Prep Guide for Our Nashville Boudoir Shoots
I'm beyond excited that you've chosen to embark on your self-love boudoir adventure with us! Trust me, it's a transformative journey that every woman deserves to experience.
There's something incredibly empowering about guiding women, especially those who've never been in front of a camera, to discover their inner supermodel.
The secret ingredient?
Preparation!
That's why I've crafted this guide - to make your preparation a breeze and ensure your session is an unforgettable experience. Remember, if any questions pop up, I'm just an email, text, or call away.
Let’s dive in with some of our most asked questions
Should I arrive early for my appointment?
No, there's no need to arrive early. I typically have a lot to take care of in the mornings to set everything up for your session. However, I assure you that everything will be all set and ready to go right at your scheduled time. It might be a good idea to allow yourself an extra 5-10 minutes, just in case of any traffic delays, but there's no need for more than that. When you arrive, the studio door will be open, waiting to greet you for your exciting experience. Just come in and say hello!
What should I wear to my appointment?
For your comfort on the morning of the session, please wear clothing that is loose and won't leave marks on your skin. Skip the jeans, socks, and underwire bras. Opt for something more relaxed like pajamas, sweatpants, yoga pants, or leggings. There's no need to dress up just for us and we don’t want any marks on your skin when we start shooting – comfort is key! Chances are, we'll all be wearing comfy clothes too, so come as you are and feel at ease
What About Hair
If your hair needs some sprucing up before the shoot, consider booking a salon visit. This could be for a root touch-up, a color refresh, a smoothing treatment, or just a trim to eliminate split ends. However, it's best to steer clear of any major haircuts or dramatic color changes right before your session! If you have vivid hair color, please plan on a refresh 5-10 days before your session, enough time that you can wash your hair twice before you come in so that there’s no dye transfer on our items. On the day of your shoot, wash your hair in the morning and arrive with it dry. We're ready to style it fabulously for you.
Radiant Skin
For a luminous skin appearance, softly exfoliate your skin and face a day or two prior to your photoshoot. Hydrating adequately, applying moisturizer, and consuming wholesome, nutrient-rich meals will help your skin achieve a naturally healthy radiance.
We have created a list of products you can get off Amazon that we love. If you have sensitive skin, please make sure you try these products in plenty of time in case you have an allergic reaction. Amazon Skin Finds to prep for your session
No stress about any bruises, stretch marks, scars, or cellulite. In post-processing, we apply skin smoothing techniques to give your skin a gorgeous, uniform glow. However, preparing your "canvas" beforehand is certainly beneficial! Please arrive at your shoot with a clean, moisturized face ready to go. My favorite body lotion is Weleda Skin Food Body Butter
Hair Removal & Grooming
Ensure you remove any unwanted body hair before your session, whether through shaving, waxing, or trimming. We recommend any waxing at least 3 days before your session to allow any redness to settle down.
For waxing services, our recommended spot is with Jessica Silva at Wax Nashville located in East Nashville
All Things Lashes & Eyebrows
For your session, we'll take care of applying false strip lashes. However, if you're interested in lash extensions or a lash lift and tint, Wendy McNeal at Flirt Nashville is the go-to expert – truly the best in town! To schedule an appointment with Wendy, you can call or text her at 615-525-4406. Don't forget to mention that Holly referred you.
Wendy also provides services like brow lamination, along with basic brow waxing and tinting. For eyebrows, consider waxing, trimming, or threading them about 3-5 days before your shoot. You can do this the same day as your extensions if you choose to go that route.
If you're opting for microbladed eyebrows, make sure they're fully healed by your session date, which typically means waiting 1-2 weeks. Please note, if you arrive with a fresh tattoo of any kind, we will have to cancel your session and apply the fees as stated in your contract.
Tanning Considerations
A tanned look can add a lovely bronzed effect, but we generally advise against it unless you specifically prefer a tanned appearance or if you have very noticeable tan lines from sun exposure. In such cases, using tanning beds might help in achieving an even tan or that bronzed look you desire.
However, we strongly advise against certain tanning methods:
Avoid self-tanners and spray tans.
Be cautious of distinct tan lines from swimsuits or clothing. While subtle ones can be appealing, stark contrast in skin tone is not ideal.
Most importantly, please refrain from using self-tanner before your session. If you arrive with self-tanner on, we will have to cancel your session and apply the fees as stated in your contract.
Self-tanner typically does not photograph well, and you most likely will be disappointed with the results.
If you feel a spray tan is absolutely necessary, we recommend contacting Wendy McNeal at 615-525-4406. Be sure to inquire about the proper preparation and aftercare for your spray tan.
Nail Care
Let’s Talk About Outfits
Check out our blog posts for all our recommendations categorized by budget
High End Couture Lingerie: (For the client that spares no expense)
Mid to High End Lingerie that ships to the US.
Budget Friendly Lingerie
Our Amazon Picks That Photograph Well
Schedule a manicure and pedicure for a day or two prior to your photoshoot. Choose a nail color that complements all your outfits, or opt for a French tip or a subtle, neutral shade.
Some of our favorite options include:
OPI “Bubble Bath”: This delicate, sheer light pink is a standout for its adaptable charm. Its light shade is surprisingly versatile, complementing all skin tones beautifully, making it an ideal choice.
OPI “My Vampire is Buff”: A creamy, pale, and nude nail polish... it's just like my ideal vampires, ethereal and understated.
OPI “Samoan Sand”: A top pick for those with short nails. This beloved neutral shade is not only a hit among regular nail polish lovers but also a favorite among celebrities.
