What to Expect from a Boudoir Photoshoot
What to expect from a boudoir photoshoot
Let’s be real: booking intimate portraits can feel vulnerable before you even step in front of the camera. You’re wondering what the experience will actually be like,
whether you’ll feel awkward, if you need to look a certain way, how to prepare. I get it.
So let me pull back the curtain and show you exactly what a Vancouver boudoir photoshoot with me looks like, from the moment you book to the moment
you see your final images. Spoiler: it’s way more relaxed than you think.
What You Can Expect
In this post, I’m breaking down the entire experience the way I approach it. I’ll cover everything from the pre-shoot consultation to why I’m obsessed with black and white photography, plus all the small details that make these sessions feel less like a photoshoot and more like hanging out a friend. If you’re looking for a photographer who does things differently, this is your behind-the-scenes look.
TL;DR
I approach this genre in an entirely different way, one that is rooted in minimalist and self expression. Intimate portraits sessions with me are customized, relaxed experiences focused on exploration rather than recreating clichés. Expect a pre-shoot consultation, a neuroaffirming environment, carefully curated (or your own) music, and a vibe that’s more “hanging out” than “performing.” You can come as you are or get professional hair and makeup—it’s entirely your call.
The goal? Creating timeless, personal images that feel like you, not some cookie-cutter version of what sensuality “should” look like. This is art over conformity, and I know you are going to love it, so let’s dive in!
Before We Even Start: The STYLE Consultation
My photoshoots and my photos come out the way they do because I truly pride myself on connection and intention. Which is why before your actual photoshoot I do what I call a Style Consultation where I get to know you, understand why you want these images, what you’re hoping to feel during the session and when you see your final portraits.
This is me learning how to create the best possible experience for your specific needs. Maybe you’re celebrating a milestone. Maybe you’re reclaiming your body after a major life change. Maybe you just want to see yourself as art. Whatever brought you here, that becomes the foundation of how we work together.
DUring your Style Consultation We’ll talk about:
- What you want to wear (or not wear)
- The vibe you’re going for
- Any areas of your body you feel confident about or want to be mindful of
- Music preferences (more on this later)
- Whether you want hair and makeup or prefer to come as you are, speaking of which…
Hair and Makeup: Totally Optional
Let me be clear about this: you do not need professional hair and makeup for your session.
If you want it? Great. I have talented artists I usually work with and can make it happen. If getting glammed up makes you feel amazing, absolutely do it. But if you’d rather show up exactly as you are, hair in a messy bun, minimal makeup, your everyday self, that works too. In fact, some of my most powerful images happen when people come completely natural.
The choice is entirely yours. There’s no pressure either way. You’re already a masterpiece; the styling is just window dressing.
How the photoshoot unfolds
Alright, let’s talk about what actually happens during your intimate portrait photoshoot. First, the vibe. This is not a high-pressure photoshoot where you’re expected to know what to do. It’s more like we’re hanging out, having tea, eating some treats, chatting and creating art together. I’ve designed the entire experience to feel comfortable and collaborative.
The Space
My studio is intentionally minimal. Clean backgrounds, no clutter competing for attention. It’s a neuroaffirming environment, which means I’m thoughtful about sensory details, lighting that’s not harsh, music at a comfortable level, space to move and breathe. If you need breaks, we take breaks. If something feels off, we adjust. This space is for you.
The Music
Here’s a fun fact about me: I’m a massive music lover, and my taste range is wide! Over the years, I’ve created custom playlists specifically designed to help people get into the zone during their sessions, different moods, different energies, all carefully curated. You can absolutely bring your own music as well. In fact, I encourage it. What makes you feel confident? What helps you relax? What gets you in your body? That’s what we’re putting on. Music transforms the energy in the room. It takes you out of your head and into the moment. And that’s exactly where we need you to be.
