Boudoir photography has become popular over the past several years and a session could be really empowering. However, because it usually involves little clothing, your nerves can definitely get the best of you. Here are some tips on how to relax for your boudoir session.
Check out the podcast episode below with Bumby Grimm of Boudoir by Bumby on this topic.
Jump Ahead to:
Build a Rapport with Your Photographer
You are going to be getting in front of your photographer with very little clothing which can be very nerve-racking. Building a rapport with them prior to your session will definitely help. Schedule a call so that you can ask questions. You can even schedule an appointment to tour the studio space. Talking with your photographer prior to your session helps them get to know you and your personality. This allows you the chance to tell them what you are looking to get out of your session. You want a session that represents you and what you feel sexy and beautiful in.
Pamper Yourself Before the Session
Treat yourself to some pampering before your boudoir session. Get your nails done the day before and/or hair colored a couple of weeks before. This will help you get excited about your session and make sure that you feel your best.
Practice Posing
One of the things that make a lot of women nervous about a boudoir session is what to do. By this we mean, posing! You certainly don’t have to be a model and your photographer will help guide you on how to position yourself during a session. However, practicing facial expressions and/or poses in a mirror prior to your session, can help calm nerves. Don’t be afraid to look at some stuff on Pinterest and get some ideas. See how they’re doing their facial expressions and practice them yourself. This will also help you understand what style you, maybe more playful than sexy. It may sound silly but we promise it will pay off.
Dress Rehearsal
When clients go into the BB by Bumby studio, they are welcomed into a relaxing environment. Bumby loves to talk and joke with her clients to ease any nerves while they get their hair and makeup done. Before your session, she’ll do a little 5-10 minute “dress rehearsal”. During this time she’ll give you tips for posing which will help build your confidence during your session.
Don’t Forget to Breathe
Now it’s shoot time! But what if your nerves kick in? Bumby suggests simply taking a second close your eyes and breathe. Surprisingly when you focus on your breathing and relax your shoulders, the tension that has built up slowly releases as you breathe in and out. By doing this you have completely cleared your mind.
Bumby also notes, “One thing that I also find too is changing up the outfits at that point. By the time they tend to start tensing up a little bit, that’s usually during the first outfit. I will honestly say once they hit their second outfit, my girls are like pros. I feel like their nerves are gone by like that first outfit.”
Speak Up
If at any time during your session you feel that tension starts to build up, don’t be afraid to speak up. Although you are working with a professional photographer at the end of the day their main goal is that you loved your session and gained empowerment. If you aren’t feel something or need to take a second, let them know. They will have suggestions to help!