. Please remove chipped nail polish and get a manicure. If you aren't the manicure type, then you can always get press on nails and arrive with them on.

5. Soft blush colors, French manicure, and neutral colors all look great on nails. Try to avoid bright nails, busy patterns, and tips that are dark. This will make you look like you have dirt under your nails.

6. Please don’t tan or spray tan before your shoot. The camera does not like spray tan/tanning, and you’ll end up looking orange in photos.

7. Please arrive with a clean face and DRY hair that was washed the day before. Please don’t wash your hair the morning of the shoot as it will hold styling better when not freshly washed. Remember the hair stylist cannot do elaborate styles, she has 1 hour to do both hair and make-up. However straight, curls, some up-dos, minimal styling of braids/locks can be done.

8. Bring 4 outfit choices with you (more is definitely ok)! It is better to have more options! Try to choose a variety of outfits (ex. not all bra and panty sets). Body suits look great, and you can find some great ones at H&M and Forever 21! We will shoot 4 outfits (unless your collection includes more looks). Please bring a variety of colors and accessories.
AGAIN- Don't bring all bra and panty sets. They are cute, but you don't want to look like a bra and panty fashion show. I would rather you bring four various bodysuits and shape wear than four bra and panty sets. :)

9. IF YOU ARE SELF CONSCIOUS ABOUT YOUR MIDDLE, DO NOT BRING ALL TWO-PIECE OUTFITS.

10. Bring a variety of heels (skin tone, black, and a fun color like red, pink, or blue). For shorter women...TALL HEELS. The longer the heel, the longer your legs. The higher/skinnier the heels the better. Avoid ankle straps on your heels. You will see the bottom of your heels in some pictures, so if they are old/worn, you will be able to tell. Avoid flower patterns or patterns in general. We don't want the focus to be your feet, we want to accentuate your legs.

11. Bring accessories (sports jerseys, your significant other’s work shirt or work hat, a silk robe, jewelry). Sometimes props just won't translate in pictures. If that is the case with your prop, we’ll let you know.

12. Please bring a robe to stay warm/cover up in between outfit changes (we also have a robe for your use).

13. If you are a bride, feel free to bring bridal lingerie, garter, veil. If you have your dress, feel free to bring it as well. We can use it for one or two shots. I know that’s a lot of work though, so not bringing it is totally ok!

14. Get lots of sleep the night before your session. Getting enough sleep will keep dark circles away.

15. Practice posing in front of your mirror. It may feel silly but practicing your “sultry” face will help you feel more comfortable the day of your shoot.

16. Do all your grooming a day prior to your shoot, especially if waxing.

17. Don’t try a new hairstyle or color the week of your shoot. Save anything drastic for after your shoot. PLEASE GET YOUR ROOTS DONE a week or so before your shoot.

18. We highly recommend coming to your shoot in a loose dress or yoga pants (loose fitting clothing). Jeans and other tight clothing will leave marks on your skin that will show up in portraits.

19. Remove all hair ties, watches, and fitness trackers from wrists prior to coming in for your shoot.

20. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early for your shoot.

21. Please don't be late, we have scheduled appointments after your shoot and so does our hair and makeup artist. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we will have to reschedule.

22. And just in case you are still reading and missed it up above - PLEASE EAT BEFORE YOUR SHOOT and absolutely EAT THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SHOOT.

23. Most importantly! RELAX! We will tell you everything to do! How to pose, where to look, where to put your hands and feet, even how to stand. All you have to do is arrive!
Please let us know if you have any last-minute questions or concerns!

Have you thought about booking your own shoot with Alan & Olivia? Download your complimentary Dream Shoot Planner by clicking HERE. It will tell you all about the experience and what to expect. I would love to chat with you! You can give me a call directly at 202-815-7501. You can also email us at alan@aroseportraits.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

WE'D LOVE TO PHOTOGRAPH YOU TOO! CONTACT US TO BOOK YOUR SHOOT!