First Things First:
Time to Start reflecting

When you booked your session, what was your end goal? Exactly what kind of images are you hoping to walk away from your session with? Do you find yourself drawn to anonymous images that show off the body? Portraits? Editorial style? Have absolutely no idea? It can be difficult to articulate your own style. So to help, the first thing that I do is create your “private Pinterest board.” If you are not a Pinterest user, you can also just send me photos to add for you, but I find that a board on Pinterest is the best way to get a good visual idea of the concept you’re going for. I’ll get it started for us and then it’s all about you and finding your style! Let me know ASAP if you need any help! I want you to pin/send anything that speaks to you and your aesthetic. I have a boudoir board and a makeup board to reference under my Pinterest account. You can access it HERE. Please feel free to venture down the rabbit’s hole (iykyk or you are about to) and try searching boudoir pictures, women’s portraits, or take any of these and add women’s photo behind it (sexy, classy, intimate sultry, romantic, black & white, etc…). It will start to understand what you’re looking for and provide you with search suggestions. This is such a fun exercise to really see what catches your eye!

Moodboard

Try to turn off your fear and over-thinking at this point. Don’t say things like “OHH that’s so beautiful, but I would NEVER be able to pull that off!” or “I WISH I could look like that!” That’s not the point of this exercise. After 20 or so images, I will very easily be able to get a visual of your style and the type of images you are interested in. Do you like sweet, bright, and bubbly? Do you like dark, moody, and seductive? Do you like shots that capture the entire body? Do you like close-up teaser shots of body parts? Do you prefer more modest portraits? Silhouettes? We’ll find out together! The purpose of this is NOT to find photos to replicate! It is inspiration, and now that we’ll both know the kind of images you really like, it will be easier to deliver a set of photos that you absolutely love!

Wardrobe Tips

Honestly, and I’m not even close to exaggerating here, wardrobe is not really that important for the way that I shoot. Please, please, please do not stress out over outfits. Do not feel the need to run out and buy new things (unless you’re the girl that really loves to shop for these kinds of things!) I can do a completely versatile and awesome shoot with a robe, a sheet, or a pair of jeans. Don’t stress! Here’s some wardrobe tips to calm your nerves and help you decide what to bring.

THE NUMBER ONE WARDROBE RULE IS: Do NOT bring outfits that you don't love. I can't tell you how many women show up with outfits that prompt them to say "I really don't like the way I look in this one, but I'll leave it up to you!". If you don't like the outfit, it's likely that you won't like photos of you in the outfit. Leave it at home.
Lingerie is NOT a must for boudoir Don't be afraid to get creative! For a boudoir style shoot, a garter belt and thigh high fish nets would go great with a cropped top or button down men's shirt. A gorgeous bra can be paired with a long flowing skirt. Your favorite tank top can be paired with no pants. A SHEET can be used for everything. Your 20 year old favorite tee shirt paired with cheeky bottoms will get the job done just perfectly. Or one of my personal favorites: jeans and topless. This is about YOU and your authentic personality, not about being someone you aren’t.
For beauty or portraits Structured and/or statement pieces work amazing. Your favorite blazer or jacket, a cocktail dress with an interesting neckline, or just a bodysuit and jeans….I want you to look and feel like yourself (just on your best day). When in doubt, just bring in some of your favorite wardrobe items and let me style them for you. It’s part of the service and I’m happy to do it.
If wearing thigh-highs. Buy them 1-2 sizes TOO BIG according to the size chart on the back. Buying them in a size that supposedly "fits" according to the package size chart will likely result in the stockings giving a bit of thigh muffin top. We can get them to stay up for each "pose", or you can wear a garter belt to keep them from slipping.
Avoid. Tiny busy patterns, as well as neon colors. They are often harsh on-camera and a bit unflattering so try to avoid them. For real.
Have several outfits picked out. And we can go through them together before your shoot to determine what will photograph best. We will have time for 1 outfit (nude counts as an outfit, if you’re wondering) for every 30 minutes you are scheduled.
Try to incorporate a variety of pieces into your wardrobe selections. Having 5 different bra and panty sets won't allow for a whole lot of variety in your photos. Rather, have something formal, something casual, something super textured and fun, something more modest, to something black and sleek...you get the idea. Play. It. Up. Babe. *It doesn’t have to be complicated…in fact, I welcome simplicity! I love to work with pretty scarves, sheets, hats, jackets and coats, or anything you love.
Pressed and Pretty. Make sure your wardrobe selections aren't wrinkled and cut all the tags off of your sheer items before arriving.
CONSIDER ARTISTIC NUDES for a super easy, low maintenance, and FREE wardrobe option.

