Your Luxury Boudoir Experience Preparation Guide

I want you to sit in this moment.

You have booked a boudoir experience, but beyond that, you have said YES to a transformation that is all about you. You’ve challenged yourself to leap outside your comfort zone, pushed past your fears and doubts, and you have placed your trust in my process. You have made the decision to embrace this experience that I have curated just for women like you - women who want to realize their beauty in spite of their insecurities, who want to reclaim their femininity, and who want to celebrate themselves JUST AS THEY ARE.

As you walk through this season of preparing for such a special experience, I want to remind you that you are enough. No matter what your story is or what your day-to-day looks like - you are absolutely worthy of feeling seen and heard. Believe me, when I tell you that you are more - more than a wife, mom, boss, friend, sister, daughter. You are you, first and foremost.

Part of the magic in this experience is remembering the ‘AND’. You are a beautifully multi-dimensional being, my friend. You can totally be a mom, wife, employee of the month....AND beautiful, AND powerful, AND smart, AND sensual. I want you to be able to look in the mirror and always see the AND.

Lingerie

Fit is everything with lingerie, so you want to be sure your pieces fit you well. Ill-fitting lingerie is difficult to hide, so TRY IT ON AT HOME! Check to be sure it isn't too large, specifically in the chest area - no gaps, excess fabric, nothing droopy in the booty area. Also make sure it isn't too small - that it isn't too restrictive or cutting into your skin.

Bodysuit & Teddies

Bodysuits are my absolute favorite type of outfit to photograph (and wear). The reason is simple: they look amazing on every body type. Bodysuits are right for you if you want to show off your shoulders, neck, upper back, legs, and curves, without highlighting your stomach. Bodysuits and teddies are typically sold in sizes XS-XL, or 1X-5X, though some are even sold in pant sizes. You don't need to consult with a fitting expert for proper fit, but make sure it is form fitting and hugs close to your body.

pro tip

Choose a bodysuit that is cut to highlight some of your favorite physical features. If you love your chest, choose a lower cut bodysuit. If you are totally diggin' your back, choose one that has a low swoop in the back. If you want to show off your collarbones and shoulders, choose one that has thin straps instead of a halter. Most teddies and bodysuits are cut high at the hip - which is EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT. If you're still unsure, ask me. I'm here to help along the way!

If lingerie isn’t your thing…

Outfits to consider avoiding

While I want you to explore your creativity and have fun selecting your wardrobe, there are a few options out there that I have found just do not photograph as well as we'd like.

1. Corsets. I know! They look great on a hanger, and definitely do a great job of highlighting curves, but corsets are very difficult to pose in. Since the majority of my posing is based on arching and being able to move freely, you will be left feeling and looking more unnatural than you should. I want your images to be classic and timeless, and corsets can often date an image. They can also be so hard to get into! If you have a favorite piece that happens to be a corset, just bring it, and we can ultimately decide together.

2. His dress shirt or jersey. It's such a sweet idea, really! However, because a man's shirt is cut much differently than a woman's, these options will mask your curves and leave you with a 'boxy' shape. If you want to bring something of his, consider a tie or his long socks. On the rare occasions jerseys and dress shirts make their way here, I have women use them as minimal coverage while nude or topless, or walking away from the camera while holding it. ;) Keep that in mind!

3. 'Babydoll' style outfits. Babydolls are pieces that are often fitted in the chest area, and have a bunch of extra fabric that flows down near the waist. In camera, this fabric adds the illusion of extra inches to your waist, making you appear larger than you actually are. Who wants that!?

4. Distracting colors and patterns. I want the focus to remain on you. Neon colors (which can be cool in a few images) and crazy prints might take away from your beauty. Try to find pieces that are solid colors or simple patterns.

Stores to explore

• Nordstrom

• Victoria's Secret

• For Love and Lemons (one of Liz's favorites)

• Honey Birdette (the other favorite!)

• Mentionables - classy, affordable, curvy

• La Perla

• Torrid - plus size

• Cacique (Lane Bryant Brand)

• Blush Lingerie

• Mari Moth Lingerie (for strappy, bondage-esque) - etsy.com Search "Mari Moth Lingerie" on ETSY.com

• Windsor (great prices!!)

• Bordelle - if money is no object for you

• Free People - bohemian style

• H&M

• Forever 21

• Asos

• Anthropologie

pro tip

Go to Pinterest and type in "lingerie" or "gorgeous lingerie" or "unique lingerie" etc., and the pins can take you to where you can purchase that lingerie. I've found the most gorgeous and unique handmade pieces this way!

Hair & Makeup

When you arrive and slide into the makeup chair, my hair & makeup artist will ask you what you typically do, and what you're comfortable with makeup-wise. She will want to get a sense of what your normal routine is, and then she'll offer suggestions on what she thinks you will look amazing in for your photoshoot! Always let her know if there are any colors or ideas you are uncomfortable with, as well as anything you would absolutely love in your final look.

If you color your hair, please have your roots touched up before the shoot if ombre isn't the look you are going for. ;) I don'y advise changing your hair style or color drastically prior to your shoot. You'll want to look back at these photos and recognize the gorgeous woman in them, not wonder what the heck you were thinking to dye your hair pink just before!

My artist has an incredible makeup kit and uses luxury makeup & skincare product brands so that you can feel your very best without risking a breakout.

pro tips

Skin: Your skin will look and stay best if freshly exfoliated of any texture, night before or morning of. Apply normal skincare routine, and make sure skin is well hydrated. Your products will reveal what’s underneath and it will hold best with fresh, hydrated skin.

