Whether it's for yourself or for your partner, a boudoir session is dedicated to showcasing a woman's true beauty at every age & stage in their lives.
Don't worry! This is totally normal & OKAY; it's actually to be expected, & you're considered a rare one if you AREN'T feeling a little nervous.
I've taken several classes & have spent my time learning the in's & out's of Boudoir Photography. Trust me when I tell you that you are in great hands.
I can confidently say that I've worked with every single body type & I can pose and photograph anyone that walks through my studio doors in a flattering way.
I work with Melissa Cook who is a master with a makeup brush & curling iron! She's been perfecting her skill for over 15 years now. She's also an amazing colorologist with hair, & she provides relaxing facials & brow waxing.
Believe me: you WANT her doing your makeup!
With a unique approach to capturing intimate moments, R.H.L Boudoir encourages individuals to embrace their sensuality & express themselves through the lens. Creating your vision & finding your style is at the heart of my mission. I truly believe in collaborating with clients to understand their desires, preferences, & comfort levels. This personalized approach ensures that each photoshoot is a reflection of the individual's personality and style!
R.H.L Boudoir goes beyond traditional photography by cultivating an environment of empowerment and self-discovery. Clients are guided to explore their own vision of sensuality, allowing them to break free from societal norms and celebrate their unique beauty. The result is a collection of stunning images that not only capture the physical form but also tell a powerful story of self-love and confidence.
Whether you're a seasoned model or stepping in front of the camera for the first time, my expertise & guidance provide a safe space for self-expression. My commitment to authenticity & creativity ensures that each photoshoot becomes a transformative experience, allowing individuals to embrace and showcase their true selves!
In the world of boudoir photography, R.H.L Boudoir stands out as a beacon of artistic vision & personal empowerment. Through collaboration, creativity, & a dedication to individuality, I invite my clients to embark on a journey of self-discovery & capture moments that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful!
First of all, changing your mind on how things look and feel is natural, and having options ensures you feel confident throughout the session. If you were to show up and decide that "weird" looking brown thing is so flattering on you after all, I'd hate if you had not brought it! And of course, variety is so important in creating a visually stunning and diverse collection of images, allowing you to express different facets of your personality. We'll only have time for about 2-3 looks (unless you've purchased additional time), but always bring more than you think you're going to use ;)
If you feel most confident & empowered in a gorgeous dress- wear that! If you feel like your favorite satin PJ's are what's got your husband dropping his jaw- wear those! You can also opt-into NOT wearing anything at all ;) I have plenty of women who feel so empowered in just their own skin!
Whatever you decide- lingerie is NOT a must, and it is so important that R.H.L Boudoir clients know this!
Regardless of what you choose to wear, it is SO important to be in something that is fitting your curves and shape in the most flattering way possible. Anything that is too loose will create extra area for me to photograph, and these photos need to be focused on you only!
And even depending on what you're going with, I sometimes even recommend a size SMALLER than what you usually wear. Again, that just depends what you're wearing, though. I'm more than happy to go over that with you in person!
Embracing an edgy approach, I play with unconventional angles, bold compositions, and dynamic lighting to inject a sense of excitement and energy into each frame. The vibrancy and spontaneity captured in my shots contribute to the overall fun atmosphere, creating images that not only freeze a moment but also exude an infectious joy that resonates with viewers.
Adding a touch of class to my work, I pay meticulous attention to details, ensuring that each photograph reflects a refined aesthetic. The use of sophisticated and thoughtfully chosen settings, combined with a keen eye for composition, elevates my photography to a level of timeless elegance. Whether capturing candid moments or orchestrating carefully curated scenes, my shooting style transcends trends, resulting in a collection that remains eternally stylish and resonant. This blend of edgy, fun, classy, and timeless elements crafts a visual narrative that is not only visually striking but also leaves a lasting impression on those who engage with my work.
Every once in a while, a prop is awesome! I have several you can add to session: a hand fan, a pearl necklace, etc. However, the most important piece of this session is YOU. I don't want anything to take away from your beauty, from your curves, from your you-ness. So, the props that I offer as an add-on to your session are very minimal, and if you're going to have a prop as one of your outfit choices, I encourage you to make it minimal, too.
Artistic nude photography can add a profound dimension to your boudoir experience, offering a celebration of your body's natural beauty and form in its most authentic state. These images transcend mere documentation; they become exquisite works of art, capturing the essence of your confidence, vulnerability, and sensuality. By embracing artistic nudity, you open yourself to a liberating exploration of self-expression and empowerment. These photographs serve as a timeless reminder of your inner strength and the beauty of your unique physique, creating an intimate and deeply personal collection that you'll cherish for years to come.
