Welcome to Our Nashville Boudoir Blog
Welcome to Holly Douglas & Co, where timeless elegance meets the art of empowerment. We are not just a boudoir studio; we are a sanctuary of self-expression and self-love, dedicated to helping you discover and embrace your inner beauty.
At HDCO in Nashville, Tennessee, we believe that every individual possesses a unique, captivating essence that deserves to be celebrated. Our mission is to create an empowering and transformative experience through the art of boudoir photography. We understand that the journey towards self-confidence and self-acceptance can be profound, and we are here to guide you through it.
Celebrating Curves: Choosing Lingerie for a Plus-Sized Boudoir Photoshoot
In this blog, we'll explore some tips and suggestions for choosing the best lingerie for your plus-sized boudoir photoshoot.
Celebrating Curves: Choosing Lingerie for a Plus-Sized Boudoir Photoshoot
Boudoir photography is a wonderful way to celebrate your body and embrace your sensuality, regardless of your size or shape. For plus-sized women in and around Nashville, Tennessee, it's essential to remember that every body is beautiful and deserves to be showcased in the most flattering and empowering way during a boudoir photoshoot with Holly Douglas & Co. With the right lingerie choices, you can accentuate your curves and feel confident and stunning. In this blog, we'll explore some tips and suggestions for choosing the best lingerie for your curvy body, ensuring a memorable and empowering plus-sized boudoir photoshoot.
Embrace Your Assets
When it comes to choosing lingerie for a plus-sized boudoir session, focus on highlighting your favorite features. Every body is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Embrace your assets, whether it's your voluptuous curves, your shapely legs, or your beautiful décolletage. Select lingerie pieces that enhance and celebrate your best features, making you feel comfortable and confident throughout the photoshoot.
Supportive and Well-Fitted Bras
The right foundation is essential for a flattering and comfortable look. Invest in well-fitted bras that offer proper support for your bust. A bra with adjustable straps and a wide band under the bust will provide lift and create a more defined silhouette. Look for bras with additional features like side support or fuller cups that help shape and enhance your natural curves.
Babydolls and Chemises
While babydolls and chemises can be incredibly flattering on curvy bodies, this particular style of lingerie isn't for everyone. Babydolls and chemises are loose-fitting, flowy pieces that often feature empire waistlines that emphasize your bust while skimming over the midsection and hips. Therefore, if you prefer to show off your waistline and hips, this style of lingerie may not be for you. On the other hand, if having a little extra coverage appeals to you, aim for styles made from soft, luxurious fabrics like chiffon, silk, or lace. Look for details such as adjustable straps, supportive cups, or lace inserts that add a touch of elegance and allure.
High-Waisted Panties and Bodysuits
When choosing lingerie for a plus-sized boudoir photoshoot, high-waisted panties and bodysuits are wonderful options for creating a smooth and streamlined look. These styles provide coverage and support while accentuating your waistline. Choose panties or bodysuits made from stretchy and breathable fabrics that gently hug your curves. Look for designs with lace panels, cutouts, or sheer details to add a touch of playfulness and sensuality.
Play with Color and Prints
Don't be afraid to explore different colors and prints that suit your personality and make you feel radiant. While black is a classic choice for its slimming effect, don't limit yourself to it. Rich jewel tones, vibrant florals, or playful patterns can add vibrancy and excitement to your boudoir session. Experiment with different colors and prints to find what makes you feel most confident and beautiful.
Conclusion
A boudoir photoshoot with Holly Douglas & Co. in Nashville, TN, is a fantastic opportunity for plus-sized women to embrace their curves and celebrate their unique beauty. By choosing lingerie that supports and enhances your favorite features, such as well-fitted bras, babydolls, high-waisted panties, and bodysuits, you can create a look that is both flattering and empowering. Remember, confidence is the key ingredient to a successful boudoir session, so choose pieces that make you feel comfortable, beautiful, and authentically yourself. With the right lingerie and mindset, your curvy body will radiate alluring sensuality in every captured moment.
Unleash Your Seductive Side: Wardrobe Suggestions for a Sensual Boudoir Photoshoot
In this blog, you’ll find some wardrobe suggestions and tips to help you create a captivating and seductive look for your sensual boudoir photoshoot with Holly Douglas & Co. in Nashville, TN!
Unleash Your Seductive Side: Wardrobe Suggestions for a Sensual Boudoir Photoshoot
A boudoir photoshoot with Holly Douglas & Co. in Nashville, Tennessee, offers a unique opportunity to embrace your sexuality and capture beautiful images that exude confidence and allure. When it comes to lingerie choices, selecting pieces that make you feel sensual and seductive can elevate your boudoir experience to new heights. In this blog, we'll explore some wardrobe suggestions and tips to help you create a captivating and seductive look for your sensual boudoir photoshoot with Holly Douglas & Co.
