Boudoir Photo Shoot

Prep Guide

Thank you for booking a photo shoot with Monroe & Co Studio!

We’re so excited to have you at the studio for a fun, empowering photo shoot!

Before Your Shoot

Your Session is officially booked! Here's everything you need to know:

- Need to reach us? The best way is by text: 501.474.5741.

Due to high volume, we may not see or respond to DMs on social media.

- Your session is officially reserved just for you! If you need to reschedule, let us know as soon as possible.

- Rescheduling comes with a $25 fee.

- If you reschedule with less than 30 days’ notice (but more than 14 days), there’s a $250 fee.

- If you reschedule with less than 14 days’ notice, the fee is $500.

- All rescheduled sessions must be within 90 days of your original date.

- All sales are final. Since our sessions are custom, session fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

- Pre-payments are processed as non-refundable gift certificates that can be applied toward your intended purchases.

- Cancellations and no-shows will result in the loss of your entire session fee ($500) plus a cancellation fee.

- Look out for your contract! It’ll arrive by text and email—please sign it electronically within 24 hours of booking.

- Your photo reveal is the time to make your selections. Any images not purchased at your reveal & ordering appointment will be permanently deleted.

- Make a plan to go out after your session! You’re going to look gorgeous, feel empowered, and deserve to celebrate. (And if anyone asks about your stunning hair and makeup? Just say you got a free mall makeover. 😉)

- Treat yourself to a fresh manicure & pedicure. Your hands and feet will show in many photos. Whether you go for natural pink or a bold red, a little polish makes a big difference!

- Shape your brows and refresh your hair. A trim or fresh color will make everything look polished.

- If you wax, do it a couple of days before. This helps avoid any redness or irritation.

- Avoid sun exposure before your session. Tan lines and sunburns can be tricky to edit out.

- Skip exfoliating or AHA/BHA products 3 days before. These can cause peeling, which makes makeup harder to apply.

- Spray tans? Usually, natural skin looks best. But if you’re experienced with spray tans and love the way they look, go for it!

- Retouching is included, but… Tan lines, sunburns, and tanning streaks require extra editing ($30 per image).

- Tattoos you don’t want in photos? Bring an outfit that covers them. Tattoo removal in editing is available at $30 per tattoo per image.

- Don’t forget your shoes! The bottoms will show in many images, so give them a quick clean.

- On your period? No problem at all. We have complimentary products at the studio. You can wear a tampon if you’d like, and any bloating or acne will be taken care of in Photoshop.

- Wear loose clothing before your session. This helps prevent marks on your skin. A flowy dress (with no bra) is a great option!

- Pack an extra outfit. You might want a change of clothes before heading home.

- Most importantly, come in ready to feel amazing. This is all about YOU. We’ll make sure you feel confident, comfortable, and celebrated every step of the way!

What to Bring to Your Photo Shoot

Plan to bring to your photo shoot:

  1. ID

  2. CASH or CREDIT CARD to purchase any extra add-ons or images. Images not purchased will be promptly deleted.

  3. Any additional wardrobe items.

WARDROBE

- Have a specific look in mind? Bring your own wardrobe pieces! You’re welcome to bring a variety of outfits, and we’ll help you choose the best ones for the camera. We also have an extensive client closet in sizes XS-5X.

- Your session includes camera time for 1-4 outfits. Want more variety? You can add additional outfits for $400 per look while you’re at the studio. More outfits = more images in your gallery.

- If you LOVE it, bring it. If you don’t? Leave it at home. Confidence is everything!

- Try everything on before your session. Fit matters more than style. If it doesn’t feel good, it probably won’t look good in photos.

- Not sure you’ll wear everything? Keep the tags on items you might want to return after your shoot.

- Texture looks amazing on camera. Think lace, mesh, beading, or metal details. These add depth and dimension to your photos.

- Classic is always a win. Black lingerie is timeless and sexy. Jewel tones, like deep purple, navy, red, turquoise, and crimson flatter almost everyone.

Here are some tips on what you might want to bring:

BRA & PANTY SETS

A matching bra & panty set in virtually any color or pattern is guaranteed to look great in your photoshoot.

TYPES OF PANTIES

Panties come in all shapes and sizes. In most cases, panties with a bit of lace and/or coverage (left) will photograph better than a G-string. However, there is one shot we love to do if you bring a great thong (right)!

BODYSUITS

We highly recommend bodysuits! Bodysuits are incredibly flattering on any body type and photograph really well. Bodysuits come in many styles and look great with and without sleeves.

NEXT-TO-NOTHING

Of course, for one of your looks, you are welcome to wear next-to-nothing or nothing at all ;) Our studio doesn’t offer highly erotic images (like crotch shots), but we LOVE to shoot partial or implied nudity.

