Today, we are thrilled to have Kimberly Bayer, a Southern California wedding, lifestyle, and boudoir photographer who provides some key information about boudoir photo sessions! It’s important to remember that boudoir can reflect you and your style, but perhaps you’re a little nervous about scheduling a session. Kimberly has seen it all, and can help assuage any fears or concerns you have. After all, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s time to think about what you can do for a last minute gift or prepare for a wedding day present that will pleasantly surprise your love!
As a photographer, I love to capture stolen and forgotten moments. I also love to capture an individual’s inner beauty and create good memories. As a boudoir photographer, I am able to do this on a daily basis for my beautiful and amazing clients! Every session and woman is unique. There are many reasons a woman may want to treat herself to a boudoir session: A gift for that special someone for an upcoming birthday, a commemorative shoot for an anniversary, or one of my favorite reasons, a good old fashioned dose of self love and worth! A good portion of my clients are also giving boudoir albums to the groom on the day of their wedding. Boudoir parties are also fun bachelorette party ideas! No matter the reason, a woman who schedules a boudoir session feels fabulous during the entire process!
It’s my goal to make sure that you are comfortable from the get-go. Posing for boudoir photos can be a very intimate experience and I make sure that I do everything I can to make you comfortable and let you be yourself. The experience I give is a total luxurious package of pampering, and for one day you get to feel like the sexy rockstar that you are! But even for those who want to do them, there are always questions and concerns about participating in a boudoir session.
What do I wear?
Depending on your style and taste, the options are limitless! It’s an individualized process and I work closely with my clients to determine what they want out of their shoot and we brainstorm ideas from there. Some clients have very specific ideas that we bring to life and I welcome this with open arms. If the gift is for their man, I also pay extra close attention to details from a man’s perspective such as incorporating something that he may be into or makes him crazy: is he tushie man or a bust man? Does he love you in nothing but heels, boots or skivvies? I have a lot of women incorporate sports teams, sports their men play, and have even shot on a Harley! Remember, it’s all about you! Outfits can range from lingerie, boy shorts, panties, corsets, dresses, fully clothed, or partially nude. In the process I determine with each individual client what she is comfortable with throughout the actual session. Pick things that make you feel sexy and at your best. Rest assured if you are doing this for your man that he will love them no matter what! Typically, you’ll want to bring three options for outfits so you have a consistent look book of styles.
“I’m not skinny enough!” “Once I loose the weight I will…” “I have 10 pounds to lose first!”
I really can’t stress this enough: No one is perfect! The ladies I work with all are ages, shapes and sizes! It’s all about making you comfortable and utilizing camera tricks like lighting and angles. Trust me, you do not have to lose weight to do a boudoir session!
How will I know how to pose for the camera? I’m so nervous!
I will instruct you every step of the way. I know that the average woman does not know how to pose or position themselves because I know you’re most likely not a professional model. I show you where to place your body, tell you exactly where to look, and what to do during the entire session. Every single woman I have ever worked with starts off nervous and by the time we are done, we have had so much fun she can’t believe it’s already over! I always walk away seeing a bit of a glow and confidence that makes me smile. Again it is my job to make you feel comfortable, so I will take care of you and let that inner bombshell shine through!
What do I do with my hair an makeup?
You are treating yourself to this session, so why not take the extra time and step to have your nails, hair and makeup done so you can look and feel your best? Some photographers have different packages that can include hair and makeup. Ask about these options so you have an idea of what to expect. You could also visit a makeup counter, ask a friend to do your application, or do it yourself. If you are going to do a spray tan, please be mindful of overdoing it, and preventing stains on your hands and feet as they will be in most of the photographs.
Do you retouch the photos?
Absolutely, I retouch every single photo that you get and most photographers who are experience boudoir photographers will do the same. Raw images that you select will be edited in some way because no one is perfect! Although we all wish to have perfect skin, no cellulite, and flat stomachs, that’s just now the way we’re made! Retouching is important, but it is extremely important that women never look fake. It should still look like you in the photos; just the best version of you!
Where do you do your shoots? How many people will be there?
This varies. I typically do boudoir sessions at the client’s home. You may also choose to shoot at a friend’s house, private outside location, or a hotel. If there’s a location that’s important to you and your partner, maybe you can arrange to set up the shoot there. If you need moral support, see if you can bring your best girlfriend along.
When it comes to taking boudoir photos, not only will you feel like a bombshell, but you will have classy, tasteful, smokin’ hot photos to cherish for years to come! You can always look back on them and say “Wow, I looked goooood!” and if you are doing this for your man, he will not forget any time soon why he is oh-so attracted to you!
Information Copyrighted by the Boudoir Bombshell by Kimberly Bayer Photography. Copying this information for any purpose is illegal.
