Cornish Maine Boudoir Studio // How to Prep for Your Boudoir Shoot (Without Losing Your Damn Mind)

A laid-back, no-BS guide to showing up like the confident bombshell you are.

Boudoir photography isn’t just about the pics—it’s an experience. You’re showing up for you, and we’re gonna make sure you feel like a freaking queen from the moment you walk in. But first… we gotta talk prep. Because showing up feeling good makes a huge difference in how you experience the shoot (and how you feel when you see those fire pics later).

So here it is—My Totally Chill Boudoir Prep Guide:

1. Skincare Is Number One

No, you don’t need a 14-step routine, but show your skin a little love in the week leading up to your shoot. Hydrate, exfoliate gently (keyword: gently), and moisturize like it’s your job.

If you really wanna level up—book a facial the day before your shoot. Your skin will thank you, I’ll thank you, your future self looking at your boudoir album will thank you. Just don’t do anything harsh like peels or extractions the day of—give your face time to chill.

2. Skip the Fake Tanner (Seriously, Please)

Okay look, I’m not anti-glow. But here’s the thing: fake tanner does NOT photograph well. It can look patchy, orange, or just flat-out weird under studio lights. It clings to dry skin, and it can turn your hands, knees, and feet into an entirely different shade than the rest of your body. Not the vibe.

Your natural skin tone—whatever shade it is—is freakin’ beautiful. Trust me, I know how to light and edit skin so it looks like skin… not Cheeto dust.

3. Hydrate Like It’s Hot Girl Summer

Water. Drink it. A lot of it. Especially the day before and the morning of your session. It’ll make your skin glow, help with puffiness, and keep you from getting that dry, tired look.

Bonus: drinking water helps your body regulate nerves better. And don’t you want to be calm and collected while serving face?

4. Save the Booze for the Afterparty

I get it—liquid courage sounds like a good idea. But alcohol can dehydrate you, mess with your skin, make your eyes look tired, and bloat your beautiful face. Not to mention, it can mess with your confidence levels in weird ways (boozy nerves = chaotic energy, and not the fun kind).

Have a drink to celebrate after the shoot. You earned it.

5. Nails. Please.

Chipped polish? Not cute. Especially when your hands are gonna be all up in the frame—on your face, in your hair, wrapped around that silk sheet.

Treat yourself to a mani the day before. You don’t have to go full glam—just clean, shaped, and polished (even if it’s neutral) goes a long way. Same for toes if you’ll be barefoot.

6. Sleep Like You’re Not a Feral Gremlin

Get those 7–8 hours. For real. A good night’s sleep = glowing skin, better mood, and way more patience for being sexy on camera (because yes, it’s a workout in disguise).

7. Morning Of: Chill Vibes Only

Stretch, dance it out, listen to your hype playlist, wear loose clothing (no bra marks!), and come ready to laugh, move, and feel like a total badass. You don’t need to bring perfection—you just need to bring you.

That’s it. Simple. No stress. Just a few small things that’ll make a huge difference in how you feel during your shoot. Because when you feel good—you look unstoppable.

And babe, I’ll be here every step of the way making sure you see that for yourself.