Body Types

All women, and I truly believe this, are beautiful! Curves, no curves, all shapes, all sizes are beautiful. I often get questions from clients saying, “I’m curvy, what should I wear?” or “Or I want to hide this______”. What I try and do as your photographer is magnify what you love about yourself and minimize the things that you don’t. Here’s a few tips based on the most common “concerns” said by my clients to me.

Curvy bodies: BRING ON THE FORM-FITTING ITEMS! I adore bodysuits, tight dresses, and nothing at all….especially for voluptuous bombshells. We often see curvy women trying to cover up more, but often that has the opposite effect they think it will. Allowing me to pose you so that we can see your figure and celebrate it is the way to go!
Flat-butts: Thongs tend to make a butt look fuller than full-coverage bottoms or g-strings. Play around in the mirror with different styles to see what you like best. And don't worry, I'm a PRO at creating curves in posing where there aren't any otherwise! I can get a killer booty shot with any level of curve (or lack thereof).
Shorter legs: High heels with a THIN heel rather than chunky! Avoid shoes with thick ankle straps or a square toe. Nude shoes naturally elongate the legs.
Thin/no curves: That’s all in the posing, girl! Form fitting options and nothing at all work great as I pose the heck out of you to make you look and feel bodacious.
Small chest: Underwires and balconettes are lovely, as well as NO BRA AT ALL (my personal favorite for small chested women!) And also, small boobs rock. So please don't feel the NEED to create extra "oomph" unless it's something that really concerns you.
Mom boobs: If your breasts are a bit lower or “floppier” than you’d like them to be, just be sure to snag a bra with some support, or form fitting bodysuits that will keep them at bay. Posing will play a huge role here, and I’m really good at that. So…bring your mom boobs my way and we’ll embrace the hell out of them!
Surgery scars and stretch marks: My personal belief is that scars tell a story. Sometimes clients wish they didn’t have to be permanently reminded of that story, and other times, clients embrace their scars and say they’re a part of them. For this reason, I will never edit out a scar or stretch mark unless a client specifically requests it.

BE SURE TO...

Get your beauty sleep- - Seriously! Photoshop can't fix tired.
Brush your lips - sounds weird, right?! Dry lips are very hard to fix in photoshop. In the days leading up to your photoshoot, use your toothbrush while brushing your teeth to make a few passes over that pucker of yours. This will help shed dead skin. After that, apply a moisturizing lip balm and then REPEAT! REPEAT! REPEAT!
Make it an opportunity to pamper yourself - Go ahead a few days before your photoshoot and get a manicure and pedicure! This will give you a finished, polished look. Chipped polish can be distracting. My personal favorite when I am doing a boudoir shoot is sand or nude color.
Lather on the lotion - Supple is key for beautiful skin. Be sure to moisturize twice a day for the week leading up to your shoot. I recommend with a non-bronzer illuminizing lotion or oil-based lotions like Argan Oil Moisturizer or Coconut Oil. On the day of your shoot, make sure to double up the lotion lather. Do not use tinted lotions or anything with color.
Have extra wardrobe options - Prepare for some different outfits, a couple pairs of shoes if you're a shoe girl, and accessories only if you usually wear them. We may not use it all, but it never hurts to have some options. Often clients will bring a smattering of wardrobe options, and I'll just style up some different looks and voilà. Something cool and unique that you didn't even expect.
Plan ahead - Nothing puts a damper on a fun and relaxing photoshoot like feeling rushed or late. You should plan ahead for traffic and arrive about 5 minutes before your scheduled start time. I will be ready on time too. If you arrive early, just check in with my security guard and have a seat in the lobby.
Make a playlist - Music will really help you get into the super model zone and everyone always has their mood setting songs. I have a playlist that's pretty spicy that you can get down to.
Trust me - I won't make you do anything that is going to make you look bad. I promise. I've been doing this for some time now, and I've got your covered.

