Edmonton, Spruce Grove, and Parkland County Boudoir Sessions

Boudoir is About Empowerment and Self Love as You are. NOT beauty standards.

As you start getting excited to our boudoir session, you might be wondering about some of the logistics of what you should prepare (like what to bring with you), theme ideas, how the shoot works, or you might be curious if I have any tips for caring for your body, skin, or hair before your session. I've got a section here with some FAQ's, I've got previous boudoir sessions, and stories, and I've got a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for our session, as well there's a handy link to my boudoir Pinterest board that's ever growing full of ideas I am capable OF CREATING! Lets make it happen!

I've got a pile of tips that I like to suggest, as well as this incredible comprehensive guide and I'm excited to share some suggestions here. But first, let's also name something important.

Over the years as a Edmonton and Spruce Grove based boudoir photographer, I’ve encountered a lot of misconceptions about beauty standards, and photoshoots, editing, and photoshop and society standards... It’s common for new clients to wonder how to best prep for their upcoming photoshoot, and yet too often the dominant messaging about boudoir reinforces toxic beauty and harmful diet culture standards that tempt us to believe we have to change in order to be “photo ready” and beautiful.

This is a really hurtful outlook and perspective and it is one I am striving to change. 

Here on my farm and spruce grove studio, I work hard to resist this messaging and to make my boudoir philosophy clear:

boudoir sessions are not a makeover - you are already art.

You, as you are, are worthy of being photographed right here, right now, today. I want to emphasize what you have. All your flaws and features that make you unique and beautiful. Every wrinkle, stretch mark, and scar is a story on your body, and its important to keep that part of your empowering journey. To hide, photoshop, or remove, or shy from the uncomfortable, would be me doing you a disservice, and not truly finding ways to love yourself for every curve!! This is what my boudoir sessions are all about. Empowering you. Encouraging you. Most of my clients have never had a photoshoot before, and often have their insecurities about themselves. I ignore all of this noise, and I just see the beauty that is you. The unique piece of art that you are. Your essence and energy and confidence and charisma, is what I want to highlight and showcase. This is who you are. This is the body your born with, and this is the only one we get. These sessions are meant to be body-loving sessions, never body shaming. I will never tell a client her arm is too big, or her jaw line isn't right. When I am angling and posing you, the only things I am looking for, is the shine in your eyes, the twinkle in the corner... The graceful way you caress your hair, or how your smile shines brighter when you hug yourself close. The love you share with yourself is what I am capturing. Not just your beauty.

Prepping well for a boudoir session comes not from meeting some insurmountable external beauty standard; it comes from filling your own internal reservoir of authentic wellbeing. So as you prepare for a session, I invite you to gently set aside the pressure you may feel to change any part of yourself and instead think about how you can celebrate yourself as you look ahead to this experience. 

Rooted in this lens of body-positivity and self-celebration, and shaped by the hundreds of inspiring clients I've worked with over the years, I’ve compiled my top recommendations for how to prepare your whole self for a boudoir session. 

All of the images I display on my website are REAL clients and NOT models. A lot of these clients have never had a photoshoot before as well, and this was their first time with me!

Preparing for Your Boudoir Session: A Comprehensive Guide

Boudoir photography is a beautiful and empowering experience, offering a unique way to celebrate your body and boost your confidence. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a moment of self-love, proper preparation can help you feel at ease and make the most of your session. This guide will take you through the essentials of preparing for your boudoir session, from outfit selection to setting the perfect scene.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Boudoir Photography
2. Outfit Selection
3. Types of Outfits
4. Layering Techniques
5. Gathering Inspiration
6. Creating a Pinterest Board
7. Exploring Themes
8. Setting the Scene
9. Using Props and Decor from Home
10. Incorporating Nature
11. The Boudoir Session Workflow
12. Starting with Headshots
13. Layering Reveals
14. Posing Guidance
15. Final Thoughts and Encouragement
16. How to prepare with Self Love practices for a Boudoir Session
17. 1-3 weeks before your session
18. 1-2 days before your session
19. on the morning of your session
20. What not to do before your session
21. Contact Form
22. Book a Boudoir Mini session

1. Understanding Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography is about celebrating your beauty and individuality. It's a personal experience that allows you to express your sensuality in a safe and supportive environment. Before diving into the preparations, it's important to understand what boudoir photography means to you. Is it a gift for a partner? A celebration of self-love? Clarifying your intent will guide your decisions throughout the process.

2. Outfit Selection

Types of Outfits

Choosing the right outfits can set the tone for your boudoir session. Here are some popular options:

• Lingerie: Classic lace or silk sets are always a great choice. Consider various styles like bodysuits, bralettes, and panties.
• Robe: A sheer or satin robe can add an elegant touch, especially for layered shots.
• Casual Wear: A loose, oversized shirt or your partner’s shirt can provide a more relaxed vibe.
• Bodysuits and Teddies: These can be incredibly flattering and add variety to your shots.

