Stepping into a boudoir session for the first time can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. If you’ve never done anything like this before, it’s completely normal to have questions and to feel nervous. This guide will walk you through what happens before, during and after your shoot to help ease any concerns and ensure you’re fully prepared for an empowering experience.
Consultation and Planning Before booking your shoot, a consultation will be scheduled to discuss your vision, comfort level and goals. This is your opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and communicate any specific preferences or boundaries. Outfit choices, props and overall style will also be reviewed to align the session with your unique personality.
Preparation In the weeks leading up to your shoot, you’ll receive preparation tips to help you feel your best. These might include suggestions for skincare, hair removal (if desired) and what to bring. Outfits, shoes and accessories should be selected ahead of time to minimize stress on the day of the shoot. I’ll send you a list of my favorite wardrobe pieces to help you plan!
Many clients like to pamper themselves with a manicure, pedicure or even a facial leading up to their shoot. If makeup and hair services are included in your session, these will be coordinated for you.
Arrival and Setup On the day of your session, you’ll be welcomed into a private and comfortable environment. The space will already be prepped with flattering natural lighting, cozy furniture and anything else discussed during your consultation. You’ll have time to settle in, review the plan for the day and make yourself feel right at home.
Hair and Makeup (if included) If you opted for professional hair and makeup, this will be the first step. Relax and let the glam team enhance your natural beauty while you enjoy a bit of pampering.
The Photoshoot Once you’re camera-ready, the session will begin. Any initial nervousness will quickly fade as I gently guide you into each pose and movement. We’ll make lots of small talk, listen to the music of your choice in the background and you’ll get to hear my many (mostly terrible) jokes to keep the mood lighthearted and fun. Every pose we do will highlight your best features and ensure you feel confident and empowered.
Remember: boudoir photography is all about celebrating you. Whether you want to channel strength and confidence or a softer, romantic vibe, the atmosphere will remain supportive and judgment-free.
Photo Reveal Appointment After your session, you’ll be invited to a photo reveal appointment where you’ll see your photos for the first time (about 3-4 weeks after your session). A slideshow of some of the best images, set to music, will be presented to create a memorable and emotional experience. This moment is often filled with happy tears, “OMG THAT’S ME” reactions and plenty of jaws hitting the floor. Following the slideshow, you’ll have the chance to look through each image one by one and choose your favorites for albums, prints or wall art. This process is designed to be enjoyable, empowering and unforgettable—and selfishly, it’s one of my favorite parts, too, because I get to see your reaction firsthand!
Receiving Your Images After the photo reveal appointment, your photos will be delivered to you in a private online gallery plus any additional formats you selected, like a luxury album or custom prints. Seeing the finished images is often the most exciting part of the process. Don’t make any big plans for the rest of that day — You’ll probably be glued to your screen staring at all your gorgeous photos! 😉
A boudoir session is about so much more than photos—it’s an opportunity to celebrate your strength, beauty and individuality. By understanding what to expect before, during, and after the shoot, you can feel confident stepping into this transformative experience. Whether you’re booking for yourself or as a gift for someone special, know that you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Reach out to Ashley today and let's start planning the perfect photography experience for your wedding, boudoir or portrait session.
Email: ashley@artistrieco.com