An honest look behind the scenes of a Laid Bare session
Updated: 26 August 2026
A boudoir shoot with me starts with a chat, not a camera being pointed at you the second you arrive.
We’ll run through the plan, talk about your outfits and check that you’re still comfortable with everything we discussed beforehand. You’ll then have time to get changed or finish getting ready, and we can pour some prosecco if you fancy it.
Only then does the photography start.
Most Laid Bare experiences last between one and two hours, but that doesn’t mean two solid hours in front of the camera. The experience includes getting ready, setting up, changing outfits, moving between areas and taking short breaks.
You don’t need modelling experience, and you’re not expected to know how to pose. I’ll guide you throughout, and you can pause, change direction or say you’re uncomfortable at any point.
What happens before the first photograph?
Before the shoot, I’ll ask you to complete a questionnaire covering your ideas, boundaries and anything I should know.
When you arrive, we’ll go through everything again. That gives you a chance to ask questions, show me what you’ve brought and tell me if something no longer feels right.
Nothing is set in stone simply because it appeared on the original plan.
If you’re still deciding what to bring or how to prepare, my boudoir photoshoot preparation guide covers outfits, grooming and the practical bits in detail. This article is about what happens once you’re actually here.
What does Lucie do during a boudoir shoot?
Lucie joins many of my shoots when she can.
When she’s there, she helps me set up, looks through outfit choices, keeps an eye on small details and acts as an extra pair of hands. She also chats with clients, helps keep everything relaxed, and often demonstrates a pose while I talk through it.
Could I do the shoots without her? Yes. But we make a good team, and having both of us there often helps everything flow more easily.
Her attendance isn’t guaranteed, and you can request that she isn’t present if you would prefer the shoot to be just you and me.
How is the shoot actually structured?
The exact timing depends on you, the location and what we’re creating.
We allow about 15 minutes for setup and breakdown. Once the photography starts, we’ll generally spend about 20 minutes working in each area or setup, followed by roughly five minutes to reset.
That short gap might be used to:
- Change your outfit
- Adjust the lighting or set
- Have a drink
- Take a breather
- Talk through what we’re doing next
These aren’t strict stopwatch timings. Some setups naturally take longer, while others come together quickly. The point is that the shoot has a rhythm. You’re not expected to perform continuously for the entire session.
What if you have no idea how to pose?
That’s completely normal.
I’ll talk you through where to place your hands, how to position your body, where to look and what to do with your expression. We’ll make small adjustments until the pose works for you.
If Lucie is there, she’ll often hop into the setup and demonstrate the pose while I explain it.
Sometimes the clearest way to make a small adjustment is for one of us to move a hand, shoulder, section of hair or piece of clothing. We will only touch you to make an adjustment with your prior permission. If you would rather make the change yourself, that’s absolutely fine.
You can also read my separate boudoir and sensual posing guide if you’re curious, but you don’t need to practise or memorise anything before the shoot.
Why don’t I usually show photographs on the back of the camera?
I generally don’t show clients unedited photographs during the shoot.
That isn’t me being secretive. An unfinished photograph isn’t a fair representation of the finished image. If you see a raw frame you don’t like, it can make you suddenly self-conscious and take the edge off the rest of the session.
I’d rather keep you focused on the experience and let you judge the photographs when they’ve been properly selected and edited.
What if something doesn’t feel right during the shoot?
Tell us.
We check in at the start and continue checking throughout the session. If you’re uncomfortable with a pose, an outfit, a particular angle or anything else, we’ll change it.
You haven’t ruined the plan or made things awkward. The plan exists to help create the shoot you want, not to trap you into doing something you’ve changed your mind about.
The same applies whether you’ve booked a solo boudoir shoot, a dudeoir session, couples photography or something more erotic.
The basic process is similar. The styling, poses and boundaries are personal to you.
Does a boudoir shoot feel awkward?
It can feel strange for the first few minutes. Most people aren’t used to being professionally photographed, particularly in lingerie or with less on.
What usually surprises clients is how quickly they settle into it.
We keep things light-hearted, talk throughout the shoot and have a laugh. You’re not left standing silently under a light while I expect you to somehow know what to do.
Once you realise you’re being guided and don’t have to perform, it normally becomes much easier.