Layering Techniques

Layering outfits allows for a gradual reveal, making the session feel more comfortable and intimate. Here are some tips:

• Start with a more modest outfit, such as a robe or oversized shirt.
• Gradually remove layers, revealing more daring pieces underneath.
• Mix and match textures—pair lace with satin or cotton with leather to create visual interest.

Check out all of these amazing and simple creative boudoir outfit ideas!

3. Gathering Inspiration

Creating a Pinterest Board

One of the best ways to gather ideas is by creating a Pinterest board. Here’s how to get started:

1. Search Keywords: Use terms like “boudoir photography,” “lingerie ideas,” or “boudoir poses” to find images that resonate with you.
2. Pin Your Favorites: Save images that inspire you in terms of poses, outfits, or settings.
3. Share with Your Photographer: Collaborating on the board helps your photographer understand your vision and preferences.

Exploring Themes

Themes can add a personal touch to your session. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Vintage Glam: Think retro lingerie, pin-up hairstyles, and classic makeup.
• Natural Goddess: Incorporate elements like flowers and soft fabrics.
• Witchy Vibes: Utilize darker elements, like leather and lace, along with props such as candles and crystals.
• Elegant and Minimalist: Opt for simple, classic pieces with a focus on clean lines and neutral colors.

4. Setting the Scene

Using Props and Decor from Home

Personalizing your boudoir set with props and decor adds depth and character to your photos. Here are some ideas for what you can find around your home:

• Furniture: A vintage chair or a chaise lounge can serve as a beautiful focal point.
• Footstools: Perfect for adding height and variety to your poses.
• Rugs: Use fur or wool rugs to add warmth and texture to the setting.
• Candles: Soft lighting from candles can create an intimate atmosphere.
• Bones and Natural Elements: Incorporating unique items like animal bones or crystals can enhance a witchy theme.
• Swords and costume pieces: All add a unique touch to the shoot and can truely change the whole session! See below for some witchy examples, and a cloud costume made DIY! The wings are also Handmade by Shay, the girl in the photos below.

Incorporating Nature

If you’re considering an outdoor session, think about locations that provide natural beauty:

• Wooded Areas: Trees and foliage can create a stunning backdrop.
• Fields: Wildflowers or tall grass can add a whimsical touch.
• Water Elements: Ponds or lakes offer a serene setting for your photos.
• Bubbles and water or fire: rain, sprinklers, or maybe fire pits, or butane bubbles.... Many ways to add extra elements
• DIY Costumes from Nature: whether inspired by nature, or made by nature or a mix of both! get creative!! Cover yourself in leaves, or ivy, flowers, wood, wheat, you name it!

Witchy theme shoot with Alice Aquarius, another photographer friend!

5. The Boudoir Session Workflow

Starting with Headshots

To ease into the session, we typically begin with headshots and more traditional poses. This allows you to get comfortable in front of the camera and helps me understand your best angles.

Layering Reveals

As the session progresses, we’ll gradually reveal layers. This method not only adds excitement but also allows you to adjust to the idea of being photographed in a more intimate manner. Here are some tips to make this transition smoother:

• Communicate Comfort Levels: Let me know if you feel uneasy at any point; we can adjust accordingly.
• Take Your Time: We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, ensuring you feel empowered throughout.

Posing Guidance

Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to pose! I will guide you through the entire process, offering suggestions that flatter your body shape and highlight your best features. Here are a few general tips to remember:

• Relax Your Hands: Avoid stiff hands; let them flow naturally. keep motion, dont hold still, its best to add micro motions to your poses for natural looks.
• Engage with the Camera: Try to look through the lens as if you’re looking at someone you love. create expressions you might when playing with a partner or being flirty.
• Experiment with Angles: Slightly tilting your head or body can create more dynamic images. Dont be afraid to bend and twist, and dance and flow, lay down, or stand up, go upside down!

6. Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Preparing for a boudoir session can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but remember: this experience is about you. Embrace your beauty, celebrate your individuality, and enjoy the process. Whether you’re creating a stunning gift for someone special or indulging in self-love, this is your moment to shine.

Empowerment

Boudoir photography is about empowerment and self-acceptance. As you prepare for your session, keep in mind that you are beautiful, worthy, and deserving of this experience. Trust the process, and let yourself be free in front of the camera. Keep reading below, to see more tips on self care leading up to the shoot session!