Timeless Elegance with Lace
Lace lingerie is a classic wardrobe choice for creating a sensual look for your boudoir photoshoot. Opt for delicate lace bra and panty sets that showcase your curves to add an air of elegance. Look for styles with intricate details, such as scalloped edges or floral patterns, to add visual interest and enhance the allure of your ensemble. Consider choosing deep, rich colors like black, navy, or dark burgundy for a touch of drama.
Sheer Delights
Sheer lingerie is an excellent option for a tantalizing and seductive boudoir look. Choose bras, panties, or bodysuits made from transparent fabrics such as mesh, tulle, or chiffon. These materials offer glimpses of your skin while still leaving a little to the imagination. Play with different cuts and styles that flatter your body shape, and consider layering sheer pieces for a sophisticated and seductive effect.
Provocative Bodysuits
Bodysuits are an enticing and popular choice for combining elegance and seduction. Opt for styles that feature intricate lace details, sheer panels, or strappy designs. Look for high-cut leg openings, plunging necklines, or open backs to accentuate your curves and create a provocative silhouette. Bodysuits offer a versatile option that can be worn alone or paired with accessories like stockings or garters for added allure.
Seductive Garter Belt and Stockings
Garter belts and stockings are the epitome of temptation and seduction. Both pieces create a dramatic yet flattering look when worn together or individually. Pair a garter with stockings to a matching bra and panty set, or wear the stockings alone with an elegant teddy for a complete ensemble. While garter belts come in a variety of colors and styles, for stockings we recommend sticking with the more classic options of black and nude. However, if you are wearing an all-white, bridal lingerie set, sheer white or nude stockings will work best.
Add Glamour with Robes and Kimonos
Robes and kimonos are not only elegant but also provide an opportunity to add a touch of glamour to your boudoir photoshoot. Choose luxurious fabrics like silk or lace and look for styles with interesting details. Draping a robe or kimono over your lingerie can create a sense of mystery, while also adding visual interest to your images. However, wearing a robe by itself (while nude underneath) is quite a seductive look, as well.
Chestnut & Honey Lingerie Boutique
With so few independent lingerie stores in the Nashville area, it would be very remiss of us not to recommend shopping for your boudoir session at Chestnut & Honey, a size-inclusive, fine lingerie boutique located just outside of Nashville in Gallatin, Tennessee. Here you will find a wide selection of unique and exquisite lingerie pieces that would all be perfect for a sensual boudoir photoshoot. Of course, this should come as no surprise, as the owner of Chestnut & Honey also happens to be Nashville's top boudoir photographer, Holly Douglas!
Conclusion
For a sensual and seductive boudoir photoshoot with Holly Douglas & Co. in Nashville, TN, selecting the right lingerie is crucial. Lace, sheer fabrics, bodysuits, garter belts, stockings, and robes can all contribute to creating a captivating and alluring look. Embrace your personal style, choose pieces that flatter your body shape, and opt for colors that make you feel confident and irresistible. With the guidance of Holly Douglas & Co., as well as the helpful staff at Chestnut & Honey, your boudoir photos will beautifully capture your sensuality and unleash your inner seductress.
3 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Boudoir Outfits
Choosing the perfect outfits for your boudoir photoshoot doesn't need to be stressful or overwhelming. Just follow our 3 simple tips!
3 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Boudoir Outfits
Preparing for your upcoming boudoir photoshoot with Holly Douglas & Co. should be just as fun as the photoshoot itself! However, if you don't typically wear lingerie, then choosing the perfect boudoir outfits might feel a bit overwhelming. There's no need to stress, though! We are happy to share with you 3 tips for choosing the perfect boudoir outfits for your upcoming photoshoot!
Tip #1: Try on a variety of lingerie BEFORE your boudoir session.
Trying on any type of clothing can be a hassle and a pain. We totally get that. It's also natural to assume that you know what styles will look good on you. So, trying things on may not always feel necessary. However, we strongly encourage all of our clients to try on several different styles of lingerie before choosing their boudoir outfits.
Why You Should Try On a Variety of Lingerie Before Your Boudoir Session
Different lingerie styles fit every body differently. Teddies, for example, are a very popular wardrobe option. However, just because you love the way teddies look on women in our boudoir galleries, that doesn't mean you'll love the way they fit you. For instance, if you have a long torso, your teddy could end up feeling like vaginal dental floss. If you have a short torso, the crotch of that bodysuit might hang down to your knees! Either scenario would be a terrible thing to discover on the day of your boudoir session. That is why it's SO important to try on every boudoir outfit you plan to bring to your photoshoot beforehand.
