Boudoir Style Guide
I know that there are so many lingerie styles and every person’s body types are so different, it can become overwhelming – this style guide is here to help!
Preparing for your boudoir session is necessary to have the best experience possible. Knowing where to start from the beginning will make you feel confident heading into your session.
Exclusive style guide
Everything you need to know
At the heart of everything that I do is my people.
As a people centered photographer, I'm intentional about creating an experience that breeds trust, love and joy in every part of your portrait experience.
My excitement for this reflects in everything I do here at KP, and the best part really is being chosen to celebrate my clients during their most intimate times of their lives. Many clients have turned to lifelong friends, and that is where the magic happens.
N ow let's go make some sexy photos happen!
your spicy photo expert
hey, I'm kali
Debatably the most popular type of lingerie is a simple bra and panty set. Underwear and bras are basics, but come in a multitude of different colors, styles, textures, materials, cut, etc – and this is what sets this look apart. Think different, lace, satin, strappy, velvet, sheer, provocative. Underwire lave long-lined bras are uper sexy and show just the right amount putting it all on display, plus the structure of the wiring will slightly lift and shape for you. Avoid anything overly padded, because there can be a gap when I pose you in certain positions. It’s never a bad idea to get fitted for your bras! High-cut bottoms are very on-trend at the moment and will make your legs look long and your booty look fantastic. They also help create curve by drawing attention toward the most narrow part of your was it, and conceal parts that some women try not to show off! Thongs and cheeky bottoms will make your booty look more curvy.
01.Bra + Panty Set
Styles of Lingerie
We all have a favorite part of our body, and we all have our not so favorite parts as well – we are human! I strongly recommend avoiding babydoll lingerie AT ALL COST. You might be thinking “but its frilly and feminine and it hits my tummy” but you are wrong because it actually adds volume in material to your mid section and can accentuate what you want to hide. I would opt for a more form fitting piece, which will flatter your curves and give you a more defined waist.
However, I have had some maternity boudoir clients who opt for these, as to not hug their stomachs too tight, and this is totally okay! I’m not here to tell you what does and does not look good on you. Bring what you feel the most confident in!
02.Babydolls vs slips & Chemises
These are both excellent options for smoothing and slimming the waist, and are classic examples of lingerie. The only difference is that the bustier is meant to “boost” the breasts. When using either of these, make sure they are long enough and fit JUST RIGHT to avoid slipping out and love handles that weren’t there before!
03. Corsets & bustiers
These are an all-time favorite kind of lingerie! There are so many different styles of these and they can show as much or as little skin as you want. I highly recommend shopping for these online. I recommend ones with lots of lacey details! Bonus tip – these can often times be worn as clothing under jeans and with a sweater or cute jacket. You’re totally getting your money’s worth!
04. Bodysuits & Teddies
AH, accessories! I love layering pieces because we can create a sort of tease with a lacey robe or baggy cardigan that is slipping off you in the pictures. It’s fun to add these pieces for more variety with the posing and outfits that you have. You can even go topless with one of these – the possibilities are endless. Less isn’t always more.
Another lingerie staple is the thigh high stocking. These are very sexy and are fun to photograph! There are tons of options, and some even come with a garter belt to hold them on. This adds a fun detail to any two piece set!
05. Accessories
Many of my clients opt to end their session with a few minutes of implied nudity, but only if they choose! There are so many poses that we can do where you are tastefully exposed, covered in sheets or pillows, or even slightly exposed. These images are completely private, and I’ll never pressure you either way! These are some of the most intimate images, and they turn out so sweet.
06. Your Birthday Suit!
Something of your significant other’s – or something of yours! Some examples would be a favorite shirt (button-down, band tee, sports jersey), something that represents your personality (if you love star wars, bring a shirt – or if your partner is a gamer, you can bring his video game controller!) Sometimes comfortable is actually really sexy, so a cute bra and denim booty shorts, or some velvet jammies, etc are always something you could bring! I’ve had lots of clients throw on jeans over a Calvin Klein set. The possibilities are truly endless – boudoir is not strictly lingerie pictures.
07. Other things to consider Bringing
Take 20% off your order at Cherie Amour when you use the code Kali20off at checkout!
