We don’t all have our photograph taken every day, and much less often without many clothes on (if you choose a boudoir shoot).

So here are 10 things that you can do to get ready before your photography session, both for the night before and the day itself.

SKIN

1)   Think ahead about hair removal perhaps and also about all the things that could leave your skin with blemishes (have a facial maybe) at least a few days in advance. You know your skin, try and make sure therefore that it won’t be sensitive on the day of the shoot.

2)   If it’s summer, avoid any prolonged exposure to the sun during the days before your shoot. The tan-lines from swimming costumes tend to show up when you’re in your underwear.

Don’t worry about it if on the day you happen to find one of those annoying little spots, we have all the necessary make-up in the studio to make it disappear, and of course, there’s always Photoshop.

HAIR

3)   If you need to give your hair a quick trim, make sure you do it at least a week and a half before the big day. If your hairdresser accidentally messes up a little bit, you have to give it that time to grow back.

*A useful tip for those who use a professional hair and make-up stylist: wash your hair the night before the shoot, but do not use shampoo or conditioner. Wash your face in morning as always and simply add your moisturizing cream.

LIPS

4)   It’s important to moisten both the lips and the skin. Cracked lips are difficult to retouch, so make sure that all the odds are in your favor.

WHAT TO WEAR

5)   Get together a few outfits (or rather under-outfits). Have fun picking out the best clothes and the best accessories… and be sure to try on the whole outfit you choose before the shoot. Often a necklace which can be very beautiful proves too weighty with a certain type of lingerie.

For those on tighter budgets, the famous “white shirt” with a pair of knickers can work very well in making up an outfit. At the time of the shoot, Raya will be there to advise you also.

2 or 3 outfits should be enough for a boudoir shoot, 1 or 2 dresses for the Hollywood shoot, and for all others a collection of 2 or 3 outfits of your choice will be great, and they can be any theme of your choice.

For the package “Hollywood forever”, you’ll need to get together around 10 dresses, but always remember that it’s not the dress that we’re shooting, it’s you, and that we can always account for different dresses by changing the décor and attitude of the shot.

So put on the outfits that you don’t get to wear every day, the ones you’d pick out for a big occasion, unless of course you’ve decided to go with the theme of casual jeans.

Raya will also pick out for you several fashionable dresses and accessories from his own studio wardrobe.

NAILS

6)   Make sure that you’ve taken care of both your fingernails and your toenails. Because yes, we run the risk of seeing them in each photo!

THE DAY BEFORE

7)   The night before your session, drink plenty of water and sleep early. Avoid drinking alcohol which will inevitably give you puffy eyes. Above all, relax; it’s gonna be a lot of fun.

THE DAY OF THE SHOOT

8)   On the day itself, try not to leave for the studio at the last minute, it would a shame to start the session all stressed because you were worried you’d be late. Of course, it can be equally boring to have to wait outside the door for 2 hours, afraid to ring the bell because you’re so early.

9)   Don’t wear tight bras or knickers. You’ll risk having visible stretch-marks on your skin which can take time before they disappear.

10)  Have a few little snacks, but don’t eat a big meal just before your session. You’ll risk feeling bloated. If you don’t eat enough however, you might not have enough energy. So eat a little, but often.

And there you have it; we’ll see you at the shoot!

Try not to worry about everything else, we promise you’re in good hands.