Boston Boudoir Photographer: Hair & Makeup Before and After
One of my favorite parts of a boudoir session happens before the camera even comes out.
Recently, I had two lovely clients in the studio, and both trusted my longtime hair and makeup artist, Jenny Luu, to help create their looks. Jenny has been part of my boudoir team for years, and one of the things I love most about working with her is how carefully she listens.
Because the goal isn't to make every client look the same. It's to help you look and feel like yourself — just a little more polished, confident, and ready to step in front of the camera.
And if you've been wondering what actually happens between walking into the studio and looking like the woman in the finished images...here's a little peek!
It All Starts Before Your Session
Before every session, I start a group email with my client, Jenny, and myself. This is one of the best places to ask questions, talk through ideas, and send inspiration photos.
Have a particular hairstyle you've been dreaming about? Send it!
Love a certain makeup look? Send it!
Not sure what you want at all? That's completely okay, too. We got you!
Jenny is wonderful at looking at inspiration and figuring out what will work best for each individual client, while also taking into consideration things like hair texture, skin, face shape, personal style, and the overall feel of the session.
It's a collaboration, not a one-size-fits-all formula.
And Then There's the Very Important Shirt Rule
Jenny will always remind you to arrive wearing a loose button-down or zipper shirt.
This might sound like a tiny detail, but trust me — it's SO SMART.
Once your hair and makeup are finished, you don't want to pull a tight shirt over your head and potentially mess up all that beautiful work. A button-down or zip-up makes it easy to change into your first photo outfit without disturbing your hair or makeup.
And as you can see from these two recent sessions...
Both ladies followed directions perfectly!
It's one of those little things that makes the entire morning run more smoothly.
A Little Skin & Hair Prep Before You Arrive
We also send clients some simple preparation tips before their session so they know exactly what to do — and what not to worry about.
Skin Prep
Before your session, we recommend:
Arriving with clean, makeup-free skin
Cleansing and moisturizing as usual
Exfoliating beforehand if your skin needs a little help with dry or flaky areas
Having your brows groomed
Keeping any hair and makeup inspiration photos handy
Nothing complicated. Just a little preparation so Jenny has a beautiful, fresh canvas to work with.
Hair Prep
For hair, we recommend:
Arriving with clean, smooth, frizz-free hair
Leaving your hair down rather than clipped up or tied back
Avoiding washing and air-drying right before your session, unless that's part of your normal curly-hair routine
If you have curly or naturally frizzy hair, continue with your usual products and routine to tame and control frizz
The goal is to arrive with your hair in a condition that makes it easy for Jenny to create the style you've discussed.
