Boudoir photograph of a woman in a satin slip dress posing in a cozy, softly lit bedroom studio

🌸 How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session: Feel Radiant Inside & Out

February 18, 2026•3 min read

Elegant boudoir portrait of a woman in black lingerie posing beside a chair with soft, natural window light.

One of the questions I’m asked most often is:

“How do I get prepared for my boudoir shoot?”

And my answer usually surprises people.

Because preparing for your boudoir session isn’t about extra reps at the gym, eating a perfectly “clean” diet, or finding the perfect outfit.

It’s not about fixing yourself before you arrive.

Instead, I like to think of preparation as nourishment—for both the body and the mind. The kind of care that helps you soften, open, and arrive fully as yourself.

If you’re booked for a session and wondering, Okay… what’s next?

These are my most underrated (and powerful) tips for creating a truly incredible experience.

Elegant boudoir image of a woman in black lingerie reclining in a chair, styled with warm tones and soft shadows.

Drink More Water (And Make It Enjoyable)

Hydration is one of the simplest ways to support your body before your shoot—and it doesn’t have to be boring.

Try:

Adding a splash of juice or tonic to your water
Tossing in fresh fruit or herbs
Swapping your midday latte for hot water with lemon

Well-hydrated skin glows differently. Your energy feels steadier. Your body softens more easily into movement and expression.

Think of this not as a rule—but as an act of care.

Boudoir photography of a woman posing on a rug beside a chair in black lingerie, softly lit by natural window light in a styled bedroom.

Stretch in a Way That Feels Good

This isn’t about flexibility or performance.

It’s about asking yourself:

When was the last time I really let my body move?

Get yourself on the ground. Reach for your toes. Roll your shoulders. Breathe.

This doesn’t need to look like a deep yoga pose or anything “impressive.”

If anything, let your body lead.

Stretching helps release stored tension and creates openness—physically and emotionally. And that openness translates beautifully on camera.

Elegant boudoir image of a woman in black lingerie posed in a softly lit bedroom setting with natural light and refined styling.

Moisturize With Intention

Especially in colder months, your skin needs a little extra love.

In the week leading up to your session, slow down when you moisturize. Take your time. Notice your body.

Witness:

The texture of your skin
The dimples
The scars
The places that tell your story

Not to judge them.

Not to change them.

But to recognize that this skin is yours—and it has carried you through everything.

That reverence shows up in your photos more than any “perfect” body ever could.

Boudoir portrait of a woman in a satin slip dress posing in soft indoor light.

Write It Out

This one often catches people off guard—but it’s powerful.

Your body holds so much beneath the surface. Emotions, memories, expectations. And all of that can show up in photos if it doesn’t have a place to go.

Before your session, try journaling about:

What are you feeling more nervous about?
What is exciting you about the experience?
How do you want to feel after your shoot?

Let it spill onto the page.

When your body doesn’t have to hold everything in, it gets to relax, open up, and feel seen.

Studio boudoir photograph of a woman in black lingerie sitting on a chair with cinematic red lighting and patterned wall.

There Is No “Perfect” Way to Prepare

You don’t need to do all of these things. There is no perfect way to get yourself ready.

Try what feels supportive. Skip what doesn’t.

The entire point of this experience is not to become someone else—it’s to show up exactly as you are, for who you are, in this moment of your life.

You show up and let us take care of the rest.

Want more prep work? Checkout our welcome guide that has everything you need to get ready for your boudoir session!