Boudoir FAQs: The Real Questions You Wonder About at 2 a.m.
What is boudoir photography?
Boudoir photography is basically a confidence party where you are the guest of honor, the theme, and the main event. It’s an intimate style of portraiture that celebrates your beauty, your energy, and that inner sparkle you sometimes forget you have.
Yes, “boudoir” sounds fancy and might make you picture glamorous lingerie, but don’t panic! Lingerie is optional, pants are optional, and being authentically you is absolutely required. Whether your vibe is soft, spicy, goofy, goddessy, or a delightful combo platter, we tailor everything to match your comfort level.
Boudoir isn’t about pretending to be someone else, it’s about celebrating the fabulous human you already are… right this minute, not “after I lose 10 pounds” or “once I have my life together.” Spoiler: you’re already worthy now.
I’m nervous, is that normal?
Oh, absolutely. Being nervous is basically the unofficial warm-up act for boudoir photography. If you weren’t at least a tiny bit nervous, I’d wonder if you were secretly a superhero or had been posing dramatically on chaise lounges your whole life.
Stepping in front of a camera (especially for something intimate) can feel a little “AHH!” at first. But here’s the magic: those jitters usually pack their bags and leave within minutes.
My job is to guide you through everything so you’re never standing there thinking, “What do I do with my hands?!” (Spoiler: I’ll tell you exactly what to do with them.) From the moment you arrive, we create a safe, supportive, and genuinely fun space where you can relax, breathe, and let your inner fabulousness take over.
You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need instant confidence. You just need to show up, nerves and all. The experience handles the rest.
What if I don’t like my body?
First of all: welcome to the club of being human. Pretty much everyone has at least one thing (or twelve) they’re insecure about. It’s totally valid, and honestly, society has trained us to zoom in on “flaws” like we’re on a mission for National Geographic.
But here’s the plot twist: your body is already beautiful. Not “once you tone this” or “after you lose that.” Right. Now. Exactly as it is, stretch marks, dimples, squish, curves, angles, and all that glorious real-life magic.
You don’t have to change a single thing before your session. No crash diets. No hiding “problem areas.” No apologies for existing. My job is to pose, light, guide, hype, and celebrate you in a way that shows off your best features (yes, you have many) and reminds you that your insecurities aren’t your personality.
And spoiler alert: when you see your photos, you’ll probably say something like,
“Wait… THAT’S me?!”
Yes. Yes it is. And she’s stunning.
Do I have to wear lingerie?
Nope! You are zero percent required to wear lingerie, unless you want to, in which case: fabulous, bring the lace! But boudoir is not a lingerie-only club. Your outfit can be anything that makes you feel confident, cozy, powerful, or like the main character in your own Netflix special.
Some all-star favorites include:
An oversized sweater or t-shirt (a.k.a. “the effortlessly adorable look”)
A silky robe (instant luxury… or instant dramatic swooshing—your choice)
A dramatic dress (can you say glam?!)
Jeans + a simple bralette (classic “I woke up like this but better”)
Literally just a cozy blanket (soft, snuggly, and surprisingly iconic)
Cosplay, costumes, & other creatives - always welcome!
Your wardrobe should feel like you. We’ll go over everything during your consultation so you feel prepared, comfortable, and maybe even a little excited to play dress-up… or dress-down.
Do you provide hair and makeup?
Yes! Professional hair and makeup are included in every full experience boudoir session, because you deserve to feel like the main character the moment you walk in. My glam squad (aka the magical humans with brushes and superpowers) will create a look that enhances your natural beauty and makes you feel absolutely unstoppable.
Whether you’re dreaming of soft and natural, bold and bombshell, or “I want to look like I run a Fortune 500 company and break hearts on weekends,” we’ve got you. You’ll be fully camera-ready without lifting a single mascara wand.
