If you’re thinking about booking a boudoir session, chances are you’re curious, excited… and maybe just a tiny bit nervous. That’s completely normal. Every woman who walks into our Sacramento boudoir studio has questions, butterflies, and a few “What am I doing here?” moments swirling in her head. After photographing hundreds of women from different walks of life who have come from all over (Napa, Oakland, Reno, and Chico), we’ve noticed something interesting.
Women leave saying the same thing, “I can’t believe I waited so long to do this.”
So today, we’re sharing the 7 honest things women wish they knew before their first boudoir shoot—because once you know these, the whole experience feels way less intimidating.
Hair and Makeup by Summer Brazell
1. You Don’t Need to Be Confident to Do Boudoir (Confidence Comes After)
Most people assume boudoir is something you do once you feel confident. The confidence actually comes from the experience.
Women walk in holding their bags tightly, nervous to dangle their itty bitty pieces in front of strangers. By the time they finish their session, they walk out feeling like they could run the world.
Getting yourself into the studio and through the door is a huge step! Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to do something that celebrates you is an amazing feat all in its own.
Your curves, tattoos, smile lines – it all becomes something worth celebrating. And once you see yourself through our lens? Game changer.
The quiet, soft spoken persona that entered the door is quickly shaped into a fierce diva ready to take on the world.
2. You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose—We Guide You Head to Toe
Finding poses that flatter the body is the #1 fear first-timers have.Posing is not something you’re expected to know. At Carmen Salazar Photography, our amazing team of professionals will take care of every posing detail so you can just enjoy your photo experience.. You’re never left wondering “What do I do with my hands?” or “Do I look okay?” We’ll guide you through everything —even your breathing—so the final images flatter your body in the most natural, effortless way.
3. Professional Hair & Makeup Makes a Huge Difference
Most women underestimate how big of a glow-up professional glam creates. Our artists know exactly how to give you a Pinterest worthy look that photographs beautifully. They will create a look that still feels like you—just elevated.
It sets the tone, calms the nerves, and makes you feel like YOU ARE A GODDESS!
Before every boudoir session, we send out a hair and makeup questionnaire to our clients so we can help bring to life their hair and makeup vision. Even though this experience is new to many, we want it to reflect the truest version of yourself.
4. You Won’t Remember What You Were Insecure About Walking In
Even the most confident women have insecurities. Moms, nurses, athletes, women with curves, women without… everyone has something.
Boudoir is thoughtfully lit, beautifully posed, and intentionally guided to bring out your best features while softening the things you’re self-conscious about. Women are always shocked by how stunning they look.
Boudoir will change your mindset. All the voices in your head nitpicking away will disappear. All you will be able to think about is how amazing you look.
5. You Don’t Need to Bring a Huge Wardrobe
Most first-timers worry they won’t bring “enough” or that they’ll choose the wrong outfits. They’ll scramble at the last minute to order things overnight on Amazon.
Simple works best. A black bodysuit. Your husband’s shirt. A matching bra and panty set. Your favorite oversized sweater. All things you have at home that can be used for your session.
We also help you choose your outfits the day of your session so you don’t overthink it at home.
6. It’s Completely Normal to Be Nervous—But the Nerves Fade Fast
The biggest shift our clients describe isn’t physical—it’s emotional.
After their session, they see their images and say:
“Is that really me!?”
“I look powerful.”
“I’ve never seen myself like this before.”
You don’t need to change your body for your boudoir session, but you will change how you see your body. And sometimes that’s the deepest healing of all.
This is your sign:You are enough right now.
You are worthy right now.
You are beautiful right now.
7. The Final Images Feel Life-Changing
We’re not exaggerating when we say many clients cry (happy tears!) during their reveal session. Seeing yourself in fine-art, magazine-style imagery is a moment you don’t forget.
Many women invest $2,000–$5,000 because these images become keepsakes—not just photos, but reminders of strength, beauty, softness, and confidence.
Women want albums, wall art, and photo boxes to show off how amazing they are. It’s a feeling you want to feel forever. Beautiful. Confident. Sexy.
Your First Boudoir Shoot Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
If you’ve been thinking about finally booking your boudoir session, let this be the sign you’ve been waiting for. It’s normal to be nervous. It’s normal to feel unsure. But you deserve this experience—not someday, not “when you lose 10 pounds,” not when life slows down.
Now is the perfect time.
And when you’re ready, our Sacramento team will walk you through every step and make sure you feel supported, comfortable, and absolutely stunning.
Just imagine: in a few weeks, you might be the one saying,
“I wish I’d done this sooner.”
If you’re ready, let’s create something unforgettable together. Ask about availability or book a consultation—your moment is waiting. The team at Carmen Salazar Photography, has got you covered! Ready to get your summer boudoir session scheduled? Contact us today! Let our team of experts help you gain courage from within! Then go out into the world as your best self!
Sacramento Boudoir Photography | Boudoir Photography Sacramento
