Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome, wild heart. I'm so honored and excited to work with you!
Preparing for your boudoir session is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming and can bring up complex emotions regarding body image for some. As your photographer, I want to do what I can to make this experience a beautiful journey focused on joy and loving yourself, so this guide is for you. Throughout each section, I'll cover lots of information to help you get the most out of working with me and to make sure that every step of the process is fun and stress-free.
I look forward to documenting the poetry of you.
Thank you again for choosing me and investing in my art. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need any additional help (or questions answered) as your prepare for your session.
XOXO,
Audra
No two boudoir sessions are exactly alike. Each client brings their own personality and energy, and ultimately set the tone for the imagery that we create together. For some, their ideal session is focused on bridal style portraiture with lots of white lingerie and veils. For others, it's sexy, sultry photos with black lingerie or a collection of photographs where they wear nothing at all.
Boudoir is meant to showcase you — to tell your story and to showcase the one-of-a-kind artistry of you as human — but determining what mood and emotion you want your images to evoke can be difficult to verbalize. It's a whole lot easier to show me what inspires you and what you want your images to communicate about you. This is where gathering inspiration comes into play.
Gathering Inspiration
To begin preparing for your boudoir session,
start by discovering what inspires you
You can start discovering what resonates with you by exploring Pinterest, Instagram, Google, or any image sharing platform. Or, you can take a more artistic approach by exploring art, fashion, textures, light, and so on. There's no wrong path.
As you explore, pay attention to (and save) what calls to you, whether that's a specific style of posing, certain types of images, the play of light and shadow, lingerie of a certain type, style, color, and so on.
This inspiration will guide you to what type of lingerie you should buy, how your hair and makeup should be done, what posing we incorporate into your shoot, and more.
On your Pre-Shoot Questionnaire, I will ask you to share your inspiration with me so that we bring your vision to life together. So make sure to start thinking ahead. And, as always, I'm here if you need any help along the way.
Lingerie styles, fabrics & colors
Lighting & backdrops
Posing types
Overall mood & emotion
Hair & makeup styles
Unique styling pieces
Hair pieces & jewelry
What to look for:
Where to buy lingerie
A List of Lingerie makers & Shops That I love
While your lingerie won't make or break your session, having lingerie that makes you feel great (if you want to wear lingerie at all) and that can showcase your personal style is a wonderful way to bring your vision for your session to life. Below is a list of some of my favorite places to shop for lingerie, from cost-conscious to couture.
Budget Friendly
For Love & Lemons
Bluebella
Salt + Lace
Victoria's Secret
Thistle & Spire
Journelle
Lounge
CUUP
Negative
Monique Morin
Mid-Range
God Saves Queens
Honey Birdette
Agent Provocateur
Fleur du Mal
Gooseberry Intimates
Solstice Intimates
Tisja Damen
Mariemur
Edge o' Beyond
Luxury
Size-Inclusive
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
For men & Genderfluid Options
Choosing lingerie or styling pieces for your session should be fun, not stressful. Some clients bring an entire suitcase worth of items while others opt to wear nothing but a smile — either way, we will have an amazing time and create incredible images. But, if you are feeling unsure and a little lost when it comes to your wardrobe for your shoot, here's a list of dos, don'ts, tips, and tricks.
That said, feel free to ignore everything you see below. They're suggestions, not rules and you're free to make your session yours in any way you like!
Lingerie & Wardrobe Tips
Dos & Don'ts + Tips & Tricks
If you don't feel INCREDIBLE in a piece, don't bring it. Your session is all about making sure you feel great, and that absolutely will not happen if you only feel so-so about what you're wearing.
1. If you don't love it, don't bring it.
Visual interest makes your photos feel one-of-a-kind and artful whereas overwhelm makes them look busy and distract from you as the focus.
Interesting details: ruffles, bows, fringe, sequins, hand-stitched elements, texture, delicate patterns.
Overwhelming details: neon prints/colors, rainbow, busy patterns/prints, mismatched sets.
3. aim for visual interest vs. overwhelm.
Lingerie isn't a requirement for every part of your session. If you're comfortable with full or implied nudity, we can easily make that a part of your gallery. And the best part? It costs nothing.
5. Go naked (IF YOU WANT TO).
We can get tons of looks out of a bodysuit, matching bra + panty set, a high cut thong, and a white sheet (the client closet is stocked with different fabrics for draping!).
2. When in doubt, stick to the basics.
If a piece is pilling, stained, stretched, or worn out, leave it at home. Items that are past their prime do not photograph well.
