Boudoir Photographer

The Boudoir Equivalent to a "Spend The Night Bag" | Packing the Perfect Boudoir Bag

Is it the night before your boudoir shoot and you have no clue what you’re supposed to bring for the big day? Keep on reading to learn the must haves to pack in what we like to call your “spend the night bag.” Are you the type to pack four bags for a weekend trip or the type to throw a couple things in a backpack and call it a day? Whichever you are, we’ll tell you everything to bring and why! Now, let me be your guide.

Let’s start simple with the one or two looks you need to bring for your session. As you know, you are more than welcome to borrow looks from the extensive client closet in our studio, but we do ask that you have one or two looks! My number one recommendation is always going to be your favorite bra and panty set! Bring something that makes you feel so comfy, so sexy, so fine. Need to order something? Make sure to check out our lingerie buying guide! A simple set creates timeless photos and can even be worn under one of the fluffy robes we have in studio! Whether laid across a bed or posing upright wrapped in a sheet, a simple bra and pantie set will give you the relaxed look you’re going for.

Let’s say you can’t find that classic bra and panty set, then what? Well, how about a big oversized sweater? Your favorite jamies? Or that large t-shirt of your partners that you sleep in every single night! All of those bring the cozy vibes we are looking for and allows us to get photos from all different perspectives of you. There are so many vibes you can bring to a shoot and why not try a few of them out? Let's get that sexy bombshell and then transition to your sweet side. What does a comfy outfit look like for you? In my world it’s either my favorite sweats that accentuate my booty with a tank top! Bring what makes you feel like a cozy bad ass.

Now that we have the wardrobe pieces packed, let’s chat about the accessories. In the studio wardrobe there are a few options for jewelry to borrow, but make sure to pack the earrings, bracelets and sparkly things that make you feel delicious. There are no wrong answers when it comes to bobbles and it is better to be over packed. Also make sure you are packing any heels, boots or footwear you want to wear during your shoot. A high heel can spice up any outfit so bring those smutty heels you can’t walk in. We will put them to great use! Lastly, throw in any significant accessories that might personalize your sessions. If you are doing this as a wedding gift, bring your veil! Have a special tie your partner loves? Bring it. Have a piece of fabric that holds a special memory? Let’s include it. This is where you can get creative and spice up the session in a way that is genuine and authentic to you!

Ok, so we have the wardrobe and accessories knocked out, so let's talk about that glow. Hopefully you’ve already read the “Pre Shoot Do’s and Don'ts” blog but if you haven’t, make sure to read that next! Taking care of your skin before a shoot is so important! So when you moisturize the night before your shoot, throw all that stuff in your bag to have on hand at your session. Think lotion, chapstick, dry oil or anything that you use to keep you skin hydrated and glowing. Fun tip, applying chapstick about an hour before you apply lipstick (if you choose) will keep the color from cracking. Especially if you go with a matte lip. Moisturized and supple skins photographs really well so come prepared with all the goodies!

Cosmetics time! When you get to your shoot, hair and makeup will need to be photoshoot ready, but touch ups will for happen throughout the session. Not only are these sessions pretty long, but you also have to remember that we will be changing, trying lingerie on and moving about so it is bound to get a little messy. Most people have a to-go bag of makeup so bring that if you have it, otherwise think of the essentials like mascara, eyebrow pencils, foundation, concealer, blush, contour, lipstick etc. Anything that can move or get smudged needs to be in the bag. Better safe than sorry.

I also highly, highly endorse false lashes for your photoshoot. They add so much to your look on and off camera. I know that when I wear lashes, I feel like I can conquer the world. Don’t know how to apply lashes but you want to wear them for your shoot? Practice makes perfect. Buy a set or two of cheap false lashes and pull up a youtube tutorial! My favorite is, “False Eyelashes 101: Select, Apply, Remove, Clean” by Emily Noel. I usually skip to about 3min 30sec into the video. Just remember that if you are wearing false lashes, you HAVE TO BRING the glue with you. Those little guys can be super squirmy, so the glue is a safety precaution. That is a must have in your boudie bag.

Lastly, let’s chat about hair. If you are like me, I never know what to do with my hair. If you don’t want to think about any of this, you can for sure add hair and makeup with one of our preferred vendors. But if you’re doing your own hair, don’t forget your styling tools! Whether straight or curly, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need for touch ups. Bring your favorite curling iron or straightener to maintain the look you want through your session. We play with hair a lot here and I am on board for that messy “bed head” look, but some people aren't. Toss some hair products in your bag for the finishing touches and you’re good to go!

My biggest tip: make a list of everything you need to pack. As you pack your bag, cross each item off the list and double check that you have everything! I also send you a welcome guide when you book your session, so make sure to read through that and pack the night before your session. A calm, cool and relaxed morning is the best way to prep for your shoot! If you have any additional questions email me at katelyn@katelynscott.com, I would be happy to help!

Embrace all bodies, especially the one you are in.

Love,

Samantha and Katelyn, the Embrace All Bodies team





Pre-Shoot Do’s And Dont’s | From a Raleigh Boudoir Company

In the days leading up to your shoot, you may be lost on how to prepare. That’s totally normal my friend! Don’t worry, I’m here to help. In the week leading up to a photoshoot there are some things you can do to boost your confidence and guide you to the shoot of your dreams. Remember, this day will be all about you, your unique body, and your vibrant spirit. Now let's jump into some of the do’s and dont’s for preparing for your shoot!

