How to Prep for your Boudoir Session!

You just signed up for your first boudoir session so, now what? If you'd like to know a run down of the day check out this page here!

YES, I recommend you to read this!

This might feel completely out of your comfort zone and like something you’d never imagine doing. But don’t worry – boudoir is a beautiful, empowering experience, and you might even find it a little addictive! Boudoir is for everyone. My studio is an inclusive space where all bodies, identities, and expressions are celebrated. This guide is here to help answer your questions, but if you have any special requests or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out at lechatnoir.boudoir@gmail.com .

Preparing for Your Session

A few small adjustments in the weeks leading up to your shoot can make a big difference:

Hydration: Replace alcoholic drinks with plenty of water to ensure glowing skin and overall wellness.
Stretching: Many of the poses we’ll do use muscles you might not engage daily, so stretching can help you feel more comfortable and flexible.
Shopping: Treat yourself to new pieces that make you feel confident and empowered.

Outfit Ideas

Whether you come with a carefully curated selection or nothing at all because of last-minute panic packing, don’t stress. Arriving ready to embrace the experience is all we need to create magic.

Choosing the Perfect Look

When selecting your outfits, I suggest selecting two or three favorites. If you bring more, don’t worry! We’ll work together to narrow down the best options.

Here are a few questions to guide your choices:

What makes me feel most like myself? Is this me or am I trying to be some one else?
When I look at the photo’s later I want to feel ____________. (insert : Sexy, feminine, masculine, submissive, dominant, sporty, comfortable, OR like my alter ego took over and I am a bad betch.)
Will I trust myself to let go and be comfortable wearing this?

The boudoir experience is about celebrating you – your story, your beauty, and your individuality. Together, we’ll create something truly special.

What you should bring…

1. An outfit you know you love that is a safe option. This could be your favorite lingerie, a significant others over sized shirt, a soft silk dress, or simply your favorite sweater with thigh high fuzzy socks. The best thing about boudoir photography, is that you can make it your own! Lounge and Calvin Kleins are my favorites for those who want to be the Relaxed and Sporty kind of sexy, Honey Birdette, and Bras&Things offers many true to size options that fit amazing.

2. Something on the sexier side to reach your inner diva – I personally LOVE three piece sets! This is a great way to be covered up but also super figure flattering and sexy! It works great in most poses because it’s form fitted to your back, bust, and tush! If you’re the sporty or more masculine vibe, white tanks getting wet or ripped up with undies or grey sweats is always sexy.

3. Think out of the box. Strive to embrace your body. (braless in a crop top with fishnets, leather straps, jean shorts and topless, or even your birthday suit!)

Most importantly, be true to yourself.

Oh my goodness! The Shoot is almost here!

Pamper yourself!

1) Get your nails done or clean them up. Though it may seem silly, chipped nails or dry nail beds can be distracting in a photo. Clean those babies up and keep it natural. Stay away from yellow/green/black nail polishes. These can sometimes photograph “dirty” or distracting. French tips are always a great option to go for!

2) At least two days before, wax whatever you need to. Whether it be your eyebrows or down there. Keep it clean and give it a day to settle so we don’t have any redness or burns. If you don’t typically wax or shave, that’s totally okay! Be true to YOU! Hair is normal/beautiful, BUMPS are normal/beautiful, ingrown hairs and red spots are also welcomed. We will photoshop anything that isn’t permanent on your body and make you feel your best!

3) Moisturise and hydrate! Lotion gives your skin a simple glow and keeps it looking soft and fresh. This will also help with acne, dry skin and will clear up any blemishes. Makeup is easier to apply when the skin is fresh, clean, and moisturised!

4) Lastly, do NOT spray tan or use tanning lotions of any kind before your session!!! I can not stress this enough! These can create orange stripes or discoloration to your hands and feet. It is not pretty and impossible to fix with retouching! It’s okay to have soft porcelain skin, and with the moody lighting my studio offers, sometimes it actually gives you a warmer glow.

*If photoshop is needed to remove spray tans or spray tan lines it WILL result in an additional editing fee of $500 since this will be handed off to a professional retoucher to fix your skin in your portraits*

Oh my… It’s the day of the photoshoot!!!

Hair and makeup is the fun part! I love to include hair & makeup in all of my packages and ask you show up with loose fitting clothes to ensure your have no tight red lines on your skin. I want my clients to feel like superstars once they enter my studio so there isn’t much you need to bring!

