Ever wanted to know everything and everything about the process of a boudoir shoot? You’ve come to the right place. I decided to partner up with Shelby Leigh Photography to answer all of your burning questions, from funniest experiences to confidence tips. Below I have compiled all of your inquiries from Instagram the other week, and now we’re ready to spill all the tea. ☕️ Read on if you’re considering a shoot of your own (and for a discount!), but if you’re related to me, kindly stop scrolling. 🙈
In the past few years, boudoir photos have gone from slightly taboo to totally mainstream, and I’m all for it. While some may perceive them as raunchy, or even the archaic misconception that they’re misogynistic, I can promise you that boudoir shoots are the furthest thing from “u up? send nudes” (or whatever the kids say these days lol). Can they be sexy and steamy? Of course. But can they also be beautiful and classy? Absolutely!
I always knew I wanted to have boudoir photos done before my wedding, and the reasons are endless. To name a few: 1. It’s the easiest/best gift to give to your man! I mean, what could be a better present than a book full of photos of his hot wife?! 2. It’s secretly an incredible gift to YOURSELF. Trust me, 80 year old you is going to be flipping through these photos, trying to show your mortified teen granddaughter and probably like all the ladies at bridge how bangin’ your bod was. 3. There’s nothing that can make a girl feel brazenly confident like a good boudoir shoot. With an experienced photographer behind the lens, it can actually be super fun and make you feel like a million bucks. Which brings me to…
Finding the right photographer. I did extensive research on local boudoir photographers, and after lots of deliberation, I reached out to the lovely Shelby Leigh to see if she’d be interested in collaborating. I wanted to document this on the blog because so many of you are engaged and have lots of questions about finding vetted and affordable wedding vendors, and I love being able to share my favorites.
Shelby’s studio is located in Frederick, Maryland, which is only about 40 miles from DC and a very easy drive. I had never been there and wish I’d set aside more time to explore, because it was adorable! Shelby’s portfolio speaks for itself, and I was quickly drawn to her classic yet captivating photography style. We put something on the books a few weeks before the wedding, and then it was time to add a few more workouts to my schedule and go lingerie shopping!
Immediately upon meeting Shelby, it felt like I had known her for years. She is so sweet, engaging, and funny, which made me feel comfortable around her right away. Super important for something as intimate as a boudoir shoot! When I arrived, she showed me around her gorgeous studio and then we sat down to chat and discuss my vision for the shoot. Since Shelby had already asked me to fill out a questionnaire before the appointment (with options for varying levels of sexy/flirty, number of outfits, etc.), everything was smooth sailing from the jump. After our little hang sesh, Shelby pointed me to my dressing room, complete with body moisturizer to get my skin glowing and champagne to melt away any nerves. 🍾
Long story long, it was one of the most entertaining mornings I’ve ever had! Shelby was the perfect balance of fun and professional, and was the greatest hype woman I could have asked for. With music playing, champagne flowing, and casual chit-chat between poses, it was honestly never uncomfortable and just felt like playing dress up with a BFF. Now for all of your questions!
Q: How did Shelby get into boudoir photography?
A: My mom! She told me about boudoir and she was my first ever boudoir “client” 😊However, when I started shooting boudoir 10 years ago it wasn’t really big, so I was mostly working as a wedding photographer. It gradually grew in popularity, and now the majority of my business is boudoir. – S
Q: Are Shelby’s shoots ever awkward? What’s the weirdest and/or funniest thing someone has wanted to do in a shoot?
A: Most of my clients are looking for a similar style of classic, sexy images, but I have had tons of fun requests over the years, from costumes, inside jokes and other personal touches. I recently photographed a 30th birthday boudoir celebration session where we included a spread of Chick-fil-A! – S
Q: Is there someone there to do hair and makeup?
A: Yes, Shelby has a hair and makeup team she works closely with! They have a boutique just a few blocks from Shelby’s studio, but most women choose to have them come to the studio for their appointment. – C
Q: I’m so awkward! How the heck do you get comfortable?
