It's ok to be nervous before your boudoir shoot!
- Katharina Rebeaud
- Feb 21
- 4 min read
So, you’ve booked your boudoir photoshoot—yay! First off, let’s take a moment to celebrate that, because it’s a big deal. You're going out on a limb, embracing your beauty and your body in a vulnerable intimate setting, and that takes courage!
But let’s be real for a second—now that the day is getting closer, you might be feeling a little (or a lot) nervous. Guess what? That’s completely normal. Actually, we’d be surprised if you weren’t a little jittery! But how do you stop yourself from looking like you're taking high school senior photos in lingerie?
Let’s talk about those pre-shoot nerves and why they’re totally okay—and how you can move past them to enjoy your experience to the fullest.
Nerves Just Mean You Care
Think about the last time you did something outside your comfort zone—whether it was public speaking, starting a new job, or even going on a first date. That little rush of butterflies? It’s because you care about the outcome. The same thing applies to a boudoir session. You’re stepping into something new, and it’s natural to feel vulnerable. But trust us, that vulnerability is exactly what makes these sessions so powerful and beautiful.
You know that confidence boost everyone always talk about when they do a boudoir shoot? Well a big part of that comes from being nervous! You are overcoming your fears and embracing your insecurities. I promise it will make you a stronger and more beautiful person when your photoshoot is done.
You’re in a Safe and Supportive Space
You will never feel judged when you're in our studio. Period!
There's no room for impossible beauty standards in boudoir. Boudoir is for every women to feel confident, sexy, and beautiful. Because, guess what? The insecurities you see no one else will, because they don't exist. And often times the characteristics you see as flaws are what make you unique and beautiful.
You are stunning and gorgeous and it is our job to prove that to you. We guide you through every pose, adjust the lighting to flatter your features, and cheer you on every step of the way. Our job is to make sure you feel amazing, because when you feel good, it shows in the photos.
The First Few Minutes Are the Hardest
If this is your first boudoir experience, you're not alone. Most women have never done this before either, so we understand that the first time stepping in front of the lens can be intimidating. You have no clue what to expect let alone what to do!
If you’re worried about “not knowing what to do” in front of the camera—don’t be! Most clients feel a little awkward at first, but that feeling melts away quickly. After the first few shots, you’ll start to feel more natural and relaxed once you realize it's not as scary as you thought!
And the best part is, you don't have to be a supermodel to know how to pose! I will personally guide you through every pose and facial expression so you always feel confident that you're doing the right thing. Don't worry babe, I'll make sure you look your best!
Your Nerves Will Turn Into Excitement
Here’s the cool thing—those nerves you feel before the session? They often transform into excitement once you get started. There’s something incredibly empowering about seeing yourself through a different lens—literally! By the end of the session, most people say they feel amazing, confident, and sexy. And when you see your final images? That nervousness will be a distant memory, replaced by pure excitement and pride at how drop dead gorgeous you are!
How to Shake Off the Pre-Shoot Jitters
Still feeling a little anxious? Try these tips to help calm your nerves before your session:
Play some music that makes you feel like a boss. A confidence-boosting playlist can do wonders! Check out our sultry dark pop Spotify playlist for starters. Pro tip: This is the playlist you'll probably hear when you come into the studio!
Pamper yourself. Take a nice bath, do your skincare routine, and wear an outfit that makes you feel amazing on the way to your shoot.
Remind yourself why you’re doing this. Whether it’s self-love, a gift for someone special, or just to celebrate where you are in life, focus on the why.
Trust the process. You’re in good hands, and your photographer is here to make sure you shine.
Pro tip: For more pre-shoot jitter advice, check out our other blog!
You Got This babe!
Feeling nervous before a boudoir shoot is completely normal—but don’t let those jitters stop you from experiencing something truly special. The hardest part is showing up, and once you do, you’ll realize that you are so much more powerful, beautiful, and confident than you even knew.
So take a deep breath, embrace the excitement, and get ready to see yourself in a whole new light. We can’t wait to capture your magic!
Like the images in this post? Check out the photography team below!
About the photography team
Hello!
We are Katharina and Michael, a husband and wife boudoir photography team based in Arizona. We specialize in creating unique experiences that showcase our client's personalities and individual stories. Our style is centered around dark and moody with pops of color. We believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to discover just how beautiful and valuable they are. Boudoir truly has the power to change how you see yourself. Every woman has a story to tell, and it is our mission to help bring this to light.