So you've booked your boudoir photoshoot


or you are thinking about. Well first let me just say if you haven't booked yet, do it! It is so much fun, so empowering and really makes you feel like a completely different person when you are finished. I have created here a list of things that will help you prepare for your boudoir photoshoot. So whether you are in debating or you are already in planning mode, I hope this will help put your mind at ease.

Boudoir prep timeline.

Hair & makeup.


Most boudoir photographers, myself included, offer professional hair & makeup with their sessions. I love including this service as it really brings together the full experience & is a real stress reliever for you the day of. If hair & makeup is not included, you should definitely book your appointment as soon as you book your boudoir shoot. Especially if your shoot is during wedding season (May to October), get in there. A great place to search hair & makeup artists in your area is Instagram or Facebook. For example: Riverside makeup artist or Riverside HMUA. When booking your appointment ask the artist if they are willing to travel. They may be able to come to you at home or at the photography studio.


Here are a couple great hair & makeup artists in Southern California

@TiffanySontag - Rancho Cucamonga

@Makeup_by_gloww - Palm Springs are

@hairandmakeupbytrishaa - Palm Springs area

Waxing or shaving.


Are you planning to wax before your photoshoot? Have you waxed before? You should definitely figure out which would be the best option for you. If neither of these is your option that is totally fine too, this is your shoot. If you are waxing, I would search for waxing near and find a place you feel comfortable. But do it soon so you can get in there. Just like hair & makeup, make sure you prepare if it is a popular time, like summer. Also, make sure you are waxing at least 4 days before your session, this will ensure that any irritation or redness should go away. You do not want to show up with bumps or redness to your photoshoot.



Here are a couple great waxers here in Southern California

@Thatwaxbabe - Apple Valley area

@Browsby_liz - Mission Viejo area

One month

  1. Start looking at what type of lingerie you want to wear. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to try these pieces on and make sure they fit to your body nicely. You do not want to wear lingerie that is too small or too big for you, as this is not flattering. Give yourself time to send back and get new if you have to.
  2. Talk with your photographer and see if they have an idea of what you should wear. Create a Pinterest board and go shopping. This is one of the best parts!

Two weeks


  1. Figure out how you would like your nails, hair & makeup. You want to feel your best and be confident in your photoshoot. Use Pinterest to help you create a look to show your stylists. Check out my Pinterest board here!
  2. If you are coloring your hair, do this now. Just in case something happens you can change it. You may not like the color or maybe you need to do it again. Whatever it is, it is best to have it fixed a couple weeks before. Plus, this will give you time to adjust to your new color.

One week


  1. Drink plenty of water. Drinking lots of carbonated beverages before your photoshoot will cause you to feel bloated and your skin to be lack luster. Drinking water will keep your skin hydrated. This is help your skin look more radiant and also help you feel amazing.
  2. Eat healthfully. Lots of veggies and fruits are a good way to go. Try to avoid carbs, but if you can't (I feel ya) just eat in moderation. Either way, make sure to avoid overeating.
  3. This is the time to make sure that you get waxed if you are going to. There is nothing worse than having redness and bumps from waxing, especially if you're in lingerie or a swim suit.

Day before your shoot

  1. Make sure any tags are removed from your outfits.
  2. Treat yourself to a mani/pedi
  3. Drink lots of water! Your skin will thank you!!

The day of!


  1. Make sure you eat a hearty but light breakfast. Eat something that will help your body fight any bloating but keep you full for a while.
  2. Plan for any traffic that may occur. Better to be early than to arrive late. Your photographer may only book one session per day, but your makeup artist may have other appointments to attend.
  3. Arrive early to go through your items, finish signing any contracts and give yourself an opportunity to check out any products your photography may have on display.

Interested in a boudoir session?


Let's plan! Just fill this out and we can get to planning your shoot!