It's easier to stay open-minded about different styles of lingerie when you can see their fit on your body. As stated before, it's natural to assume that you already know what will or will not look good on you. However, if you keep an open mind and actually try on pieces that you normally wouldn't, you may surprise yourself! What if that long, lace gown that looks "too conservative" on the hanger actually hugs your body in ALL the right places? ;) If you never try it on, you could miss out on choosing the perfect boudoir outfit!
Where Can You Try On a Variety of Lingerie Before Your Boudoir Session?
We're happy to announce that it is now extremely convenient for women in the Nashville area to try on different styles of lingerie. Holly Douglas & Co. has recently opened Chestnut & Honey, a size-inclusive, fine lingerie boutique located in the very same building as Studio 110! Our store carries beautiful, high-end lingerie in sizes ranging from XXS - 7XL. Our selection includes sought-after designer brands, like Thistle and Spire, Kilo Brava, and Tallulah Love! In addition, our amazing staff at Chestnut & Honey are happy to help you choose the perfect boudoir outfits for YOUR body.
(Click the video to see a quick tour of Chestnut & Honey from our TikTok page.)
Tip #2: Only choose boudoir outfits that make you feel GOOD about yourself.
You'd be surprised how often we hear, "I don't like the way this outfit looks on me, but I brought it anyway." Women sometimes make the mistake of choosing outfits they think they're supposed to like. Or, they bring in lingerie that they used to like several years ago, when they first bought it. However, despite not liking the way it looks on them now, they think the outfit might somehow photograph better. After all, that's what Photoshop is for, right? ("No" is the answer to that question, by the way.)
Well, what many women do not realize is that the way you feel about yourself absolutely translates in your boudoir photos. If you walk onto set wearing something that makes you feel unattractive, you're not going to exude sensuality in your boudoir photos. On the other hand, if you strut out of the dressing room wearing something that makes you feel incredible, then you're going to pose with confidence and look sexy AF!
Tip #3: A second opinion about your boudoir outfits can be very helpful.
Whether it's from a trusted friend, family member, or a lingerie store employee, having a second opinion can give you a whole new perspective on your wardrobe choices. You might try on a piece of lingerie and think, "Oh, this is too low-cut." But then your best friend sees you in it and exclaims, "OMG! Your boobs look AMAZING in that!" Sometimes, it takes another point of view to help nudge you outside of your comfort zone.
If you do not feel comfortable asking anyone else for a second opinion prior to your boudoir session, though, never fear! You can count on your professional boudoir photographer to give you her opinion on the day of your photoshoot. The Holly Douglas & Co. photography team are all experts at knowing how to make you look your very best in your boudoir photos. Therefore, if we feel that a certain outfit isn't the most flattering for you, we will help you find a better option.
The Bottom Line (no pun intended)
Choosing the perfect boudoir outfits for your photoshoot doesn't need to be stressful or overwhelming. In fact, it can be a really fun part of your overall boudoir experience! Just remember our 3 tips above, which can be translated into the following guidelines:
Keep an open mind and try on a variety of lingerie styles BEFORE your photoshoot.
If a certain outfit doesn't make you feel good about yourself, do not bring it to the studio.
Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion when choosing your perfect boudoir outfits.
It really is as easy as that! We hope you enjoy preparing for your boudoir session with Holly Douglas & Co., and we can't wait to see you in the studio!
5 Questions You May Be Afraid to Ask Your Boudoir Photographer
You may have a handful of questions that you’d like to ask your boudoir photographer that are just a little on the embarrassing side. So, allow us to help you out…
5 Questions You May Be Afraid to Ask Your Boudoir Photographer
If you've recently booked a boudoir photoshoot at Holly Douglas & Co.'s luxury boudoir photography studio in Nashville, TN, then you've probably already thought of some questions to ask your boudoir photographer. That is so important, so good for you! However, you may also have a handful of questions that you'd like to ask before the photoshoot, but they're just a little embarrassing. Therefore, in today’s blog, we thought we'd help you out by preemptively answering five questions you may be afraid to ask your boudoir photographer.
What if I'm on my period the day of my boudoir session?
Surprisingly, women often do not think about asking their boudoir photographer this particular question. Then, just days before the photoshoot, you realize you're about to start your period! (It never fails, right?) Suddenly, you're full of questions, like, "What if my cramps are killing me? Can the photographer edit out bloating and breakouts? What if my tampon string shows? What if I accidentally stain the sheets or furniture at the boudoir studio?!? Eeek! I'd die!"
