Elevation Boudoir
Tuscaloosa, AL
Your Session
Prep Guide
How to prepare your body, skin, and mind before your session
Welcome
The better you prepare,
the better your images.
This guide is focused on one thing: helping you show up on session day feeling ready. Your skin, your hair, your nails — all of it shows on camera at the resolution we shoot, and small habits in the weeks leading up to your session make a real difference.
Read this now, then read it again the week before. Questions? Text us directly at 205.496.5383 — we're happy to walk through anything with you.
At a Glance
Your Prep Timeline
Here's the big picture — everything broken down by when to do it.
Right Now
Start the Habits
Start moisturizing your entire body daily — not just your face. Begin drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day. Cut back on alcohol if you can. Your skin will thank you by session day.
6–8 Weeks Out
Appointments & Planning
If you want a hair color change, trim, or big style update — book it now, not next week. Same for brow shaping, lash extensions, and any waxing routine you want to establish. Don't start anything new the week before.
2 Weeks Out
Skin Focus
Cut back on salt and alcohol — both cause water retention and puffiness. Double down on SPF. If you tan, keep it gradual and even, and plan to finish a full week before your session. Begin gentle exfoliation 2–3 times this week.
The Week Before
Final Prep
Get your nails done this week — not the day before. Wax at least 3–5 days before your session. Avoid any new skincare products you haven't used before. No new laser or chemical treatments.
The Night Before
Set Yourself Up
Moisturize your body head to toe. Shave legs and underarms if you prefer. Lay out your bag. Wear loose pajamas — no tight elastic waistbands. Get a full night of sleep. No new self-tanner or spray tan.
Session Morning
Morning Of
Eat a real breakfast. Wear loose, comfortable clothing — no bra, no tight waistband, no hair tie on your wrist. Arrive makeup-free with clean, dry hair. We handle everything from there.
Body Prep
Skin Preparation
We shoot at high resolution and our images are retouched — but well-prepped skin photographs dramatically better and requires less editing. These habits compound over weeks, so start now.
Hydration
Drink More Water
Eight glasses a day minimum, starting now. Hydrated skin photographs with a natural glow that no filter or edit can replicate. This is the single most effective thing you can do.
Cut alcohol as much as possible in the two weeks before your session — it depletes skin of nutrients and causes puffiness and dullness, especially visible around the eyes.
Daily Ritual
Moisturize Every Day
Apply body lotion or body butter daily — every single day leading up to your session. Focus on your legs, arms, stomach, and any areas that tend to feel dry. Well-moisturized skin catches light beautifully.
For your face: add an eye cream to your morning and evening routine. The camera picks up under-eye texture easily.
Exfoliation
Slough Off Dead Skin
Exfoliate your body gently 2–3 times per week starting a couple weeks out. Stop exfoliating 48 hours before your session — skin can be sensitized right after and needs time to calm.
For your face: a gentle exfoliant 2–3 times a week leaves skin smoother so makeup sits better. Stop 48–72 hours before your session.
Face
Dermaplaning
Consider dermaplaning your face 5–7 days before your session. It removes peach fuzz and dead skin cells, making makeup application smoother and more flawless on camera. Professional models and actresses swear by it.
If you've never dermaplaned before, do a test run earlier so you know how your skin reacts before doing it close to your session date.
Sun Exposure
Protect Your Skin
Wear SPF daily starting now. A fresh sunburn or uneven tan line on session day is very difficult to retouch and can affect your entire gallery.
If you tan, finish a full week before your session — never the day before or the day of. Spray tanning? Book a hand-spray tech over a booth, or reach for a mousse if you're tanning at home. Both go on more evenly and transfer less onto lingerie and studio fabrics. Tanning bed? Apply lotion evenly, start with clean hands, and rotate for even coverage. And no tan lines — they fall outside standard retouching.
Diet
Reduce Salt & Bloating
In the two weeks before your session, cut back on high-sodium foods and alcohol — both cause water retention that's visible in images, especially around the stomach and face.
The morning of: eat a full, real breakfast. Skipping food does not make you look thinner in photos — it makes you tired, lightheaded, and less present.
Hair Care
Your Hair Before
Session Day
We provide professional hair and makeup on session day — you arrive with clean, dry hair and we handle everything from there. But what you do in the weeks before still matters.
Color & Cuts
Timing Is Everything
If you want a color refresh, new cut, or any significant style change — schedule it at least one full week before your session. Hair color needs a few days to settle and look its best on camera.
Avoid big changes in the week before. If something goes wrong, you want time to correct it.
Brows
At Least 3–4 Days Before
If you get your brows waxed, threaded, or tinted — do it at least 3–4 days before your session. Freshly done brows can be red or slightly swollen, and that shows under studio lighting.
If you're trying a new brow style for the first time, do it even earlier so you have time to adjust if needed.
Lash Extensions
At Least 48 Hours Before
If you have lash extensions or want to add them for your session, have them applied or filled at least 48 hours before. New extensions need time to settle and the adhesive needs to fully cure.
We apply strip lashes as part of every makeup service — just let us know if you already have extensions so we can plan accordingly.
Session Day
Arrive Clean & Dry
Wash your hair the morning of your session and arrive with it completely dry. Do not apply any styling products — no dry shampoo, no mousse, no oils. A clean, dry base gives us the best canvas to work with.
Scalp Health
Pre-Session Tip
If you tend toward a dry or flaky scalp, use a scalp treatment or clarifying shampoo about 5 days before your session to clear any buildup. Clean scalp = healthier looking hair under studio lighting.
