Boudoir By Emily Gualdoni
BEAUTY MEETS ART
How to prepare for your shoot
Leading up to the shoot
Preparing your skin for a boudoir shoot is a crucial step in ensuring you look and feel your best. Click on this link, How to prep your skin to discover some helpful tips to get your skin in tip-top shape for your upcoming shoot.
Minimize your sodium intake in the days leading up to your session. Sodium can contribute to water retention, potentially causing you to feel (and appear) bloated. Instead, focus on staying well-hydrated by consuming ample water in the week leading up to the shoot, aiding in flushing out any excess water weight. In the hours preceding your session, continue to drink water as necessary, but moderate your intake to reduce the need for frequent bathroom breaks. Maintaining proper hydration can assist in combating water retention, contributing to a more confident and comfortable experience during your shoot.
To avoid any distractions in your photos, please remove all tags from your lingerie, including the washing instruction tags. Sheer lingerie can often reveal the tags, so it's best to remove them completely before your photoshoot.
If you plan to wear any clothes or robes during your session, please steam them before the shoot. Wrinkles in clothing can be distracting and may incur additional fees for removal in post-processing.
Prepare a music playlist on your phone! We can connect it directly to the Bluetooth speaker.
Schedule your eyebrow and other waxing appointments a few days before the session to allow time for your skin to recover if needed.
Not to be cheeky, but think about hair removal for poses when you’re bending over.
If you plan to get a haircut or color your hair, it's best to schedule the hair appointment for a week or two before the photoshoot. This will give your hair some time to settle into its new style and color, so it looks natural and effortless in your photos.
Please wash your hair the morning of the photoshoot and arrive with your hair fully dried.
If your hair is naturally curly, but you want the "Victoria Secret" loose wavy curls instead, please follow these suggestions. After washing your hair, blow dry hair at the roots, combing down to just below your ears with a paddle brush. Make sure you blow away from the roots and comb through slowly to smooth out your hair. Do not use a flat iron on your hair, this will make it harder for the hair to curl at the session.
Tanning and spray tans
If you use tanning beds, please schedule your last session a few days before your boudoir session. This will allow time for the tan to settle and prevent any unnatural skin tones.
For a professional spray tan, please schedule your appointment at least two to three days before the shoot to allow the color to settle. Before your appointment, exfoliate and moisturize your skin as you would for a self-tanner. Pay extra attention to your hands, feet, and knees, as these areas tend to look blotchy if not properly exfoliated and moisturized. Avoid scheduling your appointment the day before the shoot to prevent any unwanted reactions or unnatural skin tones.
Here is a list of recommendations on how to address tan lines, along with tips on preparation and the steps involved in a professional spray tan. How to fix your tan lines
Indulge in a manicure and pedicure as a pre-photoshoot treat. Pampering yourself is an ideal way to unwind and destress before the session. Select a nail color that complements your outfits and aligns with the mood you wish to convey. If you're uncertain about which nail color to choose, here's a list of recommendations: What nail color to wear
Please engage in some stretching before your session, as many of the poses involve arching your lower back. Here's a list of recommended poses to help prepare you for the session. Stretches to do before your boudoir shoot
Please be aware that boudoir shoots can be physically demanding. If you intend to work out before the shoot, I recommend a lighter workout and avoiding overworking your legs. You'll be using your quad muscles extensively during the shoot, and it's advisable not to have them sore before we start.
Plan ahead and prepare the outfits you'd like to be photographed in. Ensure they fit well and don't cause any pinching or bulging. Opt for outfits that make you feel both confident and comfortable.
Ensure your heels are clean, including the soles. Remove any stickers and price tags, as the bottoms of your shoes may appear in the photos more often than you'd think.
Practice posing and facial expressions in front of a mirror. While it might feel a bit awkward initially, it will significantly contribute to making you feel more at ease and confident during the shoot. Focus on your facial expressions and rehearse achieving a "serious" face to achieve the sultry look you desire in your photos. For additional guidance on perfecting your serious face, refer to the following information: Tips for achieving a sultry pose and expression
If you're bringing a friend or significant other to the shoot, please let me know in advance.
If you're struggling to decide on your outfits, taking a few selfies can provide a better perspective on how they look on you. Feel free to send these selfies to me in advance for advice, or bring them with you on your phone during the session, and we can make decisions together in person. Lingerie can appear different on a hanger, and seeing how it looks on you helps in providing more accurate guidance.
Ensure you get a good night's sleep and rest well. Arriving feeling energized will help you avoid dark under-eyes in your photos!
Follow me on Instagram, chicago_boudoir_ to stay up to date with shoot ideas, etc.
The day of the shoot
Opt for a small, light meal before your session to maintain energy levels. Avoid foods high in sodium, sugar, and carbs. While there might be a temptation to skip meals, having some nourishment will help sustain your energy and focus throughout the shoot.
If you've opted for makeup by one of my artists, arrive with a clean face (no makeup). I recommend thoroughly washing your face with a gentle cleanser before the appointment.
Please be aware that my makeup artist will not be present for the entire shoot. If you wish to change your lip color during the session, please bring your favorite lipstick with you.
Ensure to wash your hair on the morning of the session and arrive with fully dried hair. If needed, you can use a hair dryer, but please refrain from using a flat iron or a curling iron.
If you have naturally curly hair and want loose, wavy curls like those seen in Victoria's Secret ads, here are some tips to follow. On the day of the shoot, wash your hair and blow dry the roots using a paddle brush, combing downwards to just below your ears. Blow away from the roots and comb through slowly to smooth out your hair. Avoid using a flat iron on your hair, as this will make it harder for the hair to curl during the session. Please note that if my stylist needs to blow dry your hair straight at the shoot, there will be an additional $50 fee, as this will be considered a separate style.
Ensure you bring all necessary items, including outfits, undergarments, and any props you wish to use during the shoot. Double-check to ensure you have everything before leaving for the session.
If you're struggling to decide on your outfits, consider taking selfies wearing them (front and back). You can send them to me in advance for advice or bring them to the shoot on your phone, allowing us to decide together in person. It's often challenging to provide advice when lingerie is on a hanger, so seeing it on you will make it easier for me to offer feedback.
To maintain your hair and makeup, I recommend wearing a button-up or zip-up shirt upon arrival for your session. Additionally, choosing loose clothing, such as soft pants instead of jeans, is advised to prevent any marks on your skin from tight elastic bands.
For nude or implied nude shots, especially if you're a bit shy, consider bringing a robe to easily slip on between poses.
Prepare a playlist for the shoot, and I'll connect it to our Bluetooth speaker.
Engage in some last-minute stretching or yoga, as we'll be incorporating a lot of arching poses during the shoot!
Take a deep breath and unwind! My aim is to ensure a fun and comfortable experience for you. I’m here to take great care of you every step of the way. The more relaxed and at ease you feel, the better the images will turn out. Let's enjoy the moment and craft some beautiful images together!