My favorite places to shop
Shop Cherie Amour
Victoria Secret
Boohoo
For Love & Lemons
Lounge
ASOS
Pretty Little Thing
Thistle & Spire
Lonely Label
Salt & Lace Intimates
Third Love
Savage x Fenty
Fleur de mal
jornelle
hanky panky
free people
bare essentials
nasty gal
gooseberry intimates
nordstrom
aerie
fredericks of hollywood
shein
fashion nova
princess polly
**please make sure you order with enough time for these stores to get your pieces in - some of these are from out fo the US but are WORTH THE WAIT!
I highly recommend that you use professional hair and makeup services for your photoshoot! Most of my boudoir sessions include them, because I see them as an essential part of your experience! I have curated an elite list of makeup artists who will emphasize all your best features and make you feel relaxed and looking your BEST in front of the camera! Just come with a clean face and enjoy the experience – let me spoil you!
My hair stylists recommend that you come to your hair and makeup session with no makeup, a clean, moisturized face, and clean, DRY hair. Avoid any drastic hair changes (cut or color) for a week before your shoot. Do not change any skin care routines for two weeks prior to your shoot.
Many of my clients feel a little “extra” when they leave their appointment, but that’s perfect for the camera! They are specially trained for this, and I have hand chosen them due to their skills for you!
If your session does not include hair and makeup, I highly recommend these following ladies for you!
Professional Hair & Makeup
starting your session with a professional hair + makeup team is always the best way to walk into your session feeling the most confident – 10/10 recommend.
almost every woman I have photographed feels nervous coming into their session...
preparing your session
LC Valley area:
Kenzie Brummett @ Sage Beauty Co
Destiny Tyler @ DT Studio
Jenny Graham - makeup only - @madeup.byjenny
Boise area:
Areli Simpson - @areli.says.hi
BA Makeup Company
Sarah - @sdartistry208
Morgan Dyer - @makeupbymorgandyer
If you are on the fairer side, like me, I highly recommend seeing a licensed tanning salon or spray tan specialist. They can help you find the best, most natural looking tanning solution. Do not buy fake tan that you have not used before for your session. If you do not normally tan or haven’t been using tanning products, the day before (or even week before) is not the time to start. I highly recommend seeing Michelle at Electric Rays Tanning Studio (Lewiston, Moscow, Hayden and Meridian) for tanning bed and spray tan options, or Lauren with Glowin’ Out Spray Tans in the Boise area. Do not go too dark before your session – just a healthy glow. Remember that I do not normally adjust for your tan lines in your final images.
Wax/shave a day or so before your session to avoid irritated skin and red spots. There are no rules for shaving (or lack of shaving) do whatever makes you comfortable! I recommend Sayler (Anchor Aesthetics LLC in Lewiston – find her on instagram) over and over to my boudoir clients who are interested in waxing. She is the bomb dot com and takes such good care of her clients.
Hands and feet are surprisingly in many shots during a boudoir session, so I highly recommend taking care of these for your session! Apply lotion, and get your nails done or apply a nail varnish. However, avoid any bright colors that you do not want photographed forever! If you have no time for nail painting and gels, stick on nails are MY FAV’s if you’re in a pinch!
to tan or not to tan?
Body preparation
Lauren from Glowin' Out Tans in Kuna idaho gave us a list of reasons why you should absolutely get a spray tan before a boudoir session.
- make your eye color pop
- adds tone to all the right places
- makes you feel sexier!
- gives you that extra confidence boost for a shoot!
- evens out skin tone
- camouflages stretch marks
- makes cellulite less visible
- makes you look thinner
- your makeup will apply better because the extra tan will give you more depth!
additional body prep
Using the code Kali20off gets you 20% off your order! This is the BEST place to shop locally for your boudoir sets; you can try them on and walked through your purchases with the best ladies in the industry! This shop is online and they have a storefront in Pullman, WA.
o1. cherie amour - 20% off your Purchase
Here is a group of local boss babes who offer my clients an exclusive discount when you mention that I sent you.
so treat yourself!
because I want you to have the very best!
