YOU ARE FIERCE
It may have been awhile since you felt this way, though. As women we wear SO MANY HATS. Wives, friends, moms, sisters, aunts, girl-boss, and so much more! We get so caught up in doing for others, that we start losing OURSELVES little by little.
Every day we are bombarded with images of what the "perfect woman" should look like. It's easy to feel like you don't measure up, to avoid your reflection in the mirror, to scold yourself as you eat that delicious burger in the car when no one is looking.
No matter how you feel, you ARE a badass. You ARE beautiful. There is only one YOU in the entire world. Everything you search for is buried deep down inside of you. It's time for you to call a truce with yourself. You are allowed some grace, sister!
Now Let's Get Started!
MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
O Heyyy! I’m Lauren, the girl behind the camera. Aside from photographing I enjoy watching funny cat videos, listening to Frank Sinatra, drinking hot cups of tea with honey, eating black licorice (don't yuck my yum :P), and treating myself to video games every once in awhile.
Growing up, I’d always hate looking at myself in the mirror or getting my picture taken. I thought I was never pretty enough or smart enough, etc. And eventually all my insecurities, unfortunately, developed into a terrible eating disorder. But it wasn’t until I recovered that made me want to help all women. I believe all women deserve to fall in love with themselves each and everyday.
I cannot wait to give this experience of a life time and meet you in person - We are going to have SO much fun!!
Now Let's Talk About Outfits!!
TOP 5 OUTFITS TO AVOID
1) Bright/neon colors - Having vibrant, colorful outfits will damage your images. These bold outfits draw away from the most important subject… YOU. Overall it will be distracting and the eye will automatically look at the outfit, not at you.
2) Jerseys: I know some of you want to do something sexy for your partner, but jerseys are not the way to do it. They are not made for women’s bodies. They make all your beautiful curves and shapes disappear into one big rectangular box. Do not hide your curves ladies - flaunt them!
3) Babydolls - As cute as they may be, babydolls are not complimentary to any body type, period. Most of the time they are unflattering and can make us women seem bigger than we actually are. I would avoid these at all costs.
4) Outfits that are way too tight - You are are going to be in many different poses that require you to bend and/or stretch certain ways that you are not familiar with. Having outfits that are flexible and comfortable makes the shoot easier to go through. Plus being uncomfortable shows on your face - we don’t want to capture that expression!
5) Corsets - I know, this one is kind of a shocker and kind of a bummer. Yes, corsets are gorgeous and they can make you look amazing, but for a boudoir photoshoot I highly discourage it. Sure, wearing a corset when you are standing is fine, but most of the time during your shoot you are going to be lying down, twisting and turning into multiple different positions that requires some flexibility. Corsets will prevent you from doing that. And if you are uncomfortable, your face will express that discomfort in image.
The Must Do's
THE DO'S
- Remember to eat Breakfast in the morning!
- Start drinking lots of water a couple weeks before the photoshoot date - we want your skin to look flawless and moisturized for this amazing day!
- Start stretching a week or two before the shoot date. I know this sounds silly, but this is so important!! Posing for boudoir is literally a workout… no joke! You are going to be arching your back constantly and you are going to be in positions that you normally do not go into on a daily basis - I mean, unless you are a yoga teacher. You do not want to pull something during this experience!
- Bring 5 to 6 outfits with you. I can help you decide what is the best look for you!
- Try on the outfits you want to bring to the shoot beforehand - make sure you love them and that they fit perfectly - not too tight / not too big. Make sure you feel flawless in them!
- Make sure to get a goodnights sleep the day before the shoot. You showing up with a tired face cannot be helped on camera. You want to look rejuvenated!
- Pamper yourself!! : Get a facial a week before the shoot so you have a beautiful glowing skin & get a mani/pedi, but make sure to keep nail colors as muted as possible. I have an amazing esthetician that I can hook you up with - message me if you are interested!
What To Avoid
THE DON'TS
- Do not put on white deodorant - there are many poses that will have your arms raised up above your head, and I’d hate to capture this beautiful image and then have it be photobombed by white clumps that are hidden away in your armpits! I highly suggest wearing CLEAR deodorant!
- Do not wear tight underwear and/or tight clothing when arriving to your boudoir shoot! Wearing tighter clothes creates impressions onto your skin and I'm going to have the hardest time editing them out - which means it will take longer to see your photographs.
