Boudoir

shoot prep guide

what to

Wear

The single most important consideration when you’re choosing your outfits is that you all feel comfortable and confident. I recommend that you bring at least 2 extra outfit choices. We will shoot the included number of looks in your package; however, I will always try to shoot more outfits if we have time. It’s always best to have more options than not enough! If you are unsure how something will photograph, I encourage you to bring it & I will help you choose the looks that will photograph best.

After you’ve booked, I will email with more tips on how to prepare including a Pinterest board FULL of outfit ideas and inspiration

where to shop

Victoria’s Secret
Adore Me
Agent Povocateur
Fleur Dumal

little rock boudoir | arkansas boudoir | memphis boudoir

it’s all about you

and your style

little rock boudoir | arkansas boudoir | memphis boudoir

The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding on a theme or mood for your boudoir photoshoot is to stay true to who you are and what makes you feel beautiful, but also…. don’t be afraid to break out of your comfort zone!

classic / sexy

Classic lingerie sets, bodysuits, corsets, etc are all great wardrobe options. Implied nudes or topless shots are also fab options to consider. How racy or seductive your portraits are depends greatly on the lingerie selections you bring to the session.

elegant

For more sophisticated vibes, you can wear a button down, a robe, even a suit jacket paired with heels. A sultry evening gown is also great to include for added variety. One of my most requested shots is a “sheets” shot where my assistant and I wrap you in white sheets – the ultimate relaxed and romantic boudoir portrait!

casual / cozy

An oversized off-the-shoulder sweater or your partner’s favorite shirt make for the perfect casual vibe. Calvin Klein bra/boyshorts are a super popular choice for many of my clients, or jeans/jean-shorts with no top are great options as well.

Whatever you wear, you should feel confident and comfortable!

the basics

Bring at least two bras & undies set. Start with basic black & then add colors & patterns or styles. Bodysuits, shapewear and/or fitted camisoles always photograph well. High wasted undies, Thigh high stockings, a garter belt, & a good pair of heels are super sexy too. Loose fitting teddies/camisoles don’t photograph well since they are boxy and make you look larger on-camera than you really are.

casual attire

Not a big lingerie person? Keep it simple. Some of my favorite all-time photos are poses in jeans. A simple white tank top can be the hottest thing you own. If you are doing your photos as a gift, bring something from his closet. This can be one of his favorite ties, a button down shirt – Anything that makes the images more personal & sexy to him! If in doubt, throw in a cozy sweater too! Cropped or oversized, they are an easy way to add a fun and even sexy element to your shoot!

shoes

Bring one pair of black & one pair nude heels, but you don’t need to pack much more than that unless you are a shoe lover. For most of the shoot, you will be barefoot, so feel free to bring slippers or cozy socks!

hands

Since your hands will be included in most of your portraits, you’ll want to make sure they’re looking their best. A manicure is a definite must, if you don’t wear polish I suggest having at least a clear polish on your nails. Nude or light colors work best unless you normally wear a bold pop of color or dark polish.

hair & makeup

Professional styling is included in your session & makes a huge difference in your finished portraits. Hair & MUA gives you that extra polished look – even if you prefer a more natural look, the styling is one of the most important (and fun!) parts of your session. Feel free to bring photos of makeup and hair inspiration to share with my team.

skin

Don’t forget to exfoliate the week of your session, and be sure to moisturize the morning of (or even right before you come) to give your skin a fresh and dewy look! Pro-tip: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate the week leading up to your shoot for glowing skin.

enjoy yourself

Don’t think about any negatives or what you may consider to be imperfections. At Meredith Melody Photography we believe that every woman deserves to feel beautiful and celebrated. Trust that once you’re in the studio, we’ve got you covered, you will have an amazing time and will have GORGEOUS portraits that you love!

CHECKLIST

  • Plan ahead. Nothing puts a damper on a fun and relaxing photo shoot like feeling rushed or late! You should plan for traffic and arrive at your scheduled contract time. If you arrive early, there is a fabulous coffee shop right next door, River City Coffee.
  • Schedule hair appointments at least 2 weeks prior

  • Get your nails done week of the session

  • Waxing and facials should be scheduled 1-2 weeks prior

  • Sleep and hydration: If you’re well-rested and hydrated, your skin will glow in front of the camera. Take special care of yourself in the days leading up to the shoot.

  • Resist the urge to spray tan before your shoot. Often spray tans leave your skin looking orange in photos – a subtle bronze can be added during the retouching process if needed!

  • Don’t eat a large meal, but don’t skip eating! You’ll want balanced blood sugar to keep your energy up during the session.

FREQUENTLY

asked questions

Arkansas Boudoir | Little Rock Boudoir | Memphis Boudoir

Do I bring my own lingerie, or do you provide the outfits?
You bring your own lingerie to the photo shoot, if you want to do a ‘white sheets’ look, I provide the sheets.

Is hair and makeup included?
Yes! My stylists’ work is exceptional. Having pro styling makes a huge difference in the end result of your images… Even a ’no-makeup’ look is best achieved with a professional!

WILL YOU RETOUCH MY IMAGES?
Absolutely yes! My editing process is very thorough and includes skin retouching to remove any unwanted blemishes, scars, bruises, cellulite or stretch marks (if desired). Please keep in mind that my mission as a boudoir photographer is not to transform you unrecognizably. Instead, it’s to showcase your inner and outer beauty in a way that feels and looks naturally like you.

WILL YOU SHARE MY IMAGES ONLINE?
I assume that you will not want me to put your images on my website or social channels. However you might love them so much that you agree to let me share them – it’s up to you! Real client I mages and testimonials are so inspiring for others, so I am always THRILLED when clients allow me to share.

Can I purchase ALL of the pictures taken during my shoot?
Only the very best images will be selected for editing and final delivery, and this is where you must put your trust in your photographer. Editing is a very important part of the process, and no unedited pictures will ever be presented to the client. Don’t worry, you will have plenty fully-edited images to choose from.

Do you have payment plans?
I offer a few payment options! To book your boudoir appointment, I require a minimum of 25% deposit and a signed contract, and the balance is due 2 weeks before the date of the shoot. If you want more time to be able to pay off the shoot, you can schedule it a few months out, and pay it off in payments. Payments are recieved by CashApp, Zelle, Check or Cash.

How will I receive my photographs?
All digital files will be delivered via a private online gallery and download via email. Your album will arrive discretely packaged and will be gift-boxed.

Can I buy just the digital files?
When you book one of my sessions you are purchasing a complete experience and the digitals are included with your session and album. I do offer digital-only mini-sessions – those packages begin at $500 for 5 images and do not include styling. Mini-sessions are best suited for headshots and standard portrait sessions.

THANK YOU

get in touch

I know planning for a Boudoir shoot can feel overwhelming. I created this guide to help make planning your session less stressful. I want your time with me to be an unforgettable & utterly beautiful experience. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything I can do to help!