Believe it or not, it's actually quite common for women to be on their periods during their boudoir sessions. Sure, it's a bit of a bummer for you because you'd obviously rather NOT be on your period. However, there is absolutely no need to reschedule your session. Being on your period will not negatively affect your boudoir photos in any way!
To fully answer this question, though, we'd like to offer the following:
Our Tips and Advice About Having Your Period on the Day of Your Boudoir Session
We know this is rather obvious, but you should plan to wear a tampon during your boudoir session. It's also a good idea to change into a fresh one at the start of the photoshoot. If you are worried about leakage at any point, your photographer will be more than happy to pause the session for a bathroom break. Remember, Holly Douglas & Co. are all female boudoir photographers, so there's no need to feel embarrassed. We totally empathize!
You may want to take a mild pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or Midol, the morning of your boudoir session. This can help ease any menstrual cramping during your photoshoot. However, please do NOT take anything stronger, such as prescribed muscle relaxers, before your session!
There's no need to worry if you have a small breakout or feel bloated on the day of your shoot. All of your purchased images will be professionally retouched. So, minor period-related issues will not be apparent in your fully edited boudoir photos.
Please do not stress about whether or not your tampon string will show during the photoshoot. Listen, it happens. Your boudoir photographer is NOT going to find it shocking or "gross" if she notices a tampon string. She will either bring it to your attention so you can make an adjustment, or it can be edited out in post. It's honestly not a big deal, so no worries!
Is it better for me to wax or shave "down there" before my boudoir session?
This may be a question you've felt shy about asking your boudoir photographer, but you may also want our "expert" opinion. Truthfully, though, we do not have a preference when it comes to waxing vs. shaving your bikini area. Either will do the job just fine! However, if you typically wax, we recommend that you do it 3-5 days prior to your boudoir session, just in case you experience any irritation or redness. (We recommend Jessica Silva at Wax Nashville!)
If you prefer shaving, try to do so either the night before or the morning of your boudoir session appointment.
Our Tips and Advice for Preventing Bumps or Ingrown Hairs from Shaving:
Prep the skin before shaving your bikini line by exfoliating with a wet washcloth or a scrub to remove any dead skin cells, which allows the razor blade to get closer to the skin.
Use a good-quality shaving gel with moisturizing ingredients, like shea butter, olive oil, or coconut oil. Doing this will prevent the blade from abrading the skin and causing irritation.
Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
Moisturize immediately after shaving and apply a calming serum if necessary, such as tea tree oil, which can help calm razor burn.
What if I am physically unable to do some of these boudoir poses?
You should not be afraid to ask your boudoir photographer about posing limitations. It's unrealistic to expect ALL women to be able to pose in the same way, because all bodies are different. Therefore, we promise your boudoir photographer is not going to be disappointed if you are physically unable to do a certain pose. In fact, we tailor all of our boudoir sessions specifically to each woman we photograph. So, if we ask you to get into a pose and you physically cannot do it, no worries! We have a TON of other sexy boudoir poses you can try.
Exactly how risqué will my boudoir photos be?
Of all the questions to ask your boudoir photographer, you should definitely NOT be afraid to ask this one! Whenever we get this inquiry, it usually means that either the client doesn't want her boudoir photos to look "too sexual," or she wants to do some VERY provocative boudoir poses. Those are obviously two very different expectations! This is why it is important to ask your boudoir photographer this question before you book your session.
If you are a little more reserved, you might be worried about getting naked or posing in ways that make you feel uncomfortable. While we are definitely here to help push you outside of your comfort zone a little, we are always very respectful of our clients' comfort LIMITS. So, please do not hesitate to tell your boudoir photographer if you prefer more modest boudoir poses.
On the other hand, if you want a much more risqué photoshoot, this should also be discussed before booking the session, as there are limits to what we can do within the scope of boudoir photography. Erotica, however, is a completely separate genre of photography that might be more suitable for your needs. The difference between boudoir photography and erotic photography is that boudoir poses are usually more implied or suggestive rather than explicit in their approach to nudity and sexuality. Therefore, if you want explicit photos that include crotch shots and sex toys, for example, that would be considered erotica.
Holly Douglas & Co. is proud to offer erotic photography services; however, these sessions require a special consultation and are priced differently than a typical boudoir photoshoot. Please contact us for more details if this type of photoshoot interests you.
I have never liked any photos of myself. What if I don't like my boudoir photos and I offend my boudoir photographer?
This is something you definitely do not need to worry about. In fact, whenever a woman tells us that she has never liked photos of herself, our only thought is, "Challenge accepted!"