DON’T YOU DARE...

SPRAY TAN - I said it. Hear me out...I can't undo orange on you, the sheets and the pictures. Photoshop is amazing, but not that amazing. Not to mention the camera will pick up every streak and unevenness on your skin. I've worked with hundreds of women to come to the conclusion that spray tans are a no no. Trust me on this.
Party the night before your photoshoot - If you're nervous, try a bubble bath and yoga class. Hangovers aren't fun or sexy and everybody knows it (including me, oh Lord do I know).
Drink red wine to calm your nerves - Please don't drink a bottle of red wine right before you show up in an effort to calm your nerves. #1- It will stain your teeth and lips. #2- Drunk doesn't photograph pretty either. However, I'm admittedly an advocate of a little bit of booze to soothe anxiety if you are feeling nervous. So, I set a firm 2 drink maximum limit for my clients on their day. Champagne or Rosé is a good option because it won't stain your mouth and will still relax you a little. Don't worry I have some.
Forget to stretch - Your photoshoot will feel like a workout the next day. It's from arching and using muscles that you don't normally use. My clients always say "I went home and took a nap because I didn't expect that!" Take a few minutes each day leading up to your shoot, and really stretch your arms, your legs, your neck, and back. The poses look good, but they can feel awkward and unnatural. so help your body out a little and warm her up to it before our big day.
Don't do something crazy with your hair - This is not the time to get a new haircut or different color immediately before your photoshoot. I've had clients say before "I did exactly what you said not to do and cut my hair, and now I need help adding extensions in (Yes, my HMUA can add some extensions if you provide them.) If you need to get your roots touched up or colored, please make sure you allow adequate time just in case something goes wrong and you need to have it fixed. If you're asking me about hair down there - natural, shaving, or waxing are all great. However, again, not a time to try something new just in case there is a reaction causing in grown hairs or red bumps. Most importantly, I just don't want you to worry about these things the day of so plan ahead, especially when it comes to experimenting.
Bring in weapons with your man's uniform as a prop - YES, REALLY. Also avoid jerseys, sports equipment, masks, etc... Think fun wigs, a sexy pair of heels, creative tights, or jewelry, thigh highs, etc...

DON'T WORRY, IT HAPPENS...

a client’s photo shoot is a few days away and she begins to panic. I get a terrified e-mail in the middle of the night begging for me to talk them off the ledge. I know this because this was me before my first boudoir photoshoot. So let me be proactive here and tackle the most common trepidations I hear, so that maybe you won’t be lying awake in the middle of the night on the day before your session.

