Guest Blog: 10 Things You Should Know if You're Thinking About Doing a Boudoir Session by Dana Laymon Photography

If you haven’t thought about doing a boudoir session for your wedding gift, you should! It’s a growing trend for brides and there’s no better time in your life or perfect reason to do one! What more could he want than sexy, beautiful images of his new wife?? Plus, if you have a lingerie shower, then you’re practically set! Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about doing a session:

1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
A boudoir session is not something that can be thrown together at the last minute. You need time to prep, shop, and have your photographer edit your images and have your gift ordered. On average, give yourself at least 8 weeks until the time you need your gift. This will give you time to schedule beauty appointments, shop for outfits and get your gift in time.

2. Find a Professional Photographer
This is the most important thing you can do when it comes to your session. The photographer will make or break your experience and you want to find the right one. And you especially want to hire a professional photographer who shoots boudoir. When searching for one, consider their style, pricing and packaging, product options, turnaround time on your gift, if they have a studio (where will your session take place), and do they have referrals or reviews you can see.

Dana Laymon Photography

3. Be Sure to Have Your Hair and Makeup Professionally Done
Most boudoir photographers include professional hair and makeup in their package. Doing a session is a big deal and you want to do it right. If it’s not offered in your package, then be sure to schedule those appointments for the day of your shoot. Makeup artists especially know how to do makeup for the camera and having your hair and makeup done completes the whole package. It will give you a boost of confidence that you’re going to want on that day!

​4. Determine Your Budget
Determining what your budget is and what you’re willing to spend on your groom may help you determine who you book as your photographer. Make sure you understand their pricing and all that is included in the package. Gifts can range from an album to a box of prints to wall art. The skies the limit! *Prepare to splurge a little*

Dana Laymon Photography

5. Don’t Buy Anything Unless You LOVE the Way You Look in it
You’re already going to be nervous and a little self-conscious so you need to love the way you look in your outfits and feel confident in them. Try to think outside of the box. You can wear anything and your photographer will know how to make it a sexy outfit! From lace tops to flannel shirts to jean shorts. Don’t feel like you have to wear a bra and underwear set if you don’t like your stomach or a thong if you don’t like thongs. Be you! Click here if you need more help on picking outfits for your session.
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6. Use This as an Excuse to Get Pampered!
Get your nails done, make waxing appointments, get a fresh cut and color! This is a great excuse to make all those beauty appointments you’ve been meaning to make. It will be worth it!

7. No spray tans!
Spray tans may look good to the naked eye but they do not translate well on camera. Avoid getting a spray tan if you can and let your beautiful skin shine through!

Dana Laymon Photography

8. Determine Your Style
What do you feel sexy in? What is your day-to-day style? How does your fiancé see you? What does he like? Anything goes when it comes to a boudoir session. You can show as much or as little skin as you want. The goal of the session is to also make sure you feel like yourself and that you’re happy with your images. Do you want the images in your album to all match the same style? Do you want to wear all neutral colors? Try to think about these things and knowing the will help you when you’re ready to start shopping.

9. Prep Your Outfits the Day Before
Once you’ve determined what you’re bringing to your session, be sure to remove all of the tags (even the ones meant to stay attached). Remember to even remove the stickers on the bottom of your shoes. And make sure your shoes are not too scuffed up on the bottoms since the bottoms of your shoes are commonly in the images. Do you want to wear jewelry or do you need to sneak one of his t-shirts in your bag? Try to get everything packed and ready days before your session so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

10. Communicate With Your Photographer
We love when you’re honest with us. Let us know about your insecurities, the style you’re trying to go for, or any scars you want retouched. We want to know all of this! You can also tell us of any images on Pinterest that you’d like to re-create, but try to keep an open mind and know that not all poses are meant for every person. A good photographer will let you know whether the image should be re-created or not. The more you communicate to us, the more we can tailor the experience to you!

Dana Laymon Photography

Thanks for hanging out with me today! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions about doing a boudoir session! You can email me or read more on my website at www.DanaLaymonPhotography.com.

Dana, we appreciate you taking time to write this guest blog for Knot Too Shabby Events! Stay tuned for more guest blogs coming soon!