Boudoir Expert Prep Guide
This guide is thoughtfully put together by Rune&Rook to help prepare you for your boudoir session.
I've taken my 14 combined years of experience as both a model and photographer to put this guide together for you with all the tips, tricks, and recommendations I could come up with.
As always, if you have any other questions about your session, outfits, etc. Please don't hesitate to send me an email.
samantha@runerook.com
First things first: You Are Already Enough
Before we talk about lashes or lotion or outfits, let’s talk about truth:
You do not need to change your body.
You do not need to “fix” anything.
You do not need to earn this experience.
Your body is art right now.
Everything else is just enhancement.
One Week Before
Hydrate + Nourish
Start drinking extra water a few days before your shoot. Hydrated skin = luminous skin. Eat foods that make you feel energized and good—not restricted or punished.
This is not about shrinking.
It’s about honoring.
Gentle Skin Care
Moisturize daily. Exfoliate lightly 2–3 days before (not the night before).Avoid trying new products right before your session—your skin deserves consistency, not surprises.
Hair + Beauty Planning
If you color or cut your hair, aim for 5–7 days before your shoot so it looks natural and settled. Brows, waxing, and facials should happen several days prior.
Pro tip from photographers & models:
Fresh + rested always photographs better than rushed + irritated.
The Night Before
Prepare Your Pieces
Lay out and try on:
Your outfits
Accessories
Shoes
Jewelry
Robes
Steam or iron anything that wrinkles easily.
Body Love Ritual:
Take a warm shower.
Lotion slowly.
Touch your skin with intention.
This is not vanity.
This is reverence.
Rest!
Try to get good sleep.
Not for perfection—just so you feel clear and calm.
The Day Of
Eat Something
Yes. Eat.
Models will tell you:
Hunger shows on camera. Confidence comes from being nourished.
Arrive Hair and Makeup Ready
If professional hair and makeup was purchased then please come with clean, moisturized skin.
Avoid heavy products unless directed.
Wear Loose Clothing
No tight bras. No skinny jeans. No harsh seams.
We want your skin soft and unmarked.
What to Bring to Your Session
Bring pieces that make you feel:
✔ Confident
✔ Powerful
✔ Soft
✔ Sexy
✔ Safe
Here's some of my favorite brands to shop at:
- Honey Birdette
- Asos
- Miss Money Panties
- Bluebella
- Savage X Fenty
- Fleur du Mal
- Victoria Secret
- Fredericks of Hollywood
You can also always look for a cheaper option of more expensive brands on Poshmark, Mercari or Depop.
Examples on things to bring:
- Lingerie sets
- Bodysuits
- Oversized sweaters
- Button-down shirts
- Robes
- Leather, lace, silk, cotton
- Heels or boots
- Jewelry with meaning
And remember:
You’ll also have access to the Rune Rook client closet for styling support.
You are never alone in this.
Preparing for Nude & Implied Nude Sessions
If you’ve chosen to explore nudity—first, honor that courage.
This is sacred work.
Tips from Professional Models:
- Moisturize daily the week before
- Avoid heavy tanning products
- Drink water
- Stretch gently
- Practice breathing and posture
Nude photography is not about “showing everything.”
It’s about:
Light.
Shadow.
Emotion.
Lines.
Energy.
You will always be guided.
You will always be respected.
You will always be in control.
Mindset is Everything
The biggest difference between “good” photos and “holy wow” photos?
Presence.
Before your session, try this:
Close your eyes.
Take three slow breaths.
Say quietly to yourself:
“I am safe.”
“I am powerful.”
“I am allowed to be seen.”
Professional photographers agree:
Confidence isn’t something you arrive with.
It’s something you step into.
For Couples
Couples boudoir is about connection—not performance.
It’s about:
- Touch
- Trust
- Laughter
- Familiarity
- Chemistry
Prep Tips:
Coordinate colors and textures
Keep outfits simple
Communicate boundaries beforehand
Shower and groom the day of
Arrive relaxed, not rushed
You don’t need to “act sexy.”
Just be close.
That’s enough.
Outfit ideas for couples:
- Business Attire (Think boss & secretary)
- Jeans (Think Tommy Hilfiger)
- Slim fitting boxer briefs, silk boxers or thong.
- Accessories such as hats, necklaces, body chains, etc.
For the Fellas
Yes. Boudoir is for you too.
And no—you don’t need to look like a fitness model.
You need to show up.
Tips for Men:
- Trim facial hair 2–3 days before
- Moisturize
- Bring fitted basics (boxers, jeans, tanks)
- Stretch shoulders and posture
- Hydrate
Masculine boudoir is about:
- Strength.
- Stillness.
- Presence.
- Vulnerability.
And that is incredibly powerful.
Outfit ideas for Men:
- Boxer Briefs in neutral colors
- Silk boxers
- Solid colored baggie pajama pants
- Grey slim fitting sweatpants
- Jeans
- Men at work stuff (think fireman, police, etc.)
- Black t-shirt
- Business clothes including tie
- Body Chains/straps
- Necklaces, hats or other accessories
Trust the Process
During your session, I will guide you through:
Posing
Hands
Breath
Expression
Movement
You never have to wonder:
“Am I doing this right?”
You are.
Because I am right there with you.
After Your Session
You may feel:
Euphoric
Emotional
Empowered
Soft
Proud
All of it is normal.
You just honored yourself in a brave way.
That matters.
This is not just a photoshoot
It is a ceremony.
A reclamation.
A love letter.
You are preparing to meet yourself in a new way.
And you are magnificent.
If you’re nervous—good.
It means this matters.
If you’re excited—good.
It means you’re ready.
I can’t wait to create this with you.
FAQ
I'm nervous, is this normal?
Yes. Completely. Almost every client walks in saying:
“I’ve never done this before.”
“I’m awkward.”
“I’m scared I won’t look good.”
And almost every client walks out saying:
“Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Nerves mean you care.
I’ll take care of the rest.
I've never modeled before, will you help me pose?
Always. You do not need experience. You do not need to know what to do. You do not need to practice. I guide you through:
Posing
Hand placement
Breathing
Expression
Movement
From head to toe.
You are never left guessing.
Will my photos be private?
Yes. Your images are handled with the highest level of respect and confidentiality.
Nothing is ever shared without your explicit permission. This is sacred work and following your session you will receive a release form to sign, or not. Up to you!
Do I have to shoot nude or implied?
Never. Nudity is always optional. Boudoir is about energy and emotion—not exposure.
You choose what feels right for you. Always. (Although, I will admit, Nude is invigorating and so incredibly beautiful!)