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Boudoir & Beauty Prep Guide

LEARN SELF-LOVE AND HOW TO CREATE TIME FOR YOURSELF IN YOUR BUSY LIFE. LET’S DO THIS RIGHT!

1–2 weeks after booking your session

  • dive into your portal and get to know it! 
  • check out the resources and links 
  • get inspired with the VIBE guide. This will help inspire you to think of clothing as a part of building the FEEL of your session. 
  • choose your collection purchase if haven’t yet 
  • decide if you’re paying in full on your credit card, using Affirm for extended payments up to 36 months, or setting up an in-house payment plan for 12 months or less
  • journal, meditate, and breathe into why you’re here and what you want out of this experience and the resulting photos
  • build your mantras & affirmations: Look at the words you chose for the feel you’d like your photographs to have in the VIBE Guide. That’s our roundabout way of asking you how you want your photographs to make YOU FEEL. 🙂 Create some affirmations from these words and repeat them out loud to yourself as you look in the mirror. They should be in the positive form of something like: 
    “I am a bold, sexy, and confident woman who loves life and it shows!” 
    ” I am a mother and wife, but more importantly, I am a fun, powerful, individual women who knows what she wants in life.”
    ” I am sexy and beautiful inside and out. I find that within myself and project it to the world around me. 
    We suggest 2–3 varying affirmations to give you a well-rounded confidence boost. We know it feels a little weird, but we SWEAR it works! 

2–3 weeks after booking your session

  • start window shopping: Start looking at outfits you’d like to incorporate to match the VIBE you’re after. 
  • check out our Shopping Section below on this page. Be sure to allow enough time for an outfit to arrive so that you don’t have to rely on 2-day shipping on Amazon for your wardrobe. 
  • have a vision for your look and vibe that carries through in your outfits this should make you feel amazing. It’s time to see yourself! 
  • narrow down your wardrobe: Plan on bringing 1–4 looks or variations on looks (consult your Collection selection for guidance on that number!) Variations on looks can include adding a robe, hat, cardigan, jacket, or other accessory. Do NOT get lost in wardrobe and bring 12 different outfits! We want you to feel relaxed and ready to just BE. That does NOT include last-minute decision-making about clothes. 
  • don’t bring anything you don’t LOVE or that you have to fidget with. These things will add to nerves! We create variety through body language, facial expressions, angles, cropping, etc. Keeping your wardrobe more minimalist will create a more fluid storyline in your finished album. Quite honestly, I could JUST photograph you in the sheets for a few hours and get massive variety because truly, the focus is on YOU. 
  • if you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed with outfits, schedule a VIBE Call: This is a great opportunity to sort out your wardrobe ideas and clarify your vision. Our clients who take the time to do this are ALWAYS grateful for our help and insight. You will feel MUCH more prepared and confident in both the PROCESS AND YOURSELF!
  • stretch out: Modeling is hard work!! This can be quite physical as we isolate muscle groups you might not use every day. Of course, we modify body language and movement as needed, based on your physical needs. Start a stretching routine in the weeks leading up to your session (check out the stretching guide in your CLIENT LOUNGE.You will thank yourself later! PRO TIP: plan a hot epson salt bath afterwards. 
book your VIBE call to finalize wardrobe & address fears & nerves

the week before your session

  • NO HAIRCUTS OR SKIN TREATMENTS WITHIN 5 DAYS OF YOUR SHOOT: THIS INCLUDES TANNING, FAKE-TANNING, WAXING & FACIALS. 

    This can make your skin appear orange in photos and obviously tan lines are problematic in boudoir photos. Removal of tan lines and extensive skin correction is $25/photo.  

  • treat yourself to a mani/pedi: Be sure to treat yourself to a mani/pedi before your session! If this isn’t possible, be sure to have clean, neat nails because they may show in the photos. Please keep nail polish NEUTRAL. No neon colors or intense jewel tones. Brighter colors will draw unnecessary attention to your hands instead of that beautiful face of yours!  
  • hydrate your body and skin: Be sure to hydrate, get plenty of rest, and moisturize in the weeks leading up to your session. Nice, healthy, vibrant skin is your friend!
  • have your own fashion show: Try on all your outfits one last time to ensure they fit nicely and that they feel like YOU at this moment in time. If you don’t love it, leave it at home. If it’s fussy, it can create a sense of self-consciousness that we really don’t want because that can show through in your photos. Bonus: recite your affirmations and mantras while looking at yourself in the mirror!
  • clear your schedule for the day of your session COMPLETELY: We want you to focus on yourself 100%. Make arrangements for the kids to get picked up and don’t set another appointment slammed up to the end of this one. CLEAR THE DAY FOR JUST YOUUUUUU!

the day before your session

  • Repeat those mantras and affirmations

  • Drink more water—we love plump, hydrated skin!

