‘Tis the season for boudoir!

Whether it’s for your spouse for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, your soon-to-be-spouse for a wedding gift, or for yourself for pride and empowerment, you absolutely MUST treat yourself (and perhaps your sig nif!) to a boudoir session!

One of the most common questions I am asked by women who are thinking of doing a session is, “What should I wear?!” Most women don’t frolic around in lace lingerie on a daily basis, so I can see how the thought of choosing something absolutely perfect for the camera, yet comfortable and flattering on your body might be a little terrifying for some women. I know it would be for me!

Hopefully this little guide will help you find the perfect outfit(s) to wear to your session! Be sure to scroll all the way down for a few other helpful pieces of advice, as well as some tips from some real, live, EKP boudoir babes…

Helpful Hint #1: Start simple!

You can never go wrong with a gorgeous black lace bra and panty set. This combo looks FABULOUS on every woman. And, the best part?! Lace fits very nicely on your body and doesn’t cut into you like elastic does, which, let’s be honest, is something we all want to avoid!

What I love most about this particular set is that the bra extends down over the rib cage a bit. This style is so “in” right now!

This set looks stunning by itself, but you can always jazz it up with a bold necklace and hot red stilettos!

Helpful Hint #2: Bring some color!

Isn’t this set GORGEOUS!! This bra is just STUNNING…I mean, I’m obsessing over that design. Seriously.

Ok, back to the color. By adding a pop of color to your collection, you can drastically change the look and feel of a boudoir photo. Choose a color that looks good with your hair/skin, or pick something that your sig nif likes (if that’s your goal).

Helpful Hint #3: Be a tease!

You don’t have to bare it all ALL the time 😉 Add some diversity to your look by adding something a little less revealing. Think lacey tanks, corsets, nighties, slips, and robes.

Helpful Hint #4: Be bold!

Patterns can be your best friend! Add some spice by thinking about patterns. Dots, stripes, floral prints, etc. can all be a classical yet bold addition to your wardrobe.

Helpful Hint #5: Practice being a bride!

You’re getting your hair and makeup done, you’re being treated like a queen, you’re ready to feel beautiful and sexy and have the time of your life. Sounds like what it’s like to be a bride, right?!

If you’re doing this as a wedding gift for your partner, use this as a way to see just how beautiful you are as a bride. Bring your veil and wedding shoes, find a robe, panties, or tank top that says “Bride,” or simply bring a classic white lace set. We can make this look classic and beautiful or we can style it up a bit with some dramatic makeup and accessories. The possibilities are endless!

Helpful Hint #6: Don’t forget about your partner!

Partners LOVE it when they know you were thinking about them while being all hot and sexy! Bring some of his/her favorite things with you – jerseys, button down shirts, ties, tshirts, jackets, etc. Show your partner that you like what they’re into (even if you’re not really that into it 😉 ).

Here are a few other things to consider when planning for your super sexy session!

*Get your nails done! Not only will they look better in the photos, but they will help you feel even more sexy than you already are.

*Take advantage of my professional hair and makeup artists! My award-winning artists will have you looking (and feeling) your absolute best. They know what photographs well, what looks best with your skin, etc. As one of my boudoir babes said, “Go for the package with hair/makeup – they will make you look like you’ve never looked before and the ladies Erica works with are top notch. I felt super comfortable with these ladies. Everyone was there for ME, making sure I looked and felt great and I was comfortable.” Trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed with this investment! (Oh, and be sure to wear a button or zip up shirt during this process so that you don’t have to mess up your beautiful new ‘do when it’s time to change clothes!)

*Be careful with your spray tan! You DO NOT want to be orange and/or splotchy in your boudoir photos. If you must spray tan before your session, PLEASE, for the love of all things cute and cuddly and furry, do a very light tan at a very talented salon. My favorite is Bliss Airbrush Tanning here in Columbus.  They are FANTASTIC. (Plus, they won’t let you leave looking orange or splotchy!)

*Accessorize! Bring TONS of accessories with you. A simple jewelry swap can entirely change the look of a boudoir photo.

*Too much is better than not enough! Bring TONS of clothing options. I’ll go through them all and pick out what I think will look best on your body, in my set, and for your boudoir images.

*Don’t wear anything before your session that will leave marks on your skin! Avoid tight bras, underwear, pants, etc. We don’t want to have lines and marks all over your body in your photos!

*Stay hydrated! Water is good for your hair, skin, nails, etc….all of the things you want to look nice in your boudoir photos. Plus, it just makes you feel better.

*Bring a robe! You’ll feel much more comfortable if you have something to cover up with in between shots, while you’re getting your hair/makeup done, etc.

*Bring a friend! One boudoir babe said it best when she said, “bring someone with you whom you are very comfortable around.” Generally, a good friend will help you feel less nervous, will make you laugh, and will be a great source of support and encouragement throughout the process. Heck, make it a party, and let’s do a shoot for her, too haha!

*TRUST ME! I’m not going to let you look ridiculous. If I pose you a in way that doesn’t really feel natural, trust that I’m doing it because it looks AMAZING on your body. The more trust you have in me, the more relaxed you’ll be and the more enjoyable this experience will be for both of us. In the words of one of my real life boudoir babes, “Trust Erica. She’s the one looking through the lens, she’s going to recognize what you may be insecure about and will make you look amazing and those flaws you are worried about won’t be seen in your photos.”

I hope that this little post helps you feel better prepared and more excited about your upcoming boudoir session! Please don’t hesitate to email me with any additional questions!