How to Prepare for Your Couples Boudoir Shoot (After You Book)

You’ve booked your couples boudoir session—now the butterflies are kicking in and you’re wondering what actually happens next. That mix of excitement and nervousness is completely normal, especially if this is your first time doing anything like this together. The good news: from here on out, it’s all about preparation, connection, and letting yourselves relax into the experience. This guide walks you step by step through everything that happens after you book—how to choose outfits, prep your hair and makeup, set the mood as a couple, what to expect with posing and direction during the shoot, and how the process works once the session is over—so you can walk in feeling confident, informed, and ready to enjoy one of the most intimate, affirming experiences you’ll share together.

1. Get on the Same Page as a Couple

Before we dive into outfits and makeup, spend a little time talking together. This sets the tone for everything else.

Talk about:

• How you want the session to feel Romantic? Playful? Spicy? Soft and intimate? A mix?

• Comfort level with nudity Fully clothed, lingerie/underwear, implied nude, partial nudity, etc.

• Boundaries Poses you’re not okay with, areas you’d rather minimize, anything that’s off-limits.

• Privacy Whether you want your images kept completely private, or if you’d maybe be okay with some being used (only if you want that).

You don’t need every detail figured out—that’s what your photographer is for—but a shared understanding helps you both relax going in.

2. Planning Outfits (for Both of You)

Outfits are one of the biggest sources of stress and confidence. The goal is to feel attractive, comfortable, and like yourselves—just a bit elevated.

General Outfit Guidelines

• Choose pieces you feel good in, not just what looks “sexy” on Instagram.

• Bring a range of coverage so you can ease into the session:

  • More covered: robes, slips, soft tees, tank tops, boxers/shorts

  • Medium: matching bra & panty sets, bodysuits, fitted t‑shirts

  • Bold: more revealing sets, implied nude with a robe or sheet

• Stick to solid colors or simple patterns:

  • Neutrals (black, white, cream, gray, blush, earth tones) always work.

  • Avoid loud neon, big logos, and tiny busy prints.

Outfit Ideas for Her (or femme‑presenting partner)

• Lingerie sets (bra + matching bottoms)

• Bodysuits (very flattering and easy to pose in)

• Silk or satin robes

• Oversized partner’s shirt or sweater

• High‑waisted panties + bralette

• Thigh‑high stockings, garter belts (if that matches your vibe)

Outfit Ideas for Him (or masc‑presenting partner)

• Fitted boxers/boxer briefs in black, white, or muted colors

• Dark, well-fitting jeans with no shirt

• Simple tees, Henleys, or button‑downs (open or closed)

• A blazer or jacket for a more dressed‑up feel

Coordinating as a Couple

• Aim for coordinated, not identical:

  • Both in darks, or both in light neutrals.

  • Example: She in black bodysuit, he in black jeans + no shirt / black tee.

• Bring 2–4 outfits each and let your photographer help pick what works best on camera and with the sets.

The key question to ask about every outfit: “Do I feel attractive and comfortable in this?” If yes, it’s a good choice.

3. Hair & Makeup (Especially for Her)

You can absolutely do your own hair and makeup, but many people feel more relaxed and confident when a pro handles it. Either way, here’s what works best on camera.

Makeup Tips

Think: yourself, but a bit more glam.

• Skin:

  • Matte or satin foundation is best (dewy/SPF-heavy products can cause shine/flashback).

  • Blend well down the neck.

• Eyes:

  • Slightly stronger eye makeup than everyday looks great in photos.

  • Soft smokey eyes, defined liner, and false lashes or good mascara go a long way.

• Brows:

  • Lightly filled and shaped brows frame the face and photograph well.

• Lips:

  • Choose a color you like seeing on yourself: nude, rose, mauve, or red.

  • Avoid super sticky gloss that hair can get stuck in.

Hair Tips

• Soft curls, waves, or a smooth blowout usually look best.

• Avoid very tight, slick styles unless that’s your signature look.

• Bring:

  • Brush or comb

  • Hair ties and bobby pins

  • Any styling products you may want for touch‑ups

Bring a Touch‑Up Kit

Pack a small bag with:

• Lip color

• Powder or blotting papers

• Concealer

• Hairbrush/comb

• Any medications or comfort items

4. Physical Prep: Week Before, Day Before, and Day Of

The goal isn’t to “fix” your body—it’s to feel good in it. A little practical prep helps.

A Few Days to a Week Before

• Hydrate: drink water consistently (no need to overdo it).

• Skincare:

  • Moisturize daily, especially rough/dry areas.

  • Avoid trying completely new products that might cause breakouts.

• Hair removal (if you choose):

  • Wax or shave 1–2 days before, not the morning of, to avoid redness and bumps.

• Nails:

  • Trim, clean, and file nails.

  • A simple neutral polish, French tips, or bare looks clean and elegant.

Day Before

• Lay out outfits, accessories, shoes (if any), and anything personal (rings, jewelry, jacket, etc.).

• Avoid very salty foods and lots of alcohol (they can cause puffiness/bloating).

• Get a decent night’s sleep if you can.

Day Of the Session

• Shower and moisturize.

• Avoid tight clothing or underwear right before the shoot that could leave deep marks.

• Eat a light, balanced meal before you come—don’t arrive starving or overly full.

