HELLO BEAUTIFUL!
I'm so excited to be photographing you! I want you to know exactly how to prepare and exactly what to expect throughout the whole process!! That's why I've made this guide
"Thank you ever so much! I hardly know who that woman is looking back at me! Thank you for making me feel beautiful! "
Sonja
FEEL FREE TO RE-VISIT THIS PREP GUIDE AS OFTEN AS YOU'D LIKE.
First Thing's First:
START REFLECTING
Exactly what kind of images are you hoping to walk away from your session with? Do you find yourself drawn to anonymous images that show off the body? Portraits? Editorial style? Have absolutely no idea? It can be very difficult to articulate your own style so I don't ask you too. Instead the first things I ask clients to do is to create a "secret" Pinterest board for you photo session. If you don't use Pinterest you can also just send me some photos but I find the secret board on Pinterest is the best way for you and I to get a good visual of the concept we're going for.
Once that is done I want you to create a Pinterest board titled "(YOUR NAME) Boudoir" (it's very important that you name your board with your name otherwise I won't know which one is yours) And without thinking too much about it I want you to PIN anything that speaks to you and your style.
Try to turn off your fear and overthinking at this point. Don't say things like "OOH that's so beautiful but i would NEVER be able to pull off something like that." That's not the point of this exercise. After pinning 25 or so images, I will very easily be able to get a visual of your style and type of images you are interest in. Do you like sweet, bright and bubbly? Do you like dark, moody and seductive? Do you prefer shots that capture the entire body? Do you like close-up teaser shots of body parts? Do you prefer more modest portraits? WE will find out together.
The purpose of this is NOT to find photos to replicate. It is an inspiration and now we will both know the kind of images you really like. It will be easier to deliver a set of photos that are YOUR STYLE, as long as it syncs well with my artistic style
Detail Shots
Showcasing the beautiful bits that grace the female form. Collarbones, shoulders, arms ,spines...these type of shots are perfect for a wall art display and to add visual balance to an album.
Beauty Shots
With or without clothes, these images include your face and a portion of your body
Natural Beauty Portraits
This is a style I love and is becoming more popular.
It takes a lot of courage to do this '
These shots encapsulate your utmost natural beauty without makeup- celebrating your authentic self.
This is a truly special experience as it allows you to see your raw self in an entirely new perspective.
Yes I will remove blemishes and do a very gentle retouch but I will not alter you in any way.
If you decide to go for a makeup-free photo session be sure to let me know and I won't book my hair and makeup artist.
These photos will all be in black and white.
Classic Boudoir Style
If you are here for the skin. I have got you covered.
EeVee Boudoir Photography Style is elevated, effortless looking and a beautiful celebration of the female form.
Most boudoir style images are shot nude or while wearing sheets or simple underwear.
Semi Silhouettes
These bold, high contrast images will leave you breathless.
Most silhouetted, these types of shots look best in levels of undress....very sheer tops and slips leave just enough to the imagination.
Stylized Beauty
These types of shots are quite a bit more curated, posed and polished ... which means there will be far fewer of them but these images will be billboard ready. if you want to feel like a centrefold, consider requesting sylized beauty for you of your sets.
Ideal wardrobe for this would be long skirts, gowns with excess fabric, jewelled lingerie and statement pieces.
Wardrobe Tips
Honestly, and I am not even close to exaggerating here, wardrobe is really not that crazy important for the way that I shoot. Please, please, please do not stress out over wardrobe. Do not feel the need to run out and buy all new things. I can do a completely versatile and awesome shoot with a single scarf, or the sheets, or a sweater. Truly. Do not stress about it.
HERE'S SOME WARDROBE TIPS TO CALM YOUR NERVES AND HELP YOU DECIDE WHAT TO BRING:
THE NUMBER ONE WARDROBE RULE IS:
Do not bring outfits that you do not love! I cannot tell you how many women show up with outfits that prompt
them to say "I really do not like the way I look in this one, but I will leave it up to you!" . If you do not like the
outfit, it is likely that you will not like photos of you in the outfit. Leave it at home.
LINGERIE IS NOT A MUST FOR BOUDOIR:
Do not be afraid to get creative! For a boudoir style shoot, a garter belt and thigh high fish nets would go great with a cropped sweater or graphic tee. A gorgeous bra can be paired with a long flowing skirt. Your favorite tank top can be paired with no pants. A sheet can be used for ev- erything. Your 20 year old favorite tee shirt paired with cheeky bottoms will get the job done just perfectly. This is about you and your authentic personality, not about being someone you are not.
FOR BEAUTY OR PORTRAIT:
Structured and/or statement pieces work amazing. Your favorite blazer or jacket, a cocktail dress with an interesting neckline, or just a bodysuit and jean. I want you to look and feel like yourself (just on your best day).
