SO YOU'RE THINKING OF DOING BOUDOIR: Tips for Your First Shoot

So you're thinking of doing a Boudoir Shoot. But you are nervous and don't know if you're up for it. I TOTALLY understand, and I'm here to first of all tell you, you TOTALLY can rock this out. Also, I want to share my best tips with you! As a 40 year old mom of 2, I just shot with Exotic Hawaii Shoots this past week, and I'm breaking down how I got ready for the day and what you can do to make sure you have a great experience!

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WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR SHOOT

You'll want to book your photoshoot at least 2-4 weeks in advance. There's nothing like feeling rushed an unprepared for such a special and timeless event! Here are two things that I think are important to do at least 2 weeks before your shoot.

1) Meet Your Photographer!

Whether it's in person, online, or over the phone, getting to read the vibe of your photographer is important. You want to feel comfortable and trust the individual who will be capturing you in such a personal way. It's also important that you are on the same page as to what the shoot will include, what style you're going for, any limitations you want to express, and map out expectations. Take this opportunity to ask questions, ask for advice, or get their experience, so that you develop a sense of comfortability before your shoot.

What I loved about working with Mikhaila of Exotic Hawaii Shoots is that she's a female, first of all. It's WAY more comforting to be vulnerable in front of a female photographer, in my opinion.  Second, Mikhaila has experience in photography and modeling, so she has a knowledge of lighting, posing, and angles. She was an excellent coach, as I was very unsure of myself and nervous. She would show me ways to pose, or angle my body for me. She even showed me a few shots as we went along, which made me feel pleased and excited about the experience and I got so much more comfortable! Lastly, Mikhaila has an exquisite eye for detail! She will catch hair out of place, or something in the background so that the picture comes out flawless.

2) Select Your Attire
What you're wearing is going to make a big difference in how beautiful and confident you feel during your shoot. Which will be evident in your photos. Choose items that make you feel gorgeous, sexy, powerful, or whatever mood you want to capture most. 
You could wear lingerie, swim, a sweater, crop top...really it's up to you. 
Making sure you feel good, and items fit well before you shoot will help you stress less during your photoshoot.

As a momma who doesn't feel super comfortable showing a lot of skin, I want to share with you links to some affordable lingerie items I've purchased off Amazon that I would recommend. These are pictured in my own Boudoir Shoot (except I wore a blue button down instead of the white)

Strappy Chemise Baby Doll $13.99
Eyelash Lace Bodysuit $17.99
One Piece Fishnet Teddy with Bow $16.99
Silk Robe $14.99
White Button Down $23.99

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1 WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR SHOOT

A week before your shoot, you will have nailed down location and time. Plan to have the space clean and clear of clutter. If shooting in your own home, make sure loose items are away, your bedding is neutral and not a busy print. 
Make any appointments for hair, makeup, nails, or tanning. Whatever makes you feel most beautiful!
Two days before my shoot, I did my own version of fasting. I wanted to ensure I wasn't bloated or overly puffy from things like carbs and alcohol. So if doing any healthy regimen in advance will help you feel most confident, plan for that!

But please don't stress! Boudoir is meant to celebrate your body and your beauty. At any age, at any size! I did NOT diet to lose loads of pounds for my photoshoot. I just did a little cleansing a few days in advance because I had been indulgent the weekend before. Fall in love with your femininity, curves, and sensuality momma! Women are made so beautifully.
And sexiness doesn't come from looks, it comes from confidence!

​So do and wear what makes you feel that way. 

DAY OF THE SHOOT

The day of the shoot my photographer confirmed with me. To get HYPED for the day I played a bomb playlist, of music that made me feel sexy and empowered. I made myself a a mimosa and made sure I was fresh, shaved, and did my own hair and makeup.

It's highly recommended to get your hair and makeup professionally done for a shoot like this. Exotic Hawaii Shoots includes hair and makeup in their Boudoir Package so your photos come out incredibly!

The room was clean and outfits were set out, as well as any props we wanted to use, like a white sheet, heels, jewelry, and some make up items.

When Mikhaila arrived, she assessed the room and set up her lighting. I'll tell you, I was super nervous but Mikhaila had me start with outfits that covered me the most. As we went along, I was less nervous, and more comfortable, so then we moved on to outfits that were more revealing. By the end, I was 100% comfortable and having a BLAST!!

It felt like a party, and I was the Queen. 

Once in a Lifetime

I would encourage every mama to do a shoot of herself at least once in her lifetime. One of my all time favorite quotes is "Life is an occasion, Rise to it"
Today is the youngest you'll ever be. 

I LOVE that I had the opportunity to capture myself at 40 years old. This is a gift to You. You partner will love these photos. But more than anything, the experience will be a once in a lifetime chance for you to be a model in all your glory, sis.  No one else has to see the photos if you choose. I share mine because I hope to inspire other women and mothers to celebrate themselves. We deserve to feel beautiful at any age. 

Exotic Hawaii Shoots was fantastic to work with. Photos are edited to to help smooth and highlight your best angles. Mikhaila provides a guide for you in advance with outfits ideas and poses if you need tips. I had a Pinterest Board saved of ideas I liked. She's easy to communicate with and gently guides you so you look your best.

Let  me know if you've ever done Boudoir and how your experience was! If you read this and book a Valentines Shoot Special with Exotic Shoots Hawaii, contact me here, and I'll send you a full size Beautycounter gift as a celebration gift!