CLIENT PREPARATION GUIDE

First of all, I’m so excited you’re here.

Booking a boudoir session is a big step, and it often comes with a mix of excitement and nerves. That’s completely normal. My goal is to create an experience where you feel comfortable, supported, and celebrated from the moment you book until the moment you hold your finished images in your hands.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you feel prepared and confident for your session.

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Your Boudoir Experience

I’M SO GLAD YOU FOUND ME

I am Hailley, your newfound hype girl, here to guide you through a transformative experience that will leave you feeling empowered, confident, and beautiful. As a photographer with a passion for capturing the essence of self-worth and inner strength, my goal is not just to take photos but to create a visual narrative that celebrates all that makes you uniquely you. I am here to be your guide and your cheerleader. Together, we will create images that showcase the powerful, beautiful, and unique person that you are. Thank you for trusting me with this important task, I can't wait to see you shine. Get acquainted with the whole team below!

Hello & welcome
Hailley Hawley
meet the team

AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE

My goal is to create images that feel soft, elegant, and timeless. Photos that you’ll look back on years from now and still feel proud of. I work with a bright and airy style that highlights natural light, soft tones, and the beauty of simplicity. What makes my approach unique is that I don’t “over-edit” or take away the real details that make you, you. Freckles, stretch marks, smile lines these are part of your story, and they deserve to be honored, not erased. Of course, I’ll retouch distractions like blemishes or temporary marks, but I’ll never remove the everyday details that represent your life and your body. The result? Photographs that capture your true essence authentic, radiant, and worthy of celebration.

Our Style
Our Philosophy

We believe boudoir is about so much more than just creating beautiful images it’s about creating a space where you can reconnect with yourself. Our studio is designed to be a safe, supportive environment where you can let your guard down, breathe a little deeper, and feel celebrated for exactly who you are. Every detail, from the cozy atmosphere to the empowerment coaching and styling, is intentionally chosen to make this more than a photoshoot. It’s an experience of self-worth, self-discovery, and self-love. The photographs you take home are important, of course but they’re only part of it. What matters most is how you feel when you leave: seen, powerful, and a little more in love with yourself than when you walked in.

samantha Brennan

“ I was 300+ pounds when I did my first boudoir with Hailley and let me tell you, I was TERRIFIED. So scared I would hate myself in the photos, too afraid to give me permission to post my photos. All I could focus on were my own insecurities and yet, I wanted to do the shoot because I craved love for myself. I found that, as scary as the first step was I would do it all over in a heartbeat. I encourage every single one of you to take that step too. I have now done many sessions with Hailley and each is magic to your soul. “

Trusted by 100’s of Women Just Like You 

Tayler Bates

I keep showing everyone my photos because I am OBSESSED and I just need everyone to see them. The confidence booster was needed and Hailley truly does the best job. I just love her! And I absolutely love doing shoots with her. She really just knows how to make a girl feel good about herself. Not to mention, the album quality I received blew me away. “ 

Kylee Jo

“ Hailley differs from other photogs, I’m not saying they aren’t great but Hailley always goes the extra mile. She spends hours creating one-of-a-kind sets. Her passion doesn’t stop at photography she genuinely wants women to feel confident. Her galleries are STUNNING, you get more than what you pay for. Her edits are clean, crisp, and something you can’t find somewhere else. This makes your photos timeless, so in five years, your photos are still as beautiful and unique. I’ll never go to anyone else! “

OUR PROMISE

When you step into our studio, you step into a judgment-free zone. This is a space where your story, your boundaries, and your comfort always come first.

We promise to create an environment where you feel safe, supported, and celebrated never rushed, never pressured. Your comfort sets the pace, and your voice is always respected.

And because every detail matters, we’ll take care of the little things too from snacks to playlists so you can focus fully on yourself and the experience.

Judgement Free

WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES

Your boudoir session is designed to be more than just photos. It’s an intentional experience focused on helping you feel confident, relaxed, and truly seen.

Your session includes:

• Professional hair and makeup styling
• A fully guided portrait session with posing direction
• Access to the client closet
• Empowerment coaching to help calm nerves and shift into a confident mindset
• Snacks and refreshments in the studio
• A personalized image reveal and ordering appointment

You don’t need modeling experience or to know how to pose. I will guide you through everything step by step.

CLIENT WARDROBE

we've got you covered...

Our exclusive Client Closet is stocked with unique, hand-selected pieces in sizes XS–5XL, so there’s something for every body. You’ll have the chance to browse the collection and try on some of your favorites to find what makes you feel most confident and comfortable.

To keep our space safe, clean, and respectful for everyone, we follow strict health protocols. We do ask that you bring your own pair of undies to wear underneath any borrowed pieces. I recommend bringing no-show thongs in white, skin tone, and black, since other underwear styles may peek out from the bottom of outfits.

This way, you’ll feel both prepared and carefree knowing you can simply show up, slip into something gorgeous, and focus on celebrating yourself.

WHAT TO WEAR

Bringing your own outfits? Perfect! This is one of the best ways to showcase your personality and wear pieces that feel uniquely you.

