HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR VANCOUVER BOUDOIR SESSION!

YOU’VE BOOKED YOUR BOUDOIR SESSION BUT NOW WHAT? KEEP READING TO LEARN HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR VANCOUVER BOUDOIR SESSION BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE STUDIO

Figuring out how to prepare for your boudoir session may seem tricky, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret: At Mateus Studios, boudoir prep is a breeze! All you have to do is take a deep breath and read the following tips…

Determine Your Desired Look

Do you want to wear lingerie or your favorite jeans and leather jacket? Maybe you’d like to go nude? Do you want your shoot to be full-on sexy or sort of sweet? Maybe both? Your desired looks for the session will help you work out details like wardrobe, and props.

At Mateus Studios, we want you to be YOU! So we’re happy to work with you and a few different looks. Lots of clients start out in a more clothed ‘look’ and then as their comfort level increases and the nerves disappear perhaps the sweater comes off revealing something more sexy underneath. We’ll shoot 3 outfits, so next you could change into something a bit more revealing or sexy. You absolutely do NOT have to go nude but if you want to, we’re ok with that too. As you can probably tell, we’re flexible and want you to feel comfortable and amazing.

Find a Specialist

Boudoir portraiture is a niche art form, so you must be very discerning when choosing a photographer. It’s crucial to do your research—browse their portfolios and read client testimonials. Since boudoir is such an intimate and vulnerable experience, it’s essential you find someone whom you trust and feel comfortable around.

If you don’t already know me, you can read more about me here, and I’d love to chat with you and get to know you too. It’s beneficial understanding your personality and your vision for the session. And believe you me, by the time the session is over, I can almost guarantee that we’ll be ‘frients’. That’s my word for client turned friend LOL! I want you to feel super comfortable in my studio so ask any questions you have and feel free to read what my other frients have had to say here on my testimonial page.

“Michele made me feel so comfortable, and sexy, and sweet and sassy!
She knew where to place everything,
and to make what my vision was, appear!”  ~ Ms. A ~

Wardrobe

Start by shopping your closet for the items you instinctively select when you want to feel (and look) your absolute best. Don’t stress over this. If you feel lost, just bring one bra/panty set, one bodysuit, and one wildcard. Maybe something from our Client Closet or your birthday suit. Perhaps your favourite boyfriend sweater. Whatever makes you feel beautiful!! Have fun with it!

I add new items to my Client Closet regularly so if there’s something you’re thinking of and you don’t have it, just ask. I might just have it (and of course everything is thoroughly washed after each use). You absolutely do not need to go out and spend a ton of money on lingerie to do a boudoir session. Though, if you want to treat yourself, you go for it girl! Whatever makes you feel amazing! You deserve it!

We’ll shoot 3 different outfits but feel free to bring more. You never know what might inspire you that day. If it helps, check out what other clients have worn. Peruse my blog posts to see images here.

Prep Mind, Body, and Skin

Drink LOTS of water. Lower your salt intake and abstain from alcohol for a week before your shoot to avoid water retention. Treat yo’self to a mani/pedi. Bathe, shower, and moisturize. Enjoy a quiet evening and get a full night’s sleep before the day of your session.

Most importantly, I want you to arrive ready to celebrate yourself! Some of us do this on the regular, but for others, we never do it. So, take a few moments to think about how fantastic you are in every possible way. I’ll be your cheerleader to ensure you feel comfortable and ideally amazing!

Relax

Take a deep breath and relax. It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your shoot. We promise, it will be a fun, stress-free day that’s all about YOU. Trust us, you’ll be coming back for more! 

If you have questions or would like more information on booking a session, please contact me! 

Images shared with permission.

Michele Mateus is a Vancouver Boudoir & Portrait Photographer located in Coquitlam, BC. Hair & Makeup By Jenny Valla.