How to prepare with Self Love practices for a Boudoir Session

1-3 weeks before your session

• Hydrate, exfoliate, moisturize: Drink lots of water in the weeks before your session to keep your skin (and your whole self!) well hydrated. If you already have a skin care practice that you love, keep doing it. And if you don't have a routine in place, I recommend moisturizing daily and exfoliating your face/body twice a week - this routine will remove dead skin cells and help your skin look extra glowy in your portraits. 
• Try on your outfits ahead of time: Make sure you’ve tried on all of your outfits before your session and confirmed that each one makes you feel confident, comfortable, and you, because if you feel happy and yourself during your session, then that will absolutely shine through in your final portraits. I also recommend gathering all of your outfits ahead of time, cutting off any visible/distracting tags, steaming out any wrinkles, and hanging everything in a garment bag so it’s ready to go on your photoshoot day. 
• Plan what you’ll wear to the studio or location: To make the morning of your session extra simple, plan which outfit you’ll wear to and from your session - I suggest picking something cozy and loose fitting so it won’t leave any marks on your skin. 
• Be kind to yourself: Self-loving boudoir photography is a brave and vulnerable thing to do. Sometimes having our pictures taken can stir up a lot of emotions or stories about our relationship with ourselves or our bodies, so hear me when I say: you are already and always abundantly enough, and your session is designed to capture and celebrate your enoughness. Think positive, affirming thoughts in the weeks before your photoshoot. Play your favorite, empowering playlists. Ask a friend to send you an encouraging note. Take a relaxing bath. Reflect on all the growth and positive changes you’ve made in your life. You deserve to be celebrated my friend. 

1-2 days before your session 

• Hydrate, moisturize, exfoliate: Make sure you keep drinking water and moisturizing right before your session - this tip applies all year long but is especially important for clients doing a session in the dry winter months. Exfoliate twice a week, and time the last one so that it's 1-2 days before your session to help your skin look glowy.  
• Stretch: Boudoir posing involves a lot of stretching and posing in positions you may not be used to. A bit like a yoga class, my clients often find that their hips, legs, and especially their back muscles can be a bit sore after their session. I encourage stretching the day before and the morning of your photoshoot. You can also take note of any injuries or flexibility limitations you may have so we can chat about that at the beginning of your session! I'll easily adapt poses to make sure that we're working with what feels good in your body. 
• Be nourished: DO eat food, drink water, and care well for your body before your photoshoot. While nourishment can look a little different for each of us, you get to decide what feeling well nourished means for you. For some folks this looks like limiting alcohol or caffeine before their session, and for others it means planning a favorite power breakfast before their photoshoot like veggie-loaded scrambled eggs or overnight oats. Think about what habits help your body feel well, and do that :) 
• Be well rested: Get plenty of sleep in the days and especially the night before your session. Not sleeping well changes how our bodies look and feel, so try to prioritize restful sleep and rejuvenation. This can also include doing your favorite meditations or grounding practices, but if these practices aren’t part of your normal routine then don’t feel any pressure to do so! Rest in the ways that feel natural and intuitive. 
• A note on body hair: There are a lot of opinions out there about how to treat your body hair before a boudoir session, many of which don’t feel body-positive to me, so - it is normal and okay to have body hair in life, and in your boudoir portraits. And it is normal and okay to remove body hair in life, and in your boudoir portraits. Whether you feel inspired to embrace or remove body hair, the only right decision is choosing what feels authentic to you! 
• Get excited!: Your upcoming boudoir session is for you! It’s normal to feel nervous beforehand, so I encourage you to stay in touch with the spark of inspiration that led you to schedule a photoshoot. Let yourself feel happy and proud - to plan something lovely and empowering all for yourself is worth celebrating and savoring. 

On the morning of your session

• Eat breakfast: Make sure you eat breakfast before your session so you'll have energy throughout our session together! I’ll have some snacks ready too :) 
• If you’re doing pro hair/makeup: Arrive with a clean, moisturized face and clean, dry hair (it doesn't have to be day old hair). I also have makeup remover and face wash in my studio if you'd prefer to wear makeup here. I recommend bringing along 1-2 photos of yourself where you like how your hair/makeup looks (it could be a fancy vibe or an everyday look - just for reference of what you like to look like) and 1-2 photos of hair/makeup ideas for how you want to be styled for your session. Clothing wise, you may want to wear a top that will be easy to change out of after hair/makeup styling, like a breezy button up or flannel.
• If you’re doing DIY hair/makeup: Plan to arrive at your session ready to go. You’re welcome to bring extra hair or makeup supplies if you want the option to touch up during your session. Whether you opt to go for your everyday look, a totally natural no-makeup look, or your going-out fancy look, I always say don’t worry about trying new techniques — just do what you like and what feels like you!
• If you’re doing an outdoor session: Because outdoor boudoir sessions are weather and location dependent, they have a few extra planning steps to keep in mind. Bring extra outfits, extra shoes, blankets, warm clothes, back up clothes, and more back up. Bring props and furniture as well to style the outdoor set.
• Take a deep, self-loving breath: Breathe deep, my friend. You’ve got this. 