Hair: I prefer to not work against oils, and create my own texture. Clean, blow dried hair will hold curls best. Please don’t use any flat irons before, as this will not allow curl to hold.

Bring Photos: This could be a photo of you when you felt your most beautiful, or this could mean a beautiful inspiration photo you found online or pinterest. We will talk through your goals and customize them to you!

Don’t be afraid to speak up! Don’t be shy. We’re here to make you feel your best, so getting feedback from you helps us stay on the same page. Sometimes we think we want a certain look, then see it on ourselves and change our mind, and that’s perfectly okay! We can always make changes. Our goal is to make you feel your absolute best on such a memorable day and experience to celebrate you!

Nails

Before your shoot, treat yourself to a mani/pedi! Choose a muted, neutral color for your nails that won't clash with any of your outfits. Soft pink, french manicure, beige, grey, black, dark red - it doesn't matter how feminine or edgy you want to go, as long as it's a solid color. If your opt for fake nails, choose a length that seems natural and not abnormal for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'M SO NERVOUS! WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE?! Girl, that is totally normal! In fact, I might be a little worried if you weren't nervous at all. Being nervous means you aren't numb to new, exhilarating experiences. By far, the most nerve-wracking part of this is walking in the door for your appointment. After you conquer that, it's an easy- going, super fun experience!

SHOULD I GET A SPRAY TAN? I've never had one. Nooooooo!! Do you see me waving my arms in panic over here!!!??? Noo! Spray tans can be a wild card, especially if you've never had one before. They can leave your skin looking blotchy, streaky, uneven, or too orange. IF spray tans are a normal occurrence for you, and you have a trusted, go-to salon, then that is totally okay. Tan lines are also very noticeable in images and can take focus away from you and your beauty. If you're okay with that (I get it - I'm a cyclist!!) then I'm not worried, but please note that tan lines and bad spray tans cannot be fixed in Photoshop.

Should I get waxed? If you have never done it before, I'd advise against it. You have no way of knowing what your skin's reaction might be, and a full-on breakout or adverse reaction may not be ideal for your photos. If you have enough time prior to your shoot, do a test-run early, or stick to shaving. If you don't normally remove body hair, no biggie! I want you to feel like yourself in these images, so do what makes you feel gorgeous!

How long does the experience last? Hair & makeup will take about an hour, we’ll chat for a few minutes and go through your outfits, then shoot for about 90 minutes. I’ll send you away for some coffee and/or a bite to eat for 60-90 minutes while I go through your photos, select my favorites, and do a very light edit. When you come back, you’ll get to see them all!! We’ll go through them together while you choose your favorites and even design your album together. Plan for about 4-5 hours total.

I literally have no clue how to pose or be "sexy." Help!? Don't you worry! I've got you. I will talk you through every single movement within every pose. I will teach you exactly what to do with your face, where to put your hands, where to look, when to arch, etc. It's just us in the room, so if you feel silly the first few times, who cares!? Beyonce might be playing, we'll be laughing together, and you'll totally forget feeling awkward. Be brave. You can do it!!

Can I bring friends to the shoot? Feel free to have 1 friend join you for your shoot! They are welcome as long as they leave posing, directing, and fixing hair/makeup to me. You know what would be even more fun? Booking photoshoots on the same day, so you and your bestie can share the experience together.

Your spouse or partner is NOT allowed in the room with you while shooting. This time is for YOU, and I don’t want you worrying about your loved one watching or influencing you in any way. Trust me, it’ll be far more enjoyable for you!

What is the reschedule policy? In the event that you need to reschedule your shoot, you can do so as long as it is at least 7 days prior to the shoot. If you provide less than 7 days notice, we can still reschedule, but there will be a forfeit of a portion of your shoot fee. See contract for full details.

When will I receive the products I order? Depending on what products you order, the turnaround time is 3-5 weeks from the order date.

The day of your shoot

What to pack and bring

• Outfits!

• A pair of neutral panties, cheeky or thong

• Shoes, if you want them in your images

• Snack and water if you like

How to arrive

• Please arrive with clean, exfoliated, moisturized, and makeup-free face and clean, washed and dry hair. If you have a favorite lip shade, feel free to bring that along.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn't leave marks on your skin - like sweatpants or loose shorts, loose tee or sweatshirt without under garments on.

• Please remove pony-tail holders from your wrists or any tight jewelry that you won't be wearing in your shoot.

Please make sure to

• Eat breakfast. Stop worrying about looking your 'thinnest' self. You are gorgeous just the way you are, and skipping breakfast isn't going to change that! The shoot is quite the workout, and I don't want you passing out from lack of nourishment!

• Get a good night's rest. You want to look fresh for your photos, so get to bed early!

• Avoid alcohol. Skip happy hour or bar hopping the night or two before your session. I want you to feel alert and ready to soak in the experience. Reach for water and focus on staying hydrated in the days leading up to your session date. It will do wonders for your skin!

You can do this.

Fair warning: even though you've read this guide a million times, you are going to walk in and feel like somehow you aren't prepared. This is a new experience and your fear of the unknown is NORMAL.

Take a deep breath. You can do this, I promise. Look at yourself in the mirror before heading out and say to yourself, "I am beautiful, worthy, and I am going to have FUN with this experience!"

NEVER FORGET YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR YOU.

See you soon, babe.

Liz XOXO