Ashleigh is brilliance when it comes to aesthetics and would love to meet you. Botox and filler are the most popular options before a boudoir session (must be done at least 4 weeks prior to session) but she also recommends GOOD skincare.
02. LCV Beauty Aesthetics - 10% off services
Book
Michelle offers the best spray tans in the LC Valley, and is so kind. Call her store at 208-798-9955 to book!
03. Electric Rays (Lewiston + Meridian) -
$5 off spray tans
Book
Lauren has personally spray tanned me multiple times and is the kindest person. She is knowledgeable and also sells lots of products to extend you tan.
04. Lauren w/ Glowin' out spray tans -
$5 off spray tans
shop
Book
You are not expected to come to your session with poses memorized or perfectly thought out – that’s my job! Come to your session relaxed and open minded, and trust that I will make you feel beautiful! If you do feel uncomfortable or weird in a pose, feel free to ask me to change it up. I will never ask you to do anything you don’t want to do, and it’s important to me that you are willing to try!
Look, not everyone here feels 1,000% comfortable in their body. We all have insecurities, and we all feel not enough sometimes. All I ask is that you come into your session open minded, and ready to celebrate your body TODAY and not worried about that little extra weight you might carry, or the little bump in your nose you’ve hated since high school. Negative self talk is not allowed here, you are beautiful just the way you are and my job is to photograph you in the most flattering light and angles to make your images stand out.
One last pep talk
- Lay out your outfits the night before, so you don’t forget anything. Also consider cutting your tags off, so you don’t rip a hole in the lace or have brand tags hanging out. I bring scissors to the session in case there you forget!
- Do not skip a meal, you will be starved. Plan to eat a good breakfast/lunch at least an hour before your shoot (being hungry before your shoot can be counterproductive and make your stomach more bloated)
- Please let me know if you have any allergies or medical conditions I should be aware of.
- Get a good nights sleep and do not have an excessively large meal or alcohol the night before.
- Wear baggy clothes, or seamless leggings to your session. It helps to not start the session with lines from your previous outfit.
- RELAX! Let the session be a fun experience where you did something that you were nervous to do and ROCKED IT!
- Stretch out and get ready to arch and curve!
- Drink plenty of water the days before and that morning
- PLEASE do not drink alcohol before you come to your session, but feel free to bring your favorite drink to your session – I often times have mimosas on hand to treat you at your session! One glass or a sip when you walk in the door is one thing, but having several drinks before your session can make eyes less bright and make you feel a little sloppy in posing. Just don’t do it!
- Take a deep breath and know that I've got you!
checklist before your shoot
I recommend booking your session as soon as you decide I'm the photographer for you! I believe that no one is ever "ready" to do boudoir photos, and booking it is actually the hardest part for most people. Once you are booked, I will walk you through everything, so your experience can be a breeze.
I recommend booking your session 2-3 months prior to the date you are hoping to gift it. Keep in mind that my schedule may be booked out 2-3 months before that, so booking as soon as you decide is imperative.
It's very easy
Every image you receive is individually edited for color, contrast, exposure, and style. Some images occasionally require a little more finessing for temporary things like blemishes, acne and bruises.
I believe that our bodies are perfect as they are and deserve to be celebrate for all of their perfections. Heavy facial retouching, wrinkle removal or body reshaping are not included with any of my packages and are available for an additional fee.
you are perfect
My boudoir guide walks you through every aspect to your shoot, so you can feel prepared and confident heading into your session. It also provides SO many options for buying lingerie, but also keep in mind that some of the sexiest outfits are ones that are often overlooked. Your boyfriends tee? bring it. A sheet? heck yeah. Your birthday suit? highly recommend. We will have so much fun, trust me!
I've got you!
Your images are delivered through a secure gallery site that allows you to view, download and share your images if you choose. The gallery also allows you to select print products that will ship discreetly to your residence, and I can also assist with printing your images so you feel confident that the images stay private.
Private Gallery
Erika
I did a Boudoir shoot with Kali, and have recommended it to all my friends! Kali made me feel to confident and comfortable. It was such a fun surprise for my fiancé as well. Couldn’t give Kali photography enough stars!
I can't give kali enough stars!
