Preparing For Your Intimate Boudoir Session

Session Guide

Norabloom

Intimate boudoir photography sessions with Norabloom focus on capturing your natural radiance in a way that is nurturing and feminine. I am inspired by fine art film and feminine energy, so my boudoir photographs have a soft, graceful feel. I use ethereal lighting and gentle hues so that the focus is on your lovely body, with no drama to detract from that. My style is very simple and is all about your natural beauty.

General Tips

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A few days before your session, I recommend you give yourself some pampering! This is a great time to indulge in a facial and mani-pedi so you have that finished, polished look and feel amazing. 

Prepare and pamper

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You are gorgeous, and I will help you pose in ways that flatter your specific figure. A great attitude goes a long way towards having a fabulous and upbeat experience.

Practice positive self-talk!

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Choose outfits you love and that will work well with a soft and feminine style. Light colors (white, cream, blush, pale blue, etc.) are perfect! If you’re having trouble with what to wear, don’t stress. I can do a completely versatile shoot with a single scarf or the bedsheets and it will be gorgeous!

Choose your outfit

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You are treating yourself to a luxurious and empowering experience, so be sure to enjoy every minute!

Remember to relax and have fun!

Since the focus of an intimate boudoir photography session is you and your beautiful body, you want to choose outfits that feel true to you and bring out your natural beauty. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose fun and feminine outfits that feel true to you and bring out your natural radiance.

What to Wear

Wardrobe Tips

Pastel colors are the perfect fit for my photographic style, so you will be happiest with softer hues that really make you glow!

Solid colors generally photograph best, so I recommend opting for solids over patterns. However, we can definitely incorporate one or two items with a floral print or another pattern you love. Just avoid anything too big and bold, as that will distract from your lovely body. If in doubt, just ask!

If you feel too limited with solids, another great way to add interest is to use pretty textures, like lace, to make your outfits more elegant or fun.

Colors & Patterns

Choose a style that is true to you and your personality. Lingerie is stunning, but it’s not the only option. An old favorite t-shirt paired with cheeky bottoms can be perfect too! This is about you and your authentic personality, not about being someone you aren't, so make your clothing choices accordingly.

Style

Remember, you want to show off your gorgeous figure, so form-fitting clothing is perfect! Keep in mind that form-fitting is not the same as tight. Avoid any clothing that will cause redness or leave indentations in your skin. (This is especially important with thigh-highs. If wearing these, be sure to buy a pair that is 1-2 sizes larger than specified for your measurements).

Fit

You’ll also need something to wear while my professional hair and makeup team gets you ready for your big debut. A light robe with no undergarments is great. (Be sure it’s light! That heavy winter robe might be cozy, but it might leave dimples in your skin or make you sweat—and it’s hard to do makeup when you’re sweating!

Getting Ready

Barefoot is beautiful—and perfect for boudoir photos! (Another reason I recommend treating yourself to a pedicure before your session!) High heels also look incredibly sexy. Choose a pair with a thin heel rather than a chunky one if you want to make your legs appear longer, and avoid anything with thick ankle straps or square toes. Shoes in a nude color also help to visually elongate the legs. And of course, don’t forget those tights!

Shoes

I recommend no jewelry for boudoir portraits, as jewelry can be distracting. However, if you do have a special piece you’d like to wear for some of your photos I am happy to accommodate that.

Jewelry

Additional Tips

Treating yourself to some new lingerie in preparation for your shoot? Here are a few of my favorite shops:

for Lingerie and Intimate Apparel

Favorite Shops

Need some inspiration?

A boudoir photoshoot is a powerful way to give yourself confidence and help you feel like a goddess! Every body is a beautiful body, and I focus on highlighting your natural radiance with flattering angles, soft light, and a comfortable and nurturing atmosphere. But if you struggle with certain parts of your body, you're not alone. 

One of the best ways to mentally prep for your boudoir session is just to practice positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you are a goddess! You are stunningly, jaw-droppingly beautiful! Focus on the parts of yourself that you love, and know that I will highlight all your best features in the most flattering way possible. 

If you feel a strong need to tell me what bothers you most about your body, just let me know by saying, “I love my ___, but my biggest insecurity is my ___.” I will be extra careful to play down any perceived flaws that you have. BUT I will also make it my challenge to take the best damn image featuring that part that bothers you and give you a newfound appreciation for it! 

Your Brand of Beautiful

Embracing

Beauty Prep

A few days before your shoot is the ideal time for a mani-pedi. Chipped polish is distracting, as are bold colors, so go for a natural, nude polish.

nails

Dry lips are very hard to fix! A few days before your session, use your toothbrush to make a few passes over your lips while you’re brushing your teeth. This will help shed dead skin. After that, apply a moisturizing lip balm. Repeat this each time you brush your teeth until the day of your session.

Lips

Supple is key for beautiful skin—and that means moisturizing! Be sure to moisturize your whole body at least twice a day for the week leading up to your shoot. Do not use tinted lotions or anything with color or sparkle. For a truly luxurious experience and great results, try Norabloom’s Safflower Body Butter. On this same note, absolutely NO spray tan or bronzers on your body. They photograph orange every time. Trust me on this!

Skin

Although a facial and mani-pedi is a great idea, now is not the time to spring for a new haircut. Hair looks best when it has grown in for at least a few weeks. Just arrive at the studio with clean, dry hair and Norabloom’s professional hair stylist will take care of the rest!

Hair

Norabloom’s intimate boudoir photography package includes professional makeup services, so all you have to do is come with clean skin!

makeup

It’s natural to be a little nervous before your session, but my goal is to make this a comfortable and empowering experience. If you are feeling nervous, just remember to deal with it in nurturing ways, like a bubble bath and yoga session, or a pampering facial and massage. Just remember, no alcohol! Hangovers are not beautiful.

Nerves

The poses we use will look effortless, but some of them might feel a little unnatural. Take a few minutes the morning of your shoot to gently stretch your arms, legs, hips, and back so you can ease into those sensuous poses without feeling discomfort.

Stretch

If you’re nervous about posing, don’t worry!

I have experience working with all body types and will make sure to show you exactly how to pose in the positions that best flatter your specific figure. A boudoir photoshoot is about making you feel bewitching and confident. As you embrace your body and your own brand of beauty, your boudoir portrait session will become an opportunity to relax, have fun, and feel totally stunning!

Embracing your beauty also means that you get to choose how risqué you want your images to be. If you are not comfortable disrobing in front of a photographer, that's okay! Beautiful and sexy poses are easily accomplished without removing all of your clothing. Some of the most beautiful poses still protect your modesty and can be incredibly alluring because they leave something to the imagination. I’ll guide you into poses that display only as much skin as you choose. It's very important to me to provide you with an experience that feels safe and empowered, so your comfort zone will always be respected in my studio.

Posing

& how much skin to show

Contact me

Let's plan your intimate boudoir session!

Are you ready to embrace your natural beauty and capture photos that highlight your natural radiance!

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