When selecting lingerie or outfits for your boudoir session, it's essential to opt for pieces that enhance rather than distract from your natural beauty and the intimate atmosphere of the shoot. Busy patterns and neon colors can overwhelm the visual composition, drawing attention away from you as the focal point. Instead, choosing solid colors or subtle textures allows the focus to remain on your figure and expressions, creating a timeless and elegant aesthetic. Neutral tones or soft pastels can complement a variety of skin tones and evoke a sense of intimacy and sophistication. By avoiding busy patterns and neon colors, you ensure that the focus remains on capturing the essence of your sensuality and allure in a way that is both tasteful and visually captivating.
Whenever I have a boudoir session with someone, whether it's a mini-30-minute session or a long, 60-minute luxurious session, I ALWAYS recommend bringing more than what you're going to be wearing. Meaning: if you're only wearing 1 outfit- bring 3. If you're going to be wearing 3 outfits- bring 6. Bringing more than enough ensures for absolutely no mishaps like a strap breaking, or changing your mind on the way something looks, etc. And please, PLEASE make sure your lingerie or outfits are pressed and pretty. I cannot stress enough that nobody likes to look at something wrinkled on a gorgeous image!
Getting a good night's sleep before a boudoir session is crucial for both physical and mental preparation. Adequate rest ensures that your skin looks refreshed and radiant, minimizing the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. Moreover, sufficient sleep can positively impact your mood and energy levels, allowing you to approach the session with confidence, enthusiasm, and a positive mindset. When you're well-rested, you're better able to relax, connect with your inner sensuality, and fully embrace the experience. Ultimately, prioritizing beauty sleep helps you look and feel your best, resulting in stunning and memorable boudoir photographs that capture your true essence.
Packing the night before a boudoir session is crucial for ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. By preparing in advance, clients can avoid last-minute rushes and ensure they have everything they need for the shoot. Packing ahead of time allows clients to carefully select and organize their lingerie, outfits, accessories, and any other essential items, ensuring they feel confident and comfortable during the session. It also provides an opportunity to double-check that nothing is forgotten, minimizing the risk of overlooking important details. Overall, packing the night before helps clients approach their boudoir session with a sense of preparedness and ease, allowing them to focus on enjoying the experience and feeling their best in front of the camera.
Not those lips ;)
Exfoliating the lips with a mixture of coconut oil, raw honey, and brown sugar in the week leading up to a boudoir session is crucial for achieving smooth, soft, and kissable lips. This gentle yet effective exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps to improve the texture of the lips, leaving them hydrated and plump. Coconut oil provides deep moisturization, while raw honey offers antibacterial properties and brown sugar acts as a natural exfoliant. By incorporating this simple lip care routine into their pre-session preparations, boudoir clients can ensure that their lips look and feel their best, enhancing their overall confidence and allure during the shoot.
It's crucial for boudoir clients to apply moisturizer to their bodies consistently in the week leading up to their session to ensure their skin looks its best. Hydrated skin appears smoother, more radiant, and feels softer to the touch, enhancing the overall appearance of the photographs. Moisturizing regularly can also help minimize the appearance of dry patches, flakiness, and rough texture, creating a more polished and flawless look in the final images. Additionally, well-moisturized skin photographs beautifully under various lighting conditions, enhancing the overall quality of the boudoir session and leaving clients feeling confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Creating a playlist before a boudoir session is crucial for setting the right mood and atmosphere. Music has a powerful impact on our emotions and can help clients feel more relaxed, confident, and in tune with their sensuality during the shoot. A carefully curated playlist allows clients to personalize their experience, selecting songs that resonate with them on a deep level and evoke the desired emotions. Whether it's upbeat tunes to boost energy levels or soulful melodies to inspire intimacy and connection, the right music can enhance the overall boudoir experience, making it more enjoyable and empowering for clients as they embrace their beauty and express themselves in front of the camera.
It's essential for boudoir clients to bring a soft robe to wear while they get ready for their session as it provides both comfort and coverage during the preparation process. A robe allows clients to feel relaxed and at ease before stepping in front of the camera, helping to create a calm and enjoyable atmosphere. Additionally, I encourage clients to bring socks because I don't allow shoes in the studio, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment. By providing these guidelines, I prioritize the comfort and convenience of my clients, allowing them to focus on feeling confident and beautiful during their boudoir experience.
