How to Prepare for a Boudoir Session (Mentally + Physically)

Let’s start with the most important thing to know: preparing for a boudoir session does not mean becoming a different person. You are not required to reinvent yourself, punish your body, or suddenly achieve inner peace and perfect skin by Tuesday. Boudoir prep is much gentler—and much more doable—than most people expect.

Mental Prep: The Part Everyone Forgets (and Actually Matters Most)

Almost everyone walks into a boudoir session with a very loud inner narrator. You know the one. It critiques, compares, and brings up things you haven’t thought about since 2009. This is normal. It does not mean you’re doing boudoir “wrong.”

The best mental prep you can do is this: decide ahead of time that you are allowed to show up exactly as you are. Nervous, excited, awkward, confident, unsure—any of it is welcome. You do not need to feel confident before the session. Confidence tends to arrive later, usually when you’re not looking for it.

It also helps to gently lower expectations. You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to know your “good side.” You don’t need to perform sexy like you’re auditioning for something. Kelly from VistaVue Media will guide you through everything—where to place your hands, how to move, when to breathe, and when to laugh because something felt a little weird (it happens).

One helpful trick? Stop thinking of boudoir as “trying to look hot” and start thinking of it as an experience. You’re showing up to be present, not perfect.

Physical Prep: Simple, Kind, and Pressure-Free

Let’s clear this up right now: you do not need to lose weight, tone up, detox, or punish yourself at the gym before your session. Your body does not need to earn this experience. It already qualifies.

That said, there are a few gentle things you can do that help you feel more comfortable and relaxed on shoot day.

Hydrate in the days leading up to your session—not because of beauty myths, but because hydrated humans generally feel better. Moisturize your skin if that’s something you enjoy. Avoid trying new skincare products right before your shoot unless you love surprises like mysterious redness (most people do not).

If you plan to shave or wax, do it at least a day or two beforehand to avoid irritation. If you don’t plan to shave or wax—also completely fine. Boudoir has no grooming rules. Wear loose clothing on the way to your session so you don’t end up with elastic marks that look like you wrestled your outfit and lost.

As for outfits, choose pieces that make you feel good—not what you think boudoir is “supposed” to look like. Lingerie is optional. Oversized sweaters, button-downs, sheets, bodysuits, or absolutely nothing fancy at all can photograph beautifully. Kelly can help you choose and style options if you’re unsure.

On the Day Of: What Actually Helps

Eat. Seriously. Hungry people are not relaxed people. Bring water. Take your time. Arrive knowing you don’t have to rush into anything.

Expect the first few minutes to feel a little awkward—that’s just humans being humans. Then expect it to get easier. Expect guidance. Expect laughter. Expect at least one moment where you think, “Oh… this actually isn’t as scary as I thought.”

One Last Thing to Remember

Boudoir is not about fixing yourself. It’s about seeing yourself differently—often more kindly than you’re used to. Preparing for your session doesn’t mean changing who you are. It means giving yourself permission to show up.

And if you forget all of this on shoot day? That’s okay too.
Kelly from VistaVue Media has you covered.

You bring yourself.
Kelly brings the guidance, the calm, and the reminders that you’re doing just fine.