When in doubt, just bring in some of your favorite ward- robe items and we can play.
MY SHOOT STYLE Is very "I' m-Not-Trying-Too-Hard-Chic" I go for the "I woke up like this" look as often as possible. For that look, wardrobe is even less of a obstacle.
STUCTURED PIECES OR SOLIDS
Look great on camera as well as items with texture, and those that are form fitting to show your figure
IF WEARING THIGH-HIGHS,BUY THEM 1-2 SIZES TOO BIG ACCORDING TO THE SIZE CHART ON THE BACK
Buying them in a size that supposedly "fits" according to the package size chart will likely result in the stockings giving a bit of thigh muffin top 9 We can get them to stay up for each "pose", or you can wear a garter belt to keep them from slipping.
HAVE YOURSELF PROPERLY FITTED FOR LINGERIE IF YOU WILL BE WEARING IT FOR THE SESSION.
I recommend going to a local lingerie boutique to have yourself properly fitted.
AVOID BUSY PATTERNS AND NEON COLOURS
They are often harsh on-camera and a bit unflattering so try to avoid them.
HAVE SEVERAL OUTFITS PICKED OUT.
We can go through them together before your shoot to determine what will photograph best.
TRY TO INCORPORATE A VARIETY OF PIECES INTO YOUR WARDROBE SELECTIONS
Having 5 different bra and panty sets will not allow for a whole lot of variety in your photos. Rather, have something formal, something casual, something super textured and fun, something more modest, to something black and sleek...you get the idea.
IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED IN FACT, I WELCOME SIMPLICITY
I love to work with pretty scarves, sheets, white button down shirts, jackets and coats, or anything you love.
PRESSED AND PRETTY
Make sure your wardrobe selections are NOT wrinkled, and cut all the tags off of your sheer items before arriving.
CONSIDER ARTISITC NUDES
For a super easy, low maintenance, and FREE option
Flattering All
CURVY BODIES
BRING ON THE FORM-FITTING ITEMS! I adore bodysuits, tight dresses, and nothing at all especially for voluptuous bombshells. I often see curvy women trying to cover up more, but often that has the opposite effect they think it will. Allowing me to pose you so that we can see your figure and celebrate it, is the way to go!
SMALL CHEST
Underwires and balconettes are lovely, as well as NO BRA AT ALL (my personal favorite for small chested women!) And also, small boobs rock. So please do not feel the NEED to create extra "oomph" unless it is some- thing that really concerns you.
MOM BOOBS
If your breasts are a bit lower or "floppier" than you would like them to be, just be sure to snag a bra with some support, or form fitting bodysuits that will keep them at bay. Posing will play a huge role here, and I am really good at that. So...bring your mom boobs my way and we will embrace the hell out of them!!!
SURGERY SCARS & STRETCH MARK
My personal belief is that scars tell a story. Sometimes clients wish they did not have to be permanently reminded of that story, and other times, clients embrace their scars and say they are a part of them. For this reason, I will never edit out a scar or stretch mark unless a client specifically requests it and if they do, in fact, request that retouching, I will happily do that at no additional charge. This is a VERY personal topic and it is not my decision to make. I welcome scars and stretch marks, but I also support a woman' s decision to have them edited out.
FLAT-BUTTS
Thongs tend to make a butt look fuller than full-cover- age bottoms or g-strings. Play around in the mirror with different styles to see what you like best. And do not worry, I am a PRO at creating curves in posing where there are not any otherwise!
I can get a killer booty shot with any level of curve (or lack thereof)
FIGURES
SHORTER LEGS
High heels with a THIN heel rather than chunky! Avoid shoes with thick ankle straps or a square toe. Nude shoes naturally elongate the legs.
THIN/NO CURVE
That is all in the posing-girl! Form fitting options and noth- ing at all work great as I pose the heck out of you to make you look and feel bodacious
WHAT TO EXPECT
A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE YOUR SHOOT, you can expect to get a confirmation from me, just making sure we are on the same page about your makeup start time, shoot start and end time, and location...and will also ask if you have any last minute questions!
ON THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT, You should have your face clean and moisturized, and your hair dry and ready to be heat styled when you arrive. Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing or a lightweight robe while getting makeup done and let me know in advance if you have any skin allergies at all. While you are getting lovely, I will take a peek at your wardrobe selections and start putting together looks so we can hit the ground running when you are done with hair and makeup. Once you are done with makeup, you can get into your first look and throw a robe on over it.
ONCE THE SHOOT BEGINS, you can expect me to give you tons of encouragement and direction. I will not expect you to super model pose throughout your shoot. I will show you what to do, and encourage improvising whenever you feel comfortable.
The poses generally are not very comfortable and your shoot will give you more of a workout than you anticipate. But I assure you, I know what I'm doing. Get a good stretch in the morning of your session, and he evening after your session.
