on trend magazine spring issue | Page 42

As any bride-to-be will tell you, choosing a wedding-day gift for your groom is one item that’s hard to cross of the pre-nuptial to-do list. For those who want to surprise their partner with a peek at their passionate side, a boudoir photoshoot is the perfect present.

Jenny Taylor, owner of Jenny Taylor Boudoir Photography, a Chicago-based company recently announced their expansion into the West Coast with the opening of a Los Angeles studio in January 2017, has compiled a list of do’s and don’ts for any bride-to-be considering a boudoir photoshoot:

DO take the time to do your research. It’s important to find a photographer that not only has a solid reputation but with whom you feel comfortable. Before booking your session, read through testimonials and online reviews of clients they’ve previously worked with. Ask to see examples of their work and schedule a phone call with them to get a concrete feel for their professionalism and personality.

DON’T feel like you have to wear lingerie. “One of the biggest misconceptions about boudoir photography is that wearing super-sexy lingerie is a requirement,” says Taylor. While many of her clients do wear teddies, bra & panty sets or negligées, others opt for more playful looks, like a jersey from their guy’s favorite sports team, a strategically placed sheet or silky robe.

DON’T spray tan. While it might be seem like a good idea to get your tan on before stepping in front of the camera, it isn’t. Tan skin actually counteracts the lighting used for boudoir photos, yielding a less-than-desirable look. Steer clear of any self-tanning products at least 5 days before your shoot.

DO remember that this experience is as much for you as it is for your groom. Women spend lots of time (and, in some cases, big bucks) on amped-up fitness and beauty routines leading up to their nuptials. “Right before her wedding day is the perfect time for a bride to take a moment and celebrate herself with a boudoir photoshoot,” says Taylor. “Not only are most brides looking and feeling their best in the weeks leading up to their wedding, but the excitement and happiness they’re feeling during that time really shows through in photos.”