Packing List: What to Bring to Your Boudoir Session | Minneapolis Boudoir Experience

You’ve taken the leap, you’ve booked your session. And now it’s time to pack your bag! This is where many of us go, “Oooooooh SHIT.” Well, don’t worry, because I’ve got you! First, if you haven’t booked yet, and you don’t know this, now you will: When you book your session, your confirmation email comes with an extensive session prep guide that includes LOTS of guidance on ideas for the most flattering lingerie, where to shop, and what to avoid. Here’s how I would boil down the minimum of what to put in your bag on session day…

Something Light

Something Dark

Something Else

Now, if you’ve booked a themed mini session, my advice could be different — I’d easily say everything can be dark for a gothic-themed session or everything can be light and colorful for a candy-themed session. And of course, YOU ARE IN CHARGE always in your sessions, so, Babe, you bring whatever the F*CK you WANT!

But, in my experience with my 90 min sessions, clients tend to want some images that are dark, moody, and sexy — and some images that are fresh, playful, and joyful. So, styling some images light and some dark is the perfect way to help convey those contrasting parts of your personality. In a 90 min session, we typically have time for about 3-4 looks.

Check out these light moods with lighter/softer styling…

And check out these darker moods with black and dark wardrobe…

Now we come to the third bit of advice. Something else. Wow! Super specific, right? That’s on purpose, because I want there to be plenty of room for your own taste and your own ideas to come through. Your ‘something else’ could be literally nothing — if you are hoping to do a topless series and/or a nude series, there’s nothing to bring! Here are some examples of topless and nude portraits. *As always, photos are shared with specific permission and you’ll have the same level of control over how your own images are used. :)

Another incredibly simple option for your ‘something else’ is a black or nude g-string. Now, you might be thinking that a g-string is not be the most flattering choice of undies for your body type and you could be quite right! A next-to-nothing thong is your ticket to using underwear and bodysuits from the client closet, though! Your g-string provides the hygiene and hides nicely underneath our pieces. Our collection has pieces from Size XS to 3X. Here are some images done in client closet pieces.

Your something else could be more lingerie — light, dark, or a color that you love. Other ideas for your ‘something else’ could be…

•Ripped Jeans

•Robe

•Off-the-shoulder sweater

•Crop top

•Tank top

•Body Jewelry

•Stick-on Nipple Covers

Now that we’ve covered the very basics, here are some other ideas that might appeal to you.

heels

Me personally? I love bare feet, so this wouldn’t be in my bag - but some of my clients LOVE the way heels make them feel powerful and feminine. Heels create the illusion of a longer leg, and stretching the toe down activates muscles in the calf, so they can be a great way to emphasize and celebrate that part of your body.

chapstick

Or lip gloss or lipstick. It’s difficult to photoshop moisture onto lips, so I recommend bringing along a little something to keep your lips looking fresh. If you arrive camera ready, it’s a good idea to bring your lipstick along for touch-ups.

lotion

Ideally, you start to give your body a little extra moisturizing attention in the week leading up to your session, but it’s great to have a little pop on the day-of to keep that skin glowing.

clear deodorant

If you usually use a white deodorant, this is a great reason to grab a tube of clear — it’s such a bummer to get those white marks on your lingerie AND we want you feeling fresh!

extras, if you feel like it

Lots of my clients find it useful to talk through their outfit choices and have me help eliminate some options — so if this is you, please don’t feel like you need to make all of your decisions alone before you arrive. It’s okay to overpack a little and we can decide together on the best options to prioritize for your session!

a full tummy

Okay, this is not a thing to bring in your bag, per se, but for real, do not skip a meal before your session! I recommend eating the type of food and the amount that your body is accustomed to, timed so that you won’t become uncomfortably hungry during your session. Being a model for 90 minutes is surprisingly tiring for your brain and body, so make sure to give yourself what you need!

Thanks so much for your time, and hopefully this little rant was useful in helping to organize your thoughts and pack your bag for your boudoir session!