What to wear.

Thanks for booking your shoot with Beyond Boudoir (or, if you’re just researching what to wear for a boudoir shoot and stumbled across this page, Welcome!)

Some people can have trouble figuring out what to wear, but we say “don’t sweat it.” While we are shooting in the style of boudoir (or intimate photography, if you prefer), this document is not about me imposing what I think—or even what society thinks is beautiful—on you. Instead, this is a way to help you decide what to wear to be your own manner of beautiful. I believe that shorts and a tee shirt, when worn with the right attitude, is just as sexy as fancy lingerie. What you choose to wear? Depends on you.

The first question to ask yourself is: Do I like this outfit? No sense putting on something that you don’t even like for the sake of pictures.

Second question to ask is: Does it look good? You want to wear something that is flattering. Different clothes fit different body types better. If you don’t know how to pick out lingerie, there’s lots of information on line, or you can go to a place like Victoria’s Attic and get professional help. 

Third question: Does it make me feel good? Does the outfit make you feel comfortable/ sexy/ desirable/ powerful/ whatever it is you are trying to capture?? 

Fourth: Does it match your personality? If you’re into sports, it’s okay to bring along a uniform, and maybe a sports bra. Or, if you’re kinda geeky, those Star Wars underwear and toy lightsaber. Don’t try and meet someone else’s expectations. You do you. 

There is usually time for three or four outfit changes during the course of a shoot. You can plan to put on different outfits, or you can layer outfits and slowly work your way out of them. That’s just a general rule, though. I have an idea for a beyond boudoir video that would feature you trying on all your lingerie, trying to decide on a perfect outfit. So what follows are suggestions, not rules. Want to do something different? Let’s do it!

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Outfit one: The Outer Layer

This first outfit features something with a little more fabric. It can be casual or formal, street wear or evening wear. You can wear these by themselves, or in combination with outfit two. Some possibilities are:

  • Tee-shirt

  • His favourite button-down shirt

  • Suit jacket

  • Denim jacket

  • Leather jacket

  • Fur coat

  • Jeans

  • Robe (silk, sheer)

  • Sports Jersey

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Outfit two: frilly nothings

This second outfit is usually—but not always—something a bit more revealing.

  • Bra and panty set

  • Body Suit

  • Teddy

  • Stockings/hose

  • Fishnets

  • Halter bra

  • Corset

  • Camisole and tap shorts

  • Chemise

  • Romper

  • White undershirt/tank top

  • Bikini

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Outfit three: the big reveal

For some clients, this is a chance to show how comfortable they are in their own skin. Others might not want to progress past stage two, or even stage one. That’s okay. But you don’t have to go the full monty, even when all you’re wearing is your smile. Some options include:

  • White sheet/silk sheet

  • Scarf

  • Hat

  • Pillow

  • Sheepskin rug (provided on request)

  • coloured fabric (provided on request)

  • Flowers

  • Nature (a strategically placed rhododendron, for instance)

  • Paint

  • Chocolate

  • Leaves

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Additions: Props and accessories

This is your chance to really personalize the shoot and make it your own.

  • Sports equipment

  • Glasses

  • Hair tie for hair up shots

  • Jewelry

  • Handcuffs

  • Hats

  • Intimate toys

  • Suspenders/ties/other things pilfered from his wardrobe

  • Pearls

  • Items of personal significance

  • Garter

  • High heels

  • Boots

What not to bring

While I am comfortable shooting most things, there are a few things that I do not shoot. The biggest is I don’t shoot things that humiliate or denigrate people, even if it’s something that you are into. I am also not a big fan of smoking, and prefer not to shoot with cigarettes or cigars, no matter how symbolic. Hard drugs are also out.

You also might not want to have the pets or children around, as they can be disruptive. This is your moment, and it can be hard to enjoy if the dog is whining or the baby starts crying. Sometimes you might want a pet as a prop; please discuss with me beforehand.

Do you have any questions this didn’t answer? Feel free to send me an email.