  • Moisturize again so that you don’t have any scaly skin

  • Put all your items on hangers and in a garment bag. Try to group outfit components together on hangers so that you can keep track of items and not forget that favorite pair of undies!

  • Iron or steam anything that has wrinkles!! 

  • Organize any jewelry or props in a separate bag

  • A pair of heels or boots are always a fun addition

  • Pack deodorant, lotion, personal wipes, tampons, etc. (PLEASE DO NOT WEAR HEAVY PERFUME TO YOUR SESSION)

  • Plan your breakfast and snacks

  • Plan your outfit to wear over to the studio

  • Map your route to the studio: 5932 N Riverview Dr Kalamazoo MI 49004

    scroll to the bottom of this page for a google map link!

  • Stretching or Yoga 

  • Be sure to EAT breakfast! 

  • Pack snacks if you have a sensitive diets (we usually have protein bars, trail mix, and cheese sticks on hand)

  • Wear loose clothing to your session, preferably without bra and panties because they can create lines and indentations on the skin

  • Grab some cash if you’d like to give your hair and makeup professional an added gratuity (never expected, but always appreciated!)

the day of your session

  • Repeat those mantras and affirmations

  • Load your car up with all your goodies for your shoot—clothing, accessories, snacks, essentials
    DON’T FORGET YOUR OUTFITS. 

  • Drink more water—we love plump, hydrated skin!

  • Moisturize again so that you don’t have any scaly skin

  • Stretch or Yoga it out the morning of your session

  • Map your route to the studio: 5932 N Riverview Dr Kalamazoo MI 49004
    scroll to the bottom of this page for a google map link!

  • Be sure to EAT breakfast! 

  • Wear loose clothing to your session, preferably without bra and panties because they can create lines and indentations on the skin

  • Bring cash if you’d like to give an extra thank you to your hair and makeup artist (never expected, always appreciated) 

How do I prep for hair & makeup?

Arrive with clean, moisturized skin for makeup application. Bring your favorite lip color, if you are particular. There will be lashes included with makeup.

Arrive on time

Our makeup artist often has other appointments. If you are late, you cut into YOUR hair and makeup pampering time AND shooting time. Please do not jam-pack your day. We don’t want you rushed to leave your session to run to another appointment either. It can really alter the experience for you! 

Be present

Try to stay in the calm happy place of your life. Don’t let the little things get to you. You’ve done your homework, now it’s time to have fun together and celebrate YOU. The session will be fun and relaxed. You’ve got nothing else to worry about! 

Where to be

If your session is taking place at my Kalamazoo studio, we’re the big yellow Victorian on Riverview Drive.

5932 N Riverview Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49004

Text me at 619.857.3717 if you need to reach me the day of your session. Please park in front of one of the garage doors and you’ll enter at the side door directly across from there. There is a set of stairs and a bronze oval sign there. 🙂

Where to shop!