Annonymous
Truly a 10/10 experience beginning to end. Kali was so quick to reply to my email inquiry and get my photoshoot scheduled within a day for the next week! The day of my shoot, I traveled 45 minutes to see her and she was in contact with me throughout the morning. When I met her IRL for the first time I was warmly welcomed and felt so comfortable during my session not only because she’s an expert at posing, but she is so fun and personable. The images were delivered ahead of schedule and are so BEAUTIFUL! She has such an eye for her craft and has a way of capturing the very best of you. If we have further photo needs, I will not hesitate to book with her again!
I was warmly welcomed and felt so comfortable during my session
Shayla
Kali was amazing to work with. Funny, calming, and just simply amazing at her work. She made me feel so comfortable and empowered! You won’t be disappointed.
Funny, calming, and just simply amazing
Shayla
Wow just wow! Beyond my expectations of how it would turn out! Kali is so thoughtful and has an eye for the little details that all add up to something quite extraordinary! I was shocked when she showed my little sneak peaks and floored me once I got the full album! She really took the time and effort into making the experience comfortable & high quality! She had a vision, nailed it and got some extra shots I added from my own vision that turned out so fire! I’m so glad I trusted her to articulate my intimate self in a way that I never saw before. Kali, you brought out a higher version of confidence within me that I can’t thank you enough!
Wow, just wow!
leah
Will continue to edit this review for years because I will ALWAYS go back to Kali Photography. I’ve done couples photos, girl group, boudoir and more with her starting in 2014 and it gets better and better every time. Can’t wait for the next time!
Kali is insanely organized and communicative. You get so much more than what you pay for, it is well worth the money. You can tell this business is her heart and soul when she says it’ll take a few weeks for editing but then there is a sneak peek on your phone in less than a few days. I love her light and airy style and every time I leave a shoot I feel more confident. If you’re on the fence, DO IT! But do it quick because you don’t want to miss out on having her capture your special moments.
it gets better and better every time
anonymous
My boudoir experience with Kali was absolutely incredible. From the moment I decided to book my session Kali was incredibly helpful, from picking out outfits to where to get a spray tan. I’ve never felt so beautiful and confident in my own skin than I did during my shoot. Kali’s turn around time was so quick, as well! Seeing myself in those photos had me in tears, I could hardly believe it was me. I would recommend Kali and the boudoir experience she offers a million times over!
I've never felt so beautiful and confident
anonymous
Never have I ever thought of doing something like this….but shame on me because this was the most amazing experience that I could have ever given myself! I did the bridal boudoir session not only as an awesome gift to my future husband but honestly, I did it more as a gift to myself. I came out of the shoot that day feeling like myself again and loving the body that I have….every. inch.
the most amazing experience I could have given myself
anonymous
Never have I ever thought of doing something like this….but shame on me because this was the most amazing experience that I could have ever given myself! I did the bridal boudoir session not only as an awesome gift to my future husband but honestly, I did it more as a gift to myself. I came out of the shoot that day feeling like myself again and loving the body that I have….every. inch. So yes, my future husband is getting a super awesome gift , but I got love back for my body. This Is Something Every Woman Should Do with a photographer who understands how much this can change your life. Kali makes every moment awesome and not even the slightest bit awkward. That girl will make you look fine as wine ? and that is why she is my photographer for life! Thank you for everything Kali!
the most amazing experience I could have given myself
anonymous
Where do I begin? Kali Photography is the BEST of the BEST from start to finish. All my fears and inhibitions melted away within seconds, and by the end of the day I have never felt more beautiful.
Not only would I do this again, I would recommend a boudoir experience with Kali to any woman! I loved the experience so much, I want to do another session with her! Thank you so much!
all of my fears and inhibitions melted away
anonymous
I was extremely nervous before my session with Kali. I have 3 kids and I’m not the biggest fan of my mom bod. First thing we did was my makeup – I was handed the mirror afterward… and wow I couldn’t believe that was me! Then we did my hair and it just topped it all off! We started taking phots and Kali was the best ever. She makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. I can tell you that I left that day with the biggest smile on my face, I felt 100 times better about myself. Kali is amazing to work with. Her photos are literally great right off the camera no edit needed. I highly recommend Kali – you will not regret it!
