{Sexy Spotlights} .... What to Wear to your Boudoir Shoot, part 1
Your Bloggin’ Boudoir Babe Pamela is back with your weekly Sexy Spotlights. This week’s exploration is near and dear to my heart: lingerie!
As soon as you’ve booked your shoot with Jenny Taylor, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to wear. Unlike a fleeting event such as a party or networking lunch, what you decide to put on for this experience is going to be captured in print, so you’ll want to make some fantastic choices you know will pass the test of time. Turns out, this can be pretty tricky.
A boudoir shoot doesn’t necessarily have to feature a lady in her underwear, but if you’d like to go that route (I certainly don’t blame you!), this Sexy Spotlights is for you. For today, I’ll zero in on the clothes, and next week we’ll address the other fun part: accessories!
Jenny has worked with hundreds of ladies of various shapes and sizes, and she’s helped me put together a little guide to help you make choices you will love forever.
The first rule of thumb: Sometimes what you don’t show can be sexier than what you do. Leave a little to the imagination; the “power of suggestion” in your photos, when used properly, can be really effective to bring out the best of you and your body.
The outfit
Unless you love your midsection, Jenny recommends veering away from matching bra-and-panty sets and instead opting for a one-piece outfit like a corset, slip, babydoll, or teddy. A no-fail combination: corsets with plenty of support that extend to your hips with garter straps.
Those fun “apron” teddies we all love at Victoria’s Secret, although sexy, don’t photograph as well as one would like — and what’s important is showcasing our model in question: you!
Garters will provide a flattering vertical line down the tops of your legs and are a beautiful way to “decorate” your gams. For an additional dose of drama, exaggerated detailing in your hosiery will really pop: large fishnet holes, fabulous lace. Regardless of size, you’ll want your stockings on the larger side (size XL) and without elastic to avoid cinching and make fastening the garter easier.
Another “false friend”: stockings with the line down the back. That line can be hot or cold in a photoshoot because sometimes it snakes around the side of the leg and doesn’t cooperate. Sigh.
Those of you who wish to channel her inner Lady Gaga, be warned . . . novelty outfits (e.g., angels, cowgirls, bunnies, French maids, Santa babies) are discouraged. Because you are most likely shooting to create a gift album or book that should be timeless, making classic (yet contemporary) choices will better ensure that you’ll be happy with your prints in the long run. If you’ve opted for an unlimited set of outfit changes, time will only permit you at most four outfits in one hour — so ask yourself, do you really want your variety of images to include only one or two of you . . . dressed as a nurse? ;)
As far as the obligatory undergarments go (we do not do nude photography, FYI), a sexy boyshort or sheer bikini panties will do. I remember being horrified at the prospect of wearing a thong to my own shoot, and with good reason . . . they don’t photograph so well.
Consider: the looser your stockings or bras are, the less likely they will be to grip your skin in a reddening (or maddening!) way. Try on your outfits before you come in and practice changing in and out of them — help is available, but since you want your shoot to “flow,” you can help ease the process this way.
Best Colors.
Jenny’s favorite colors that flatter every skintone are black, red, bright blue, and bright purple. If you’re going with more than one outfit, it’s a great idea to bring different outfits of varying color groups simply for a more interesting spread.
To-be brides, unless you’ve got a specific piece of bridal lingerie that is specific to your wedding, Jenny does not recommend white or ivory to your shoot. (I’ve seen the set, and with the bedcovers being white you can understand why.)
Color choices aren’t exclusive just to your clothing and accessories, but also extend to stuff like textures and even your skin! Different textures reflect light in certain ways, so don’t pick out anything too flashy. Lace is great, sequins in moderation, but try to avoid too many beads
The night before, exfoliate (unless you’re sensitive) and moisturize so your skin appears smooth and enhances your best “come hither” smolder. If you decide to spray tan for your session, I wouldn’t save it for the day of (for fear of staining or appearing too “orange”) but rather in advance so you look bronzed and not like a pumpkin.
Your nails should also be camera-ready, so try French tips or manicuring them in a solid pop of red or pink. Details make all the difference!
I’m saving the hot topic of accessories for next week, but they of course will need to properly complement your outfits, so make choices accordingly!
Where to Shop.
Naturally, trying on pieces before you purchase guarantees your choices will fit you right. But if you’re like me and addicted to lingerie, you know your size and can afford to poke around on the Web. Browse websites like Victoria’s Secret, Frederick’s of Hollywood, or Lingerie Diva for a variety of options. If your interests lie in luxury lines, take a peek at Agent Provocateur, or Lingerie at Nancy Meyer. Lover’s Lane offers a decent selection of hosiery to consider.
Your boudoir photoshoot is an investment well worth the advance preparation. Jenny and her staff will certainly meet you in the middle, and with their guidance, you’ll be well on your way to jaw-dropping glamour that delivers from the moment you walk in.