STRESS ACNE: Yeah, it happens. Pimples suck. If you think for one second that every woman you see pictured on my website was magically pimple-free on the day of their session, you’re not seeing straight. I retouch blemishes and bruises with ease on every photo you see. No problem. No stress. Let that pimple try its hardest to ruin your day, but your photos will not be a permanent reminder of it.
BODY ISSUES: I long for the day that women are comfortable in their skin at all stages. That being said, I know women well enough to be realistic and understand that many women struggle with self love and no matter how much I tell them they are beautiful, they wish they would have lost just a few more pounds before their session. The majority of the women that come in to see me are working on loving themselves, but struggle sometimes. They don’t approve of the size of their thighs, their pooch, their dimples, the list goes on and on. I take women’s feelings very seriously and never want to make anyone uncomfortable. While this is a body positive experience, I’ve learned all the tricks to ensure that I am featuring the attributes that women most love about themselves, while giving special care to downplay your areas of concern. I’m going to make it my very best effort to change your mind on what you consider to be your “flaws” because I know that we are all a work in progress on how we see ourself and love ourself. So, one more time, louder for those in the back: YOU ARE AMAZING TODAY. NOT 10 LBS FROM NOW, NOT POST-PLASTIC SURGERY….You.are.amazing.TODAY. and I can’t wait to show you!
POSE ANXIETY: This one’s easy. You don’t have to know how to pose…not even a little bit. I will walk you through every step of the way. I will get into the poses myself and have you mirror me. If we didn’t get it right on the first try, I’ll gently redirect you. It’s not YOUR job to take amazing photos, it’s mine. And I’m pretty competitive about taking amazing photos. Just wait and see.
BEING ON YOUR PERIOD: Yep, it’s the worst. No, it will not affect your finished product. We are all women and we ALL understand the plight of menstruation on photoshoot day. I keep extra strength Advil and feminine hygiene products on hand, and I have zero qualms with 30 bathroom breaks. Start your morning with some fresh fruit and a heating pad, and I’ll take it from there. No worries about bloat or blemishes.
BEING THE ONE CLIENT THAT I AM UNABLE TO GET A GOOD PICTURE OF.: I have NEVER….EVER had a client who didn’t love their photos. You don’t have to love EVERY SINGLE ONE of them, but you will love most of them. And you will be shocked that you could love photos of yourself this much. I WILL rock out your photo session, and I WILL get a whole bunch of killer images of you. I always do. And if you come into the shoot with an open mind and with trust in me, we’ll get some EXTRA too. And extra is always good. I’ve never met a woman who I couldn’t capture beautifully. That includes you.

WHAT TO EXPECT...

A couple of days before your shoot - Do NOT bring outfits that you don't love. I can't tell you how many women show up with outfits that prompt them to say "I really don't like the way I look in this one, but I'll leave it up to you!". If you don't like the outfit, it's likely that you won't like photos of you in the outfit. Leave it at home.
Once the shoot begins, you can expect me to give you tons of encouragement and direction - I will not expect you to super model pose on your own throughout your shoot. I will get into these poses to show you before you do that you feel more comfortable. I will say things to make you smile and laugh so be prepared (or actually, don't. I'm funnier and then it's better. LOL)
Your photoshoot time will fly by - That's a good thing! That means it wasn't boring or awkward. Just the right amount of fun and girl time. I'm really excellent on staying on top of time (#momlife), so if you are having transportation bring you to and from, you can expect to get out of here roughly about three and a half to four hours after our start time.
And the end of your shoot - I will help you pack up your things and send you downstairs for some lunch. This will give me an opportunity to review the images we took and take out any ones that are blurry or where you blinked. After lunch, this is where all the fun begins! We will get to drool over all of your images and you get to pick your favorites for your package! Hello Instant Gratification! I will also give you a high five, because GIRL, YOU JUST FREAKING ROCKED IT and I'm so proud of you! Most clients find themselves loving way more pictures than they anticipated and upgrading collections. It's important to know and understand that after your order is placed, I will delete the images to make room for my other photoshoots coming in.
Within 4-5 weeks of your ordering appointment - All of your purchase products will be ready for pickup and sometimes sooner! I'll send you an email letting you know when I have tracking on them, and we will set up a time for you to come pick them up.
Within 12 months of your photoshoot - You'll want to do this again! Existing clients get dibs on photoshoot time slots because I absolutely believe in special treatment.

Any questions?? PLEASE don’t hesitate to ask because we are here to help!

First Things First:Time to Start reflecting