13 things that might worry you about a boudoir session
A boudoir photoshoot is an intimate and vulnerable experience, and it’s possible that some things might worry you about your boudoir session before, during, or after. This blog post is to tell you about the things that are 100% normal, and it will help ease your mind as you prepare to “bare it all.”
13 things that might worry you about a boudoir session!
The awkward feeling when you’ve just pooped and now you have to shimmy into a thong or go nude on white sheets.
We’ve stocked the bathroom with booty wipes. Use as many as you feel comfortable with. Take a couple into the dressing room if you want to refresh between each outfit just in case. Just don’t flush them down the toilet. Our toilet has actually geysered before.
Well, shoot, I started my period.
We’ve stocked the bathroom for you (see a theme?). We have a few different types of tampons, and you can utilize the wipes as often as you need. Yes, we have had leaks on our white sheets, but that’s what bleach is for. Or, we’ll just buy new ones. No biggie.
A shaving wound opened up and won’t stop bleeding over everything
The first time this happened, we had to wait it out awkwardly. Now, we have an alum block to help stop the bleeding plus (what seems like) a million different bandaid options.
Crying at random times throughout the day — it’s totally normal
Feel those feelings. We’re here to help you through them and not rush the process. You may be caught off guard at how emotional you feel when you see your makeup for the first time, or see yourself in the mirror while reading the affirmations we’ve put there, or when you feel frustrated that you don’t feel like you’re doing the poses “right”. Some people cry when they see their images. Some will cry when they tell us their “why” of why they came in that day. Some will cry when they have to leave because they don’t want it to end.
When you’re doing something outside of your comfort zone, let the feelings flow and don’t minimize or shrink or hide. You have nothing to be embarrassed about.
Body odor, pregnancy hormones that shift your scent, or any other worries about smelling funky.
Our bodies are weird. There’s nothing to feel embarrassed about. All bodies have unique scents and it doesn’t make a difference to us. You are welcome to use baby wipes or deodorant — try and avoid covering up scents with perfume.
Medical devices.
Yay for those things keeping you alive! Our first question is, do you want to celebrate it, or minimize it in photographs? We will respect your decision either way because our #1 priority is that you feel comfortable in our space. We will give you as many breaks as you need to take care of what your body needs. You are never an inconvenience.
I’ve got a LOT of body hair (and don’t know what to do with it!)
We all have it. Some people have more hair than others. Some clients opt to shave or wax before their photo sessions because it makes them feel more comfortable, but it is not at all required. Body hair does not negatively impact your photographs, whether on your legs, armpits, arms, back, booty, face, toes, or pubic region.
I have scars.
Internal and external, amiright? Life sure can be tough on our bodies. Do you want to showcase your scars, hide them in posing, or photoshop them away? It’s a discussion we’ll have before and after your photo session.
Acne, and not just the kind on my face. (Or extreme redness)
Remember when I said bodies are weird? I know how frustrating it can be when you feel like you’re fighting with keeping acne under control I’ve seen acne, redness, and razor burn on almost every body part. You’re not alone if you have acne on your booty. You can decide to cover it with underwear, or opt for a more retouched image so that your red bumps aren’t the first thing you see. PCOS can cause extreme blotchiness and redness. We do combat some of this with makeup, but I will even it out the best I can in photoshop.
I have fluctuating energy levels or flexibility restrictions
These are things to bring up in your consultation and questionnaire, and I will also ask before we start a photo session what your restrictions, injuries, or sensitivities are. We encourage you to speak up for yourself throughout the entire process if you’re tired, uncomfortable, in pain, or need a snack.
Wigs, naturally curly hair, thinning hair, grey hairs, or hair that can’t hold a curl no matter how much hairspray is used.
There is an unrealistic expectation in the beauty industry that we should all have thick, luscious, shiny hair that does exactly what we want every day until the day we die. But, we get older, or go through extreme life and health changes, we may never look like the doctored advertisements selling us miracle products.
We have photographed wigs and hair extensions (and can style them but we need prior conversation about it). We have brought in hair stylists that understand natural Black hair. We have a root spray that can cover small amounts of grow-out. A brimmed hat is something you are welcome to bring in if you wear them every day.
This experience is meant to help you see your beauty as you are now, from head to toe. No matter what is on your head or if you’re missing toenails (*ahem,* Christina).
My body isn’t camera ready.
Book your photo session for 6 months to a year out. No matter if you’ve gained or lost the desired weight, show up for your photo session. If you wait around until you’re ready, you’ll never do it. Jump in, trust the process. We work towards body positivity, but body neutrality is crucial to work towards first. We’ve found that clothing that fits your body as it is now is waaayyy more important than how your body looks.
I have *insert thing here* I’d like to be photoshopped out, can you do that?
Absolutely. Mention it to me after you’ve selected your favorite images, we’ll make a note, and I’ll minimize it to the best of my ability.
If you want to learn more about the photo shoot experience or have a concern that wasn’t addressed in this blog, email or text me!
