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So you have booked or are planning your boudoir session with Darlene Barlows Photography…
HOW EXCITING.
But you are probably also thinking…
Am I skinny enough?
Do I have to get naked?
Can you photoshop me?
Won’t I feel weird and awkward?!
It is overwhelming to think of prepping outfits…
Will my pictures wind up on the internet where my mother in law can see them????
What will I even do with the photos once they are done?
First Things First…
As far as the session goes and general nerves, I am a very warm and welcoming personality, and I provide a social and comfortable atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. I often offer mimosas or champagne. I get the best jams playing and show you the images as we go along and before you know it you have forgotten about any anxieties you have and you are just having the time of your life.
In regards to getting naked… It is totally your choice of how nude you want to go. There is no pressure one way or the other. There are many classy wardrobe choices that give you coverage and still make you feel sexy.
On the topic of Photoshop. I have a hard time with this one. On one hand, we all have flaws that we are insecure about, on the other hand we live in an age where the presence of photoshop makes for unrealistic images for women. To answer the photoshop question, I do utilize photoshop for my clients, always for skin smoothing, sometimes for body adjustments. My goal in posing you is to highlight your favorite features and downplay your insecurities. We will view the photos as we go along to see what you like and don’t like and at the end of the day, if you have photos that you love but your tummy is pooching a tad more than you would like or the cellulite is a peeking a bit we will definitely take care of it! But my goal is to present a beautiful and gorgeous empowered YOU!
General Tips & Tricks
1. Shave before your session, paint those toenails, lotion up. Keep nails neutral or paint them either way, avoid chipped polish.
2. Avoid compression lines, if possible skip the bra, skip the socks, skip the watch, and forget that belt, those tight jeans, and anything else which could leave an impression in your skin. It may seem like a small thing, but these lines can dampen the look of a great negligé.
3. Try to avoid alcohol, salt and drink plenty of fluids in the day(s) leading up to the session in order to reduce puffiness and bloat where possible.
4. Don’t get stuck on inspiration images. Not every setup will have exactly what you want in terms of props or sets. You can look to inspiration images to get a general sense of what you want to accomplish, but it’s probably not realistic to think that you’ll be able to recreate your inspiration image exactly.
5. Raid your closet before you go shopping, you may be surprised at what you find.
Wardrobe Tips
1. SPEND TIME TRYING ON THE OUTFITS IN FRONT OF A MIRROR
Our bodies change over time, we gain weight, we lose weight, we have children, we spend more time at the gym. Some things that used to look great on us just won’t anymore, and some things that we couldn’t quite fit into we will rock now. Also, clothes that have been in the closet or in the drawer for a while, depending on the material, will change with time – thanks to humidity and gravity and us not wearing them. So, if you bring an outfit for your session that you used to love but haven’t worn in a while, you might be in for a surprise.
Instead of dealing with these potential “whoops” moments, take the time to try on any and all potential outfits.
2. HOW MANY OUTFITS SHOULD I BRING?
Speaking of how many outfits to bring… options are always good, but you don’t want to make the mistake of bringing a lot of things that aren’t right for you. The day of your shoot, you want to feel confident, sexy, on top of the world. So bring 1-3 of those outfits (1-2 for a mini and 2-3 for a full session). And if your closet doesn’t bring that va-va-voom you’re looking for, maybe it’s time to go shopping. Please find some of my favorite spots to shop below…
3. THINK THROUGH THE WHOLE OUTFIT
This means accessories, think of your shoes (or no shoes), jewelry, etc. This client used an amazing headband and statement necklace… HOT HOT HOT
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Outfit Ideas
While we do not want to “recreate” a bunch of Pinterest poses, it is a great resource for outfit ideas. I have a board and feel free to browse, search other pins or collaborate on a board with me. My site is https://www.pinterest.com/dbarlows/boudoir/
If you are confident with your midsection, matching bra and panty outfits are wonderful, if not, corsets and bodysuits are a wonderful way to feel sexy and confident.
Sometimes less is more, a menswear button up shirt is sometimes a big hit, or even a soft sweater paired with pretty panties is a fun casual option. A t-shirt of yours (or his) favorite sports team is always a good choice.
After the Session
1. HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?
Photos will be delivered via a secure online proofing gallery where you will be able to select your photos included in your session fee for full retouching. You will receive them in color and b/w. There is always an option to purchase additional digital images as well from the session. The final, fully edited photos will be delivered in a similar gallery for full downloading or print ordering availability.
2. WHAT CAN I DO WITH THE PHOTOS?
While some clients want the photos to just use in whichever way they want to, others want products for the photos. I offer many different options but my top 2 are album, or a photo box.
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I hope these tips and tricks have helped and as always please feel free to get in touch with any other questions you may have.
