BOUDOIR SESSIONS are some of my absolute favorite! In this post I am going to share with you some Boudoir Session tips, answer some frequently asked questions, and give you my two cents as to why I feel like everyone should experience a Boudoir Session at least once! Buckle up because here we gooooo!

Below are some Boudoir Session TIPS to keep in mind:

1.) I feel like it’s always important to find a photographer that you connect with for ANY kind of session you’re doing – but especially for something like a Boudoir Session. Do you follow them on social media and love watching their stories? Do you think to yourself, “Wow, I would totally hang out with this person!” Or have you seen reviews from other’s who have worked with said photographer? Do a bit of research and find a photographer who you not only adore their work, but could see yourself really enjoying working with! It can make a big difference! 🙂

2.) Come to your session in comfy, loose clothing! To me a comfy outfit is yoga pants, a sports bra, and a shirt! The downside to yoga pants and bras in general are the marks it can leave on your skin. I recommend coming in something like sweat pants, a baggy sweater, and no bra. Marks from waistbands and straps can be edited out most of the time, but just in case it’s better to come in something loose!

3.) Be very careful with self tanners and spray tans. A lot of times tanners end up darker on our hands and feet – AND there can be streaks. All of this is really difficult to edit out so I say pass on the self tanners and spray tans. My edits are fairly warm so there’s a good chance you’ll look a little tan anyway! 🙂

4.) If you’re doing one of my full Boudoir Weekend Events come to your session with a clean face! These sessions come with make up by a talented licensed MUA which is SO fun, but it’s helpful to come with nothing on your face. Think about what kind of skin type you have and if you have any allergies. Two important things your MUA will want to know! It’s also very helpful if you come with an idea of the kind of look you’d like to go for! Pinterest has a lot of great ideas and a lot of MUA’s have social media. Check out their social media and save a few photos you absolutely love! If you’ve booked an individual Boudoir Session I have MUAs I can recommend!

5.) Do you have certain songs that make you feel AMAZING? I always have a good playlist playing while you’re getting dolled up and during your session, but if you have certain songs you love let me know! I’ll gladly make you your own playlist!

6.) Be prepared for your lower back and abs to be a little sore after your session and the following day or two! There are a few things I tell you before your session and one of them is to keep that booty popped and natural “S” shape in every single pose. Many women have said it felt like a good yoga workout. Stretching before your session can be helpful too to warm up your muscles and body!

7.) If you have areas of your body that you’re self conscious about that is totally okay! These sessions are meant to completely embrace YOU – the skin that you’re in – and to celebrate how far your body has taken you in this life! There are certain things that can be done (poses, placement of hands, etc.) to help you feel more comfortable, but just remember the story your body tells! It’s gotten you to this point and that’s TOTALLY worth celebrating!

8.) Do you have a special coffee cup, blanket, or sign? If you have any props that you would like to incorporate into your session please fill free to bring those!

Below I answer some questions that have been asked about Boudoir Sessions:

1.) How are the photos shared? Can they be kept private? First of all, ABSOLUTELY! If you want your photos kept private that’s totally fine! I have a private Facebook group for each Boudoir Event I do. This is a private place where the ladies from that weekend can join, and also a spot I post sneak peeks. If you don’t want your sneak peeks posted in the private group I can email them to you! I also have a release form that I have you look over before your session that gives you several different options as to how you want your photos to be shared, or not shared! 🙂

2.) Are the photos in color or black and white? How are they delivered? The awesome thing about Boudoir Sessions is you get the photos in color AND black and white! Boudoir always looks so great in both so I give you both! The photos are delivered to your email in an online gallery where you have access to download them all!

3.) Can the photos be made into a little mini book? For sure! I offer a few different album sizes, but the most popular one for Boudoir Sessions is the 5×5 black leather album. It comes with 20 pages/10 spreads and you can choose which photos you’d like to be in it. I then design the album, send you a video to get your approval, and then submit it to be printed!

4.) What if I don’t have a significant other? To be honest, I would say 50% of the ladies who do a Boudoir Session are doing it for themselves and not a significant other. They are doing the session to feel beautiful and to celebrate a milestone (a birthday, anniversary, weight loss journey, overcoming self image challenges, etc.) You definitely don’t have to have a significant other to do a Boudoir Session. You are meant to be celebrated here, now, and ALWAYS!