The Process
Once we’re ready to start, I’ll guide you through movements and poses that feel natural. Not cliche poses from some outdated playbook. Actual, organic movement that looks like you existing beautifully in space. We’ll experiment. Try things. Laugh when something feels ridiculous. Adjust when something doesn’t work. This is exploration, not recreation. I’m not trying to replicate images you’ve seen on Instagram. I’m trying to capture something that’s uniquely you. And yes, we’ll take breaks. Sip tea. Chat. Look at some shots together if you want. The whole experience is designed to feel relaxed and collaborative, not rushed or performative.
The Direction
Everyone and I mean EVERYONE is worried about how to pose, so let me assure you that you can leave that up to me! I will thoughtfully direct you the entire time, but it won’t feel like someone barking orders. It’s more like gentle suggestions. “Try shifting your weight here.” “Turn your face toward the light.” “Let your shoulders soften.” Small adjustments that make a big difference.
If you’re neurodivergent, this approach tends to work really well. I’m clear and specific when you need direction, but I’m also reading your energy and adapting. Some people need more guidance. Some need space to just move and explore. I follow your lead.
My “Hanging Out with a Friend” Philosophy
My clients over and over again have shared that a photoshoot with me felt like they were hanging out with the friend and that always makes me feel so happy to hear as I felt it too!
Yes, I’m an award winning professional photographer with years of experience creating intimate portraits. Yes, the images we make together are sophisticated and intentional.
But the energy in the room? That’s friendly, casual, comfortable. I’m not standing behind my camera treating you like a subject. We’re collaborating. We’re creating something together. And that requires you to feel relaxed, and like you can actually be yourself.
Some of my clients describe the experience as therapeutic. Others say it’s fun. Some say it’s both. That’s intentional, in fact everything I do is intentional.
Who This Experience Is For
You don’t need to be a certain size, shape, age, or aesthetic. You don’t need to feel confident already (though some confidence might be a happy side effect).
You just need to be curious about the experience, and be ready to be playful, and willing to be a little vulnerable.
- People celebrating milestones or life transitions
- Anyone healing/working on their relationship with their body
- Folks who’ve never felt beautiful in photos before
- Creative souls who appreciate art and want to be part of creating it
- Anyone who’s tired of the typical boudoir photography aesthetic
- People looking for a neuroaffirming, low-pressure experience
- Literally anyone who wants to try this, for any reason
- You don’t need to justify why you want these images. “I just want to” is reason enough.
The Bottom Line: It’s About the Experience
Here’s what I want you to take away from this: the images are important, yes. But the experience of creating them? That matters just as much.
This isn’t about showing up, getting posed, and leaving with some photos. It’s about spending a few hours in a space where you’re the priority.
The photos are the tangible result. But the experience, the feeling of being witnessed, of being celebrated exactly as you are, that’s the real gift.
Summary
An intimate portrait photoshoot with me is a customized, relaxed experience designed around exploration rather than clichés. It starts with a pre-shoot consultation where we discuss your vision, comfort level, and any specific needs. You can choose professional hair and makeup or come exactly as you are, both are equally valid.
During the photoshoot itself, expect a neuroaffirming environment with carefully curated music (or bring your own), thoughtful direction that feels collaborative rather than demanding, and a vibe that’s more like hanging out with a friend than a traditional photoshoot. We’ll take breaks, sip tea, have treats, and create art together. My approach emphasizes minimalist, contemporary, timeless imagery, often in black and white, that focuses entirely on you without the distractions of busy backgrounds or props.
If you’re looking for a photographer who does things differently, who creates space for authentic self-expression rather than cookie-cutter poses, then I just may be the photographer you are looking for.
Thanks for Reading!
Hi I’m Michele Mateus, an award winning Vancouver Portrait Photographer specialized in raw portraits with an artistic and editorial edge.
I am the owner and Creative Director of Mateus Studios, a full service portrait and web design studio in Metro Vancouver serving Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Langley, Abbotsford, Squamish, Burnaby, Surrey, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster and the Great Vancouver area.
Book a chat with to learn more about working with me!
