tips for styling, clothing and more!
boudoir Session
PLANNING for YOUR
Let's get this straight right meow... I hate the word boudoir. It doesn't align with this experience at all, but it's what most people 'understand' - but now that you're here... I hope you know this is SO much more than some 'sexy' photos! I want you to know that I care about you - and your story. I care about who you are.
I STRONGLY believe that EVERY woman, no matter how they look or how much they weigh... no matter where they come from or where they're going... is beautiful.... and worthy. Beauty knows no standards. It just is.
My ultimate goal is that you are able to see yourself in a completely new way.... that you're finally able to simply SEE yourself.... I don't take this session or the fact that you signed up for this, lightly... I know how much courage it took for you to put yourself out there like this - and I'm truly grateful.
I'm confident that you're going to feel beautiful, empowered but most importantly, worthy.
Hey Ya little Sweet Thang
For everyone who steps into a boudoir session, the nerves are high! Trust me, I've had my own sessions! I remember calling my mom right before my first one, telling her if she didn't hear from me in two hours that I was abducted and to call the police 😂 That's how little I knew about my photographer, how sketchy the location seemed, and how nervous I was! I'm happy to report it was a great experience!
Here are a few ways you can handle all of those nerves, you'll certainly feel:
1) speak love and kindness over yourself... call yourself out if you start body shaming yourself!
2) pick a playlist that makes you happy - music therapy! dance away that nervous energy!
3) accept that it's okay to feel nervous... it's normal and those nerves DO fade as soon as the session starts!
Handling
the nerves
The best thing you can do for yourself is to speak to yourself as if you would your best friend, mom, daughter, or someone you love so much! The more you 'relax' and have fun with things, the more likely your nerves will turn to excitement!
It can also be helpful to HYDRATE and fuel yourself with healthy foods you love! Not all food makes us feel good (even if it is deemed healthy) - so stick with foods that allow you to walk away feeling GOOD and energized!
At the end of the day, I know you're going to be nervous and I promise to show up with so much heart and love for you! And just remember, I'm a little quirky and weird, so I can promise you - we'll be laughing and these sessions aren't as stuffy as you may believe!!! I spy a lot of laughs and maybe some heartfelt tears in your future!
be a safe place
you are yours... before you are ever 'anyone else's'
be a safe place for yourself!
shame has no place here... self hate has no place here...
and it's my hope that after your session, you'll see that more clearly.
you may have been told you are too much... you may have felt like you weren't enough at all... but i hope you know that...
you are enough... a thousand times enough.
on to the next
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word comfortable! For example, if you don't feel COMFORTABLE in whatever outfit you're trying on, that level of uncomfortableness WILL show in photos because you'll literally 'feel' it! So whatever outfits you settle on, just be sure that you feel comfortable in them! (i.e. don't choose an outfit that is too small, that's not comfortable and it can lead to unwanted skin bulging)
So choose pieces that you feel INCREDIBLY comfortable and confident in. Don’t force yourself to wear pieces that you usually wouldn’t – that could lead to feeling uncomfortable and ultimately hinder your experience.
Colors to avoid: Neon colors, Navy/Royal Blue, Sunshine Yellow, Teal, True Red
Colors to wear: Mauve, Peach, Plum, Burgundy, Olive, Denim Blue, Mustard, Gray, Black, Creams, and other soft and neutral colors
Choosing Outfits
how to go about
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable or you're just not a 'heels' person... you can opt to go barefoot!
I love the way textures (like linen, lace) photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Don't be afraid to layer clothing either as pictured to the right! Oh and be sure to steer away from logos!
Softer, neutral colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Select underwear that's just slightly bigger than you normally would wear, so that the underwear doesn't cut into your skin!
By the way... bodysuits look incredible on EVERY body shape!
Wardrobe Tips
the specifics
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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to simple pieces... but don't feel like you HAVE to wear jewelry, if you're not someone who typically does! Lace, linen and tulle look amazing in photographs too!
Any pieces with sleeves (like robes, shawls, sweaters, etc) are a great way to help slim arms and/or add more coverage.
Accessories like hats, uniforms, jerseys may SEEM like a great idea, but I recommend using those as inspiration to style your outfits, vs wearing them as outfits.
Accessories
what kind of
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Pinsey
ASOS
Amazon
Anthropologie
Free People
BHLDN
H&M
Shein
Lulus
Client Favorites
some of our
on to the next
We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup and our professional artists know how to create looks that photograph beautifully,. Professional styling also tends to hold up better in humidity and wind so you can always hit the town after your session!
Be sure to start thinking about how you'll want your hair + makeup to look during your session!
Please don't get any spray tans or waxing done a few days before your session, ESPECIALLY if you've never done either! OH, and this is not the time to try a new hairstyle or hair cut either!
Hair & Makeup
things to keep in mind for
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1
LOOSE CLOTHING
be sure to wear loose clothing so there are no indentions on your skin in the event you're showing some skin.
2
drink water
please don't forget to drink plenty of water - and there's no need to skip a meal... bring snacks and water for yourself.
3
jam out
play some of your favorite tunes that either mellow out your nerves OR get you fired up and feeling confident!
4
be on time
remember that we may have sessions or appointments after you - so if you are late, you are cutting in to your shoot time. give yourself enough time to get ready and arrive right on time.
DAY OF
preparing for the
what to expect
a little inside peek at
WHAT NOT TO DO
SPRAY TAN
Please do not get a spray tan before your session, especially if you’ve never spray tanned before. Stay out of the sun – red blotchy skin and peeling skin may occur.
WAX
DO NOT get any waxing done within 3 days of your session – your skin WILL be irritated and some women even break out around wax sites. Facial waxing will affect how makeup is applied.
