Introduction
So you're interested in having your boudoir portraits taken, but feel like you lack the confidence to be in front of a camera. This is a completely natural feeling. Boudoir photography is a safe and personal style of photography that will help bring that confidence out of you. In this blog post, we will cover ten ways to boost confidence before and during your boudoir photoshoot.
There are many reasons to get your boudoir photos taken, whether it's for you, a gift for someone else, or to try something out of your comfort zone. To celebrate you is an amazing feeling in itself, and researching having your boudoir photos taken is a huge step in cherishing who you are.
Tip 1: Book a Photographer You Trust
Choosing the right photographer can dictate how your boudoir experience goes. If you have a usual photographer you trust, see if they offer services for boudoir photography. If this is your first time looking for a photographer, research those in the area you are looking to book. Go over testimonials. reviews, and ask friends if they have any recommendations for photographers. You can also try to have a consultation with a photographer if they have the availability to do so. This can help break the ice and answer any questions you may have before your boudoir photoshoot.
Tip 2: Choose Outfits that make you feel your Best (and comfortable)!
Planning your outfit can be one of the most exciting things on this checklist. The outfit can set the vibe of the shoot, so having options that showcase your personality is key. Whether you are looking to get cute photos or make a statement, the outfit can bring everything together. Try on the outfit before the shoot to check if you're comfortable in it. Ask yourself:
- "What was my first reaction in the mirror?"
- "Does this outfit feel like an extension of me?"
- "Does it pinch or leave red marks?"
- "Does this outfit make me feel soft, powerful, or sexy? Does it match the vibe?"
- "Do I feel secure enough to move freely without a wardrobe malfunction?"
These are the type of questions you'd want to ask yourself before your shoot to make sure everything runs smoothly. If you need any advice choosing between different outfit types, visit my previous blog "The Best Outfits to Wear During a Boudoir Photography Session." Once you select the right outfit, the confidence will follow suit.
**Bonus Tip: Wear loose clothing over your outfit on arrival to photoshoot to avoid imprints from tight clothing**
Tip 3: Don’t just focus on the look, Focus on the Feeling
Similar to tip #2, focusing on the feeling of the photoshoot will take your confidence to the next level. Instead of focusing your goal on "looking skinny" or "looking perfect", try swapping your goals to "feeling powerful," "feeling soft," or "feeling romantic." Write down three words to best describe the feeling you want to accomplish for your shoot and share that with your photographer.
Tip 4: Disconnect from Comparison
One of the most important tips to help boost self-confidence in this list would be to delete comparison from your vocabulary. Social media can be a confidence killer. Try to avoid scrolling through pages of Instagram models days before your shoot to keep yourself in the right headspace. Getting inspiration is great, but once you start comparing yourself, that could be a confidence killer, undoing all your hard work to build your confidence.
Tip 5: Plan a Post-Shoot Reward
All your hard work deserves a reward. Planning a fun reward for after the shoot, like going to a movie or hanging out with friends, can give you something positive to look forward to after the shoot, keeping the energy high. This will give you a positive outlook on the day and keep your confidence up.
Tip 6: Bring a Hype Person
Something I always recommend to clients is to bring their own hype person to the shoot. This can boost moral and having someone cheering for you during the shoot always feels good.
Tip 7: Focus on your "Assets"
Instead of trying to hide your "flaws," you should actively try to express the parts of you you'd love to express and show off. This could be your eyes, legs, smile, or more. Pick your two favorite physical features and share them as focus points to your photographer so there is a game plan.
Tip 8: Breath Through the Nerves
It sounds simple, but it's an important step right before getting on camera. Shaking off the nerves with a deep breath instead of rushing into the shoot and getting overwhelmed. Taking a second to take a deep breath to break the "fight or flight" response could be crucial in leading up to and in the middle of the shoot.
Tip 9: Create the "Magic" Playlist
Another fun tip that goes a long way is making the "magic" playlist. Making that "boss-b**ch" playlist, whether it's Sabrina Carpenter or Megan Thee Stallion, puts you in control of the space. Blast the music (respectfully, as per the studio's rules)!
Tip 10: Have a "Safety Blanket"
A new environment can be overwhelming at first. Having a "safety blanket", such as a partner's oversized shirt, a favorite oversized sweater, or even a prop, can add some familiarity to the scene. This can also give your hands something to do when they feel awkward. Having this "blanket" is another layer of security to add to your confidence.
Conclusion
Building confidence starts with little steps. Doing everything all at once is an easy way to get overwhelmed in your boudoir journey. Keeping on to even just a couple of these tips can help you prepare for your next photo shoot.
If this is your first time doing a boudoir shoot, make sure to read my blog post "What to Know Before My First Boudoir Session?" to learn what to expect for your first session.
If you enjoyed the photos shown throughout the blog, they are all photos from Ey3dot Photography. View the full boudoir portfolio by clicking the button.
Thank you for reading the blog post, and hope your photoshoot goes amazingly!
Ey3dot Photography
Houston, TX
