The 5 Stages of Boudoir Photography
Ever wondered what it is like to book a boudoir photography shoot? In this blog post, we wanted to share with you what our clients have shared with us. Our hope is that it will help all ladies, whether coming into our studio or elsewhere, understand that feeling nervous is completely normal.
1.Decision /Excitement Stage
It's been on your mind for a while. You want to do a boudoir photography shoot. Maybe a friend had told you that you HAVE to do it or it's just something you want to explore. After considerable chin scratching and deliberation, umming and erring, you have decided to have a boudoir photo shoot, dammit. A friend has recommended a studio, or you have spent way too long on the internet looking for a photography studio you like the look of and whose portfolio speaks to you. You meet or speak with the studio and decide to book in for your shoot. This is the exciting stage. You are chuffed that you went through with it! You walk a little taller with your courage and sassiness and can not wait for the big day.
2. Sharing Stage
You proudly, but a little tentatively tell your partner and trusted friend/s. What if they think I am crazy or look at me as if I have announced I am renouncing society to live on the land, surviving on what I can hunt with a sharp stick? But no, they are your friends for a reason. They all lose their minds and congratulate you, telling you you will look gorgeous ( how could you not with your legs / boobs / eyes / bum / hair / shape / smile /etc !!! they gush encouragingly) and be a real badass and make you PROMISE to show them the photos. *sniff*
3. Prep/ Anticipation Stage
The dust has settled, and you need to think about preparing for this. Most studios ( including ours ) will have sent you a prep guide. Based on my conversations with our clients, this is the nervous energy/anticipation stage. You book in for a wax and manicure. You dig through your draws and look for some fab pieces to wear or drag one of your friends to Bras and Things, Honey Birdette or City Chic and do some shopping. Enjoy this stage; it's fun!
4. OMG. WTF am I doing Stage
The freaking out stage. The day is looming like a blind date, and the self-doubt starts to creep in. This is the main area I wanted to discuss, and I want to be serious for a moment. 99.97% of women who do a boudoir shoot go through the stage of feeling nervous. Some are a little trepidatious others are at eleven on the BNRS ( Boudoir Nerves Richter Scale) . It is usually in the week leading up because, suddenly, it is as real as a doughnut shop.
We have no magic words to remove your nerves. It is completely and entirely normal to be nervous. My best analogy is going parachuting for the first time. The thought of jumping out of a perfectly good plane seems nuts when you get to the point of strapping on the parachute.
But I can promise that no one has died from nervousness; you will not suck, and your chosen studio will help you look and feel confident, empowered and breathtaking. Our advice if you have those moments of self-doubt is to remember why you are doing this in the first place, which will squash those nerves to a manageable level.
5. Shoot Day / Excitement stage (again)
I will only go into this a little here as we are close to completing a behind-the-scenes video to show what this looks like and also write a dedicated article about it.
In summary, most women wake up and are back to being excited to do it. They make it to the studio despite the butterflies that have descended into their stomachs. Once they walk through the door and start their experience, they wonder what the nerves were all about and leave walking on air.
I hope this article helps you. Everything above is a condensed version of what our incredible clients have shared with us. We thank them for their courage and for being awesome.
