How to Feel Confident for Your Boudoir Session

Being in front of a camera can often feel awkward, nerve-wracking, and intimidating. If you’re having boudoir photos taken for the first time, the same weird or anxious feelings can easily come up when you’re showing off a bit more skin than you’re used to. Luckily, it doesn’t have to feel that way!

Boudoir is a unique experience that’s all about celebrating you—your beauty, your strength, and your confidence. However, getting into the right mindset is key to ensuring you feel as amazing as you look. That’s why it’s important to take some time for yourself before your session, to nurture your body and mind so you can truly shine.

With the right preparation and a positive mindset, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the experience and walk away with images that make you feel proud, powerful, and beautiful.

Here are some ways to go into your boudoir session feeling as confident and comfortable as possible. 

Give Yourself a Few Mantras or Affirmations

Sometimes all we really need is to give ourselves a little pep talk before doing something outside of our comfort zone. By speaking to yourself out loud, you can ease anxiety, feel a greater sense of calm, and overcome self-doubt. 

Using positive mantras or affirmations is a great way to boost your confidence both before and during your boudoir session. Here are a few ideas: 

My body is perfect for me. I cherish the skin I’m in. 

I am brave. I am powerful. I am strong. 

I love and accept myself unconditionally. 

My body is amazing and capable of great things. 

I am beautiful. I am loved. I am worthy. 

My body is a miracle that deserves love. 

Have a Healthy Skincare Routine

Even if you already feel great about the skin you’re in, practicing a healthy skincare routine days or weeks in advance of your boudoir session can give you that extra boost of confidence to flaunt what you got. 

Whether that’s eating nutritious food for clearer skin, keeping your skin hydrated by moisturizing and drinking plenty of water, pampering yourself to a spa day, or exfoliating once or twice a week, a few simple steps can make you feel like your best self. 

Get Enough Sleep 

It can be nearly impossible to feel confident and proud (or let alone, sexy!) when you don’t feel well rested. Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before your boudoir session to have all the energy and motivation to let your true self shine on camera.

Take a Shower 

This one might be a bit obvious, but seriously: take a shower (or indulge in a soothing bath!) to be refreshed and clean for your boudoir photos. 

Start with Some Relaxation Practices

If you’re the type of person who finds confidence through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, try them out the morning of. Even a handful of deep, slow breaths at the start of the boudoir session can help you relax your shoulders, lessen tension in your muscles, and get you into the mood for posing. 

Get Your Hair + Makeup Done

Nothing quite like having a professional do your hair and makeup to give you an extra boost of confidence and attitude! 

As part of all my boudoir packages, I include professional hair and makeup provided by Kim J Beauty and her team. They’re so fun to work with and always leave my clients feeling their best! I even have Kim or her team meet us at my studio which means there’s one less thing you have to worry about (like driving to a salon before we begin). 

Visit a Nail Salon

There’s something about getting your nails and/or toenails painted that can instantly give you the confidence you need to feel camera-ready. Scheduling a fun mani and/or pedi appointment (especially with neutral paint colors) before your session can add the right touch of elegance to your boudoir photo gallery. 

Practice Stretching + Posing

After a boudoir session, some of my clients’ calves, legs, and back feel a little sore, so I always suggest that you stretch for a few weeks leading up to your session so it’s easier to pose on the day of. It can also help you feel a bit more confident if you’ve practiced your “sexy face” or “smize” (smiling with your eyes – giving a playful or alluring expression) in front of a mirror in the days leading up to your boudoir session. 

Chat with a Friend

Sometimes it’s easier to feel courageous when you have a friend hyping you up before doing something outside your comfort zone. If you feel like you need to hear someone else tell you just how amazing, beautiful, and strong you really are, consider calling up or meeting with a supportive friend before your session to go into the studio with an extra boost of confidence.

Stay Hydrated

Don’t underestimate how much water (or a soothing tea!) can help keep your body hydrated and your nerves at bay. Or for a little extra flavor, try sparkling or infused water. 

Listen to Music

If you have some music you already love listening to, put on your favorite songs in the car on the drive over to your session! At my boudoir studio, I have a great boudoir playlist that’s the perfect balance of sexy music, French music, and some old school sexy jams I’m sure you’ll love. I’ve discovered these songs are a great way to get my clients in the sensual mood and you’ll hear it playing from the moment you walk in the door.

Find Your Confidence + Discover Self Love with a Boudoir Photographer in Colorado

Hey there! I’m Katie, a boudoir photographer based near Denver and Boulder, Colorado. My boudoir photography is focused on empowerment and feeling comfortable and confident in your beautiful body.
Have questions about finding the right boudoir photographer for you? I’m all ears! Reach out to chat about your boudoir session with me today.