1. Come with a clean, makeup free, hydrated face. My makeup artists are AMAZING and work with every tone, colour, age, or texture skin. If you have any questions, concerns or limitations with makeup, let us know before the shoot. My staff is amazing and trained for everything. If you have any questions about makeup, reach out to me and I can put you in contact with your scheduled artist for your day.

2. Come with DRY hair. We use a few different styling wands, straighteners, or combs to style your hair. Hair must be dry if you would like it heat styled by us. You will not have the option for wet blow outs. Hair is best styled when its washed the day before and has a little “dirty texture” to it. Greasy hair or oily hair is best washed in the morning and air dried before your session.

3. Natural or Curly Hair! No problem! I personally suggest you come to your session with it ready to go and styled how you like it. We have some curly products and anti frizz sprays to help any curls behave and get back into place as well as tiny curling wands to add some more curls in. We love curls to be true to themselves and wear it proud.

4. Wigs or Hair extensions. Bring it if you’re comfortable applying them yourself! We are not a full salon in the studio so we do not have all the supplies needed. We can help lay edges or style the hair as needed or even help clip them in for you. You can contact me before your session with any questions you may have!

5. Manscaping. Yes we even offer mens touch ups. When you need a little makeup like eyebrows filled in, beards darkened, or under eyes retouched. We got you. Often times we get requests for men to look natural other times we get men who want full glam. We are here to make your vision come to life and make you feel seen for who you are. If you’re looking for something special, let us know before hand.

I know you might not have any experience in front of the camera, so leave that up to me!

I will pose, guide, and direct you constantly, making sure that you look and feel fantastic. I will also lay down on the floor and show poses to you, so you know exactly how to do it!

To stay looking beautiful remember just stay relaxed. I love to capture genuine laughs and capture your natural beauty.

I always have music playing while I photograph you. Get ready to share some laughs while I pose for you!

Sometimes the sexiest part of us is our smile, so do NOT be afraid to giggle and have fun!

I want you to be yourself. I want to show you how I view you. I want to make you realise how worthy you are and help you love yourself without apology.

“That was so fun! I don’t ever want to leave!”

After an incredible session, we wrap things up, take a moment to slow down, and have a brief chat before I send you off to grab some lunch.

While you’re relaxing and refueling, I spend about 45 minutes to an hour reviewing your images, selecting the best ones, and preparing everything for your same-day reveal.

That’s right – the reveal happens on the same day as your shoot!

Once you’re back, we’ll settle into the studio, watch a slideshow of your photos, and immerse ourselves in the magic we created.

During this time, we’ll pick your favorite images and design your album or other products together. It’s a calm, reflective moment where we connect with the images and the emotions they evoke.

My goal is to support you and make this experience as meaningful as possible.

Remember, this is the only opportunity to view all your images and finalise your selections. I keep digital files for 3-6 months after your session, but finalising your products on the day ensures you take full advantage of everything this transformative experience has to offer.

Let’s celebrate you and create something unforgettable!

Now that your session is complete, it’s time to go home, take a deep breath, and bask in your amazing experience. I’ll handle the rest – making any necessary adjustments to your products and images before placing your order. Once everything is ready, I’ll inspect all products thoroughly before calling you for the final pick-up. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks. If you’re working with a specific deadline or need your items sooner, just let me know before your session – rush options are available for select products. If you have any lingering questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you every step of the way. Email me at lechatnoir.boudoir@gmail.com. Thank you for trusting me with this special experience. I can’t wait for you to see the final results! Stay beautiful, With gratitude, Alessio

What do other women say about their Boudoir Sessions?

With my love for boudoir, I could go on for hours about why every woman should book a session. The best part is you don’t have to just take my word for it. Check out some of these amazing testimonials and live videos from clients who’ve had the experience!

Boudoir style photography was something I've always wanted to do and I finally acted upon that wish and booked in a session. It started with a phone call to Alessio who was just so friendly, guinuine and answered all my questions. Next came all the informative and helpful guides leading up to the big day. I felt prepared on the day and the photoshoot itself was so much fun! Alessio was professional but friendly and made me feel completely comfortable. I recently picked up my album and was blown away by the quality and the photographs themselves. I couldn't be happier with the result!

Meg Rao "A Photoshoot with Alessio is just an amazing experience!"

Alessio was a complete professional the entire time in the warmest, kindest and most respectful way possible. We had fun, we laughed a lot and I felt relaxed and happy as a result. I felt beautiful during the shoot and the photos were absolutely stunning. I love them and I am so proud of them. I could not recommend this experience more, it was so good and I can't wait to do it again!

Stefanie Carne "Being photographed by Alessio from Le Chat Noir Boudoir was one of the best experiences in my life!"