4. Leave pieces past their prime at home.
If your lingerie doesn't fit or is extremely uncomfortable for you to wear, it will impact the quality of your images. If an item is too loose, it limits our posing options and movement, and if a piece is too tight, it can leave deep lines and marks on your body. A boudoir session is a great excuse to go for a professional bra fitting!
6. Pay attention to fit.
Wear the same necklace every day? Bring it. Wearing a veil for your upcoming wedding day? Bring it. Want to incorporate a piece of your partner's clothing (a white dress shirt always looks great!)? Bring it. Have a heirloom ring that's special to you? Bring it. Accessories bring personality to your session!
7. Personalize with Accessories.
Although I can make pretty much anything work, it never hurts to have a variety of options to choose from! So instead of bringing all bra + panty sets, incorporate a few other items, such as a bodysuit, a white button down + high cut thong, or a robe. This will give your session lots of visual interest and allow us to get really creative! I recommend aiming for 3-5 options.
8. Opt for variety.
What to expect
THE PROCESS
BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Leading up to your shoot, I'll send you this AJP Boudoir Prep Guide and a Pre-Shoot Questionnaire with questions about your vision for your session, what areas of your body you'd like to highlight/de-emphasize, and your preferences for music, nudity level, and more! As you prepare, I'm here for you every step of the way to answer questions, help you choose your wardrobe, and help calm any nerves.
DURING YOUR SESSION
The day will start with professional hair and makeup and a glass of bubbly (or a coffee if you prefer!). During your session, I'll guide you through a variety of poses chosen to most flatter your and the preferences you've shared with me on your Pre-Shoot Questionnaire. I'll turn on your custom playlist and chat with you throughout the shoot to get to know you better. The goal is for you to have fun and feel amazing, so I start every session with a quick reminder that you're the boss — let me know if you're uncomfortable with anything at all at any time during your session.
AFTER YOUR SESSION
Within 24 hours of your shoot, you will receive your fully gallery of curated and edited images. From there, I will share details about choosing your favorites for either the album or glass box with prints included in your session.
Before, during & After your shoot
10 AM
Hair & makeup is typically scheduled for 10 AM (unless we decided otherwise together), so plan arrive no more than 10 minutes early with a comfy robe, your hair & makeup inspo ready, and clean & dry hair. I'll turn on some music, pour you a glass of bubbly and chat with you — so just sit back and relax!
10 am - hair & makeup
11:30 AM
Once your hair & makeup are done, we'll spread everything you brought out on the bed and talk through styling and the order in which you should wear each outfit for the shoot!
11:30 am - wardrobe styling
11:45 AM
Then the real fun begins! Throughout the shoot, I'll chat with you and guide you through posing. You're only job is to have an amazing time!
11:45 Am - Shooting begins
2:00 PM
Wrap up! I'll send you home with a little giftie from me and you'll receive your gallery (and details on ordering your product) before the end of the day!
2:00 pM - Wrap up
Unless you've chosen to host your session at another location, all shoots are held at my in-home studio in downtown Charlottesville. The space features original hardwood flooring from 1913, white walls, an all-white antique bed, a gold French-inspired standing mirror, and the most beautiful light you could ask for. The space is minimalistic to allow you and your personal style to take center stage.
The AJP In-Home Studio
In addition to clean white walls, the AJP studio is also stocked with a few hand-painted backdrops that we can incorporate into your session. If you're interested in featuring them in your shoot, just let me know on your Pre-Shoot Questionnaire.
There's one that's light blue/neutrals (pictured to the right) and another that's pinks/blues. Additional backdrops will be added to the studio periodically.
The client closet is stocked with items that are meant to complement your outfit selection not replace them and features fabrics for draping, lingerie skirts, and few vintage lingerie pieces, a cape, and a small selection of bridal veils.
New items are constantly being added to the closet, so please let me know if you have a special request!
Hand-Painted Backdrops
Client Closet
WHAT TO BRING
3-5 outfits
A lightweight robe for hair & makeup (if included)
Loose, comfy clothes for arrival and to leave in
Any snacks you might want
Any accessories + accent pieces you want to incorporate
Photos of your hair + makeup inspiration
Flowers — if you want to incorporate some into your session! (note that I'm extremely allergic to lavender)
Your veil, engagement ring, or wedding details you want to incorporate — if you're doing bridal boudoir.
Fake tans + sunburn + extreme tan lines — I typically can't fix these!