• Bring:

  • All outfits (plus backups)

  • Touch‑up kit

  • Water and maybe a light snack

5. Setting the Mood as a Couple

A big part of a couples boudoir shoot is the energy you bring in together.

Before You Leave for the Shoot

• Spend a few quiet moments together: coffee, a walk, a cuddle on the couch.

• Share one thing you’re excited about and one thing you’re nervous about.

• Put on music that helps you feel confident or connected.

On the Way There

• Avoid heavy or stressful conversations.

• Treat it like a date: you’re going to do something fun and intimate together.

• Remind each other: it’s okay to be nervous. You won’t have to “perform”—you’ll be guided.

6. What to Expect With Posing

Nearly every couple says, “We’re awkward in front of the camera” or “We don’t know how to pose.”

You don’t have to.

Your Photographer’s Job

A professional boudoir photographer will:

• Tell you exactly where to sit, stand, or lie down.

• Show you how to position your hands, legs, and arms.

• Guide where to look (at each other, at the camera, eyes closed, etc.).

• Cue genuine reactions: whisper something, share a private joke, pull them closer, etc.

Your Job as a Couple

• Be honest: if a pose feels uncomfortable or too much, say so.

• Stay connected: look at each other, touch, breathe together.

• Relax your expectations: you don’t have to look like models. You just have to be yourselves.

Common couples poses might include:

• One partner sitting while the other stands behind or straddles the lap.

• Lying on the bed or couch facing each other, foreheads touching.

• One partner behind the other, arms wrapped around the waist.

• Playful poses: tickling, laughing, whispering in each other’s ear.

Everything will be done within your comfort level and boundaries.

7. What Happens During the Session (Step by Step)

Every photographer has a slightly different flow, but a typical couples boudoir session looks something like this:

1. Arrival & Settle In

• You arrive, drop your things, and get a quick tour of the studio/space.

• You’ll review:

  • Outfits you brought

  • The vibe you’re going for

  • Any insecurities or areas you want to downplay or highlight

  • Your comfort with nudity/poses

This is also where you can play music you like to help relax.

2. Start with the Easiest Outfits

Most photographers will:

• Start with the most covered outfits (jeans + tee, robe, simple lingerie, etc.).

• Use more relaxed, less intimate poses to help you warm up.

• Gradually move into more intimate, revealing outfits and poses only if and when you’re comfortable.

3. Guided Posing and Direction

Throughout the session, expect prompts like:

• “Pull her closer until your bodies touch.”

• “Kiss his cheek and then whisper something that will make him laugh.”

• “Close your eyes and breathe together for a second.”

You might feel a little silly at first—that’s totally normal. Within 10–15 minutes, most couples loosen up and start genuinely enjoying it.

4. Checking In

A professional will occasionally check in:

• “How are you both feeling?”

• “Is this pose okay?”

• “Do you want to try something spicier or stay where we are?”

You’re always allowed to say:

• “Can we dial it back a bit?”

• “I’m not comfortable with that.”

• “Let’s skip that pose.”

Your comfort matters more than any photo.

5. Wrapping Up

As the session winds down:

• You might do a final, favorite outfit or pose.

• You’ll change back into your clothes.

• Your photographer will explain next steps: when and how you’ll see your images, how to order, etc.

8. After the Session: What to Expect

The experience doesn’t end when you leave. There’s still the fun part: seeing your images.

Image Selection

Depending on your photographer’s process, you might:

• Have a same-day viewing/ordering appointment right after the session, or

• Receive an online proofing gallery a few days or weeks later to pick your favorites.

This can be emotional (in a good way). Many couples are surprised—in the best way—by how beautiful and connected they look.

Editing & Retouching

Professional retouching is about enhancing, not changing who you are.

Typically:

• Temporary blemishes (pimples, small scratches, etc.) are minimized.

• Skin is smoothed gently while keeping natural texture.

• Distractions (stray hairs, small clothing wrinkles) may be removed.

• Body shape and natural features remain authentically you.

If you have preferences—like scars, stretch marks, tattoos you do or don’t want retouched—tell your photographer.

Products & Delivery

Common options include:

• Albums: the most popular and private way to enjoy your images.

• Prints: for a keepsake box or personal space.

• Wall art: for a private bedroom or closet area.

• Digital images: delivered via a secure gallery or USB.

Ask about:

• Turnaround times for edited images and products.

• How long your gallery will stay online.

• Backup options for long-term storage.

9. Privacy & Keeping Your Images Safe

Boudoir is intimate—privacy is important.

Tips:

• Use a strong, unique password for any online gallery.

• Download your images and keep them on:

  • A private, password‑protected folder

  • External hard drive or USB that only you access

• Decide together who, if anyone, will ever see them.

• Read your contract so you’re clear on:

  • Whether your photographer can use any images for their portfolio

  • What you’ve consented to (or not) in writing

You should never feel pressured to share or sign a release if you’re not 100% comfortable.

10. Let Yourself Enjoy It

A couples boudoir session is more than just photos:

• It’s a chance to see yourselves through each other’s eyes.

• It’s an intentional moment of intimacy in a world that doesn’t give us many.

• It’s a reminder that your connection, chemistry, and story are worth celebrating.

You don’t have to be “model ready.” You don’t have to know how to pose. You just have to show up, together, and let yourselves be seen.

If you’re booked and reading this, you’re already braver than you think—and you’re well on your way to creating something special you’ll have for the rest of your lives.