What not to do before a boudoir session

• Don’t do any intensive skin or hair treatments the week before your session: Cupping, tanning, facials , crazy colour dyes- avoid anything that might irritate your skin in the week before your session
• Don’t try any brand new skin/hair/body treatments right before your session: I’ve had clients who dyed their hair or tried waxing for the first time the day before their photoshoot, and then felt really self-conscious if it didn’t turn out how they expected. You’re gorgeous as you are! Right before your session, focus on celebrating yourself, not changing yourself :)
• Don’t show up with brand new outfits that you’ve never tried on: Lingerie can be hard to size, and I always encourage you to try things on at home (long before your session) so that you know you feel confident and like yourself.
• Don’t feel pressured to care differently for your body because of your photoshoot: As I’ve mentioned, there is a lot of harmful rhetoric out there about how to change yourself to make your body “good” or “ready” for a photoshoot, but I invite you to gently resist that mindset. Boudoir in my studio is all about capturing your natural, radiant self, so before your session, I encourage you to care for yourself in whatever ways feel healthy, authentic, and self-loving. Taking this preparation isnt about beauty standards, its about giving yourself the excuse to love yourself.

Every session is Unique to you!

See below 2 examples and some personal stories of how we made each of these sessions unique to the womans personality and character.

Vintage Studio Boudoir shoot

Tahnees FIRST EVER Vintage in Studio Boudoir Session with a Hair and Makeup Artist!

I created this session when I was in Australia, in a Studio we rented out, called Wildling Studios. We had a hair and makeup artist come out before the session, and while Tahnee was getting her hair and makeup done, I was going through all her outfits and accesories, and pairing cute things together to create nice styles and themes! Tahnee brought like 3 suitcases full!!!! Never hesitate to bring a LOT of stuff!! You just never know what pieces we might use!! Luckily this studio came with a cute vintage couch, gorgeous window lighting, and a cute little vintage retro vanity, and telephone. Renting a studio is always an amazing option if your wanting this style of shoot! Often they also come with extra gear that I can use for lighting and backdrops and wall papers I dont have access to. So thats super fun too!! Another option is renting out a hotel, or air bnb, but of course we can also shoot in your own home! Studio costs may vary depending which one you want, where and how long for, but if you are wanting a studio session, let me know and maybe we can book a few ladies on the same day to share and split the studio costs.

Salt Flats Vintage Boudoir Shoot Outdoors.

JJ is a dear friend of mine,

When I lived in Merredin a tiny town outside of Perth in Australia, I really got to know JJ well, and it took about 2 years of our friendship before she would trust me with a shoot, and felt the confidence in herself to need something like this in her life... But when we finally did it, and she actually come through for me, as I had been encouraging her for soooo long, she finaaallyyy jumped on board, and when she let go, she truely embraced the excitement and the unknown and the possibility for fun, and to feel beautiful, and she just washed away any worries and anxieties... It truely takes trusting the photographer to do that. Let go of how you feel, and just Trust the process.

While a lover of self love, and super body confident, Surprisingly she was VERY new to being photographed, and had never been the type to be immodest. JJ is such a sweetheart with a gentle soul, and really truely a shining light. I wanted to show off her unique personality and gentle nature with this serene location and a cute vintage chair that she adored from her own home. I brought some fur fabrics to throw onto the chair, and we dragged it out to the location!! We had this epic salt flats near my house about a 30 mins drive, so we planned to head there for sunset and get some dusky balmy serene graceful vintage retro modern timeless boudoir images.

What makes me an amazing heartfelt empowering Boudoir photographer?

I LOVE boudoir, and I have done SOOOO many personal boudoir sessions in my life, with other photographers, and self portraits before I was ever a photographer, and it was that certain feeling I got when doing a session, that became so empowering, and addictive. The self love journey is truely starting with how you feel, and how you see yourself. As soon as someone was able to show a side to myself I never knew was possible, I started to feel ALL kinds of sexy.

This later turned into a whole new level of empowerment, as I became a dancer and show girl doing epic pole performances on stages across canada, australia and new zealand.... Now if that little photoshoot, can empower that little 19 year old insecure girl, to do something like that... I just cant even fathom what I can do for you during our session together, as I have faced this transformation myself!!

If your here, reading this right now, this is one of my deepest secrets, and youd have to either be sent this blog post, or stumble upon it yourself to find it... SO just know, this secret stays with us...

feel free to ask about all my dancing stories!! I love sharing them!

Sugar of Sharai Photography is my origional brand, and when I first started I watermarked everything!

SO if you see my works with this name, its my first ever photography brand. Feel free to search as you will find it on fb, and insta as i rebranded the website is no longer live :)

Got a question?!