It's essential for boudoir clients to prioritize hydration in the week leading up to their session and the morning of their session for several reasons. Hydration helps to nourish the skin from within, resulting in a more radiant and luminous complexion. Drinking plenty of water also helps to reduce bloating and puffiness, resulting in a smoother and more defined silhouette. Additionally, staying hydrated can boost energy levels and improve overall mood, helping clients feel more confident and comfortable during their boudoir session. By maintaining proper hydration, clients can ensure that they look and feel their best, allowing them to fully embrace the experience and enjoy the moment.
It's essential for boudoir clients to plan for a night out after their session because it provides an opportunity to fully embrace and celebrate the confidence and empowerment gained during the experience. After being pampered and styled for their boudoir session, clients often radiate a newfound sense of beauty and allure. Planning for a night out allows them to showcase their glamorous look, bask in the glow of their confidence, and extend the enjoyment of their transformative experience. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a night on the town with friends, or simply a stroll under the city lights, stepping out after a boudoir session adds an extra layer of excitement and indulgence to the overall experience.
It's crucial for boudoir clients to avoid partying, recreational drug use, and excessive drinking the night before their session to ensure they look and feel their best. These activities can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and bloating, which may result in dull skin, puffy eyes, and overall diminished energy levels. Additionally, alcohol and drugs can impair judgment and coordination, affecting the client's ability to fully engage and enjoy the boudoir experience. By prioritizing self-care and abstaining from these activities, clients can arrive at their session well-rested, clear-minded, and ready to fully embrace the transformative journey of self-love and empowerment that boudoir photography offers.
It's crucial for boudoir clients to avoid drinking red wine right before their session due to its potential to stain the teeth, lips, and even clothing. Red wine contains natural pigments called tannins, which can adhere to tooth enamel, causing discoloration and compromising the bright, vibrant smiles that are often captured in boudoir photography. Additionally, spills or accidental smudges from red wine can mar lingerie or other outfits, detracting from the overall elegance and allure of the images. Opting for lighter-colored beverages or water before the session ensures a pristine appearance and allows clients to feel confident and at ease during their boudoir experience.
Stretching before a boudoir session is crucial for both physical and mental preparation. Engaging in a brief stretching routine helps to loosen tight muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance circulation, ensuring that clients feel comfortable and relaxed during their session. Stretching also helps to alleviate any tension or nervousness, promoting a sense of calm and confidence. Incorporating daily stretching sessions in the week leading up to the boudoir session is highly beneficial, as it allows clients to gradually increase their flexibility and mobility, leading to better posture and more fluid movements during the shoot. Additionally, regular stretching promotes overall well-being and can help clients feel more connected to their bodies, enhancing their ability to fully embrace the boudoir experience with grace and ease.
It's crucial for boudoir clients to avoid getting a spray tan within three days before their session for several reasons. Firstly, if they've never had a spray tan before, they may not realize that it cannot simply be washed off immediately after application. Spray tans require time to develop and set properly, and attempting to remove or adjust the tan too soon can result in uneven or streaky coloration. Secondly, as a photographer, I do not heavily edit out spray tans in post-processing without a fee. Therefore, any inconsistencies or unnatural tones caused by a recent spray tan may not be easily corrected in the final images. Additionally, spray tan residue can stain furniture and props in the studio, potentially leading to costly cleaning or replacement bills. By avoiding spray tans within the three days leading up to their session, clients can ensure a more seamless and natural-looking result, while also protecting the studio environment from potential damage.
It's crucial for boudoir clients to refrain from changing their hairstyle or color within three weeks before their session for several reasons. If they've never had such a change before, it cannot be edited out post-session, potentially impacting the overall look and feel of the images. Even if they have previously rocked the desired style or color, it's worth noting that hair tends to look its absolute best right after leaving the stylist's chair. As days pass, styles may settle, and colors may fade or change slightly. Allowing three weeks before the session provides ample time to adjust to the new look, experiment with styling, and ensure they feel confident and comfortable showcasing it during their boudoir shoot. Additionally, brand new hair color may stain studio furniture or client closet items, resulting in a heavy fee, making it essential to avoid any last-minute changes to minimize potential damage and additional costs.
Maintaining a positive mindset leading up to your boudoir session is crucial for ensuring a truly empowering and enjoyable experience. Trash-talk or negative self-talk is never welcome in the studio, as it detracts from the celebration of your unique beauty and undermines the confidence and positivity we aim to foster. To cultivate a positive mindset, here are ten body-positive and mental-positive affirmations to embrace:
Remember, your boudoir experience is about embracing your authenticity and feeling empowered in your skin. For more tips on mental preparation, check out my Mental Prep Guide here.