- Do not spray tan!!! There’s a good chance you will have spots of the bronzer coming off off your skin, leaving you with patches of different tones all over your body. PLUS, the bronzer on the tan will get all over the sheets and permanently stain them.
- Avoid tanning in general - tan lines ARE THE WORST to edit! It will definitely delay your photos getting to you and I will have a HUGE headache trying to fix every image (or I may might not even edit them out at all).
- Avoid painting neon/bold colors on your fingernails and/or toenails. It will be a distraction from the main subject… YOU!
- If you have never waxed before - Do not do it! You won’t know how your body could react (you can end up with redness, irritation marks, and rashes). I would hate to have that in all your images!
- Do not cut and/or style your hair a different way from what you’re used to. There may be a chance that you may not be happy with your new look and then capturing it in all your photographs will not be a good thing.
- Do not bring a friend, relative, or loved one. I say this because this transformative experience is something that is super intimate and super personal. Having someone there can make a huge impact on how the way you feel and/or react during this moment. It’s best not to involve anyone but yourself.
- And most importantly, do not try to be someone you’re not! The whole point of boudoir is to love you just the way you are!! Wear what you find sexy!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I am not a model, will you be able to pose me?! Girrrrrlllll, of course! That is my job! You don’t have to worry about a thing. I will guide you through this life-changing experience.
Do I have to get naked? Of course not! You can wear as little or as much clothing as you desire. I want you to do what is best for YOU!
What do I wear? You can wear whatever makes you feel the most confident and sexiest in! Some ideas can range from body suits, to lingerie, to cute little sweaters, all the way to nudity. It is whatever makes you feel flawless in! I am also more than happy to assist you into picking the perfect outfit, so you do not have to stress too much over this :)
I'm excited for my photoshoot, but I’m worried about my body. Do you Photoshop? First and foremost, you need to realize that you are absolutely beautiful just the way you are!! This whole experience is to let you see yourself in a new light. I’m not the photographer that “fixes flaws” that you may think you may have. My purpose for you is to face yourself for who you are right this very moment and to make you see your own beauty! But as far as Photoshop goes, I only retouch the skin and I use Lightroom to change the lighting. I want you to embrace your own uniqueness!
What happens to the images I do not purchase? We normally delete them after your Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment. All sales are final - we do not archive your pictures that you do not purchase after your appointment.
Will I be able to purchase additional products after my Order Appointment on a later date? Your Ordering Appointment is the only time to purchase products. You will sign a final sale agreement at your appointment and as discussed in this guide and your contract, we do not archive your images after your ordering appointment. Therefore, you will not be able to return and order additional images. All sales are final and you may not alter or change your order after the final sale agreement has been signed. However, if you purchase a Digital Collection with the high-resolution files, you can send them to us for printing.
What are type of payment do you accept? We accept cash, credit/debit, Square, PayPal, Affirm, and PayPal Credit. We do NOT accept checks. For Payment Plans, it must be credit or debit.
PAYMENT PLAN OPTION:
In House: If you choose this option, there will be no interest in my 6-8 month payment plan, BUT you will not be able to get your product(s) right away. You will only receive your items once everything has been paid.
PayPal Credit: 6 months interest free upon approval. You will be able to get your product(s) right away!
Affirm Card: Get your products/images right away while taking your time to pay. The Affirm Card is a debit card that allows you to pay for purchases now. The card offers both interest-free and interest-bearing payment plan options, along with various plan durations.
Pre Payment Plan: Earn free bonus goodies by prepaying for your products and get your products right away!
Where To Shop
With boudoir photography, women can wear anything. It ranges from wearing a cute sweater with stockings all the way up to nudity. It does not have to be lingerie. It is whatever YOU feel the most confident in! Every woman is different so you have to choose an outfit that works best for you! Just as an example, one of my clients only wore Burning Man outfits - get creative with it if you wish! :)
WHERE TO SHOP FOR LINGERIE:
I know there are SO many places to shop at that it can be overwhelming. So here are just a few stores that I have listed that can help you decide on your perfect outfit! (You do not need to shop here if you do not want to).
