Preparation is easier when it is a few small decisions spread across the week. You can choose the mood, try on your clothes and pack your bag without turning the days before the shoot into a makeover project.

Use this timeline as a starting point for your boudoir session. If you have less time, focus on the location, arrival details and a couple of outfits you feel comfortable wearing.

A week before: agree on the direction

Send a few reference photographs and explain what you like about them: the light, mood, clothing or a particular composition.
Tell me what you would like to try and anything you want to keep out of the photographs. We can agree the level of coverage and the direction before the session.
Choose a few outfit options from what you already own before deciding whether to buy anything. Lingerie, a shirt, a robe or other comfortable clothing can give us different starting points.
Confirm the location, session time and any hair or makeup arrangements. Makeup services are optional and quoted separately; check what has actually been arranged for your booking.

Two or three days before: try everything on

Check how each outfit fits while standing, sitting and moving. Include the underwear and accessories you plan to wear with it.
Make sure the items are clean and ready to pack. Put small accessories together so they are easy to find.
Send me any remaining questions about the space, clothing or posing. You do not need to memorise poses; the client posing tips explain the kind of direction we can work with.

The day before: make the morning simple

Pack your outfits, accessories, any agreed shoes, and the personal items you normally use for touch-ups.
Check the address, travel time, parking or transit, and the agreed arrival instructions. Studio access may begin at the booked time, so confirm before arriving early.
Leave space in the evening and morning rather than adding last-minute purchases or appointments to the list.

On the day: arrive ready to talk

Wear comfortable travelling clothes and bring your packed bag. Follow the hair and makeup plan we agreed, including whether an artist is meeting you. If the journey is delayed, let me know.

Before we begin, we can look through the outfits and revisit what you want from the session. You can ask for a pause or change your mind about an outfit, pose or level of coverage as we work.

What you can leave off the list

Hair removal, tanning, new lingerie and nail appointments are optional. They are not requirements for a boudoir session. There is no need to follow a new beauty routine or change your body to take part.

The earlier illustrated checklist below includes grooming suggestions. Treat it as an older visual summary; use the updated text on this page for the current preparation checklist.

Keep the useful details together

For wardrobe ideas and a planning checklist in one place, request the free Boudoir Planning Kit. Before the shoot, keep the address, arrival time and our agreed plans together so you can find them easily.

The illustration above is an earlier checklist. Grooming, tanning and beauty appointments are optional; follow the updated day-by-day text on this page. If you have a question about your session, contact me about boudoir photography.

How to Prepare for a Boudoir Photoshoot: A Day-by-Day Checklist