A: Like I mentioned at the beginning of the post, finding a photographer you mesh with is the most important thing. Taking the time to hang and get to know Shelby helped break the ice, so it just felt like having fun with a friend. I also tried on endless outfits to make sure I felt physically comfortable and confident during the shoot. Don’t wear anything that’s going to make you feel more self-conscious in front of a camera. Lastly, a little liquid courage goes a long way! 😉🥂 – C
Q: Did you practice posing?
A: Nope, not really! And I meant to do more research on inspo photos but unfortunately ran out of time that week. This is where having a bomb ass photographer like Shelby really comes in handy. I’m not kidding when I say she literally formed my body into each pose, haha! First she would demonstrate it for me, and then would continue to cue me (“chin down, arch your back more, relax your mouth”), or manually move me around based on what looked the best. It was incredibly helpful and the photos turned out surprisingly natural! – C
Q: Can she edit out my insecurities, like cellulite or blemishes?
A: Absolutely! I was up front about things I wanted smoothed out, like the scar on my knee and the POISON IVY THAT HAD INHABITED MY FACE AND NECK RIGHT BEFORE (the universe was seriously testing me that last month 😐), but it’s important to not go too crazy on the photoshop. Your future husband loves and appreciates the real you – imperfections included – so you don’t want to look like a fake IG model robot. My stretch marks and I are trying super hard to redefine impossible beauty standards, so some things I just have to embrace a little bit! But for the big things, Shelby’s smoothing tool can be a gal’s best friend. – C
Q: Did you get waxed before? How else did you prep?
A: Yes! Without giving y’all way too much info 😅, I made sure to go a couple of days before to let any irritation settle. All week I went light on carbs and junk food, upped my cardio and pilates, hid the alc, and drank tons of water. Then the day before, I exfoliated and got a spray tan. I packed my outfits that evening to avoid a stressful morning, and then got plenty of sleep. Optional tip: jam out to 2000s rap the entire drive there. – C
Q: How did you present the photos to Will?
A: Shelby actually offers an additional service to get the photos printed and bound in a gorgeous “little black book.” They generally contain about 25 photos or so, but you can go way more or way less than that. I was going for 20-25, but ended up with probably 35, lol oops! You also get to choose the material of your book – crisp linen or a chic pebbled leather – and what you’d like the cover to say. I opted for leather and “for my husband” printed on the front 🥰- C
Q: What would both of you say to someone feeling too self-conscious to book a shoot?
A: There may not ever be a “right time” so if you’ve ever thought that it’s something you would want to do – just go for it! Boudoir is a very fun and unique experience that most women find empowering, and a true professional will be able to help you plan your session, put you at ease, and pose you so that you love every image of yourself! – S
Everything Shelby mentioned, plus I really think you’ll look back and regret not doing it! Besides, your fiancé ain’t self-conscious of that bod!! – C
Q: Is it normal to do a boudoir shoot if I’m not engaged or I’m already married?
A: Yes girl, do you! When I was going through Shelby’s portfolio, I saw several more unconventional shoots. My favorite by far was the Chick-fil-A shoot Shelby mentioned above #actualgoals 😂🙌 I also beg my sister to do one for her 10 year anniversary since she regrets not doing a shoot before her wedding! – C
Q: Has Shelby ever gotten on the other side of the camera to make a book for her husband??
A: Yes! I had my own boudoir photo session that I gifted to my husband a few years ago and I am currently planning another shoot for myself. – S
If you’re on the fence about booking a boudoir shoot or you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out to me or Shelby. If it helps you take the plunge (and I strongly encourage you to!), Shelby is also offering my followers a $100 discount if you mention me when booking. Perfect Valentine’s Day gift, anyone?!
Photos by Shelby Leigh Photography
Follow Shelby on Instagram for inspo here!
