Boudoir Prep questions

I didn’t end up doing boudoir pictures, maybe for an anniversary gift 😉, but my plan was to do my hair and make up trials that day. I would definitely use self tanner to hide tan lines. The photographer I was planning to do them with was really responsive about how to prepare, what to bring- she recommended bodysuits, what to wear upon arrive- no bra, nothing tight fitting; I’d definitely reach out to them for any additional tips too.

Hey! I did boudoir and I let them do my hair and makeup. My photographer actually recommended against spray tans - she said even ones that are done naturally tend to photograph orange and are difficult with color correction when touching up the photos.


I’d ask your photographer what they think is best regarding the spray tan

I got mine done last year and I HIGHLY suggest splurging on the professional H&MU. Mine was included in the price, (each picture I bought was added) but you definitely are going to want a professional so they know how to best bring out your features in the bright lights and everything.

As for tanner, DON'T DO IT!! Personally I have never used it (and I'm SUPER white lmao) but my boudoir photographer told me that getting it done professionally or self tanning turns out worse in pictures than it may look in real life. Just overall a huge risk.

As for prepping for the shoot, honestly just breathe and don't stress about it too much. I was super nervous (but excited!) and they turned out better than I could ever have imagined and had the time of my life, not to mention I made a new friend with my photographer. If you have a good photographer, they will help pose you and boost your confidence during the whole thing so you don't need to worry about that! Good luck and I hope you have a great time!!

I’m planning to arrange mine on the same day I have my hair and makeup trial! Get some extra use out of that trial.

I wish I could use mine as HMU trial, but it’ll be in a different city! And I don’t really want to ask one to travel for this, or wear my hair and makeup while I travel. I’ll probably look for someone in the city I’ll be in for the photos though. I’m surprised about tanners! I’m not really sure how to hide my tan lines otherwise? I tan really easily and I normally don’t have to worry about it, but they’ll all be exposed for these pics🙈 I was thinking about practicing with a self tanner to try and get it right the day of.


Y’all have been super helpful, thank you!! I probably will reach out to my photographer, I just feel like I’ve asked a billion questions already!

I did my own hair but got my make up done & im so happy I did! I was going to get a spray tan but it was raining the day i was going to get one so I cancelled it, I didn’t want it to streak and get messed up! My photographer was able to fix all the tan lines I have!

View Quoted Comment

Haley, I would be so interested to hearing how it went, if you are willing to share! You can dm if you want

View Quoted Comment I still have a couple of weeks before mine but I did reach out to my photographer and she recommended getting a spray tan! She said the pictures usually make your skin lighter so it won’t even be as dark as you get it. I plan on getting mine a week before though for my bachelorette party so it’ll probably be pretty light by the time I have pictures. I’m still undecided about hair and make up though. I’ll check back in afterwards!

View Quoted Comment

Oh ok, thank you so much for the update!

View Quoted Comment It went so well & the pictures came out great! She’s even using a few of them (without my face) to promote her other boudoir sessions! I did my own hair but went and got my make up done professionally and I’m so happy I did!!

View Quoted Comment

Yay! Good for you!