Hair Ties
Morning Of
Do not wear a hair tie on your wrist the morning of your session. The indent it leaves on your wrist skin takes time to fade and shows in images. Same rule applies to tight watches or bracelets worn all morning.
Hair Removal
Waxing & Shaving
Hair removal is completely a personal choice — do whatever makes you feel most comfortable and like yourself. If you do plan to wax or shave, here's how to time it right.
The Golden Rules
Waxing
Wax 3–5 days before your session — not closer. This gives any redness or skin reaction time to fully calm before you're in front of the camera. Never wax the day before or the day of.
Shaving
Shave the night before your session for the smoothest result. Shaving more than 2 days before can leave stubble that's noticeable on camera. Moisturize right after shaving to reduce any irritation.
First-Time Waxing
If you've never waxed before, don't start a week before your session. Skin reacts unpredictably the first time — redness, bumps, and ingrown hairs are common. Start at least 4–6 weeks in advance to establish a routine.
Do This
- Wax 3–5 days before your session
- Shave the night before for the smoothest result
- Moisturize right after shaving to calm skin
- Exfoliate 2–3 days before shaving to prevent ingrowns
- Use a clean, sharp razor — never a dull blade
- Apply a soothing lotion or aloe after waxing
Skip These
- Waxing the day before or day of your session
- Trying a new waxing area for the first time close to your session
- Using a dull or shared razor
- Skipping moisturizer after hair removal
- Using depilatory creams if you have sensitive skin
- Laser treatments within 2 weeks of your session
The Finishing Details
Nails, Sleep & Everything Else
Nails
Get Them Done This Week
Your hands appear in a significant number of shots — nails are more visible than most clients expect. A fresh manicure and pedicure makes a real difference.
Schedule your appointment 2–3 days before your session — not the day before, so polish has time to fully harden. Any color you love — your favorite shade, bold, expressive, whatever feels like you. Just skip the neons; they don't translate in editing. Can't keep your nails done because of work or life? Grab a cute set of press-ons from CVS or any drugstore. They're cheap, go on in minutes, and look perfect on camera.
Sleep
Rest Is Non-Negotiable
Aim for 7–8 hours the two nights before your session. Well-rested skin is brighter, your eyes look more vibrant, and you'll move through poses with so much more ease.
Poor sleep shows in images — particularly under the eyes and in skin texture. It's one of the easiest things to control and one of the most overlooked.
Skincare Products
No Experiments This Week
Do not try any new skincare products in the week before your session. Reactions, breakouts, and sensitivities happen — often at the worst time. Stick to what your skin already knows and loves.
This includes serums, retinol, acids, face masks, and anything you haven't used before. Save the new products for after your session.
Stretching
Move Your Body
Posing is more physical than most people expect. The more flexible and mobile you are, the more effortlessly you'll move through the session — and the more creative we can get with your poses.
We have a full stretching guide on our website with recommended movements and video tutorials. Start working through it before bed in the weeks leading up to your session. View the stretching guide →
Session Day
Your Day-Of Checklist
Use this to make sure you have everything before you walk out the door.
What to Bring
- All outfits, lingerie, and accessories (tags removed)
- Jewelry — don't forget your favorites
- Shoes — at least one pair of heels
- Your own lotion if your skin is naturally very dry
- A white tank top if you added the Shower experience
- Any personal props or items meaningful to you
How to Arrive
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing — no tight waistbands
- No bra — marks take time to fade on skin
- No hair tie on your wrist
- Arrive completely makeup-free
- Clean, dry hair — no styling products
- Eat a full breakfast before you arrive
About Parking
Street parking in downtown Tuscaloosa enforces a 2-hour limit. We recommend the Intermodal Parking Deck or the free lot behind Embassy Suites at the bottom of the hill.
Common Questions
FAQ
Is hair and makeup included?
Yes — professional hair, makeup, and strip lashes are included with full sessions. Arrive with clean, dry hair and no makeup on. We take it from there. Note: hair and makeup is not included for mini sessions.
What if I'm nervous?
That's completely normal — nearly every client walks in nervous and walks out feeling incredible. Nerves disappear within the first few minutes every single time. We guide you through everything; you don't need to know how to pose.
Can I bring a friend?
Sessions are private and guests are not permitted in the studio. This is intentional — clients consistently relax and open up much faster without an audience. You'll be glad you did this one on your own.
What if I want implied or fully nude shots?
We offer implied nude and tasteful nude options for clients who are interested. This is discussed in your questionnaire before your session. It is always completely your choice on the day — no pressure, ever.
How many outfits should I bring?
We recommend 3–6 changes. Bring a range — some lingerie sets, a bodysuit, a sweater or oversized shirt, and your fishnets. More options give us more creative flexibility during your session.
When will I see my images?
The same day as your session. Within 15 minutes of your last shutter click, Rachel pulls up all of your images on screen for your same-day reveal. You choose your favorites, place your order, and walk out the door with your digital images in hand — no waiting, no second appointment. This is your ordering window, so plan to upgrade. Nearly every client falls for more images than she expected, and you can absolutely take home more. Post-session payment plans are available, and we'll work out a way for you to walk away with more than you started with.
Do I need to wax?
That's entirely your personal preference. If you do plan to wax, do it at least 3–5 days before your session to avoid any redness or irritation. Never wax the day before.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes — we can work with or without them. Glasses can add a lot of personality to shots. If you typically wear contacts, bring both options and we'll decide what works best for each look.
We cannot wait
to see you.