Here are our recommendations for lingerie shopping:

Our favorite in-store shopping: Nordstrom / Victoria's Secret / Journelle / Lover’s Lane

If you are looking for something quick and easy, there are several items you can buy on Amazon that look great on camera (click image to open in Amazon):

SHOES

For your boudoir photo shoot:

  • High-heeled shoes are essential - the higher the heel, the more flattering for your poses

  • Our studio provides black and tan heels with red soles in sizes 5-11

  • Consider bringing black shoes for dark lingerie and nude/metallic shoes for lighter pieces

  • Brides: please bring your wedding shoes

  • Please remove all labels/stickers and clean the soles of your shoes before arriving, as they will be visible in many photos

JEWELRY

Jewelry adds the perfect accent to your boudoir photos. Consider chunky necklaces, pearl strands, or meaningful personal pieces to enhance your images. Bracelets and earrings complement lingerie beautifully as well. Feel free to use our studio's selection of necklaces during your session.

HOSIERY

Thigh-high stockings make a stunning addition to virtually any lingerie ensemble. They can be worn with or without a garter belt, and we recommend exploring all varieties - black, white, fishnet, or lace - as they all photograph beautifully. However, if hosiery isn't your preference, rest assured that bare legs also look fantastic on camera!

BRIDAL ACCESSORIES

For brides-to-be, incorporating your wedding accessories into your boudoir session creates meaningful pre-wedding keepsakes. Consider bringing your wedding garter, veil, shoes, and engagement ring to your shoot. Don't worry if you're missing any items - our studio has garters, wedding veils, and pearls available for you to borrow.

OTHER ITEMS

  • Feel free to bring personal items to customize your shoot: lace robes, tank tops, sports jerseys, coffee mugs, uniform shirts, golf clubs, or special jewelry - anything that makes YOU feel sexy!

  • We do NOT photograph live animals, sex toys, drugs, cigarettes or weapons (light sabers are OK!).

  • Our studio provides complementary items you may borrow: tan or black heels with red soles, long pearl necklaces, and lingerie in sizes XS-5X.

MATERNITY

Coming in for a maternity shoot? All of the above info about wardrobe applies to you too! Bra & panty sets, body suits and robes with an open slit in the front all work well.

The Day of Your Shoot

  • Arrive at your scheduled appointment time with outfits, shoes, accessories & ID. Plan for approximately 3 hours at the studio.

  • You do NOT need to arrive early, as we may be with another client.

  • Your confirmation email shows your arrival time.

  • Late arrivals may reduce your camera time.

  • Come with a clean face and clean, dry hair.

  • Wear loose clothing (like a loose dress or yoga pants) to avoid skin indentations. Remove hair bands from wrists.

  • Choose front-buttoning or zip-up tops to protect hair and makeup when changing.

  • Use clear deodorant.

  • Hydrate well and eat something light but filling beforehand.

  • Bring cash or credit card to purchase your photo package

  • (no personal checks). For discreet purchases, consider a Visa gift card or cash. Plan to select and purchase any additional photos on the day of your shoot.

  • During makeup, we'll discuss your preferences.

  • We'll guide you through every pose - no practice needed! We'll direct your hand and facial positions to ensure you look amazing.

  • Always tell us if a pose is uncomfortable or painful - every pose can be modified.

  • Take a deep breath and relax. Pre-shoot nerves are completely normal, but you're in experienced hands and we'll support you throughout the entire process!

Professional Hair, Makeup and Lashes

Hair

  • Plan to arrive at the studio with your hair clean and dry.

  • Clean hair is easiest for styling. Day-old hair is fine if that's your routine, but wet or greasy roots make styling difficult. Squeaky clean hair is actually easier to style than greasy hair.

  • Loose curls are the most common boudoir hairstyle. The artist will use dry styling, products, and hot tools to create your sexy look.

  • Do NOT expect the artist to blow-dry your hair, this is a $200 add-on.

  • Up-do hairstyles are not included in your session fee.

  • If you have very curly hair and want it straightened, please notify us in advance so we can allocate extra styling time.

  • For clip-in extensions longer than 12 inches, please inform us ahead of time as they require additional styling.

  • If bringing a wig, remember only 100% human hair wigs can withstand heat styling. Synthetic wigs will melt, even if mislabeled as human hair on Amazon. Look for authentic Remy 100% human hair wigs with intact cuticle layers. Test your wig with heat at home first - if you can't curl it, neither can our stylist.

Make-up

  • Arrive at the studio with a clean, makeup-free face.

  • Inform the makeup artist immediately about any allergies, sensitivities, or special requests.

  • Feel free to bring inspiration photos to help guide the artist toward your preferred look.

  • The classic boudoir aesthetic features a subtle smokey eye, eyeliner, sun-kissed cheeks, and pink or red lips.

