The most common questions for me as a Boudoir photographer is what a lady should bring    to her shoot.  Here is a top ten list of items that will best help you have a wonderful shoot:

10) High Heels!  Oh, you thought everyone knew to bring this?  Maybe, but it never hurts to reemphasis that I will be shooting your heels, so make sure they’re hot!  I actually wear boots more than heels, which can add lots of personality to your shoot, too!  High heels define leg muscles, lengthen your legs, and make your booty just a little bit more perky.  Remember, you won’t be doing too much walking, so the higher the heel, the better the shot!

9) Your Wedding Ring!  Some women wear theirs everyday and some don’t.  For those who cannot work on a daily basis with their wedding band, please remember to bring it on your shoot.  Your husband likely spent months looking for the perfect ring just for you and is proud of his choice!  It helps to have it cleaned, as well, so it has an extra sparkle in your photos!

8) LBD!  While most people associate Boudoir with more revealing shots, I believe its all about femininity and celebrating your curves.  This means you can wear your Little Black Dress that your husband loves to see you in!  We’ll probably pull it up, emphasis the slit, or do an undressing scene with it.  It’s also a great starter piece, if you’re a little shy and need a bit to warm up to wearing your panties in front of the camera.

7) Props!  Props add so much personality and make the shoot reflect what makes you you!  Props are most successful when they represent what you love.  Do you love makeup?  Bring a tube of lipstick.  Do you love sitting by the pool?  Bring sunglasses and a big, floppy hat.  Just like you add accessories to your outfits everyday, think about props as your accessories to the theme of your Boudoir photo session.

6) Your husband’s best interests!  Your photographs will most likely be given as a gift to your husband, be it for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, his birthday, or an anniversary.  Knowing that, plan a theme based around his interests and passions.  If your husband loves cars, call your friend with the great looking car or call the local vintage car club and see if they’ll let you borrow it for the afternoon.

5) Fishnets and stockings!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE how stockings and fishnets photograph.  To me, it adds a classic feel to the photos and really completes certain outfits.

4) Jewelry!  The Jewelry you bring should be a statement piece.  The chunkier the jewelry, the better!  Boudoir Photography is about letting your femininity shine through and the only thing more feminine than jewelry is….

3) Lingerie!  Bring a variety of your favorite lingerie.  Corsets have a ton of details.  Your favorite bra and panty set that teases your husband when you’re out on the town.  That piece hidden in the back of your closet or that piece you’ve been eyeing at the local lingerie store, but haven’t bought, yet.  Teddies, slips, and anything else you feel sexy in.  Please keep in mind that bringing 5 different sets of black bra and panty combinations will not add variety to your Little Black Book.

2) Fabulous Hair and Make-up (and whatever you may need for touch-ups)!  One of the BEST things you can bring to your shoot is your professionally styled hair and make-up.  Think about being in your friend’s wedding – you probably got your hair and/or makeup done professionally because you knew your photo was being taken.  The same applies to your Boudoir Photo shoot.  Professional hair stylists know how to keep your hair in place for hours, regardless of temperature, movement or humidity.  Professional Make-up artists know how to perfect make-up so that it shows up in your photos and make your skin look flawless.  They also have access to and can put on fake eyelashes, which will make your eyes POP!

1) PERSONALITY!  I want nothing more than for your boudoir session to reflect you!  So BRING IT!

(Added Bonus: Bring your favorite cocktail.  :D )

I hope this helps to answer of few of your questions on what to bring!  Ladies that have already had a boudoir shoot, what would you add to this list?

Enjoy your weekend,

Mylah Renae

MrsBoudoir.Eureka-Photography.com