CHAPTER TWO
Preparing for the Session
26 ELLIE VAYO’S GUIDE TO BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY
Your clients have so much to think about when scheduling and preparing
for their sessions. Make it as easy as possible for your clients during the en-
tire boudoir photography process. Let them see lots of sample images and
get a feel for what they are going to wear well in advance of their session.
Make sure that they do not spend all of their dollars on lingerie and then
have no money left for the beautiful images you’re about to create. Some
of the best images are created using clothes that the client already has in
her (or her husband’s) closet. Even a plain white T-shirt can be very at-
tractive if the posing and lighting is done correctly.
Again, here are some items that I tell my clients to bring. These sample
images show how I use specialty items and the client’s clothing to create
unique images.
Client to provide:
Any special jewelry
High heels or boots
Special faux or real furs (we stock both)
Leather jackets, hats
Any special lingerie
Black and white thongs
One white strapless bra
Any push-up bra
I always ask what the client’s husband or boyfriend does for a living. Con-
sider incorporating props or clothing that reflect his interests or career—
or hers.
Example:
Policeman—Get his shirt, cap, badge, etc.
Fireman—Use the coat or helmet in the portrait.
Musician—Incorporate a guitar or other instrument in the portrait.
Military—Have her don a uniform or shirt.
Nurse—Give her professional attire an alluring spin.
Even a plain white T-shirt
can be very attractive if
the posing and lighting is
done correctly.