Thistle & Spire - https://www.thistleandspire.com
For Love & Lemons - https://forloveandlemons.com/collections/lingerie
Savage X Fenty By Rihanna- https://www.savagex.com
Torrid - https://www.torrid.com/torrid-curve-intimates/
Yandy - https://www.yandy.com
Love Vera - https://www.lovevera.com
Bras N Things - https://www.brasnthings.com/lingerie
Intimissimi: https://www.intimissimi.com/us/women/lingerie/
La Senza - https://www.lasenza.com/us/sexy-lingerie
Shein - https://us.shein.com
Fashion Nova - https://www.fashionnova.com/collections/lingerie
Adore Me - https://www.adoreme.com/sexy-lingerie
Blue Bella - https://www.bluebella.us
Agent Provocateur - https://www.agentprovocateur.com/us_en
Victoria's Secret - https://www.victoriassecret.com/vs/lingerie
Blush Lingerie - www.blushlingerie.com
La Perla - www.laperla.com
Playful Promises - https://us.playfulpromises.com
Bare Necessities - https://www.barenecessities.com
Amazon - www.amazon.com
Hips and Curves - www.hipsandcurves.com
Marie Mur - https://www.mariemur.com
Honey Birdette - https://us.honeybirdette.com/
Whether you have a lot on top or an itsy bit... here are tips to flatter any bust.
WHAT TO WEAR WHEN YOU'RE A BIJOU BABE (French for petite on top):
High Necklines:
Not all garments are created equal and when you’re smaller on top you want to take advantage of that fact. Try going for a high neckline halter when you’re looking for pieces to rock. This type of lingerie will emphasize your sultry shoulders and bring attention up to your eyes.
Bodysuits:
And speaking of bodysuits, boost that booty with a fun and playful bodysuit that can highlight your ass-ets while turning up the sexy. Sheer and lace designs will really be great for this look; pair it with some sexy heels (remember to skip the strap backs) and you’ll be a total showstopper.
Bralettes:
One of the biggest things you can bank on when you’re smaller on top is the detail work of the lingerie you choose to flaunt. Bralettes are a great example of using this fact because they come in so many beautiful shapes and sizes. Whether you’re going for lace, satin, applique, or velour there are so many great options for making this style truly your own.
Things to Avoid if Smaller on Top:
All this being said…there are some styles that you should most definitely stay away from when you’re smaller on top. Save yourself the heartache and back away from the corsets and bras with cups. They’ll only be doing you a disservice.
WHAT TO WEAR IF YOU'RE A BUSTY BABE:
Garter Belt
My advice for garter belts would be to grab a thicker belt to get the most flattering outline. Skinny garter belts are not flattering. End of story. P.s.- You can sneak a pair of Spanx under these as well!
Bodysuits
Bodysuits are great because they let you express your sensuality without worrying about those little areas you’re self-conscious about. When you’re looking for the perfect bodysuit, play around with different textures and colors to see what’s the most flattering.
Mid to high rise underwear or two-piece sets
Let’s talk two-pieces! These can be a little trickier for curvy girls, but if you’re set on grabbing some pics in them, there are definitely options. My first suggestion would be for you to try a garter belt (with or without stockings) or to go for a retro look with some high-rise undies and a gorgeous bra.
Whichever outfits or styles you choose, remember that it’s your confidence that shines through the brightest during the shoot. When you’re comfortable, and what you’re wearing is a representation of you, it gives you that much more sass and power.
Here are some quick reminders of what to bring:
- Bring at least 5- 6 outfits choices with you (more than that is definitely ok! We usually only shoot 3-4 looks. It is awesome to have options! Try to choose variety for outfits (not all bra and panty sets).
- Bodysuits look great in photos! Also try to bring a variety of colors of lingerie, and accessories to match.
- Please HANG lingerie so it does not get wrinkles. I won’t be photoshopping any wrinkles out of your clothing.
- Choose muted matte/primary/pastel colors. If you're a bride to be, a good option is to pick some lingerie that will be the colors of your wedding.
- Bring at least one killer bra (with good support) and panty set.
- If you are self-conscious about your middle, bring at least one bodysuit. Shapewear is PERFECT also. Fitted things will actually be more flattering! We want to show your curves!
- Optional: Remember thigh highs and a garter belt. Garter belts can be bought on Amazon and runs $8-$10.
- Optional: Bring SKIN TONE and BLACK heels. The higher/skinnier the heel, the better. The right heel can actually lengthen and slim your legs! AVOID shoes with straps on the ankles. They will make your legs look shorter. You will see the bottom of your heels in some pictures, so if they are old/worn, you will be able to tell. I do not photoshop the bottom of shoes.
Try Not To Stress!!!
I know this is a lot to take in, but I am here to help you throughout this entire process. Don't be shy and email me if you need anymore information or have any questions!! Remember it's normal to feel nervous!! Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are enough, you are worthy, and you are going to KILL your photoshoot!