FORGET TO PREEN
Boudoir sessions DO focus on the little things… So be sure to get a mani/pedi and shave those legs and armpits!
NEW HAIRSTYLES
You may be tempted to ‘try something new’ – but do NOT do this before your session… or any photoshoot for that matter.
STARVE YOURSELF
I get it, you want to ‘look better’ – but starving yourself is not the answer. Increase your water intake and lower your salt intake. This will
help reduce bloating.
LOOK FOR FLAWS
You. Are. Beautiful. Say it with me. I AM BEAUTIFUL. Whether you’ve had children – still have a few extra love pounds to lose or have freckles on your face. You should NOT emotionally/verbally abuse yourself
When planning for your session
here are some things NOT to do
You can expect a sneak peek of images within 48 hours following your session. Within two weeks of your session you can expect your images. (PS, it never takes that long)
A:
When will I receive my images?
q:
This will depend on the collection you have selected for your experience!
A:
How many images will I receive?
q:
It is recommended that you download and save your images immediately upon receipt of the gallery. While I do not remove the galleries within a certain amount of time, I cannot guarantee the hosting platform will not malfunction
A:
How long will I have access to the images?
q:
Every collection receives digital images via an online downloadable gallery. You will receive unlimited printing and downloading rights. Prints and products are sold separately or purchased on your own via a consumer lab unless otherwise noted in your collection.
A:
Do i receive digital images?
q:
Frequently
asked
Questions
Absolutely! Some of the collections include professional hair and makeup services or you can add them on and I can help coordinate things between you and a stylist. These services usually last around an hour and a half. Our stylists are professional stylists and have worked with our team for a number of years.
A:
Do you offer hair + makeup services?
q:
You absolutely do not have to be nude OR wear lingerie! Remember how I said I actually hate the word 'boudoir' - this is more about YOU than it is what you're wearing! If you want to wear lingerie or go nude, by all means, go for it! But you certainly don't have to!
A:
Do I have to be nude or wear lingerie?
q:
I will be in the room during your session and in the event I have an assistant present, you will be notified and given the opportunity to decline their involvement.
A:
Who will be in the room during my session?
q:
You are welcome to download and print on your own (Mpix.com is who I recommend) or you can order products and prints directly through the professional lab via your online gallery OR you can contact me directly for specialty products like Barnwood Frames, Canvases, and Albums!
A:
How do we order prints or products?
q:
You will be sent a session questionnaire at reservation in which you can include specific photo requests and you're encouraged to leave a link to your Pinterest board with any ideas you may have.
A:
What if we have special photo requests?
q:
For sanitary purposes, I do not provide a client closet, but I love helping my clients select/choose outfits... so please don't hesitate to reach out!
A:
Do you provide a client closet?
q:
what time should i arrive?
Please arrive promptly at your designated shoot time. In the event you find yourself running behind, please notify me immediately. Upon arrival, we will begin session less the amount of time you arrived late. For instance, if you are scheduled for a 30 minute session but arrive 20 minutes late, you will have a 10 minute session.
should i tip the hair/makeup artist
Tips are never expected but always appreciated and can be given directly to your stylist.
can i bring my friend/spouse?
The answer is almost always yes, but no spouses or friends are allowed in the room during your actual session! We encourage them to go grab a bite to eat or go sit on the beach and relax!
where should we have our session?
Most boudoir sessions will be photographed in Nags Head, NC but if you have a special location request, please don't hesitate to let me know. Travel fees will apply.
what if the weather is questionable?
Please refer to your inclement weather agreement and contract - but in short, if the weather is too unsafe to drive, we will absolutely reschedule. Boudoir sessions are typically shot indoors, but in the event you're having a beach boudoir session, we will absolutely reschedule if the weather is questionable.
what if someone is sick?
We absolutely request that you reschedule. We also require that we be notified in the event you've been around someone who has been running a fever or has had extreme gastrointestinal related issues or if you, yourself, have experienced any such symptoms.
can i see every single photo you take during my session?
As I select the best of the best – discarding funny faces and photos where you were blinking. No... and I ask that you trust that we would not withhold any beautiful images from you. The number of images received is based on the collection you've selected for your experience.
what should i do for my face/hair before my styling?
If you're receiving professional hair and makeup styling, please come with a clean/fresh face, no makeup. Come with a clean head of hair but with NO heat or products applied. No sprays, gels or hair straightening.
do you send my photos out to a third party for albums?
Yes. I work with extremely professional album designers and album companies. They understand art and they value the sensitive nature of these sessions – just as much as I do.
i would like to cancel my session,
do you offer refunds?
No refunds, and specifics are covered in the contract. Your session is transferable to another client, however. Simply notify us of your decision and we will make the necessary transfer. This is ultimately at the discretion of Sharon Elizabeth.
I rely heavily on my ability to pose women and help them feel ‘confident’ so that I get you looking beautiful IN camera. I DO reduce imperfections but I will NOT alter who you are. I remove acne and reduce the appearance of under eye circles/wrinkles/dimples and will also remove any scars upon request, if possible. Tattoos, peeling skin from tanning, clothing tags will NOT be removed.
my images
Do you edit
We’re big believers that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: fifteen or so years ago, if we had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away.
But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) And that was likely from a time period when cameras were expensive and prints were harder to come by.
Bring Your Images to Life with
prints
Perfect for those who value legacy. These heirloom albums are a great way to house a large number of images in a beautiful way... and they also make for the perfect gift!
Albums
Barnwood frames are the perfect way to fill your walls with beautiful portraits... these come in a variety of print sizes and frame colors.
Prints & Wall Art
Details for ordering will be delivered via email
Easy to hang and they also work great on little easels placed around the home. Be sure to ask me about gallery blocks!
Canvases
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me.
THANK YOU!
all the big bear hugs