A boudoir session starts with decisions about clothing, light, location and what you want to photograph. During the shoot, I guide the poses; afterwards, you choose photographs for detailed retouching. Here is how those stages fit together.

Before the shoot: find a direction

We begin with your ideas and questions. A few reference photographs can help explain the light, clothing or mood you like. You can also tell me what you would prefer to leave out, including poses or levels of coverage.

We discuss the session’s practical details before booking: location, timing, the collection and any additional arrangements. If you are making a gift, mention the date you need it. The free Boudoir Planning Kit can help you think through the possibilities.

Choose clothing you want to wear

Lingerie is one option; a robe, shirt or dress can also be part of a boudoir session. Bring a selection that fits the plan and lets you sit and move comfortably. We can discuss combinations beforehand, including accessories with a reason to be in the photographs.

Choose the space and plan the arrival

Light, privacy and the room’s layout all affect the photographs. My current boudoir collections include a professional studio; we choose a space around the direction and availability. For a home or hotel idea, discuss access, privacy and any venue requirements before making arrangements.

When you arrive, there is time to ask questions and go over the plan. We can confirm the outfits and where to begin. Tell me if you need a pause, a slower pace or a change to an idea during the session.

Makeup and posing

Professional makeup can be arranged if you want it. We confirm the cost and timing in advance so it fits the day’s plan. You can also choose a look you prepare yourself.

You do not need to memorise poses. I guide posture, hands, movement and expression, then adjust the direction as we photograph. A small change in the angle of your shoulders or the position of a hand can give us another version to compare.

My boudoir posing tips explain some starting points. We adapt them to you during the shoot.

During the session: adjust together

I watch the light, composition, clothing and pose as we work. We can change a position or move to another part of the room when it suits the photographs. You can say that a pose feels uncomfortable or that you would like more coverage.

Review the proofs and choose your favourites

After the shoot, your private proof gallery is the selection stage. Choose the included number of photographs for detailed retouching and final delivery. The proof set and finished photographs serve different purposes.

When choosing, start with expression, pose and the overall photograph. If a detail concerns you, ask what can realistically be adjusted before making your final selection. Confirm the selection and delivery schedule for your booking, particularly when a gift deadline matters.

Retouching and final delivery

I refine the selected photographs with attention to colour, light and small details. We discuss your preferences rather than assume you want changes to your appearance. Retouching has limits, so it is useful to raise specific requests early.

The finished files are delivered after the selected images have been edited. Printed books are available as an additional format to discuss. Confirm what is included, any extra cost and the production time before choosing a print option.

Read about other clients’ sessions

A complete story can show the process more clearly than a single portfolio image. Denise’s 30th-birthday session includes her first boudoir experience and the photographs we made.

You can also read client reviews. Their experiences are their own; your preferences and the photographs you want will shape our session.

Privacy and first-session questions

Your selection gallery is password protected. Public use requires separate, explicit permission; booking a session does not grant it. Tell me your preferences before the shoot, including whether you want the photographs to remain private.

You can read the privacy policy and ask how your gallery will be handled. For more about the questions people bring to a first session, see 10 boudoir fears and honest answers.

Start with your questions

You can make an inquiry before deciding on a session. Tell me what you have in mind, any date you are working towards and the questions you would like answered. We can discuss a direction and the practical details from there.

Behind the Scenes of a Boudoir Photo Shoot: What Really Happens?