OPI “Lincoln Park After Dark” For a touch of edgy elegance, dark purple/ black nails are the way to go. They're bold, they're powerful, and they make a statement.
OPI “Funny Bunny”: Excellent choice for long nails, offering a subtle and elegant white that's perfect for creating a sophisticated look. This color can be built upon to take you from an opaque look to full coverage white.
OPI "I'm Not Really a Waitress" Is our preferred choice for a red polish. It's a rich, raspberry red hue that's both festive and complementary to a wide range of skin tones.
You can find all of these shades in our Amazon Storefront by clicking the titles to the colors.
Selecting the best lingerie for your body type is all about embracing your unique shape and highlighting your favorite features. Here are some general guidelines based on different body types:
Hourglass Shape: If you have a balanced bust and hips with a defined waist, look for lingerie that accentuates your curves. A well-fitted bodysuit can be a stunning choice, as they emphasize the waist.
Pear Shape: If you have fuller hips and thighs compared to your bust and shoulders, consider styles that draw attention upward. Babydoll sets or lingerie with embellished or detailed tops can work wonderfully.
Apple Shape: For a fuller waistline with narrower hips and bust, lingerie that offers good support and a bit of structure can be flattering. High-waisted briefs or smoothing shapewear paired with a luxurious bra can enhance your silhouette.
Rectangle Shape: If your waist, hip, and bust measurements are fairly uniform, creating curves is key. Look for pieces with ruching or draping, or try a push-up bra with a high-leg panty to create an illusion of curves.
Inverted Triangle Shape: With a broader bust and narrower hips, balancing your proportions is ideal. A flared babydoll or a camisole with lace details at the bottom can add volume to your hips and balance your upper body.
Thigh High Stockings and Stilettos are great for those who want to slim their legs. With any body type, the higher cut your outfit or lingerie is, the longer your legs look. So opt for a looser fitting thong that you can pull and play with rather than briefs.
Remember, the most important aspect is how you feel in the lingerie. Choose pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. Lingerie is a personal expression, so feel free to experiment with different styles and fabrics until you find what works best for you. At Chestnut and Honey, our lingerie store, we always encourage embracing your unique beauty and celebrating your body in its truest form.
Places to find our favorite lingerie
We always support our local businesses. There are two high end lingerie stores that we know and recommend in the Nashville area.
The first is obviously our own lingerie store Chestnut and Honey, Holly has built a boutique that offers a carefully curated selection of lingerie that caters to a diverse range of body types and genders. Emphasizing body positivity and inclusivity
The second recommendation is Darlin Nashville. Here’s a note from Katie, the shops owner :
“Darlin’ was created to showcase inclusive intimates in a space that was luxurious and accepting in Nashville.
Every piece is carefully hand selected before each season. Texture, quality, and fit are the foundation of great lingerie. Our selection of lingerie is always rotating, with new arrivals debuting almost weekly.
We always offer complimentary bra fittings, because even if your lingerie is gorgeous, if it doesn’t fit, it’s uncomfortable. We believe you can have both beauty and comfort.
xo”
When do i get to view my photos?
Lists more your thing? Here’s a list of places we like to shop for the studio.
After your photo session, we'll take a lunch break for about an hour to an hour and a half. This is a great opportunity for you to explore and enjoy some of the local food in East Nashville. After lunch, we'll meet back at the studio to review all your beautiful images.
What is the process of the Ordering Appointment?
During your Ordering Appointment, you'll have the opportunity to view each of your stunning images, displayed one by one on a monitor. We present a mix of color and black & white versions depending on the image. Please note that these are preliminary versions and have not undergone extensive editing. The final professional retouching is applied to the images you select to purchase. We offer a range of print and digital options for your chosen photos. Once your payment is completed, you can expect to receive your prints and products within 6-8 weeks. You have the option to either have these items shipped directly to you or to collect them from our studio. We kindly ask that you specify your preference for delivery or pickup during the Ordering Appointment.
Payment Options:
At Holly Douglas & Co, we offer a variety of convenient payment options to cater to the needs of our discerning clients. These include:
1. **Credit Cards**: We accept major credit cards, which allows for an easy and secure transaction.
2. **PayPal Credit**: This option is ideal for those who prefer using PayPal services, offering an added layer of security and convenience.
3. **In-House Payment Plan**: We understand the importance of flexibility when it comes to financing your luxury experience. Our low-interest, in-house payment plan provides a manageable way to budget for your session and purchases over time.
These varied payment methods are designed to ensure that your experience with us is as seamless and comfortable as possible, matching the luxury and sophistication of the services we provide.
Please note that our studio does not offer the provision of an online gallery or the possibility of a second Ordering Appointment. All sales are considered final upon the completion of your initial Ordering Appointment. Consequently, no modifications can be made to your order after this point. This policy is uniformly applied to all clients, and we are unable to accommodate requests for changes, alterations, additions, reductions, or any other types of modifications following the conclusion of the Ordering Appointment.
Become a Part of HDCO Alumni - Our Exclusive Referral Program
Step into the distinguished circle of HDCO Alumni, a unique referral program by Holly Douglas & Co, where your journey of self-discovery and elegance paves the way for others. As an HDCO Alumna, you're more than just a client; you're an ambassador of grace and a storyteller of transformation. Share your captivating boudoir experience with friends and be rewarded with exclusive benefits. Each referral you make not only celebrates your journey but also unlocks luxurious rewards, from special session discounts to bespoke photoshoot enhancements. Join HDCO Alumni and continue your journey with us, inspiring others while enjoying the grandeur and privileges of being an esteemed member of the Holly Douglas & Co family.