FAQs

What does “Boudoir” mean:

“Boudoir” is the French word meaning Lady’s private chambers, dressing room, or bedroom. In photography, Boudoir refers to a style in which subjects pose for photographs partially clothed, in lingerie or nude.

What is Boudoir Photography:

Boudoir, or sensual photography, is a photographic style featuring intimate, sensual, romantic and sometimes erotic images of its subjects in a photographic studio, bedroom, or private dressing room environment, primarily intended for private enjoyment of the subject and/or of their romantic partners.

What is the purpose of Boudoir Photography:

Boudoir photography is about EMPOWERMENT! It encourages to love your body and love yourself fully. The photos taken during a boudoir session are used as a way to document your raw, natural beauty and sensuality in your most natural form. It also promotes the idea that feeling sexy shouldn’t be about pleasing somebody else – it should be about pleasing yourself and realizing just how valuable, important and beautiful you are!

What do I wear to a Boudoir Session:

Depending on the style and feel you have discussed with your photographer, you may want to start wearing a cocktail dress and gradually shed pieces to tell a story. Or just the same, you may choose to have a special theme for your session. Whatever your chosen style, see a list below of items you want to bring with you to your session:

Cocktail dress/ flowy formal dress
Casual attire such as a simple white tank top or men’s white dress shirt/tie
Bra sets color of your choice complimenting of your style and skin tone
Lingerie: lace/silk/flowy/ etc.
Vintage Wear
Accessories such as: pearl draping, jewelry, shoes, etc.

How old do I need to be to do a Boudoir Session:

Because of the mature nature of this photographic style, the minimum age for a Boudoir session is 18. Desert Rose Boudoir By: Ocano Gonzalez Photography may require proof of age by asking clients to provide a valid photo ID/License.

Reminders and Recommendations

Below you will find a checklist to complete prior to your session.

__ H20!!! Drink plenty of water the night before your session

__ Hangovers aren’t attractive. Please abstain from having alcoholic beverages the day before and the day of your session

__ Heard the phrase “Beauty Sleep”? Make sure you get PLENTY of it! Ensure you go to bed early and get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before your session.

__ STRETCH, STRECTH, STRETCH! If you do Yoga, make sure you do a light set prior to your session to ensure all muscles are loose and flexible. If you don’t do Yoga, this might be a good time to start. (small joke 😊) Ensure you stretch arms, legs, neck, and back properly and thoroughly before your session. Boudoir sessions can be surprisingly demanding on the body and may require flexibility and strength to hold certain poses.

__ NO SHOWER?! WHAT?! 😊 You may of course shower the day of your shoot, however, please ensure you DO NOT wash your hair as this will allow for better styling.

__ Make sure you have your manicure and pedicure done no more than 3 days prior to you scheduled session so they are fresh and there are no visible signs of growth.

__ DO NOT SHAVE!! Shaving may cause irritation to the skin which can be visible in pictures. Make sure you shave the day BEFORE your session and ensure to moisturize the skin immediately after shaving.

__ Ensure to wear loose fitting clothing to your session. Avoid wearing any fitted, stretchy or tight material on the day of your shoots to avoid clothing marks on the body as they are visible in photographs.

__ Make sure you moisturize skin. Please avoid lotions that may contain tanners

__ Do not use fake tanners/ self-tanners/ sun-bathing/ tanning bed for at least 7 days prior to your shoot

__ Try on your outfits beforehand to ensure they fit properly, and you feel comfortable in them

___ SHOES! SHOES! SHOES! They are incredibly important during Boudoir shoots. Heels are your BEST option as they help to stretch the leg muscles and creates beautiful form and silhouette.

__ Props anyone? Ensure you pack your outfits, shoes and props the night before and bring them with you on the day of your session.

__ Bring your “falsies”! EYELASHES that is! I can’t stress enough the difference wearing false lashes during a Boudoir shoot it makes! They may look fake in person; however, they photograph incredibly well and make all the difference between good and GREAT shots!

__ Look at this as a once-in-a lifetime investment - most of will never do anything like this again so the photos you receive from it will be a keepsake that should last forever. Ever see those old photos of your Grandmother and thought “She was so beautiful!”. How fun will it be to show your granddaughter (when she’s older of course, lol) how beautiful and confident you are and influence her to be empowered to be herself and love herself also.

__ Don’t be nervous! I know, easier said than done, right? Remember that you are OWNING your beauty and you are among professional photographers that will ensure your shots make you feel that.

__ Do this for YOURSELF! Regardless of who you may be sharing these photos with, deep down this shoot is for no one other than YOU! Enjoy your pamper time, this time to yourself and let loose. Feel comfortable enough to show your TRUE self.

__ DO push yourself to go a little outside of your comfort zone during the session. I am committed to ensuring all your photos are tasteful and classy, but also creating something that your will LOVE. Some of the best shots come when you let down your guard and allow yourself to be completely natural, transparent, and sometimes even a little vulnerable. Granted, this doesn’t mean that you will be pushed completely outside of your comfort. If at any point you want to scale it back, simply say so, and we will continue capturing shots that are more within your level of comfort.

…and remember, never post any photos without consent, and when obtain never post without giving full artistic credit.

This is a day all about YOU! Please enjoy it and take the time during this confidence boosting session to really OWN your beauty and embrace yourself fully!