5.) I’m super self conscious and SUPER nervous! How do I do a session? A lot of women are very nervous when they show up to get their make up done. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about something like a Boudoir Session because for a lot of people it’s completely out of their comfort zone. The make up artist and I are there to support you, cheer you on, and be your biggest encouragers and supporters. There is also music playing, yummy drinks available if you need a little liquid courage, and a private atmosphere to help you feel safe. When women finish their session I have heard things like, “WOW! I would do that again in a heart beat!” “That was so much better than I thought it was going to be!” “I appreciate you so much for hyping me up and talking to me throughout the session. You made me feel so comfortable!”

6.) Do I have to wear lingerie? Heck no! You can wear whatever you want! It is kind of fun to get out of your comfort zone though! I’ve seen a little bit of everything. Some ideas are: cozy sweaters, significant other’s button up shirt, sports jerseys, sports bra with boy shorts, Star Wars t-shirts, robes, velvet capes, etc. I have a Pinterest Board that I send to everyone who signs up for a Boudoir Session too! I always let you bring a few different outfits so you can always do different looks. I also recommend starting in the outfit you feel most comfortable in and then working your way to your least comfortable. Below are just some ideas that ladies have brought!

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So you’ve made it this far and now you’re wondering WHY someone should do a Boudoir Session! Well, here are my two cents!

1.) As a gift for their significant other. Many bride to be’s will do a Boudoir Session and make their other half a mini book to give to them as a wedding gift! I have had other ladies come and do the session as a gift for an anniversary, a gift for their soldier, or because they want to give their significant other a surprise gift!

2.) To celebrate a weight loss journey! As someone who has experienced their own 100lb weight loss journey I absolutely LOVE when other’s want to celebrate their accomplishment by doing a Boudoir Session. PROPS TO YOU!

3.) A Mama who wants to celebrate having children! I have had several Mamas come to me wanting to do a Boudoir Session to celebrate their bodies for bringing another life into the world! It’s a great way to truly embrace your body and give it major kudos for the amazing things it can do!

4.) LAST BUT NOT LEAST – you don’t need a reason to CELEBRATE YOU!! Do a Boudoir Session just because! It’s an amazing experience, you walk away feeling empowered, and you get to see just how beautiful you are inside and out! It’s truly a great gift for yourself!

I wanted to end this with a few reviews of past Boudoir ladies just to give you an idea of what other’s are saying about their experience!

“I was so excited and nervous going into the shoot…and the night before, nervous was winning! But when I got there, I was immediately put at ease. The make up artist and Felicia both are so supportive, professional, and good at what they do! During the shoot, it was easy to follow Felicia’s directions and she always let me know when I was nailing it, which kept encouraging me to loosen up and really center myself down in my sexiness. She showed me a few snaps as she went, and seeing myself transformed like that for the camera was incredibly empowering! I loved the experience, start to finish. Thank you so much!”

“It’s kind of hard to find the right words, but I’ve never felt so empowered and beautiful in my life. I’m so glad I pushed through the nerves and just did it, but I know it was only because of you. You are so kind and supportive. I knew you would make it a positive experience!”

“First of all my session was so much fun! I was super nervous about even doing it in the first place, but I am so glad I didn’t talk myself out of it! You made it so easy! I would say to anyone who is on the fence about doing a Boudoir Session….JUST DO IT!”

“Loved this experience! I’ve always wanted to do a session like this and you guys made it so fun! The music, atmosphere, and just how happy you both were to be there. Thank you for coaching me through it and making me feel like a Queen! So much fun! Would recommend to anyone! Especially from you guys! Thanks again for making me feel beautiful, cannot wait to see them!”

“I can not thank you enough for providing such a fun, safe, encouraging environment for these photos. After years of marriage, kids, and now grandchildren it felt so very empowering to not only do these, but being confident in doing them and being excited to present them to my husband. Thank you again!”

I hope this post was helpful and you consider doing a Boudoir Session one day! There really is nothing quite like the experience! If you have any questions please feel free to ask me and contact me here if you are saying to yourself, “I’M READY!” 🙂

Want to see more? Check out my Instagram Boudoir Highlight section on my Instagram profile here!

All my best,

Felicia – Feedle Bee Photography