A lot of people think boudoir has to mean lace lingerie, but that’s not the only option. Some of my favorite images have come from outfits like:

  • A cozy oversized sweater or t-shirt

  • A simple bra + jeans combo

  • A silky pajama set

  • A favorite dress that makes you feel confident

The truth is if you feel good in it, it will photograph beautifully. Think outside the box and choose pieces that help you feel both comfortable and confident.

Shopping Suggestions

Online favorites:

  • Thistle & Spire (plus size friendly!)

  • For Love & Lemons

  • Etsy (so many unique finds)

  • SHEIN (budget-friendly variety)

In-person options:

  • Victoria’s Secret

  • Torrid (plus size friendly!)

  • Blue Boutique

  • LACE by Louise

If you’d like a little extra help, bring a few choices with you and we’ll go through them together to find what works best for your session.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR

While your wardrobe is completely up to you, here are a few things I usually recommend avoiding so your images stay timeless and flattering:

  • Neon Colors – Bright fluorescents can create unflattering color casts on your skin and tend to overpower the photo.

  • Busy Patterns or Large Logos – These can distract from you and take away from the intimate feel of your images.

  • Ill-Fitting Pieces – If it’s too tight or too loose, you’ll likely feel uncomfortable, and it will show in the photos. Bring outfits that feel good to move and breathe in.

  • Shiny Fabrics – Materials like satin or cheap silk can sometimes reflect light awkwardly. If you love the look, bring them, but also pack a backup option.

  • Old/Worn Pieces – Unless they have sentimental value (like a partner’s t-shirt), avoid clothing that’s faded, stretched, or past its prime.

The goal is to choose items that help you shine, outfits that flatter your shape, showcase your style, and feel amazing when you put them on. If you’re unsure, bring it along anyway! I’ll help you decide what will photograph best.

SESSION PREP

A little bit of prep goes a long way in helping you feel comfortable and confident for your session! Here are a few tips to make the most out of your time in the studio:

Stretch before you come – We’ll be moving, arching, and holding poses that might use muscles you don’t normally notice. A quick stretch will help you avoid stiffness or soreness later.

Come with dry hair + a clean face – This gives our hair and makeup artists a fresh canvas to work their magic and ensures your styling lasts throughout the day.

Wear loose, non-restrictive clothing – Avoid bras, tight socks, or anything that leaves lines on your skin. A comfy sweatshirt, robe, or flowy top is perfect.

Bring your own undies – If you’re using the client closet, please bring a white, nude, and black pair of no-show thongs to wear under any borrowed items.

Accessories are optional, but encouraged – Jewelry, heels, boots, jackets, or even hats can add a unique touch to your photos. If it feels like you, bring it!

Hydrate – You’ll feel more energized and comfortable during your shoot if your body has what it needs.

Most importantly…bring yourself exactly as you are. This isn’t about “perfect” it’s about showing up for you and letting me take care of the rest.

COACHING

One unique part of my experience is the empowerment coaching session.

This is a short guided conversation designed to help you relax, shift out of self-criticism, and step into the experience with confidence.

It’s not complicated or intimidating it’s simply a safe, supportive space to breathe, settle your nerves, and reconnect with yourself before stepping in front of the camera.

Many clients say this is one of the most meaningful parts of the experience..

IMAGE REVEAL

After your session, we’ll schedule your image reveal appointment.

This is where you’ll see your final images for the first time and choose your favorites.

Seeing your photos is often an emotional moment for many clients, in the best way.

It’s a chance to celebrate yourself and the experience you just had. At this appointment, you’ll select the collection that fits you best.

PRINT YOUR ART

Your images deserve more than to sit on a hard drive or live in a social media feed. They’re art, your art and they’re meant to be experienced, touched, and passed down.

That’s why all of my products are printed through professional-grade, woman-owned companies who create heirloom-quality pieces specifically for photographers. These aren’t consumer-grade prints that fade or warp over time these are luxury keepsakes built to last a lifetime.

Albums are by far the most-loved item among my clients (and for good reason). There’s something magical about flipping through pages that tell your story seeing not just images, but feelings, moments, and proof of your growth.

You’ll also find options like wall art, glass photo boxes, folios, engraving options, and more within my Product Catalog, each designed to highlight your session in a unique way. Whether you want a bold display piece or something deeply personal, there’s a keepsake that fits your vision.

When you invest in professional products, you’re not just buying “prints.” You’re giving your story a tangible home.

product Catalog

QUESTIONNAIRE

If you’re a new client, I would like to invite you to fill out my client questionnaire. This simple form helps me get to know you better & tailor your experience to suit your unique personality.

A FINAL NOTE

I am truly grateful

Boudoir sessions can feel vulnerable, but they’re also incredibly empowering.

My studio is a safe space where you are welcomed exactly as you are.

You don’t need to change anything about yourself to deserve this experience.

I’m honored to photograph you.

If you have any questions at all (big or small), please don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m always happy to help! You can email me anytime at excphotography@gmail.com.

See you soon, beautiful.

xoxo - Hailley