Plus, getting your hair and makeup done is the perfect way to relax and ease into the session. It’s like a mini pampering party that sets the tone for an amazing day, complete with good vibes and maybe a little happy dancing.
Will you help me pose?
Absolutely. Guiding you through poses is basically my superpower (well, that and making people laugh when they start overthinking their elbows). You don’t need any camera experience to look amazing.
I’ll walk you through every single pose, where to put your hands, how to angle your chin, what your legs should be doing, and how to stand/sit/lean without feeling like a confused action figure. You just follow along and let me do the directing.
We’ll also take a few sneak-peek breaks during the session so you can see how incredible you look in real time. This is usually when people say, “Hold on… that’s ME?” and then their confidence skyrockets like a firework.
Bottom line: you bring yourself, and I’ll handle the posing magic.
What products do you offer?
After your session, you’ll have the option to turn your photos into stunning keepsakes. Some of our most popular products include:
Handmade Leather-Bound Albums: Luxurious and timeless, these albums are perfect for preserving your favorite images.
Boudoir Film: 60-90 second video that will leave you breathless. Video-books available as an add-on that displays your video & images.
Metal Prints, Poker Cards, Gaming Mats: Bold and eye-catching, these are perfect for displaying your favorite image as art in your home.
All of our products are made with the highest quality materials and designed to last a lifetime. They’re more than just photos, they’re tangible reminders of your strength, beauty, and confidence. See all our collections here.
Can I bring someone with me?
Totally! If having a friend or partner nearby helps calm your nerves or makes you feel more confident, they’re absolutely welcome to come along. Think of them as your emotional support human, as long as their vibe is supportive and not “accidentally turning your session into a commentary track.”
That said, a lot of clients choose to come solo so they can fully sink into the experience without any outside energy (even well-meaning energy). Sometimes flying solo just helps you channel your inner “main character” a little easier.
Bottom line: bring someone if it genuinely helps you, skip it if it doesn’t. This day is 100% about you.
What if I don’t want anyone else to see my photos?Your privacy is my top priority. I will never share your images without your explicit permission.
After your session, you have complete control over which photos (if any) are shared. Some clients love having their photos in my portfolio, while others prefer they stay strictly private. Either way, it’s completely up to you. Your photos, your rules, your fabulousness.
How far in advance should I book?
It’s best to book your session at least 6–8 weeks in advance, especially if you’re planning to give the photos as a gift. You can book up to 6 months out with me, especially if you are doing a prepayment plan. This allows enough time for your session, image selection, and delivery of your final products.
If you have a specific date in mind, like a birthday or anniversary, let me know, and we’ll work to accommodate your timeline.
I’m not confident enough for this. What if I’m awkward?
You’re definitely not alone! So many people feel the same way before their session. But here’s the secret: you don’t need to feel confident to book a boudoir session. In fact, the session itself is basically a confidence-building machine.
Awkward? Perfect. That’s actually my specialty. I’ve worked with every kind of client, from “I can’t even take a selfie” to “I’m secretly a model in disguise,” and everyone ends up looking amazing. I’ll guide you, hype you up, and make sure you feel supported the entire time. Trust me, by the end, you’ll forget what “awkward” even means.
What’s the next step?
Ready to book your boudoir session, or still have questions?
Just reach out! We’ll start with a consultation to chat about your vision, answer any lingering questions, and get you genuinely excited for the experience. Think of it as planning a fun adventure where you are the star.
Boudoir isn’t just about pretty photos - it’s about celebrating yourself, reclaiming your confidence, and capturing a moment in your story that you’ll treasure forever. You don’t need to feel “ready” or “perfect” to take this step. You just need to say yes to yourself and maybe a little yes to fun, laughter, and a few fabulous poses along the way.
I can’t wait to show you how amazing, beautiful, and downright incredible you truly are!
Contact
Katelyn Koneko
CEO & Owner of
Hello Gorgeous Boudoir
Email: hgboudoir.business@gmail.com

