What to wear to your boudoir session.

The single most common mistake for boudoir photography clothing options is buying something beautiful in the wrong size. A well-fitted $30 bodysuit photographs better than designer lingerie that gaps or digs in. Order early, try everything on, and move around in it — sit, kneel, reach — before the boudoir session.

High-cut bodysuits and high-waisted sets lengthen the legs. Anything with structure at the waist shapes the silhouette. Sheer and lace catch photo studio light in a way solid fabric does not. Straps, garters, and ribbon give the eye lines to follow, which is why they read so well in black and white images.

Black, deep jewel tones, and classic red are reliable in the boudoir studio. White and ivory are gorgeous for bridal boudoir. Neutrals close to your own skin tone can wash out under bright light, so bring contrast if you love them. Small, busy prints tend to distract; texture — lace, silk, mesh, velvet — does the same job better.

Bring more outfits/lingerie than you think you need. Two to four looks fit comfortably in a standard boudoir photography session, and having options means we can build variety: one structured, one soft, one bare, one personal.

Some of the strongest photos in theportfolio come from things that were never meant to be lingerie: a partner’s shirt, a band tee, a sheet, a leather jacket, a vintage slip, boots. If an item means something to you — a jersey, a veil, a jacket you inherited — bring it.

Keep it simple and keep it early. Book any waxing, facial, or spray tan at least three to five days out so redness has settled — never the day before. Hands and feet appear in far more frames than people expect, so a fresh manicure and pedicure in a neutral or classic shade is worth the hour.

Drink water in the days leading up, moisturize the morning of, and skip anything shimmery or oil-heavy on the body — it reads as glare under studio lighting (if you're choosing a session that includes the main studio with flash lighting). Professional hair and makeup can be added to your session; it is the most common add-on, and it holds up for hours of shooting.

Four weeks out — book the date, order wardrobe, and add hair and makeup if you want it. Bridal boudoir needs this much lead time to deliver a printed album before the wedding.

One week out — try everything on, schedule waxing or a tan, and send over any images or ideas you want to reference.

The day before — nails, a full night of sleep, and pack your bag so the morning is calm. No new skincare.

Session day — eat a real meal, wear loose clothing and seamless underwear to the studio, and arrive a little early. Everything after that is handled for you.