Support local
If you know me, then you know how much I love supporting other small business owners, especially women owned businesses, and if there’s an opportunity for us to combine forces + make another woman feel extraordinarily powerful then I’m all in!!
I have built an extensive Guidebook that I send to all of my babes who inquire about booking a photoshoot, and within that Guidebook is a section completely dedicated to other women owned businesses that can help you get ready for your photo shoot. They are some of my local personal favorites that I adore working with time + time again.
But First…
First thing you need to know is this is going to be a different journey for everyone. Even if your friend did a shoot with me and they tell you about their experience leading up to the shoot + the shoot itself it’s of course going to be different because it’s YOU.
Have you connected with your personal why? Because once you do that, all the little details (makeup, hair, styling, outfits, location) will all fall into place very seamlessly.
Sure you might be wanting to gift some spicy pics to your partner, but what is under the surface for you? Whyyyy are YOU booking this? Consider taking some time journaling your thoughts, feelings, maybe wounds + celebrating your why.
My job isn’t holding a camera. But to listen to you, to see you, to reflect your power.
Skin + Nails
Let’s talk about your skin. For the love of you know who, please DON’T over-use self-tanners and stay out of the sun. DO moisturize your skin for a natural glow. Glossy, moisturized skin photographs well and also bring out muscle definition and tone. As a general rule, don’t do anything too crazy beforehand (i.e. don’t get a facial or your eyebrows waxed for the first time in your life the day before your shoot), because if anything goes wrong you will be a total stress ball during your session. Below are a list of my fav places in locally in Bozeman, Montana that you should consider visiting roughly 10 days to 1 week before your session.
Hair + Makeup
Get your hair and makeup professionally done if you can afford it, and get a natural mani/pedi, and if you are feeling fancy, get your lashes curled + tinted or extensions. I have found that the best makeup look is to be as natural and glowy as possible. I can assure you, you don't want to look like you have two black eyes with a heavy evening smokey eye. You most likely don't go to bed with a smokey eye so why pretend now? You DO always want to naturally exaggerate your favorite features for the camera, especially your eyes and lips.
Lingerie
Wear loose-fitting clothing the day of so that you don’t have imprints on your skin. Bring Don’t purposely go out and buy lingerie that doesn’t make you feel comfortable or is over the top. It will read in your photos, on your face, and in your body language. Clothes help us show off our personality and phenomenal style, so I think your intimates should, too. It's all about self-expression. Lingerie can be flirty, sporty, ultra-femme and everything in between. The sexiest clothing items to bring are pieces that you feel confident in. Perhaps a fall-off-the-shoulder top, cropped soft sweaters, a man’s button-down shirt, sheer slips/teddies, anything vintage, stockings/thigh highs/soft over-the-knee socks, subtle jewelry or flowers. Layering items is always a good thing to keep in mind. I tell clients to bring as many clothing options as they can (standard is 3-5). Unfortunately we don't have many lingerie options in town, but there are a few of my favorite local shops and there is always online.
Local:
Salchicha *my ride or die shop in town
Online:
Extra’s
Personally, I don't prefer a lot of accessories when it comes to boudoir shoots. The focus should be you, not the items that you bring with you. However my favorite accessory to suggest is flowers, perhaps your favorite coat and hats. A simple flower crown, a bouquet, a blanket, or your fav pillows. Below are a few of my favorite shops you must visit.