We are confident you're going to love your boudoir images because, well, we are excellent at what we do! (What can we say?) Our experienced female boudoir photographers are experts at knowing the best lighting, angles, and boudoir poses that are going to be the most flattering for YOUR body type. Our number one goal is for you to look your absolute best in your boudoir photos!
Furthermore, a boudoir photoshoot is actually a LOT more fun than many women expect when they first book their sessions! So, no need to worry about looking scared or tense in your photos. The majority of women arrive at our studios feeling nervous about what they're about to do. However, as you're being pampered with hair and makeup and have the opportunity to chat with your photographer, those nerves will start to subside. Then, as soon as you slip into that first boudoir outfit, you'll be surprised by how sexy you actually start to feel. And that's when the fun REALLY begins!
During the photoshoot, you can expect to hear good music pumping, lots of laughing, and your boudoir photographer will be your personal hype girl the entire time! In other words, it's hard to stay nervous when you're experiencing such an uplifting confidence boost during your photoshoot!
Conclusion
Now that we've answered five questions you may have been afraid to ask your boudoir photographer, we hope you're feeling even more excited about your upcoming boudoir session! Furthermore, you really shouldn't be afraid to ask your boudoir photographer ANY questions. We want you to feel 100% comfortable and know exactly what to expect from your boudoir experience with Holly Douglas & Co. in Nashville, Tennessee. So, please…ask away!
How to Feel Confident in Your Skin Before Your Boudoir Session
Holly Douglas & Co. share some helpful tips for how to feel confident in your skin before your boudoir session.
How to Feel Confident in Your Skin Before Your Boudoir Session
When you book a boudoir session with Holly Douglas & Co. in Nashville, Tennessee, you're not just booking our studio to take your photos. You're booking an amazing experience that will help you feel confident, beautiful, and empowered! And while the Holly Douglas & Co. team are experts at helping you feel comfortable and look your best on the day of your photoshoot, there are a few things that you can do, as well, before the appointment to help you prepare. In this blog, we will give you some tips on how to feel confident in your skin before your boudoir session.
Exfoliate a few days before your Boudoir session
Exfoliating your skin a few days before your boudoir session will help eliminate any dead skin cells and give us a nice, smooth canvas to work with. You can use a sugar scrub or an exfoliating cleanser; just make sure you are gentle, so you don't irritate your skin.
Removing the dead skin will also help your makeup look better and last longer, so it's definitely worth the extra bit of preparation!
Moisturize as much as possible
Moisturizing your face and body will help to keep your skin hydrated and looking its best. Be sure to use a moisturizer that doesn't have any fragrances or artificial ingredients that could irritate your skin.
Drink plenty of water
Your skin is a reflection of your overall health, so it's important to stay well-hydrated. This will help keep your skin looking plump and radiant, which is always a plus when you're having a boudoir session!
Avoid sun exposure
Because you’re going to be showing a good amount of skin in your boudoir photos, maintaining a smooth, even skin tone always ideal. Therefore, you’ll definitely want to try to avoid getting a sunburn or harsh tan lines before your boudoir session. If you're going to be outside, remember to wear (and re-apply) sunscreen or cover up as much as possible.
No negative self-talk
Boudoir is about celebrating who you are today, and you are beautiful! Period. The more you remind yourself of that fact, the more you will believe it. So, ban any negative self-talk from your mind and your vocabulary and focus on the positive from now on!
Breathe deeply or meditate
In the days leading up to your boudoir session, take some time each day to calm your mind and relax. This is the perfect time to practice positive affirmations, as discussed above, and visualize yourself having a fun and empowering boudoir photoshoot! Meditating prior to your appointment will help you feel more confident in yourself and your body, making it easier to get out of your head and fully enjoy the boudoir experience on the day of your session.
Don't worry about your hair and makeup
Holly Douglas & Co. works with only the BEST professional hair and makeup artists in Nashville. Their job is to make sure you look your best by enhancing your natural beauty. Our team is fully trained in the art of hair styling and makeup application and have helped hundreds of our boudoir clients look gorgeous in their photographs! So, just relax and get ready to enjoy some much-deserved pampering on the day of your session.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve shared some tips on how to feel confident in your skin before your boudoir session, we hope you are feeling even more excited about your upcoming boudoir photoshoot with Holly Douglas & Co. in Nashville! As long as you remember to exfoliate, moisturize, drink plenty of water, avoid sun exposure, practice positive affirmations through meditation, and trust our professional hair and makeup artists, you are sure to have an amazing boudoir experience and love the photos we create together!