What to wear for your boudoir session
The awesome thing about boudoir photography is you can wear as much or as little as you want! I do not offer a client closet, but am so excited to talk with you about what would work best for your session! Below is some of my favorites, and some recommendations on what not to bring to your session.
What to wear:
Body Suits
Body Suits teddys, one pieces, whatever you decide to call these things.. They are my absolute FAVORITE to photograph in a boudoir session. If you’re looking online for these, you’ll want to use all of the above searches, although they are all the same thing. Different companies call them different things. Body suits are so flattering on every body type. They provide material in the belly area that many women are self conscious about, accentuate your shape in a flattering way, are great for women with large and small chests, and come in so many different types, materials, and shapes!
Bra and Panty set
You can’t go wrong with this classic. I recommend you try a few different cuts of panties and check yourself out in the mirror in different poses (for real though) and see what you like and what you don’t like. Heck, you can even bring a few different panties and switch half way through an outfit! One thing I should mention.. full coverage panties are not extremely flattering on any body type, and if you bring them in, chances are I’ll be pulling them up to give you a little cheeky wedgie. Sorry, the camera prefers it that way!
Robes
Robes are AMAZING. For real though. You can’t go wrong with a neutral robe. Black, white, or really anything sheer photographs extremely well.
I should mention, please do not bring in anything extremely shiny (think cheap silk). This does not photograph well and reflects in odd spots. If you’re wondering if your robe falls into that category, send me a picture and we can talk about it!
I personally prefer full length robes just because we can do some really cool shots with a fan.. Shorter robes work as well, but are just slightly less versatile!
Other tops
Oversized off the shoulder sweaters, button up shirts, t-shirts, all work! If you’re wanting to throw in an oversized top, we can toss it over one of your current outfits for some quick pictures, or pick out a fun set of panties and call it one of your outfits!
Heels - three inches or higher!
Heels can be a great accessory. If you’re bringing them, make sure they’re at least 3 inches or higher. The higher the better!
Give me all things sheer
Sheer pieces photograph so beautifully. This is a great alternative if you’re not comfortable or not interested in doing nude images, but want something a little more risque. There are all different levels of sheer pieces. From fishnet, to lace, to mesh. So many options!
Birthday suit
Don’t want to wear anything? You don’t have to! I also offer “white sheet” as an option for one of your outfits!
Things to keep in mind..
You don’t have to only bring lingerie
Try on everything before your session. Make sure it fits comfortably. Look in the mirror and strike a few poses (I’m serious, squat down, do child’s pose, bring your hands up into your hair - do you like how the pieces look on you while doing these moves?)
Bring what YOU like. You may be gifting these images for a significant other, but girl these images are also for you! Wear what makes you feel beautiful and sexy. Don’t bring things only because you think someone else will like what they look like. Honestly, whoever you’re getting these images for is going to be so unbelievably happy regardless of what you’re wearing!
I’m here to help! Please let me give you some recommendations! Let me know what you’re wanting to accentuate the most, or what you’re more self-conscious about. We’ll brainstorm ideas for your perfect outfits!
Push a bit out of your comfort zone. It’s not every day you put on some lingerie and have someone take pictures of you. I encourage each person to bring one outfit that is a bit out of the box. Sometimes it ends up being your favorite set!
What not to wear:
There are a few things I highly recommend you do not bring because they will not be flattering on you regardless of your shape and size. These include:
Babydolls
Ok so I get it, this may seem like the perfect idea. They’re tight in the breast area and then flow out in the mid region. That should mean it hides anything you’re most self-conscious about, right? Actually, you’d be surprised that it does the opposite. While some can make your boobs look great, the sheer, flowy mid section region make that area look larger than it is and there are only a few rare positions that make this piece look remotely flattering. Believe me, girls that bring these pieces in end up purchasing a very limited number of images with this on. It just doesn’t do anything for your shape and figure.
Clothes that do not fit
I cannot stress enough to make sure that the outfits you bring fit you. Anything too small and you will not feel comfortable during your session. If things are too big again you won’t likely feel comfortable and large pieces will create the illusion that you are bigger than you are.
Don’t bring
Anything super shiny (cheap silks or satin)
Shoes under 3”
Wedges - shoes should have actual heels.
Props
Socks that go up lower than the knee
I am always willing and excited to chat about specifics for your session! Shoot me an email at taylorbrownboudoir@gmail.com to chat more!