let’s do this.

YOU’VE BOOKED A BOUDOIR SESSION IN TOLEDO!

this is so much more than a photo shoot.

MY CLIENTS COME TO ME FOR SO MANY DIFFERENT REASONS.

MAYBE YOU ARE DOING THIS AS A GIFT FOR YOUR PARTNER, FUTURE HUBBY (OR WIFEY!). OR MAYBE YOU ARE CELEBRATING A MILESTONE IN YOUR LIFE AND THIS IS A GIFT TO YOU. OR MAYBE, YOU ARE DOING THIS JUST BECAUSE. EITHER WAY…

get ready to invest in you.

SESSION GUIDE

PREPARATION

Alright ladies, let’s talk grooming.

If you have hair, in places you’d rather not, make sure to do some *ahem* upkeep in those areas prior to your session. This is totally personal preference - if you normally shave - do that. If you normally wax, go brazilian or laser - do that. If you normally have hair, that’s cool too. There is no need to go crazy here - this is NOT the time to go get a full body wax if you’ve never waxed before. Do what you are comfortable with. Just make sure that no matter what you do, you give yourself time to heal.

This goes for any facial hair removal too!

Next up, hydration.

You know that saying about your skin looking better the more water you drink? It's true. DO it. Drink up - especially the week prior to your session. And hey, even if it's not true, you should be drinking a lot of water n-e-wayyysss. So do it! :)

Ya'll might think I'm crazy but work in some stretches the week before your session. SO MANY of my clients comment on how much of a workout a boudoir session can be. You are going to be holding some intense poses for what feels like "forever" - a little stretching never hurt anybody.

IF YOU ARE STILL WONDERING WHAT TO WEAR, HERE ARE MY GO-TO’S:

Black *anything*. Tanks, sweaters, oversized t-shirts, bodysuits, electrical tape (jk - sorta).
You cannot go wrong.

Bodysuits - flattering on literally anyone.
They cover the things you want to be covered and still look awesome.

Sheets.
We've probably talked about this at your pre-session consult but seriously, 90% of my clients opt to use their last "outfit" as a sheet session or they add it on at the end. We can go as nude as you want, use the sheets to cover any/all that you wish. Face your fears and do it. You won't regret it - pinky promise.
(p.s. no need to bring your own sheets, we’ve got you covered. see what I did there??)

Nothing.
Yep, I said it. If you want to go nude, I’m A-OK with it. Only ground rule is I shoot fine art nudes, not porn nudes. If you don’t know what that means, well…how can I say this….? I don’t do crotch shots? Yeah, that basically covers it.
Think Vogue, not Penthouse.

Still not sure? Check out this blog post I did of my favorite wardrobe do’s and don’ts.

WHAT TO WEAR

FIRST, LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR SESSION.

Best options are leggings/yoga pants and a comfortable tank and zip up. Our makeup artist would love to be able to see your chest/arms so she can color match your foundation appropriately. Most clients wear the above or slouchy dress/jumpsuit. You don't want clothing that is tight and will create lines on your body - that goes for socks too. You also want to be able to remove your top without messing up your bomb ass hair and make up, so make sure you can remove your top easily.

AS FOR WHAT TO WEAR AT YOUR SESSION.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be nakey to be sexy.

MY MUST HAVES:

1-2 “outfits” - can be mix of lingerie, bra/underwear sets, tank top/slouchy sweater options, etc…

Black underwear/thong. Any style really. I think the best to photograph are thongs or high cut bikini style. High waisted options also photograph really well. I would stay away from “shorts” style.

PRO TIP: If you’d like to borrow from the client closet, you MUST bring a thong to wear under my garments.

SPEAKING OF DO’S AND DON’TS…

001 /

Do drink lots of water (for real)! Like starting now.

Do come to your session with a clean and moisturized face.

Do come to your session with clean and dry hair, ready to be styled. If you have naturally curly hair, come with it styled how you like it and my hairstylist can give it the extra "amp" it needs for a photo shoot.

Do come ready to relax AND to face some fears. The best adventures are the ones we're a little scared of.

Do stretch before your session. After hair and makeup, we'll have you get bendy and do some stretches - it doesn't hurt to start stretching the week beforehand.

002 /

Don't spray tan (unless you have FULL confidence) or use self tanner. I cannot fix orange hands/streaks. If you do use self tanner/spray tan and it doesn't look good, I reserve the right to send you home and you will be subject to a cancellation and reschedule fee.

Don't bring ill fitting lingerie. You MUST try everything on before you come to the studio. Nothing scares me more than when a client pulls out her outfits and says "I haven't tried any of this on yet - hope it works!". Don't give me a heart attack, plan for this and it will make ALL the difference.

Speaking of lingerie, I have two big DON'TS: babydolls and corsets. Trust me when I say they don't photograph well.

Let me be the expert here.

If you want something to hide your tummy area, find a bodysuit/teddy or get creative and do a slouchy t-shirt or sweater. I *promise* both are better alternatives. I'm here to help you - feel free to send me selfies of you trying on outfits - I LOVE to style sessions.

YOU ASKED. I ANSWERED.

01 CAN I BRING A FRIEND?

I know it seems like having your bestie there for moral support sounds like a good idea, but trust me, it's not. This session is for YOU. Sometimes it's hard to open up in front of someone who knows you so well. I promise to be your cheerleader, therapist, bartender, bestie and yoga instructor for the entire time you are in my studio. Bring your bestie to your Viewing Party. THAT is the perfect time to share this experience with your BFF.

02 SHOULD I GET A MANICURE/PEDICURE/HAIR TOUCH UP?

Yes and No.

Fact: The more you invest in yourself prior to these images, the more meaningful they will be. This is about celebrating your body, your feminism, your sexuality. That might mean going all out and having a spa day to begin your boudoir journey. But it also might mean coming to my studio raw, unashamed, and ready to celebrate your unpainted nails, grown out roots and callused feet. I'm cool with both. Do what makes you feel good.

03 I'M NERVOUS AF. CAN I GET MY MONEY BACK?

In a word, NO. Cancellations due to nerves are 100% not allowed. If I can do this, so can you. If you are that nervous, then come in with your most favorite outfits (aka not lingerie) and we'll do a studio session. Face your fears boo.