Let’s start with skincare. What’s your skincare routine? You might have your daily routine and maybe a regime you use before a big event. Don’t stray from what you know. New products and methods can aggravate your skin and result in a complexion that may not make you feel like your most confident self. Things like exfoliating and moisturizing add a glow you can feel. I know that after a good exfoliation and moisture I walk around feeling beautiful and powerful! Another question for you. Do you get spray tans? If so, it’s a good idea to get that tan refreshed before your shoot. Just make sure you give it a few days if you will be working with white sheets. If you are not a regular at the tanning salon, it’s recommended that you don’t experiment with spray tans before your shoot as you might not be as happy with the outcome. Remember, your most authentic self shines the brightest!

When it comes to hair and makeup, it’s important to express yourself. If you want to go full glam, go for it! Don’t forget we also love to see a bare faced beauty. To glam or not to glam is up to you! If you decide to wear makeup, overdo it a little. The camera loves when you make it a little more dramatic. Choose the look you love and run with it! Long haired loves, loose curls are a fan favorite. Short haired friends, we love when you go with your usual style. For those doing their own hair and makeup, make sure to have it done before you walk into the studio. If you go the route of using a professional hair and makeup artist, make sure to have clean hair and a clean face. It’s way easier to work with. You’re going to look and feel amazing. 

Don’t forget to feed that body! You might be tempted to skip a meal before your shoot but remember: food is fuel and you are using a lot of mental and physical energy when you're workin’ it in the studio. Our bodies change throughout the day as we eat and drink and that's totally okay! To be honest, I love when I have a food baby. It reminds me that I am taking care of my body, the only oneI have. If you decide to exercise in the days leading up to your shoot, take it easy. You don’t want to be crazy sore while posing for that camera. I want you to have the most comfortable experience possible.

The most important thing when it comes to your shoot is that you’re comfortable, empowered, and representing your beautifully authentic self. I hope this article gave you some helpful information for the next time you step into the studio! Be strong, be vibrant, be you. I know you’ll crush this shoot.  

Embrace all Bodies, especially the one that you are in.

Love,

Samantha and Katelyn, the Embrace All Bodies team




Embrace All Bodies | The International Women's Day Battle

Raleigh, Durham Body positive Boudoir.jpg

Guess what day it is babes?!?! Yep, International Women's Day! March 8th, the day of all days. The mack daddy of nationally recognized days. It’s filled with hope, love and encouragement. A 24 hour window where women stand up and support other women, pushing aside any trace of competition or jealousy. Today, there is a place at the table for us, a seat, a dinner plate. We are seen as equals and I can’t even begin to describe how bad ass that is. So why does it feel so shallow? Fleeting and hard to grasp like sand through your fingers. I think it’s because it’s an unsustainable high, the kind you get from too much sugar that inevitably leaves you hungry and hollow.

So today, I would like to unpack this feeling of hollowness because I know I can’t be the only person who feels this way. We live in a world of sneaky inequality. Hidden in the shadows cast from the mountains of progress that have been made thus far for women. We have pushed and worked so tirelessly for equality that some days, like today, we feel on top of the world….until we turn and see that our mountain of progress still pales in comparison to the peaks that our male counter parts have been navigating forever. No shame towards the men in my life, but for once, I would love to know what the air tastes like up there.

As one of my most favorite authors, Brené Brown says “courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” Well, here I am world, standing in all my bra burning glory shouting from the rooftops that we still have work to do. On this international day of celebration I will stand in my courage and be seen for all the women who can’t stand one second longer. I will be the voice shouting above the noise for the women who no longer have a voice. I will be the body in the arena that keeps battling for the women who can no longer hold their sword. I will fight and keep fighting until we are seen as equals because it’s time to change the narrative. We deserve those peaks just as much as anyone else in this world and it’s time to keep climbing. Standing in our courage is scary but the alternative to standing and letting our voice be heard is silence, and that terrifies me even more.

We should not live in a world where women need a holiday to celebrate their accomplishments. An international day dedicated to the girl in the back who won the conciliation prize, a pity award for doing our best. Women are doing bad ass things in this world and should be celebrated every damn day. Not just on this glorious day of joy and hope. We should live in a world where this high is sustainable, something that can push us upwards towards greatness and equality, not just be a sugar rush of hope that dissipates and leaves us feeling hollow and alone.

So today, I will enjoy the rush and let this tidal wave of joy wash over me and cleanse my soul. I will embrace all the amazing stories of women doing amazing things, but I will also fight like hell to sustain this high and make sure the women in my world know how special they are 365 days a year. Not just March 8th, but every single day they walk this earth. I will shout and battle and stand my ground because the women I surround myself with deserve that. They deserve to know just how special they are and how worthy they are of equality. Not just today, but every day. Embrace all bodies, all women and all accomplishments. And sis, never ever let your crown fall as you navigate the rocky terrain to the peaks of equality ahead. You are loved, you are worthy and you are enough.

Cheers,

Katelyn


Here are just a few of the many women I chose to battle for. Thanks for being a part of my world.