Empower Her Studio

Your Ultimate Boudoir Photo Session
Preparation Guide

Welcome, beautiful!

We’re so excited to create this incredible experience for you. Your boudoir session with Boudoir by Empower Her Studio isn’t just about photos — it’s about rediscovering your beauty, confidence, and strength. Below, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for your shoot, feel fully comfortable, and get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You’ll love what’s next 💖

Before Your Session

Create Your Mood Board

Start by collecting inspiration!
Create a Pinterest board with your favorite boudoir images — think poses, outfits, makeup looks, and moods that speak to you. Also, put your full name on your Pinterest board because otherwise we will have hundreds of boards and won’t know who is who!
You can also screenshot your favorite photos online or from our Instagram (@empowerherboudoir) to share your vision.

Our team member will text you to exchange ideas, talk about the vibe you want, and get detailed guidance to help you prepare your wardrobe and mindset before your photo session.

You can also schedule your consultation as soon as you book your session. We completely understand that for most of our clients, this is their first boudoir experience — and you might be curious about what to expect or want to plan ahead to make everything perfect. We’ll walk you through every detail so you feel confident and excited. You can text us anytime to schedule your call — we’re always happy to plan ahead together.

Preparation Tips

You’ve got this, gorgeous — and we’ve got you!

Here are some things to do (and not do) before your big day:

  • Schedule a salon manicure and pedicure, as your hands and feet often show in photos.
  • Shape your eyebrows and consider a trim or color touch-up for your hair.
  • If you wax, do it 2–3 days before your session to avoid redness.
  • Avoid spray tans — our editing and lighting will give you a perfect glow.
  • Skip any AHA/BHA exfoliating products for at least three days before your shoot.
  • Avoid sunburns or tan lines, as they can’t always be fully edited out.
  • Clean the soles of your shoes — they’ll show in some poses.
  • You do not need to reschedule if you’re on your period — our team is fully prepared to make you comfortable.

Wardrobe Tips

  • We usually photograph about four outfits. If you don’t have enough, no worries at all – we have brand new outfits available at the studio. Just let us know your size and we’ll have something amazing waiting for you!

  • Try everything on before your session to make sure it fits well and makes you feel confident.

  • If you love it, bring it. If you don’t love it, leave it.

  • Bodysuits, white oversized shirts, and lingerie sets photograph beautifully.

  • Black and jewel tones are timeless, but anything that makes you feel amazing will look great.

  • Matching sets always flatter. Panties with some coverage often photograph better than thongs.

  • Shapewear, implied nude, or barely-there looks are also welcome if you feel comfortable.

  • Bring any wardrobe that expresses you — we celebrate all styles and are proudly LGBTQ+ friendly.

Need inspiration?
You can shop online at stores like Adore Me, Honey Birdette, Savage X Fenty, Fashion Nova, or Amazon.
Budget-friendly favorites include Yandy, H&M, and Frederick’s of Hollywood.

Maternity Session Tips

We are so excited to photograph this beautiful season for you

The best time to schedule your maternity session is when your belly is beautifully showing, usually between 23–34 weeks, and before 37 weeks. We highly recommend doing your session earlier, so your body feels more flexible for different poses and you won’t get too tired during the shoot.

Preparation Tips:

  • Get plenty of rest and eat before your session
  • Bring nude or black seamless underwear and a strapless bra
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing before the shoot to prevent skin marks
  • We will guide you through posing the entire time so you can feel comfortable, relaxed, and beautiful

Outfit Tips:

  • All outfits should show the belly beautifully
  • Stretchy fitted dresses or outfits that leave the belly uncovered photograph best
  • Neutral colors like cream, white, beige, black, and earth tones always look timeless and elegant

For a casual look:

  • A white or black bra and underwear with jeans folded down to show the full belly always photographs beautifully

Couple Outfit Ideas:

  • Coordinate neutral colors instead of matching exactly
  • Simple and timeless outfits work best
  • Avoid bright colors, logos, and busy patterns

You can easily search “maternity photography outfits” on Amazon and have outfits delivered within just a few days.