YOUR SHOOT TIME will FLY by. That is a good thing!! That means it was not awkward or boring. Just the right amount of fun!
Homework.
AHH, I bet you didn't think you'd ever have to do homework again, did you?
CREATE A SECRET PINTEREST BOARD
I want you to head on over to Pinterest and create a secret board called "(YOUR
NAME) BOUDOIR". Then follow me, and invite me to join your board , and I want you to spend some time pinning images that speak to you. See my tip on this up above in the "Pinning" suggestions.
Don't put too much thougnt into your pins, I just want to get a general idea of the aesthetic style and images you re drawn to.
If you don't have a pinterest account and don't fee like creating one, then just email me, a sample of at least 20 different images you've found online that you like.
ANY QUESTIONS?
Please don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to help
What are you worried about?
It happens all the time-a client's Photoshoot is a few days away and she begins to panic. They want to cancel, they just haven't had time to prepare, you name the excuse I've heard it. So let me be proactive here and tackle the most common trepidations I hear so that maybe won't be hyperventilating in the middle of the night on the day before your session.
Stress Acne
Yeah, it happens. Pimple suck. If you think for one second that every woman you see pictured on my website was magically pimple free on the day of their session you're taking crazy pills. I retouche blemishes and bruises with ease on every photo you see. No problem. No stress. Let that pimple try its hardest to ruin your day, but your photos will not be a permanent reminder of it.
My Period
Yep, it's the worst. No, it will not affect your finished product. I keep ibuprofen and feminine hygiene products on hand, and I have zero qualms with 30 bathroom breaks. Start your morning with some fresh fruit and a heating pad and we'll take it from there. No worries about bloat or blemishes.
Pose Anxiety
This one's easy. You don't have to know how to pose not even a little bit. I will walk you through, every step of the way. I will get into the poses myself and have you mirror me. If we didn't get it right on the first try, I'll gently redirect you. It's not your job to take amazing photos, it's mine. And I'm pretty competitive about taking amazing photos.
I'm not Photogenic
If you're thinking that's all of the women featured on the pages of my website and social media and models, you're sorely mistaken. I have NEVER EVER had a client who didn't lOVE their photos. You don't have to love EVERY SINGLE ONE of them but you will love most of them. And you will be shocked that you could love photos of yourself this much. I WILL rock out your photo session and I WILL get a whole bunch of killer images of you. I always do. BUT IF YOU COME INTO THE SHOOT WITH AN OPEN MIND AND WITH TRUST IN ME We'll GET EXTRA. And EXTRA IS ALWAYS GOOD. I've never met a woman who I couldn't capture beautifully. That includes you.
SO, ONE MORE TIME, LOUDER FOR THOSE IN THE BACK!
YOU ARE AMAZING TODAY NOT 10 KG FROM NOW,
NOT POST PLASTIC SURGERY.
YOU ARE AMAZING TODAY AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SHOW YOU!
BODY ISSUES
I long for the day that women are comfortable in their skin at all stages, for the day that women embrace their wobbly bits and beautiful side creases. That said, I know women well enough to be realistic and understand that many women struggle with self love and no matter how much I tell them they are beautiful, they wish they would've lost just a few more kilos before the session.
If that is you,I can assure you, this ain't my first rodeo. The majority of the women that come in to see me are working on loving themselves, but struggle. They don't approve of the size of their thighs, their belly pooch, their dimples. I take women's feelings very seriously I never want to make anyone uncomfortable. While this is a body positive studio, I will also light and pose you in the most flattering possible way while I shoot you from the best possible angles.
PAMPER YOURSELF
Use this as an opportunity to pamper yourself. Go a few days before your shoot and get a manicure and a pedicure!
This will give you a finished polished look. Chipped polish can be distracting.
HAVE EXTRA WARDROBE OPTIONS
Bring at least 4 - 5 different outfits, a couple pair of shoes if you're a shoe girl, and accessories only if you usually wear them.
We may not use it at all, but it never hurts to have options.
Lather on the Lotion!
Supple is key for beautiful skin! Be sure to moisturise twice a day for the week leading up to your shoot. On the day of your shoot, use a non-bronzer illuminating lotion. If you're having a hard time finding an illuminizing lotion without colour, you can absolutely just go with an oil based lotion like Argan oil moisturiser or coconut oil moisturiser. Don't use tinted lotions or anything with colour.
TRUST ME.
I WILL NOT MAKE YOU DO ANYTHING THAT IS GOING TO MAKE YOU LOOK BAD. I'M A PRO. I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR A LONG TIME. I KNOW HOW TO MAKE A WOMAN LOOK GOOD WITH KILLER POSES, STRATEGIC LIGHTING, AND APPROPRIATE CAMERA ANGLES. I HAVE GOT YOU COVERED.