For a real example of how those first awkward minutes can change over time, read Lucie’s progression across four very different boudoir shoots.
What happens after the shoot?
We'll deliver your finished photographs through a private online gallery. The number of images included and current delivery time depend on the session you book, so check the current boudoir prices and packages.
If you want more photographs than your package includes, you can currently purchase additional fully edited digital images through your gallery for £25 each, or five for £100.
You can also order prints, wall art and other physical products through the gallery, with different offers available depending on what you choose.
After you’ve received your photographs, I’ll send you another questionnaire asking for your thoughts and feedback.
That questionnaire also asks whether I have permission to use any of your photographs and whether you would like to leave a testimonial. Those are separate choices. Booking a shoot does not give me automatic permission to publish your photographs, and you can keep the entire session private.
Where do you get changed?
Most of the studios we use have a dedicated changing room.
If we’re shooting at another location, we’ll agree on a suitable changing area beforehand so you know what to expect.
I generally leave the room while you change. We’ll ask whether you’re comfortable with Lucie staying, but we assume she'll leave unless you clearly say otherwise. Let us know when you’re ready, and we’ll come back in.
How much retouching do you do?
I retouch every finished photograph, but the aim is always to keep you looking natural and recognisably like yourself.
That can include skin retouching, temporary blemish removal, teeth whitening, softening scars or stretch marks and making small adjustments to body shape where appropriate. I keep it subtle rather than creating plastic-looking skin or changing you into somebody else.
I know some people disagree with any retouching. The problem is that cameras and studio lighting can record every tiny detail far more harshly than the human eye normally sees another person. My approach is to bring the photograph closer to how you’re seen in real life.
How do you choose your finished photographs?
I edit every photograph from the shoot that is worth editing and upload the finished selection to your private online gallery.
You can then choose and download the number of images included with your package through your gallery account.
Once you’ve downloaded your included photographs, you’ll have the option to purchase additional fully edited digital images directly from the gallery. These currently cost £25 each or five for £100.
You can also purchase prints, wall art and other physical products through the gallery, with different offers available depending on what you choose.
professional hair and makeup
Professional hair and makeup aren’t included as standard, but I can arrange them for you if we discuss it beforehand.
Boudoir photoshoot FAQs
Can I ask for Lucie not to attend?
Yes. Lucie’s attendance isn’t guaranteed anyway, but you can request that she not be present if you would feel more comfortable.
Do I have to drink prosecco?
No. It’s simply an option if you fancy a glass. You don’t need alcohol to do the shoot or settle your nerves.
What if I need more time between setups?
Say so. The timings are a general guide, not a production line. We’ll use the booked session time in the way that works best for you.
When do I decide whether my photographs can be shared?
After you’ve received them. I’ll ask for permission in the follow-up questionnaire, and you can say no. Your booking alone is not permission to use your images.
What can the photographs be used for?
Images can be created for your website, social media, event listings, press coverage, printed materials and wider venue promotion. We’ll discuss the intended uses before the shoot so the correct images and formats can be planned.
Does the same process apply to couples, dudeoir and erotic shoots?
Yes. The basic structure is the same, but the styling, poses, and boundaries adapt to the people involved and the type of photographs you want to create.
What if I have limited mobility or an injury?
Tell me ahead of time so we can plan the session around you. We adapt the poses, setups, and pace of the shoot to each person’s mobility, rather than expecting everyone to move or pose the same way.
Can I bring somebody with me?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring one person for support. More than one additional person can make the space feel crowded and change the shoot's atmosphere, so I limit companions to one.
Thinking about booking a boudoir shoot?
If you’re still unsure or want to discuss an idea, reach out and tell me what you’re considering. You don’t need to have the entire shoot worked out before contacting me.
About Lee
I’m Lee, the photographer behind Laid Bare Productions. I have more than 15 years of photography experience and have won multiple awards for my work, including an Alt Award.
I photograph relaxed, fully guided boudoir, dudeoir, couples and erotic sessions across the UK. Most people I work with aren’t models and have never done anything like this before. My job is to explain everything clearly, keep the shoot light-hearted and create photographs that still feel like you, without assuming what you’re comfortable with.
