THE PREP GUIDE

THE PREP GUIDE

You’re officially on the calendar. This guide covers everything you need to know before your boudoir session—from wardrobe and styling to grooming, arrival, your Photo Reveal, and what happens afterward.

Please read through it completely before your session date. If you have questions or want help choosing wardrobe, feel free to text, call, or email the studio.

01 / WARDROBE & STYLING

CHOOSE WHAT FEELS LIKE YOU

Bring pieces that make you feel good and fit the style you want for your photographs. A classic bra-and-panty set, bodysuit, teddy, chemise, corset, slip, oversized shirt, or something completely unexpected can all photograph beautifully.

If you’re unsure, bring options. I’m happy to help you narrow everything down before we shoot.

WARDROBE PRO TIP: A supportive black or nude bra is especially useful underneath pieces that don’t provide much structure or lift.

FIT + SILHOUETTE

Different pieces create different shapes on camera:

  • Chemises and slips offer a little more coverage while still showing shape.

  • Bodysuits and teddies photograph beautifully and can visually lengthen the body.

  • Corsets create strong shape and structure, although they can restrict movement.

  • Sheer pieces can be layered over a supportive black or nude bra when additional support is needed.

You do not need to choose something simply because it is traditionally considered “boudoir.” Bring what feels right on your body.

COLOR + PATTERN

Solid colors and simple textures photograph beautifully and keep the attention on you. Black is always a classic, but rich jewel tones, soft neutrals, deep blues, greens, reds, blush tones, and other colors can all work depending on your complexion and personal style.

Patterns can work too—just avoid anything so busy that it becomes the first thing you notice in the photograph.

SHOES & ACCESSORIES

Heels can lengthen the leg and change posture beautifully, so bring a pair if you enjoy wearing them. Black and nude are especially versatile. Barefoot photographs work beautifully too.

Bring any jewelry you’d like included, especially meaningful pieces such as your wedding or engagement ring. Statement pieces can absolutely work when they are intentional to the outfit.

For hosiery, simple black or nude stockings are the most versatile. Back-seam stockings are beautiful for a vintage look.

BRING MORE, NOT LESS

Bring everything you’re considering, including backup options. Leave tags attached to new pieces if you’re undecided. We can choose your final wardrobe at the studio, and anything we don’t use can still be returned afterward.

The studio has select robes, lingerie pieces, shoes, corsets, and accessories available, but please plan to bring complete outfits of your own. For sanitary reasons, bring your own thong or other base layer to wear beneath any studio wardrobe pieces.

02 / WHERE TO SHOP

Shop early enough that you have time to try everything on and make exchanges if necessary.

Local and easily accessible options include Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, JCPenney, Macy’s, Target, TJ Maxx, Kohl’s, and Marshalls. You’ll also find links below to some of my favorite online sources for lingerie, bodysuits, corsets, and other session wardrobe.

SHOPPING PRO TIP: Keep your tags and receipts until after your session. If you can’t decide between pieces, bring them all and we’ll choose together.

03 / HAIR, MAKEUP & GROOMING

IF YOU BOOKED PROFESSIONAL STYLING

Arrive with a clean, moisturized face and fully dry hair. Wash your hair the night before or morning of your session and use your normal styling products if needed, but avoid heavy buildup.

Please bring your favorite lip color or gloss. Lip color is highly personal, and having a shade you already love makes both styling and touch-ups easier.

Unless professional styling is included in your collection, your stylist is paid directly on the day of your session. Cash or Venmo are preferred.

HAIR COLOR & EXTENSIONS

If you color or highlight your hair, schedule your final appointment approximately two weeks before your session rather than immediately beforehand.

Real clip-in extensions are welcome if you’d like additional length or volume.

WAXING & SHAVING

If you wax, schedule it far enough before your session for any redness or irritation to disappear—generally one to two weeks beforehand.

If you shave, avoid doing so immediately before your shoot if you’re prone to razor burn or irritation.

TANNING

If you tan before your session, keep the result light and natural and complete your final session a few days beforehand. Avoid noticeable tan lines whenever possible.

Please do not use self-tanning products that may transfer onto studio fabrics, furniture, or wardrobe.

NAILS

Your hands and feet will appear in more photographs than you might expect, so give them a little attention before your session.

Clean, polished nails photograph beautifully. Neutral tones, French tips, black, soft pinks, reds, or another color that works with your wardrobe are all great options.

Press-on nails can work well too—just bring nail glue for emergencies.

If you plan to photograph barefoot or in open-toed shoes, don’t forget your toes.

04 / SHOOT DAY

ARRIVAL

Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before your scheduled session time. We’ll begin by looking through your wardrobe, making final outfit decisions, and choosing the sets we’ll use.

HAIR & MAKEUP

If you booked professional hair and makeup, plan for approximately 90 minutes of styling before we begin photographing.

While you’re being styled, we can also review wardrobe and finalize the direction of your session.

YOUR SESSION

You do not need to know how to pose.

I’ll direct you through expression, posture, movement, angles, and every small adjustment throughout the session. I’ll also show you a few photographs on the back of the camera along the way so you can see what I’m seeing.

Most clients feel nervous for the first few minutes. That’s normal. Give yourself a little time to settle in—I’ll take care of the rest.

PHOTO REVEAL

If you reserved a same-day Photo Reveal, you’ll take approximately a two-hour break after your session while I prepare your photographs. You’ll then return to the studio to view your images and choose your final collection.

If your package does not include a same-day reveal—or you did not reserve the upgrade—we’ll schedule your private Photo Reveal for a separate day.

At your reveal, you can choose the photographs included with your collection and explore additional images, albums, wall art, or other available upgrades if you’d like.

05 / AFTER YOUR SESSION

YOU MAY FEEL IT TOMORROW

Boudoir posing uses muscles in ways you probably don’t use every day. It’s completely normal to feel a little sore afterward—sometimes even people who work out regularly are surprised by it.

YOUR MAKEUP AFTERWARD

Professional makeup designed for photography may look stronger in ordinary daylight than it does under studio lighting.

If you’ve had professional styling, don’t be surprised if it feels a little more dramatic when you leave the studio. Many clients take advantage of it and make dinner or evening plans afterward.

RETOUCHING

The photographs shown at your Photo Reveal are proofs used for image selection.

Once you choose your final photographs, each purchased image is individually retouched in my signature editorial style. Retouching may include skin refinement, temporary blemishes, bruising, stray hairs, color and tonal adjustments, sharpening, and other finishing work while keeping you recognizable as yourself.

Unpurchased session files are retained for a minimum of six months and may be permanently removed from studio storage after that time.

DELIVERY

Your finished digital images are generally delivered within 2–4 weeks, depending on the size of your collection and current studio production schedule.

Albums, wall art, and other custom products require additional production time.

YVONNE DENAULT PHOTOGRAPHY
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