Your First Boudoir Session: What to Expect, What to Wear & How to Prepare

An unforgettable experience of confidence, celebration, and self-love through boudoir photography—in Austin, the Texas Hill Country, and Durango, Colorado.

Imagine this...

You’re slipping into that silk robe. The soft rustle as it falls across your skin. A deep breath. A glance in the mirror. And you see yourself as the powerful, magnetic, breathtaking woman you truly are.

This is what boudoir photography is all about. Whether you’re creating a bold, intimate gift for your partner or simply doing it for yourself, a boudoir session is more than a photo shoot. It’s a celebration of you—your story, your sensuality, and the woman you are right now.

What actually happens during a boudoir session?

If you’ve never had a boudoir session before, it’s completely normal to wonder what actually happens once you arrive. What do you wear? Will you have to know how to pose? What if you feel awkward in front of the camera?

The short answer: you don’t need to know what you’re doing. That’s my job.

Your boudoir session is guided from beginning to end, especially if this is your first time. You won’t be expected to know how to stand, where to put your hands, or what to do with your body. I’ll guide you through each pose and make small adjustments along the way so you never have to wonder, “Am I doing this right?”

Here’s what you can expect…

Arriving & getting comfortable
We’ll start by settling in and getting acquainted before a camera ever comes out. This is your time to take a breath, ask questions, have a glass of champagne if you like, and get comfortable with the space and with me. There’s no need to arrive feeling perfectly confident—you can be nervous. Most first-time boudoir clients are.

Choosing your wardrobe
You’ll typically bring several outfits or lingerie looks, and we’ll decide together what feels right for you. You don’t have to know which outfits will photograph best. We can look at everything you brought, talk through your options, and choose looks that complement your body, your personality, and the feeling you want your photographs to have.

And remember: boudoir doesn’t have to mean lingerie. A favorite oversized sweater, a beautiful robe, a button-down shirt, a corset, a bodysuit (my personal favorite), or even something simple and understated can make a gorgeous photograph.

Starting with simple poses
When it’s time to begin photographing, we’ll ease into it. I won’t expect you to immediately know how to pose.

Instead, I’ll demonstrate and guide you through each position, from where to place your feet and hands to how to angle your body, turn your shoulders, or shift your weight. I’ll talk to you throughout the session so you always know what we’re doing next.

You don't need modeling experience, and you certainly don't need to be “good at posing.” You just need to be willing to trust the process.

Changing between looks
We’ll move through your wardrobe at a comfortable pace, giving you plenty of time to change and reset between looks. Some outfits may inspire a completely different style of posing or mood, so we’ll let the session evolve naturally rather than rushing from one setup to the next.

Photographing the in-between moments
Not every photograph is about holding a perfect pose. Some of the most beautiful images happen in the little moments between poses—a laugh, a glance over your shoulder, the way you move your hair, or the moment you relax into yourself.

I’ll be watching for those moments, too. My goal isn't simply to photograph what you look like; it’s to create photographs that feel like you.

Seeing the finished images
After your session, your photographs are carefully selected and professionally edited before your final gallery is delivered. When you finally see your images, I hope you recognize yourself in them in a way that makes you pause for a moment and think, “Oh… there I am.”

And perhaps that’s the best part of the entire experience.

You don't need to arrive confident. You don't need to know how to pose. You don't need to have a “boudoir body.”

You simply need to show up as yourself. I’ll take care of the rest.

Do I have to know how to pose?

Not at all! You don’t need any posing experience. I’ll guide you through every pose, from where to place your hands and feet to how to move your body, so you’ll always know what to do. You simply get to relax, trust me, and enjoy the experience.

What should I wear?

Wear something that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and like yourself. There are no rules when it comes to boudoir.

Lingerie is always lovely, but it certainly isn’t your only option. A favorite oversized sweater, silk robe, button-down shirt, bodysuit, or even something as simple as a beautiful pair of underwear can photograph beautifully. We can also mix things up throughout your session with different textures, layers, and looks.

If you’re unsure what to bring, bring options! I’m happy to help you decide what will photograph beautifully and what feels most like you. And don’t worry about having the “perfect” body or the perfect outfit—there’s so much more to a beautiful boudoir photograph than what you’re wearing.

Do I have to be naked?

Not at all! You are always in control of how much—or how little—you want to reveal. Boudoir can be completely clothed, implied, partially nude, or nude. We’ll create images that feel beautiful and empowering to you, and you’ll never be pressured to do anything you’re not comfortable with.

What if I'm nervous?

You probably will be—and that’s completely okay. Most women feel nervous before their first boudoir session, especially when they’re not used to being in front of a camera this way. You don’t have to arrive feeling confident or knowing what to do. We’ll ease into the session together, and I’ll guide you every step of the way. Usually, somewhere along the way, the nerves give way to laughter, confidence, and “Wait… is that really me?”

How do I prepare for a boudoir session?

A little preparation can help you feel more comfortable and confident, but you don’t need to do anything drastic to prepare for your boudoir session. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and choose outfits that make you feel beautiful. Avoid anything that might leave temporary marks on your skin—like tight clothing or undergarments—right before your session, and arrive with clean, moisturized skin to enhance a soft glow.

If you’d like to have your hair and makeup professionally done, you absolutely can! It can be a lovely way to begin the experience and give you a little extra time to relax and feel pampered. Of course, professional hair and makeup are completely optional—you can also arrive with your own hair and makeup exactly as you like it.

Your session doesn’t have to take place in a traditional studio, either. Boudoir photographs can be created in the comfort and privacy of your own home or in a beautiful hotel room that suits your style and the mood you envision for your photographs. I love working with spaces that feel personal to you, incorporating beautiful light, meaningful details, and the little corners that make a place feel like your own.

Most importantly, don’t put pressure on yourself to look a certain way. You don’t need to diet, change your body, or become someone else before your session. You are already gorgeous exactly as you are. My job is to help you feel comfortable, guide you through the experience, and create photographs that make you feel absolutely beautiful.

Will my boudoir photos be private?

Absolutely. Your privacy is incredibly important to me. Your boudoir photographs will never be shared, published, or used on my website, social media, or anywhere else without your explicit permission. If you choose to keep your images completely private, they will remain completely private. Your comfort and trust always come first.

Who is boudoir photography for?

Boudoir photography is for anyone who wants to celebrate themselves. There’s no particular age, body type, relationship status, or reason you need to have to book a session. Some women choose boudoir to celebrate a milestone, a birthday, a new chapter, or simply because they want beautiful photographs of themselves.

You don’t need to wait until you’ve lost weight, reached a certain age, or feel more confident. You are worthy of celebrating exactly as you are, right now.