Friday, March 13, 2009

How to prepare for your boudoir session

BOUDOIR PREPARATION

IT'S OKAY TO BE NERVOUS
If you’ve never participated in a photo shoot like this before, then a few fluttering butterflies in your stomach are to be expected. But even with the most nervous of clients, just 10 to 15 minutes in front of the camera is all it usually takes before a subject’s confidence level skyrockets and she’s posing like a supermodel! If you feel inclined, a cocktail or a glass of wine just prior to the session can help jumbled nerves. However, avoid getting tipsy. If you’re at all drunk, it will show in the photographs, and the drunk look is neither flattering nor sexy. Take a deep breath, relax, and trust your photographer. Embrace the experience and you’ll be having fun in no time!


WHAT'S YOUR FANCY?
As every lady's fancy is difference, It’s always a good idea to gather magazine clippings or Internet pictures showing examples of the type of posing, lighting, and editing styles you’d like to capture during your own boudoir photography session. If possible, forward these images to your photographer a few days prior to your session. This will help the photographer plan your shoot more efficiently so that when you arrive, your photographer can spend less time setting up equipment and moving sets around and more time clicking shots! Be sure to bring copies of these samples with you; print-outs make ideal quick reference material for use during the shoot.


MAKEUP AND HAIR
If you opt to have your hair and makeup professionally styled, Kensington Makeup Artists will make you camera ready, whether you want sexy smoky eyes or an all natural look! Even if you’re going for the natural look in your photos, properly applied foundation and blush can greatly enhance your look in the final photographs, and is worth the investment. We carry our own line of make-up, so don't bring your own unless you have particular allergies or sensitivities. If you come in with makeup on please avoid eyeliner & mascara.

Hair - Come in with your hair clean and dry and we'll style it to your satisfaction. A recent haircut and fresh hair color are suggested.


OH, WHAT TO WEAR?
Wear loose-fitting clothes to the session in order to reduce marks on the skin caused by tight bra straps or waistbands. It takes about an hour for marks caused by bra straps and waistbands to disappear. Drawstring pants and zip-up hoodies are ideal. Also, it’s a good idea to bring a robe to the session. Depending on your choice of lingerie (or choice to not wear lingerie) you might need to cover up between poses or during set changes.

Bring in 4 to 6 of your favorite outfits. Our background system does a wonderful job making every color look good on you. When choosing lingerie, form fitting, under wire and push-up styles make the best choice. Also for lingerie shoots, a black thong is necessary for certain poses.



Some ideas include:

* Cute and fun undies.
* Does he have a favorite sports team? If so a jersey from the team is always fun.
* Lingerie, corsets, stockings, garters, Boy shorts , etc.
* Jewellery - strands of pearls are always a hit!
* Swimwear, jeans, skirts can all be very useful.
* Robes and long jackets.
* Heels are always a winner.
* Costumes can be fun.
* Shear and thin tops and dresses. Maybe a wet t-shirt if that's your style.
* Anything that you feel sexy wearing.



BOUDOIR PREPARATION CHECKLIST

  • Research - gather magazine clippings or Internet pictures showing examples of the type of posing, lighting, and editing styles you’d like to capture during your own boudoir photography session.
  • Props - Be creative. Your photo session will be more personalized with the addition of special items of your own. Anything you or he collects or any sports you are active in make great props.
  • Outfits - Bring as many as you can! We'll help you choose the best for the different backgrounds and lighting.
  • A playful attitude!
  • Bring your Make-up, hair products, favorite jewelry and shoes.
  • Music CD's you love. We can use your music during your shoot...
  • Do your hair and makeup if you are not having it professionally done.
  • Paint all 20 nails and shave or wax pretty.
  • Eat a light meal before the shoot.
  • Cocktails and soft drinks












TAGS AND LABELS - PLEASE REMOVE
Please remove all tags from your lingerie and underwear (especially if it is see though or lace). These are an eye sore in your pictures and they take up your studio time if we have to remove them in the middle of your session. Tags and labels on your shoes (or on the bottom) are another item to remove before your session. Doing this before your session means your full time will be spent shooting and we'll get those amazing shots (without tags in the pictures).















UNWANTED HAIR
Shaving, waxing and other hair removal. In order to reduce the chance of razor burn on the day of the shoot, it’s best to shave the day before your session. If you must shave any areas the day of the shoot, be sure to soak or rinse your skin in warm water for at least 5 minutes first, use a moisturizing shaving gel and fresh razor blade, and take your time! Waxing the day of your session should also be avoided in case redness or irritation occurs. If you decide to wax prior to your session, allow at least 7-10 days between waxing and your photo session so that your skin enough time to recover should you experience a negative reaction to the wax. Also avoid any type of chemical hair removal, such as Nair or Veet, for at least 7 days prior to the session in case of irritation, burn, or discoloration. And if you’re undergoing laser hair removal, avoid having a laser treatment on the same day as your session.














NO TANNERS, PLEASE
Do not get a spray-on tan or use any self-tanning or bronzing lotions on the day of the session, as these will discolor the backdrops, sheets, chaise lounge, cloth wraps, and/or your clothes used in your shots. Spray-on tans or bronzing lotions should only be used on days prior to the session. Do not use any body make-up on the day of the session for these same reasons. If you have any bruises, scrapes, scars, or other areas of concern, we can take care of them all with our Premium Editing Services.







ARRIVE ON TIME

Time is of the essence, especially during group sessions when you’re sharing camera time with friends. It’s important not to be late to your session. It’s also important to be no more than 5 minutes away from stepping in front of the camera. Some shots are perfect at first click; others take a lot of adjusting—pose changes, lighting or camera settings, even wardrobe changes—to get it exactly right. The more time you allow yourself to have in front of the camera, the better your images will be and the more you’ll have to choose from at final selection.








Brides for Brides Photography is Arizona's premier boudoir studio. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, our modern boudoir studio is the perfect atmosphere to take your boudoir photos for your wedding day present, for his birthday, anniversary, or just because!

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