10 Things to Do Before you Boudoir

I recently had the fun and rewarding experience of working with internationally known photographer Robert Luk. He travels the world capturing music, fashion, and art with is expert lens. Richmond is lucky he’s begun to plan his roots here. When he’s not jet setting, he’s here capturing special moments with women like me with ModernWED. With the holidays around the corner and Valentine’s Day coming quickly after, I wanted to offer a special discount to my local readers for ModernWED’s boudoir sessions. Use the code Hot Sauce (very clever, Robert!) to get your boudoir session for more than 50% off at $149.

After you’ve pulled the trigger and made the appointment, here are some helpful tips. Scroll to the bottom for my behind the scenes photos and finished product!

1. Make this about you. Even though you’re planning on giving these photos to your sexy someone, make it about you. Plan your outfit around what you are most comfortable in. Set time aside to get beautiful in a peaceful way. Make this a pampered moment for YOU. You’ll be more relaxed and feel more confident.
2. Talk with your photographer at length beforehand. Robert made this a priority. He asked me to talk about my body from head to toe. What spots make me uncomfortable? What parts do I love? Why am I doing this in the first place? These are all questions you should be ready to answer and talk openly about with your photographer. If you’re going to be baring it all in front of him or her, you must work at making the environment comfortable and intimate. As a professional, they need you to be open so you love the finished product.
3. Schedule the shoot in the morning. You are more fresh-faced and also thinner earlier in the day. Put your best self out there for this. You may only do this once, so carve out the time for it and make it count.
4. Leave the red lipstick and heavy eye makeup at home. This was another one of Robert’s great tips. Don’t overdo your makeup. You want your true self to shine through for yourself and whomever you’re going to show these photos. You want your body to be the focal point. These are not head shots. Think soft, not harsh. I went with a glossy pink. ModernWED offers makeup and hair before your shoot if you want to take some stress of yourself.
5. Go simple with your lingerie. I had a few more intricate options than the one I landed on. The ModernWED technique uses highlighting to accentuate and soften different areas of the body. Robert, his camera, and his computer do all the work making your body look the best it has ever been. Don’t cover up your skin with crazy patterns or overly embellished intimates.
6. Don’t worry about your nails. You could spend days stressing about getting all the details in place on your body. But believe me, no is looking at your nails in these photos. Don’t splurge on a last-minute mani-pedi if you don’t have the time or money.
7. Remember you are beautiful. You’re a woman. That makes you beautiful before anything else. You’re taking time to do this boudoir session and to put your womanhood on full display. Embrace that side of yourself. Remember everything sweet your significant other has ever said about you and your feminine side. Remember all those tender moments between you and your children. Be confident that all of those positive moments are beautiful, true, and real. Bring that to the table when you get in front of the camera.
8. Listen to your photographer. He sees you and remembers all those conversations you had. He knows what you want to show off and what you’d like to “soften.” They’ll give you direction to look your best. Trust them. I repeat: trust them.
9. Moisturize. You’ll want to to look supple and fresh in your photos. Your skin will be on full display. Don’t put on too much that you ruin your photographer’s set, but be mindful of your dry areas. You’ll be glad you paid attention to this.
10. Push yourself. You’ve already taken a risk by scheduling the shoot, getting your lingerie, and talking yourself up. Don’t stick your head back in your shell when show time arrives. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Go for it.

Thank you Robert and ModernWED! You made this so easy and fun. I can’t wait to hear more stories of women transforming and getting in touch with their inner goddess.

What do you think, ladies? Have any questions about ModernWED’s boudoir services? Any other boudoir tips to offer ladies getting ready for their first boudoir experience?