Drinking red wine the night before/day of your session
Bringing your partner to your session (unless it's a couples shoot)
— there's very few things I'm uncomfortable with, but bringing your partner, as lovely as they may be, changes the dynamic and vibe of the shoot!
Props (hardhats, baseball bat, lettered sign, etc.)
Negative self talk before/during your session
Please pass on...
A late night before your session
Eating a very carb heavy dinner the night before
Any cosmetic procedure too close to your session (facials, waxes, tattoos, fillers, etc.) — you risk the chance of an allergic reaction, severe breakouts, etc.
Wearing any scents with lavender or evergreen trees/plants — I'm highly allergic!
Wearing tight, restrictive clothing and underwear to your session — they will leave lines/marks on your skin!
The hair & makeup artist(s) that I work with are professionals, formally trained, and can create almost any look you want for your session, but a few words of advice:
— Avoid updos. I have you touch your hair and pose on your back a lot throughout the session and an updo will likely get mussed up!
— Arrive with your hair clean & dry. That way, the artist can get started right away.
— Make sure to bring hair & makeup inspiration with you. Just a few images will do!
— Keep in mind that "natural" makeup for photos is still probably more than you would expect. Makeup tends to wash out in images and needs to be applied more heavily to really pop.
— Don't feel like you have to wear glam makeup just because it's a boudoir session! The goal is for you to look like the best version of yourself, so don't feel like you have to completely venture out of your comfort zone and wear makeup that doesn't really fit your personality.
hair & Makeup
A few words of advice
Bridal boudoir
If you're a bride-to-be, a boudoir session is such a beautiful way to celebrate yourself in this season of your life and give your soon-to-be-spouse a gift that's truly one of kind.
Bridal boudoir sessions typically feature at least one white outfit and highlight your engagement ring. You can also add personality with your own wedding veil (or one from the client closet) or any other personalized wedding details, such as your wedding shoes, a vow book, your getting ready pjs/romper/robe. Additionally, a professionally made bouquet can be added to your session a la carte.
That said, bridal boudoir can be as focused on the bridal aspects as you'd like — there are no rules!
If you're not local to Charlottesville and need recommendations for where to stay, what to do, and, most important where to eat & drink, during your visit, please just let me know. Charlottesville is a hub of amazing wineries, breweries, restaurants, and mountain views!
Coming from out of town?
1. Get plenty of rest. Make sure you get plenty of rest leading up to your session! Not only will you feel great, it will help reduce eye puffiness and dark circles.
2. Journal, meditate, set affirmations. This is especially great if you're feeling nervous and need to recenter. I'm also just a call or email away if you need to chat!
3. Hydrate! Drink plenty of water leading up to your shoot. Boudoir photos can be pretty active!
4. Do some light stretching. Posing for boudoir requires some attention to posture (don't worry — I will cue you on these things and we'll take breaks if you need them!), and some clients report that they're a bit sore after their session.
5. Treat yourself. Get a massage, a facial, a mani/pedi, a wax — your shoot is a great excuse to indulge a little. Just make sure to avoid any major cosmetic procedures (fillers, certain types of skin treatments, etc.) too close to your session!
Before your session...
A few best practices for feeling your best
6. Be prepared. Arriving late and frazzled the morning of your session is not a great way to start your shoot if you're hoping for a relaxed, fun day! Things happen, of course, but planning ahead for things like traffic will help ensure the day is a success and you feel great from beginning to end.
7. Moisturize. Apply moisturizer daily in the week leading up to your session if you can and a light coat the morning of your session for skin that feel hydrated and looks great (friendly reminder to avoid lavender scents please — I'm highly allergic).
8. Care for your lips. I unfortunately can't photoshop or edit chapped lips away, so if you're dealing with cracked, dry lips, I recommend a lip scrub and overnight mask. My personal favorite is Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
9. Don't make a major hair change. As much as it can be tempting to go for an entirely new look before your session, your boudoir shoot is not the time to totally reinvent your look. If your hair needs a refresh, go for a trim or color touch up 2-4 weeks before your session.
Every session comes with an album or glass box with prints included, but cherishing your photos doesn't have to stop there. There are many options for upgrading your heirloom print products, or ordering additional items. You're art. Don't be afraid to show yourself off!
Heirloom Products
more details
Prints + Albums + keepsake boxes + more
I can't wait to meet you and photograph the poetry of you. As you plan, please feel reach to reach out any time at hello@audrajonesphotography.com
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of preparing for your boudoir session much easier and less stressful.
I can't wait to see you soon!