We do not provide maternity outfits, but we do have several chiffon fabrics available at the studio that we can pin and style into a beautiful dress for you

Most importantly, relax, trust the process, and enjoy this special experience together

💖 If You Need to Reschedule

Life happens!
Please note that we need 10 days’ notice to reschedule both your appointments without penalty to your deposit.

Retouching Details

We want you to look like you — at your absolute best!

  • Most retouching is included with your session fee.
  • Removing sunburns or tanning streaks is $25 per image.
  • Tattoo removal is $25 per tattoo per image.
  • If there’s a tattoo you’d rather not show, bring wardrobe pieces that cover it.

During
Your Shoot

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What to Wear
  • Arrive wearing loose clothing (like a dress or yoga pants) to avoid red marks on your skin.
  • Remove any hair ties or watches that might leave lines.
  • A zip-up hoodie is perfect to wear over your clothing after hair and makeup.
  • Use clear deodorant and come with clean, unstyled hair and no makeup.
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Arrival

Plan to spend about 3 hours at the studio.
Arrive right at your appointment time — no need to come early, as we may be with another client.

Bring your outfits, shoes, and accessories — we’ll handle everything else!
Eat something light and drink plenty of water before your shoot so you feel comfortable and energized.

While you’re in hair and makeup, we’ll go over your outfit choices, your ideas, and final details.
Once you’re dolled up, you’ll have time to change into your first look. You’ll have complete privacy throughout your session.

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During the Shoot

Take a deep breath and relax — it’s normal to feel nervous at first!
Our photographers will guide you through every pose, every hand placement, and facial expression. No need to practice — you’ll quickly find your groove and start having fun.

If any pose feels uncomfortable, let us know — we’ll adjust everything to make you feel fabulous and confident.

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Hair
  • Arrive with clean, dry hair — it’s easier to style.
  • Slightly day-old hair is fine, but avoid oily or damp roots.
  • Our most popular look is loose, beachy waves created with hot tools.
  • Blowouts are not included in your session fee.
  • Updos can be added for an additional fee (please contact us at least 7 days prior).
  • If you have long clip-in extensions or want a very straight or curly look, let us know in advance so we can plan time accordingly.
  • Bringing a wig? Test it with heat at home first — stylists can’t curl synthetic wigs that don’t hold heat.
Body hair is completely your personal choice
Body Hair

Body hair is completely your personal choice.
However, if you prefer not to show underarm or pubic hair in your photos, we recommend shaving before your session so we can maximize your shooting time and avoid needing touch-ups during the appointment.

makeup
Makeup
  • Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face.
  • Share any allergies, sensitivities, or inspo photos with your artist.
  • Our signature look: soft smokey eyes, glowing skin, and a pop of color on the lips.
  • The studio lighting requires slightly heavier makeup than everyday wear — trust your artist, they know what photographs beautifully!
  • Don’t stress about small blemishes — we’ll take care of those in editing.
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Lashes

False lashes add that extra dose of glam!
If you’re new to them, they might feel heavy for the first few minutes, but you’ll quickly forget they’re there.
To remove them later, gently wipe with warm water or makeup remover — they’ll slide right off.

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Tipping

We cover the cost of your hair and makeup, but if your stylist goes above and beyond, feel free to tip them in cash — they’ll be so touched! (They don’t even know this is in the guide — it’s our little secret 😉).

Final Thoughts

Plan something special after your shoot — go out to dinner or meet a friend! You’ll look absolutely stunning and feel on top of the world.

Need a little cover story for your glam look? Just say you stopped at the mall and got a free makeover 😉

You’re going to be so proud of yourself — and I’m already proud of you.
Let’s make magic together.

With love,
Ting Yi
Boudoir by Empower Her Studio
📍 Oak Ridge, NJ