How to Prepare for a Boudoir Photoshoot
Everything you need to know before your session — so you can just show up and enjoy it.
A boudoir photoshoot can feel a little daunting — but the last thing we want you thinking about the morning of your session is whether you’ve prepped correctly. This guide covers everything, so you can walk in feeling ready, confident, and excited.
Your Boudoir Prep Checklist
We want you walking through our door feeling prepared, calm, and ready to have the best time — not stressed about whether you forgot something.
Below are our 10 tried-and-true prep tips, built from years of photographing women at our Wicker Park, Chicago boudoir studio. Whether you’re a first-timer or coming back for round two, these will set you up for an incredible session.
One Thing to Know First
You don’t need to be a model. You don’t need to have the “perfect” body. You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s all on us. Your only job is to show up. The rest? We’ve got you.
- Every session is fully guided from start to finish
- Our all-female team creates a comfortable, judgment-free space
- Nerves are totally normal — and they usually disappear within the first 10 minutes
The Week Before Your Session
A little advance planning goes a long way. Here’s what to think about in the days leading up to your shoot:
- Choose your outfits — aim for at least 3 options. When in doubt, bring more and we’ll help narrow them down.
- Book a spray tan if you want one — schedule it 2 days before your session for best results.
- Wax or shave if that’s your preference — exfoliate afterward to avoid ingrown hairs.
- Gather your accessories — jewelry, props, anything that feels like you.
Serving Clients From Across Chicago
Our studio is at 2418 W. North Ave., Fl. 2 in Wicker Park — easy to reach from Logan Square, Lincoln Park, River North, the West Loop, and beyond. Free street parking available.
10 Tips to Prepare for Your Boudoir Photoshoot
1. Choose Your Outfits
Bring at least three options for your boudoir photoshoot — more is always better, and we’ll help you narrow them down on the day. A good mix: one classic look (a black bodysuit or bra and panty set works beautifully), then a couple of pieces that feel more personal and fun. Not sure where to start? We’re happy to help — just ask.
2. Pack Your Heels
Unless heels aren’t your thing, we highly recommend bringing a pair of black pumps and a pair of nude pumps. These two work with virtually any boudoir look and are a safe bet for almost every outfit you might wear. Other styles are welcome too — but those two are your insurance policy.
3. Accessorize
After you’ve locked in your looks, think about the finishing touches. Delicate jewelry — diamond or rhinestone earrings, a dainty necklace — photographs beautifully. That said, don’t stress if jewelry isn’t your thing. Your natural self is always the best accessory. We also have studio jewelry options available on the day.
4. Consider Props
Props can add a fun, personal layer to your session. Think about things that reflect your personality — glasses, poker chips, a silk robe, a meaningful piece of jewelry, even a book or instrument if it tells your story. There’s no right or wrong here. If it feels like you, bring it.
5. Wax or Shave (If You Want To)
This one is entirely up to you — there’s no requirement. If you do shave, exfoliate gently beforehand to protect against ingrown hairs. If you’re planning to wax, book it at least a few days before your session so any redness has time to settle.
6. Exfoliate Your Skin
The day before your session, use a gentle exfoliator on your face to remove dead skin cells. This makes a noticeable difference in how your makeup applies and how your skin photographs. If you have a body scrub you love, use it too — smooth skin catches light beautifully.
7. Consider a Spray Tan
A healthy glow photographs incredibly well — and a spray tan is a great way to get there without sun damage or tan lines. Book your spray tan 2 days before your session for best results. Check with your salon about what to do beforehand for an even, lasting result.
8. Hydrate
Simple but genuinely impactful: drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session. Hydration shows up in your skin, your energy, and your eyes. It’s the easiest thing you can do to look and feel your best on shoot day.
9. Rest Up
Try to get a good night’s sleep before your session. Boudoir photography is more of a workout than people expect — you’ll be moving, bending, and posing in ways that require a little energy. Beyond the physical, feeling rested makes a real difference in how relaxed and present you feel during the shoot.
10. Set Your Intention
This might sound a little woo, but we mean it: come in with a positive intention. From the moment you book, this is your time to celebrate exactly who you are and where you are in life. Nerves are completely normal — and totally welcome. But a good attitude is the single best thing you can bring through our door. Every woman is courageous, beautiful, unique, and strong in her own way. Our promise is to show you that through your photos.
What to Wear for a Boudoir Photoshoot
Not sure what to bring? Here’s a simple framework that works for most clients.
The Outfit Formula
- 1 classic look — black bodysuit, bra + panty set, or lingerie in a neutral
- 1 personal look — something that reflects your personality or style
- 1 wild card — an oversized button-down, cozy knit, silk robe, or something unexpected
- Heels — black pumps + nude pumps cover almost everything
- Accessories — delicate jewelry, anything meaningful to you
For a deep-dive on outfits, check out our What to Wear for Boudoir guide.
Day of your session
Morning of Your Boudoir Session
1
Eat a real meal
Don’t come in on an empty stomach — you’ll need energy and you’ll feel better with food in you
2
Arrive with bare face
Come in with clean skin — our team handles hair and makeup as part of your session experience
3
Pack everything the night before
Outfits, heels, accessories, props — lay it all out so morning-you doesn’t have to think
4
Give yourself extra time
Rushing raises anxiety. Leave early, park, and arrive a few minutes ahead so you can settle in calmly
5
Let the nerves be there
Nervous energy is totally normal — and it almost always fades within the first 10 minutes. Trust the process
In Summary, Revealed Studios is a Chicago boudoir studio that is:
- Fully guided: you’ll never be left wondering what to do or how to pose
- Body-positive and shame-free: every body is welcome, exactly as it is
- Privacy-first: your images are never shared without your explicit written consent
- Based in Wicker Park, Chicago: easy to reach from anywhere in the city
Ready to book? Check out our pricing and collections, browse our boudoir galleries, or read more on our boudoir blog.
Key Takeaways
- A boudoir photoshoot can be daunting, but preparation helps you feel ready and confident.
- Follow a checklist: choose outfits, book a spray tan, pack accessories, and consider props.
- Hydrate, rest well, and come with a positive intention before your session.
- On the shoot day, arrive with a bare face and allow extra time to reduce anxiety.
- Revealed Studios offers a body-positive, fully guided experience in Chicago.