One of the most common questions I get before a boudoir session is: what do I bring? This is actually
the most fun part of the process. It’s the moment where you get to think about what makes you feel
powerful, sexy, beautiful, or like yourself.
Let me walk you through exactly what to pack for your Northern Colorado boudoir session.
Lingerie
This is the foundation of a boudoir session. You’ll want to bring 3-4 different pieces. Think of these as
mood changes during the shoot. I recommend one matching set, one teddy or bodysuit, one silk robe
or kimono, and one fun statement piece that makes you smile. That statement piece doesn’t have to
be lingerie. It could be a leather jacket with nothing underneath. It could be a sheer robe. It could be
something totally unexpected that makes you feel like yourself.
Don’t feel like you need to buy new lingerie if what you own already makes you feel good. Worn-in,
broken-in lingerie that fits you perfectly is better than brand new stuff that rides up or makes you
adjust constantly. You want to forget about your clothes and just exist in the session.
Outfits
Bring 1-2 clothing pieces that feel special. A boyfriend blazer. A silky slip dress. A band t-shirt that
means something to you. Oversized button-downs that fall off your shoulders. Some women bring a
wedding dress or a suit they love. This is your chance to explore different versions of yourself on
camera.
Footwear
Heels are classic for boudoir, and if you feel amazing in heels, absolutely wear them. But bring more
than one option. Consider bringing socks, boots, or going barefoot. I’ve photographed women in six-
inch heels and women in fuzzy socks, and the image is equally powerful when you feel confident in
what you’re wearing.
Jewelry and Accessories
Delicate necklaces. Rings. A watch. A choker. A hat. Hair clips. Jewelry adds so much visual interest
to your images, and it’s also something tactile to hold onto during your session, which helps with
comfort. Bring anything that makes you feel like yourself.
Comfort Items
This is the part that often gets overlooked, but it matters so much. Bring a robe you can throw on
between outfit changes. Bring a lip balm. Bring a water bottle. Bring your phone if you want to listen to
a specific playlist during your session. Bring anything that makes you feel grounded and comfortable.
If you get cold easily, let me know, and we can adjust the studio temperature.
What NOT to bring
Don’t bring anything that feels like it’s not you. Don’t wear lingerie that makes you uncomfortable just
because you think you’re supposed to. Don’t bring an outfit that requires constant adjustment. Don’t
wear something that makes you feel too constricted. This session is about celebrating you, not about
fitting into some idea of what boudoir photography is supposed to look like.
Practical Packing Tips
Bring everything in a bag or suitcase that’s easy to access. You’ll be changing outfits several times
during your session, and you want to be able to find what you need without rummaging. Bring extras
of anything that’s important to you. If you have a specific lipstick shade you love, bring it. If you have a
moisturizer that makes your skin feel good, bring it.
Also: bring confidence. Bring your real self. Bring the version of you that exists at 2 AM when you’re
alone with your thoughts and nobody’s watching. Bring the part of you that deserves to take up space
and be celebrated. That version is the one the camera falls in love with.
The truth is, what you bring matters less than how you feel in it. A woman wearing expensive lingerie
isn’t automatically more beautiful on camera than a woman wearing lingerie she already owned. The
magic happens when you forget about what you’re wearing and just exist. That’s when the images
capture something real.
