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How to prepare for your Lifestyle Boudoir session without overthinking it

Booking a boudoir session can feel like a big step—whether it's your first time or you've done it before. That mix of excitement and nervousness you’re feeling is completely normal. But overthinking the preparation can take the fun out of it, and honestly, you don’t need to stress about it. Let’s break it down into a simple, relaxed approach to getting ready.


1. You don’t have to be “ready”

A common worry is, "I need to lose weight/tone up/get a tan first."

No, you don’t.

My lifestyle boudoir isn’t about changing yourself—it’s about seeing yourself exactly as you are. No Photoshop, no artificial alterations—just you, in a way you might not have paid attention to yourself before.

You don’t need to be in a certain mindset either. Some people are excited, some are nervous as hell, and some just do not really knowing how they feel. That’s all fine. However you feel, we work from there.


2. What NOT to worry about

Some things people tend to stress about that truly don’t matter:

  • Not knowing how to pose. That’s my job, not yours. I’ll guide you through everything, and it won’t feel forced.

  • Feeling awkward at first. That’s normal. It fades. Trust me.

  • Not being “sexy” enough. My lifestyle boudoir isn’t about performing a version of sexy you think you should be. It’s about feeling at ease with yourself—whatever that looks like for you.

  • Laughing too much. Some people get the giggles, some go quiet, some need music to loosen up. You don’t need to “act” any particular way.


3. Outfits: keep it simple

Forget the idea that you need a closet full of expensive lingerie you will never wear again. What matters is wearing something that makes you feel good. Some ideas:

  • Your favorite oversized sweater

  • A simple tank top and underwear

  • A bodysuit

  • Jeans with an unbuttoned shirt

  • Your favorite lingerie set, no matter how worn out is

  • But yes, if you want to use this as an excuse to buy some new items, definitely go for it

Choose 4-5 options if you want variety, but we’ll work with whatever feels right for you in the moment. And if you’re unsure? I’ll help you choose. No stress.


4. A peek behind the scenes

If you’re wondering what the vibe of the session is like, here’s the reality: it’s relaxed. Some jokes, some encouragement, but I’m not one of those overly upbeat photographers bouncing around. I’ll keep things moving, give you direction when needed, and let things unfold naturally.

When I arrive, we’ll chat a bit, go through your outfit options, and ease into the session. No rush. No pressure.

At first, it might feel like, “Okay, what do I do now?” But within minutes, that feeling disappears. You’ll settle in, and it will just feel like a low-key, enjoyable experience.


5. The night before: prep, don’t panic

  • Moisturize your skin (especially knees and elbows).

  • Get enough sleep.

  • Skip the heavy meals and excessive alcohol.

  • Get your outfits and accessories ready so you’re not scrambling in the morning.

This isn’t about perfect preparation—it’s just about making things easier for yourself.


6. Hair & makeup: optional, but nice

You can come as you are, or you can opt for professional hair and makeup. If it makes you feel more put together, go for it. But if you prefer a natural look, that’s perfect too. Your session, your rules.


7. The shoot: just show up

If you’re feeling nervous when I arrive, that’s completely expected. We’ll chat, ease into it, and go at your pace. You don’t need to know how to pose—I’ll guide you. The first few shots might feel a bit weird, but I promise, by the time we’re halfway through, you’ll be enjoying yourself.

Remember, this session is for you. Not for anyone else’s approval—just for the experience of seeing yourself differently.


8. Post-shoot: what happens next?

After the session, you might have a mix of emotions—excited, maybe a little impatient to see the results, or just still soaking it all in. Here’s what happens next:

  1. I go through the images and make the first selection. You won’t have to sift through everything—I’ll narrow it down for you.

  2. Once I’m ready, we’ll schedule a private viewing. This is when you’ll make your final selections.

  3. During this private viewing, you’ll also have the option to purchase extra products. Whether it’s extra digital images, or wall art, you decide what feels right for you.

  4. You’ll walk away with something real. A reminder of this experience—not just the images, but the feeling that comes with them.

And no—“What if I don’t like any of them?” is not a real concern. It hasn’t happened yet.


Final Thought: You Don’t Have to “Earn” This Experience

Boudoir is for right now, exactly as you are.

Not for “when you feel more confident” or “after you lose weight” or “when life calms down.” You don’t have to wait for the “perfect” time—because the right time is whenever you decide to do this. You’re already worth capturing, exactly as you are.


So don’t overthink it. Just show up, and let’s make something real.



woman in lingerie lying on lounge chair, hand in long hair

woman with long hair, looking over one shoulder

chest shot of naked woman lying down, hands over head, face only partly visible. shot from the head down

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©Caroline Nijs Photography - Pferdefotografie Schweiz 2022. No right is given to save or download any images or components of this site unless written permission is granted by Caroline Nijs Photography. Licensing for use can be arranged.

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