Preparing for Your Pole & Boudoir Photoshoot
Photoshoots present a beautiful opportunity to celebrate you, as you are, right now, in all respects of your life. How often do we get to put the world on pause, get dolled up, and express our strengths, sensuality, and personality just for ourselves?!
We know photoshoots can feel a bit overwhelming, which is why we are sharing tips and strategies to help you prepare for your moment. Remember, photoshoots are meant to be fun!
Let’s Talk Outfits
Tip #1: Plan your outfits in advance! It’s okay if you have a few extra outfits planned that you haven’t decided between, but you don’t want it to be the day-of and have no idea what you want to wear. Be sure to try your outfits on before the shoot! Two outfits are not required, so if you’re feeling one outfit for the entire shoot, go for it. The second outfit is optional.
Tip #2: Select something that YOU feel good in. Your “feel good” style is not the same as someone else’s feel good style. If lingerie is your style, go for it. Some people despise lingerie, and that’s fine too. Sensual, edgy, playful, flirty, athletic, silly, etc. are all fair game. How you feel in what you wear will radiate through your photos… positive or negative. Let’s go for positive.
Tip #3: It's fine to splurge and treat yourself by buying new outfits or heels, but remember you don't have to do that in order to get good pictures.
Tip #4: Also plan your hair and makeup in advance. If you want to try a look you haven’t done before, do a test run beforehand. You don’t want the stress of it being the day of and you can’t get your hair or makeup done the way that you want.
Tip #5: Consider the location of the photoshoot and the poses you want. Pick outfits that will be complementary to the color scheme and overall vibe of the photoshoot setup and location. In planning your hair and makeup, you may want to consider the sweat factor as extra lighting means extra heat.
Tip #6: Think about the poses and tricks you want to do in your outfit. It’s no fun having to constantly adjust clothing so that it lays right and covers everything it needs to.
Tip #7: Consider whether you need body tape, pasties, or any other type of dress aid in case your outfit shifts during the photoshoot.
How About Poses?
Tip #1: Have a short list of poses and tricks that you want to include to reference during your shoot. It’s also helpful to have example pictures that you can show the photographer to help explain specific angles you may want. Quality is better than quantity. If you don’t get through you entire list that’s okay!
Tip #2: Plan poses that you can hold for a while! This allows the photographer to get multiple pictures from different angles. It also gives a chance for the photographer or the instructor present to provide helpful feedback such as ‘look up’ or ‘point your toes’ to help you get the best shot possible.
Tip #3: We also recommend coming in and out of the same pose multiple times. The “shot” rarely is captured on the first attempt.
Tip #4: Your list shouldn't be only difficult tricks! Instead, plan a variety! This helps you pivot if something on your list just isn't working that day. A mix of poses, tricks, and freestyle dancing will yield a great mix of content.
Tip #5: Consider the location and logistics of the photoshoot. What will be the temperature and humidity in the location of the photoshoot- will grip be a concern? Between the shoot logistics and your personal schedule, think about how much time you will have to stretch and your ability to stay warm. Will your body be warm enough and thoroughly stretched enough to execute that pose or trick the way you want?
Remember, sometimes it's the "easiest" tricks and "simplest" poses that photograph the most stunningly!
Tips for Success During Your Photoshoot
Tip #1: Pace yourself! Photoshoots are exhausting! Don't go crazy on the tricks, you will be more exhausted than you anticipate. Posing first and doing tricks last will keep you from messing up your hair or getting really sweaty.
Tip #2: Arrive early enough so you can fully stretch and warm up. Get your body warm and stretch the muscles you need to so that you can safely execute what you want!
Tip #3: Communicate with your photographer. If there is a specific angle you want of something, speak up! It’s also okay to ask for feedback about how something looks through the camera lens.
Tip #4: Pack smart. Bring what you will need to succeed to your photoshoot. Water, grip aid, outfit changes, snacks, lipstick. It can also be helpful to bring a blanket or something you can easily take off to keep you warm while waiting for your time slot to begin.
Tip #5: Relax and have fun. There is no need to fear! No one is judging you. There is no "standard" of what you have to look like or do. This is a creative process, so if you go off script from your game plan that’s normal. You, the photographer, or assistant may see magic in something and want to dive into it.
Just like anything else, photoshoots are a learning experience. Being photogenic or comfortable in front of a camera takes practice and time. Give yourself grace and compassion if this is your first time and enjoy the experience!
Your pole instructors and besties are here to help! From helping you choose outfits and poses, to holding your butt up the day off- WE GOT YOU! We’d love to answer your questions, see your selections, or talk you through a strategy.