Journal

A boudoir photoshoot goes beyond wearing lingerie in front of a stranger. Sure, that happens too, but if you’re new here, you might not understand there is something bigger to boudoir at The Girlfriend Experience in Pittsburgh. Our goal is for you to walk out of the studio feeling more confident than you have in years. We believe boudoir is about empowerment, and it starts before you come into our studio. 

So, maybe you have already booked the photoshoot. You are excited and maybe a little nervous about stepping into the studio. The serotonin is waning from the initial excitement of setting your appointment. Don’t you worry, my friend. The high you are chasing can be recreated. It’s in those small moments you take to spoil yourself. Because when we care for our bodies, we reconnect with the energy, we often drain in favor of caretaking. 

If you’re looking to recreate the excitement, we put together 5 things you can splurge on leading up to your boudoir photoshoot to boost your confidence. You’ll thank yourself before you step into the studio. 

Boudoir Photoshoot Tip 1: Girl, buy the water bottle

Life is too short to get upset at the cost of a water bottle. 

There, I said it. Every year, it seems, there is a new tumbler out that promises to keep your ice… well, icy. Some are rhinestone’d or glittered by local artists. Some are simply expensive directly from the store. What they look like matters less than buying something that helps you commit to doing something great for yourself. 

So if you’ve been eyeing a certain bottle and promising yourself that you’ll only drink water from it, buy the bottle. Maybe you need some help with the girl math, so here it goes. Did you know that staying hydrated by drinking more water can increase your energy levels naturally? Instead of reaching for that extra coffee or two each day, reach for water. Staying hydrated before your shoot will prevent cramps from being put in positions you’re unfamiliar with. Plus, you’ll save money from your coffee addiction and increase your energy in one fell swoop. Win-win-win.

Boudoir Photoshoot Tip 2: Do the Workout or Yoga

I have a friend who used to be super flexible. If she was sitting, she was stretching. I always found it strange until we started getting older and I noticed I was losing some of my flexibility. When I finally reintroduced my Yoga practice, I learned it was about more than being flexible. 

Yoga teaches us how to be aware of our body. How to ground ourselves and stay present. In today’s ultra-busy life, taking even fifteen minutes to practice, staying present is a blessing. Plus, there are free yoga tutorials on YouTube (find my favorite here), or lots of amazing Yoga classes and studios all over the world. This splurge could be monetary or in your time, but your body will thank you.

PS, we promise you don’t look silly. 

Boudoir Photoshoot Tip 3: Get a Skincare Facial

There’s nothing better than loving the skin you have. Estheticians are often goddesses, with magical abilities to give us our confidence back. In the era of all the skin creams and oils and peels and SPF, and, and, and… You get the picture. Going to see an esthetician is like a gift. A good esthetician will educate you on the products your skin needs. 

Plus, if you get your facial three or four days before your shoot, your skin will be at the optimal hydration and glowy. Not only will your skin thank you for the splurge, you’ll also have a relaxing experience and beautiful skin for your boudoir photoshoot.

Boudoir Photoshoot Tip 4: Wax, wax, baby

Listen, we know that hair hygiene is a touchy subject. Some clients feel more empowered by keeping their body hair, and for that, we want you to be confident in your own skin. But let’s face it, some of us prefer to go without hair.

Splurge on the wax, my friend. Razor burn is not only uncomfortable but also will make you feel less confident in lingerie. Of course, I am always happy to Photoshop it out of your final images, but we want you to feel your best self and not overthink everything. We’re going to get intimate in these photos, and if you’re worried about the bumps, you won’t be able to focus. Again, this splurge benefits you in multiple ways. Make the appointment, my friend. You’re worth it.

Boudoir Photoshoot Tip 5: Get the pedicure, your makeup, or your hair did

Did you sing that? We did. 

But in all honesty, you have feet, my friend. When was the last time you serviced those dogs? All joking aside, when we look good, we feel good. There is no better confidence booster than splurging on yourself. If you’ve been putting off getting your hair done or on getting a pedicure and moisturizing your feet, let’s prioritize that for ourselves, yeah? 

The theme here is obvious, right? Treat yo’self. Spluge. Be “selfish” for once. At the end of the day, we can’t give to those we love when there is nothing left of us to give. These five splurges can happen at any time, and we recommend you add them to your regular self-care routine. But if you’re looking for that boost in serotonin you felt when you committed to your own boudoir session, we hope you splurge. 

You deserve to feel your best self both inside and outside of our studio. We promise to ensure your session with us delivers that invigorating boost to feel your very best. Our clients, both past and present, have sung our praises for years.

With over 10+ years of experience in boudoir photography, we understand the value of high-quality boudoir photography and the cultivating sensual vulnerability that empowers you to be your best self behind our lenses. Contact us today to start planning your intimate and empowering boudoir or erotica experience at the GFE.