Everything you need to know BEFORE your boudoir shoot

So you’re thinking about booking a boudoir session? This blog post is a great place to start if you’re feeling nervous, overwhelmed or unsure of how to start preparing.

First off, a boudoir session is a treat to yourself so get ready to treat yourself like the QUEEN you are! Treat yourself to a mani-pedi (at home or at a salon) but avoid getting waxed or a professional facial 2-3 days before, as sometimes it can cause redness or blotchiness on your skin. If you are someone who gets a lot of dark circles under your eyes (like me), my tip for you is nice and simple- put two spoons in your freezer the night before your session. The next morning, apply some pressure and slowly glide the spoon underneath your eyes from the innermost part (by your nose) to the outer part (near your ear). This will help drain fluid built up underneath your eye, and the coldness will help reduce the puffiness.

No matter what size you are, avoid wearing anything tight that will leave strap lines on your skin, or will leave lines on your legs – like tight jeans, and even some leggings. This is especially important if you are bringing multiple outfits, we do not want to see indents from the previous outfit. I love when clients bring multiple outfits to sessions, it is a great way to add some variety to your photos, especially when you mix up the types of lingerie (two piece, bodysuit, half clothes, half lingerie, fully exposed, etc.)!

You can never have too many accessories! If you have any jewelry you love, or multiple heels that you would like to incorporate, go ahead and bring it all! We have sheets, scarves, blankets, and even some body jewelry available in the studio for photos as well. Flowers also make a beautiful prop for boudoir photos!

I would love to take a moment to discuss colors! I have a questionnaire that I send out to all of my boudoir clients. One of the questions is what color do you associate sexiness with? A majority of the answers have been black and red, and GURLLLLL I AM HERE FOR IT! I loooove the moody and sexy look of black and red, but there’s also something so pure, innocent and angelic about white lingerie! These three colors always photograph well and look amazing with my editing style. In the end, you can choose whatever colors makes you feel good. 

Here’s some frequently asked questions: 

Do you provide outfits, or do I need to get my own lingerie? 

I do not provide any lingerie, but I have some suggestions of places to buy your outfits! If you are planning to buy an outfit for your shoot (which is not necessarily required), be sure to invest in an outfit that makes you feel sexy, and comfortable and shows off your favorite features. Nasty Gal is a perfect site for all them nasty gals out there (sized XXS- XXL). They are US based, and the sizing is true to size (but always be sure to double check the size chart)! They are also very well known for their dresses, so while you’re shopping be sure to take a peek at their dresses, and maybe treat yourself to a new item to add to your closet. Another great option for price and style is ASOS, but make sure to allow a few weeks for shipping. AdoreMe has a lot of very elegant and beautiful sets and lingerie for any occasion, and any body size! Similar to Fabletics, you can sign up to become a VIP and get your first set for 25$ 😉 (but remember to cancel before you get charged next month!). For the beautiful curvy women out there, Torrid is a great choice for some plus size lingerie sets, bras, and clothing in general! Another tip for my plus sized ladies, is to buy high waisted bottoms and body suits, and bring a cardigan or pashmina you love to pair with it! Lastly, the best outfit can sometimes be no outfit at all. We love to have our ladies tastefully exposed- wether that be covered up by flowers, a sheet, or some type of prop, we are here to embrace your inner naked goddess. We have some beautiful accessories (body jewelry) on the way for you to use to add some sparkle to your outfit. You are always welcome and encouraged to send us your outfit choices, and we are more than happy to help you choose the perfect fit for you, your body, and your session. 

Another reminder for my lovely ladies is to cut your tags off your lingerie before you arrive. Be sure to put them somewhere safe so you can remember how to properly care for your clothes.

Where will our session take place?

We are so proud to announce the opening of Photodelphia Studio, a boutique photo studio based in University City, Philadelphia. Our address is 512 N 40th St, Philadelphia and sessions are by appointment only. We have multiple unique accent walls, original hardwood floors, and a few backdrops for you to choose from (one of them being a green screen so we can make any background color your heart desires! However, if you would like to do your session in your own home, or somewhere else (airbnb, hotel, somewhere outdoors, or another studio), we can arrange that as well! 

Will my photos be posted online/social media? 

I would never post any photos without written consent from you! Your privacy and comfort is my number one concern! I make sure all of my clients sign a contract before the session, and if you would prefer to keep your photos to yourself, that is completely fine! Let us know, and we will be sure to include that in your contract. We also have a private boudoir instagram account for our clients, and women only that I post some photos in, feel free to let us know if you would or would not like to be featured. Clients are not tagged in any boudoir photos posted online.

Will my photos be retouched? 

Every photo that you receive will be carefully edited by your photographer. We generally remove any visible acme, and acne scarring because we want you to look at these photos and see how beautiful you are, not your small temporary imperfections! We can lightly edit cellulite and stretch marks to be less prominent or not show at all (depending on the amount). For women with severe stretch marks or cellulite, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to edit them out, but we can smooth the skin so it is not the first thing you see when you look at your photos. At Photodelphia, we encourage all our ladies to love themself, and love their bodies. Sessions with us are full of positive affirmations and self-love talk. We will also pose and position you in ways that show off your curves and your body without you feeling self conscious! 

Do I have to do my own hair and makeup? 

You are more than welcome to do your own makeup, or you can add-on professional hair and makeup services to your package. We partner with GLOSS, an amazing Philly based team of makeup and hair artists. If you are interested in having someone come in and do your makeup be sure to mention this to your photographer at least 2-3 weeks prior, so we have enough time to plan and schedule. 

Can I bring my friend with me? 

Boudoir sessions with me are a very intimate and exciting experience at Photodelphia. We love that you want to bring a friend along for the experience. If bringing a friend with you will make you feel more comfortable, then you are more than welcome to (or your significant other if he wants to hop in for a few spicy photos). We will be sure to send you a sneak peek of your photos within a few days after your session, and you can share them with whomever you choose!

When will I get my photos? 

All of my clients receive a sneak peek with 10+ of the best photos within 2-4 days of your session. We deliver the full gallery within 2-6 weeks of your session date. As many of our reviews state, we usually return your photos to you as quick as possible because we are just as excited as you to finish your photos!  

Are you ready to feel your best and jam out to some empowering music? Every session includes snacks and a drink of your choice (champagne, wine, beer, coffee, etc.). We don’t want to party too much to the point where we get droopy, or bloodshot eyes, but enough to let loose, have some fun, and feel good! If this sounds like the perfect day of self love to you, you can schedule a session here! Once we receive your inquiry, we will send you our list of packages and a summary of what to expect at your session. Once you choose your package, and we solidify a date, I will send over the proposal to get you booked!

If you have any questions about our services or what to expect, feel free to reach out to us! We are always happy to help, and we are here to make you feel like the queen you are!! 

Get ready to celebrate you and your body! I can’t wait to work together!

xx, Harley