Styling Your Boudoir Session

Red Boudoir Pin Up Photo

Women in Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley have begun looking for unusual ways to celebrate their accomplishments, their independence, and their womanhood. If you have decided to treat yourself to a high fashion boudoir photography shoot to mark a special occasion or just celebrate yourself, more power to you.

Here are some ideas for how you can have a boudoir shoot that you will enjoy, with results that you will love.

Go shopping!

If you’re investing in a boudoir shoot, it pays to also indulge in some special lingerie for the shoot. Pick shades that contrast well against the background and your skin. The nice thing about our studio is the variety of backgrounds we have on hand to create several different looks. Ensure the lingerie and corsets fit well with no unseemly bulges that will be highlighted on camera. We strongly encourage solid colors (or close to) if possible. Black is an essential, but it is good to have some bright colors too. If you wish to include a bikini, that can make for some beach type shots.

Boudoir Photograph on a pink background in a black slip with stockings.
Modern Pin-Up boudoir photography.

You will want multiple looks for the shoot, so pick styles that are different. Do your research online and you will find plenty of inspiration. If you have a style icon or celebrity you look up to, check out their photo shoots for ideas. You can also check out our Boudoir photos in our gallery to get some other ideas as well.

Accessorize Correctly.

The right accessories can make or break the look. Carefully placed beaded chains, layers of necklaces, chandelier earrings or chunky statement pieces can add some oomph to your look. Feathers, handcuffs or even the odd whip can turn a shoot from sensual to edgy. Floral themed accessories, feathers and lace can turn a soccer mom into a goddess. Don’t forget the boots, stilettos or sexy sandals to complete the look. We strongly encourage a taller heal to compliment your calf muscles.

Before you actually head out to pick up your outfits, take some time to define the look you want from the shoot. Do you want to seem mysterious, sensual, fiery, dark, ethereal…? Depending on the mood or vibe you are aiming for, you will need to pick brands that best reflect it. There are plenty of great stores both online and offline in Bakersfield and elsewhere in California.

Boudoir Cowgirl Roper
Cowgirl boudoir photograph with rope, boots, hat and gun.

Pick props to support the theme.

You can have a single theme running through the shoot or work on 2 or 3 different themes. Playful holiday themes, music or art inspired themes, globe-trotting diva, the options are endless. A place to look for inspiration would be hobbies, yours or a significant other’s. Those could include firearms, sports, and musical instruments. This is an opportunity to live out your fantasies, so let your imagination run wild. We work with you before your shoot to plan the theme you want and allow you to pick up additional props you may need.

Bring some drama to your face.

Since this is a fashion style shoot, you can go a little stronger with your look. Dramatic makeup even if it is not like your usual style, is a good way to go. Get a good color and cut before the shoot to make the most of your features, but avoid experimenting in case you end up with a look you hate. Try to stay within the same product lines for your skin care before the shoot to prevent possible reactions. 

Think High Fashion

A boudoir photo shoot gives you the opportunity to wear your confidence with pride. Don’t hold back. If you are on the shy side, try out your looks in advance so you’re completely comfortable on the day. Be bold. Channel your inner supermodel during the shoot. Select music to set the mood – anything that makes you feel good.

Your boudoir photographer will guide you through the actual shoot, but we work with you to customize your look. If you have some idea of what you want to the shoot to look like, share these pictures from magazines or online with the photographers to help them style it better. Pintrest is a great resource for collecting those shot ideas. We try to capture the look of a photograph without copying it outright. We have to make it “ours.”

Plan ahead so that you end up with a perfect set of pictures that are a true reflection of you, and shots that you will cherish for a lifetime.

If you would like to read some more planning tips, check out our article on planning for a boudoir session or why you should hire us to be your Bakersfield Boudoir Photographer.

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