  • DO NOT GET OVERWHELMED with clothing! It’s better to have few quality items that you LOVE and feel good in. We also do NOT want you in decision-making mode the day of your shoot. FEELING > THINKING.
  • Having a fewer number of outfits will help give more of a storyline feel in your final album, as opposed to a snapshot kind of feel.
    Remember: if you’re doing the hollywood robe, sheets, or nudes, each count as an outfit. 🙂
  • We recommend a lingerie shop who offers bra fittings, if you’re picking up a new set. They also do not have to be a matching set!! Black high-waisted panties can be paired with just about any black bra. I personally hate wearing bikini bottoms, so I handpick my sets for comfort and style! 
    Curvaceous Lingerie (Old Lansing)
    https://curvaceouslingerie.com/
    Busted Bra Shop (mulitple locations: Ann Arbor, Detroit, Rochester Hills, Chicago)
    https://bustedbrashop.com/
  • Many of these offer size-inclusive options:
  • Thistle & Spire: https://www.thistleandspire.com/
  • Dark is Awesome (goth/bondage): https://dark-isawesome.com/
  • Oh la la Cherî (French-inspired): https://ohlalacheri.com/
  • Empress Mimi: https://www.empressmimi.com/collections/matching-full-sets
  • Playful Promises: https://us.playfulpromises.com/
  • Secrets in Lace: https://www.secretsinlace.com/
  • Other online stores:
    Shein: https://us.shein.com/
    Torrid: https://www.torrid.com/
    Adore Me: https://www.adoreme.com/
  • Our Amazon list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2ZEPB0ZUGPO9M?ref_=wl_share
    The Amazon list is a great resource to get something into your hands quickly, but sizing is often obscure and fit can be funny, so plan ahead, allowing for return time!
  • NOTE ON THIGH-HIGH STOCKINGS:
    Please do NOT buy cheapie thigh-high stockings. They rarely fit right and it is a real bummer when you try them on at your shoot and they don’t work. I’ve seen a lot of sad faces on that one 🙁 
    Best in the market are K’ixies and they are on our Amazon list! CLICK HERE FOR THEIR AMAZON STORE
    ****PLEASE purchase these 2 sizes up!!
    No one wants short thigh-highs that hit mid-thigh. We like to pull them almost all the way up to your crotch. TRUST US ON THIS.
  • Remember that other types of clothing can be super fun to incorporate. You don’t have to be naked or nearly naked. I tend to shoot more editorial, so sassy outfits are welcome! A few examples:
  • black is always a classic, but bring something else to mix in too if you’re looking for a different feel.
  • add in a leather jacket and pencil skirt over your bodysuit
  • crocheted tops or a poncho or sheer cover-up
  • super hero tee with boyshorts
  • pasties 
  • button up shirt (also called sleeping shirts if you’re looking for a more flowing, sheer option)
  • plain white v-neck or white tank with panties
  • your favorite jeans + going topless
  • an amazing cocktail dress that makes you feel like a million bucks! 

post- session care and tips

  • Make plans to have someone pick up the kids the day of your shoot. Allow yourself decompression time that you deserve.

  • Enjoy an epson salt bath afterwards to help soreness

  • Refer back to your Stretch it Out guide in your Client Lounge

  • If you’re one for journaling, take a pen to paper and document how you’re feeling after your session. Recall the day and jot notes of how you may feel differently in your mind, body, and soul. 

  • Make yourself a selfie video recap and talk about how the experience was for you, how you’re feeling afterwards, or anything else you can do to mark this moment in time. It’s great to take inventory of your experience and journey! It is an excellent exercise to celebrate yourself and all you’ve accomplished! Send me a copy or share in the Grit & Grace Collective for special studio credit! 🙂 

  • Keep practicing all the movement, breathing, and looks you learned in your session. It feels GOOD and it will help you continue to embody all the things in everyday life!

  • Some clients get nervous before their reveal ordering session. Dig in and revisit your mantras you built in the pre-session planning. Repeat them if they still resonate, or take it next level and revamp them to reflect the added confidence and self-assurance you have gained during this journey. Recognize and celebrate your personal growth!

  • We are SO proud of you!!! 

I can't wait to see you & celebrate you!!

We’re going to breathe, move, laugh, and have fun!! The best thing you can do is prepare yourself to be open-minded to the process and yourself. Being present is a beautiful gift to yourself and that’s how the impact of your session lasts with you for times to come. 

I’ll be showing you everything you need to know. Just remember—it’s not YOUR job to make great photos. That’s MY job! 😉 

Take the pressure off yourself and just allow yourself to get lost in the movement and joy of the moment. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll feel and release!

This runs deep. You’ll come out on the other side seeing yourself and your life in a new light!

I will be there with you every step of the way. Promise!!


XOXO,
–Betsy

Bring self-love back into your daily practice.

Self-love secrets to help you enhance your relationship with yourself.

In this guide, you will:

  • Learn how to start the journey. Self-love is the foundation of being your best in all parts of life—it shouldn’t wait for anything.
  • Find meaning and joy in daily life. Loving yourself and your life go hand in hand—I’ll show you how to do both.
  • Discover the value of being your authentic self. Unapologetically.

Get your free guide!

Gimme that self-love Sugar!

get your free guide!

Betsy McCue Pictures

5932 N Riverview Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49004
Text SELFLOVE to (269) 205-3717
[email protected]

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