  • Our studio lighting and camera equipment require more pronounced makeup than everyday wear. Our experienced artists specialize in boudoir-appropriate makeup and will ensure you look fabulous. This is your opportunity to embrace a more glamorous look!

  • Don't worry about blemishes or small bruises - whatever makeup can't conceal can be removed during photo editing.

Lashes

  • False lashes create that essential glamorous look in boudoir photography. If you're new to wearing temporary lashes, they might feel heavy initially, but once fully dry (approximately 5-6 minutes), you'll barely notice them.

  • To remove the lashes, simply apply warm water and/or makeup remover with gentle rubbing and they'll slide off easily.

Directions to the Studio

Monroe & Co Studio is located at 4577 Malvern Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71901, Arkansas.

Purchasing a Photo Collection

  • Right after your photoshoot, you'll view a slideshow of your images while still at the studio — talk about instant gratification!

  • Plan to set up a payment plan or pay in full within 30 days of booking your session. We do NOT offer experience-only sessions.

  • All photo products are available to view as samples at our studio.

  • Due to the custom nature of portrait photography, all sales are final.

  • Your booking session fee is separate and does not count toward your photo package purchase.

We offer 3 payment options for photo collections:

  1. Pay for your photo package in full within of booking your session using cash or credit/debit card. We accept all major credit and debit cards and cash (We do NOT accept CashApp, Zelle or personal checks).

  2. Apply for financing through Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm, or PayPal Credit. Afterpay offers 4 interest-free payments. PayPal provides 6 months of interest-free payments. If you plan to use PayPal Credit, create a PayPal account and apply before your photo shoot by googling "apply for paypal credit."

  3. Set up an in-house, interest free pre-payment plan. Make your selection, decide if you want to pay monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly, and book your session up to 12 months out. Pre-payment plans must be completed 14 days prior to your session.

    As a bonus, we offer FREE additional outfits for pre-paying for a collection!

Calendar

Diamond Block

Retro Viewfinder

Albums

Image Retouching / Photoshopping

At Monroe & Co Studio, we focus on posing and lighting during your shoot to showcase your natural beauty. Our retouching isn't about placing your head on someone else's body or applying unrealistic filters - boudoir photography celebrates your unique beauty! We specialize in realistic beauty enhancement.

We provide complimentary retouching on all photos at no extra cost to ensure you look your absolute best.

Your final images and prints will be retouched according to your preferences after your reveal & ordering appointment.

As needed, our complimentary retouching includes: skin tone correction and smoothing, blemish and bruise removal, wrinkle reduction, waist nipping, body contouring, and teeth whitening.

Tattoos: If you prefer not to show a tattoo in your images, consider bringing items that cover it. Tattoo removal retouching is not included with photo purchases but can be provided at $30 per tattoo per image.

Tan lines, sunburns and tanning streaks: Retouching of these areas is not included with photo purchases but can be accommodated at $30 per image.

Special requests: Need something retouched that isn't mentioned here? Just ask. Basic retouching requests are included at no cost; extensive retouching may require a $30 per image fee.

Opting out of retouching: Many clients prefer no retouching at all, which is completely fine. Want to keep your birthmark or celebrate your stretch marks? Just let us know your preferences!

After Your Shoot

  • You'll leave the studio with a wonderful boost of confidence. Enjoy that empowered feeling throughout your day!

  • Your images will be sent for printing and/or retouching immediately after placing your order during the reveal & ordering appointment. Due to the custom nature of our work, all sales are final.

  • Images that are not purchased will be deleted.

  • Digital images will be delivered within 10 business days via a password-protected gallery sent to your email address on file.

  • Print products will arrive at your doorstep 4-6 weeks after your reveal & ordering appointment. Multiple items may arrive separately. Rush delivery is available for $75.

  • Most clients prefer having products shipped directly to their doorstep. You may also schedule an appointment to pick up your photo products at the studio.

Facebook VIP Group

If you’re not already a part of the VIP Facebook group, we’d love to have you join -

it’s free and fun! Click HERE to join.

Join over 3,500 empowered women for:

  • Inspiration and girl power

  • Preparation tips and tricks for your boudoir photo shoot

  • Behind-the-scenes insights about Monroe & Co Studio

  • First access to promotions and giveaways

  • Ideas to maximize your boudoir photo shoot experience

Join our Facebook group to be part of an active community of empowered women. 

Can't wait to see you there!

©Monroe & Co Studio

All Rights Reserved

CONTACT US

Arkansas

(501) 474-5741

ABOUT US

Carli, the owner of Monroe & Co. Boudoir, is renowned for her ability to capture the essence of beauty and confidence in every woman.

©Monroe & Co Studio • All Rights Reserved