Essential Prep for Your Boudoir Photoshoot | Pro Guide

Boudoir Photographer: Brittany Schnell

I’ve been preparing for my Boudoir Photoshoot in Spearfish and have learned that there are many things you can do to ensure success at your Boudoir Photoshoot. Here’s the basic check list that we will dive into deeper through this blog post:

Snow Boudoir Photoshoot

Snow Boudoir Photoshoot

The Checklist

  • Wardrobe (loose clothing is better than tight clothing- tight clothes can create muffin tops!)

  • Wear loose fitting clothes to the shoot to avoid creases on your skin)

  • Touch up or remove nail polish

  • No spray tans

  • Moisturize everything from head to toe- EVERYTHING

  • Groom everything from head to toe- eyebrows, upper lip, arm pits, bikini, legs- groom it how you prefer!

A special thank you to Barbra Downen at Mist & Moonlight from Rapid City, South Dakota for the list above!


Barbra is going to be at the February 18th photoshoot in Spearfish. Stop by her website to learn more about her! Message me to book your place at the Boudoir Photoshoot!


Now, Let’s dive deeper into each point. Everything counts at your boudoir session!!

Barbra Dowen of Mist & Moonlight, Photo from https://www.mistandmoonlight.com/

Barbra Dowen of Mist & Moonlight, Photo from https://www.mistandmoonlight.com/

Camera Ready Lingerie

  • Try your lingerie on. Check the pieces that are tight. Is it too tight? Clothes that are too tight can actually add pounds! If you need to size up or down, size up!

  • Does your outfit have tags? Cut them off! You won’t want them showing in your photos.

  • Keep everything wrinkle free by laying everything flat or bringing every outfit on it’s own hanger.

Green Strappy Bralette Snow Photoshoot

Green Strappy Bralette Snow Photoshoot

Sheer Red Dress Boudoir Photoshoot

Sheer Red Dress Boudoir Photoshoot

Give Your Sexy Hair A Boost!

  • I recommend getting your hair trimmed, toned and touched up by your stylist before your session. Don’t let grown out roots or stay hairs invade your session! If you are coloring your hair, stick to a color you are comfortable with and know works with your hair. You want to feel and look like yourself during your session, to keep that in mind while visiting the stylist.

  • If your hair is super stubborn and doesn’t like to hold hair styles, wash your hair one day before the session and use dry shampoo the day of your session. Dry shampoo will give your hair texture and volume.

  • If you are wearing extensions, I recommend styling them the night before to save you or your stylist time before the shoot!

Pamper Yourself With A Mani/Pedi

  • Your hands and toes will be in many of your photos. Don’t let chipped nail polish storm your session!!

  • Moisturize your hands and feet, especially if you have callouses.

  • For a classic look, opt for light & natural colors. French tip, white, pale pink, and all shades of nude are perfect classic colors.

  • If you are looking for a bold and sassy look, opt for shades of red. There are thousands of gorgeous tones. Cherry red, ruby red and deep red are among my favorites.

  • Bright colors can play off your playful side while pastel shades will give you a softer touch.

  • Go glam with glitters and other designs!!

Groom, Hydrate And Plump Your Skin

  • It’s no secret that water is skin’s most effective brightener. Make sure you drink lots of water leading up to your session.

  • Groom everything!! From your head to your toes- eyebrows, lip, chin, arms, legs, bikini even the top of your feet. Grooming doesn’t necessarily mean removing all the hair- it means making it the most clean and presentable it can be.

  • Exfoliate!

  • Moisturizer or body oil can make your skin go from dull to delight in moments. So moisturize everything!! Oil is great, but keep your location in mind.

Follow my Boudoir Instagram: @Brittanyography_Boudoir