Boudoir photography is all about celebrating your body and highlighting your most authentic self. To feel your best before stepping in front of the camera, it’s essential to prep both your mind and body. A great way to do this is through yoga! Stretching can help you release tension, warm up your muscles—all while getting you in the right mindset to embrace your beauty. Here are six different yoga stretches you should try before your boudoir session.


1. Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)

The Cat-Cow stretch is perfect for loosening up your spine and opening your chest. It helps you find that natural curve in your lower back, which is ideal for those spicy arching poses.

How to do it: Start on all fours with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. As you inhale, arch your back (Cow pose) and lift your head and tailbone. As you exhale, round your back (Cat pose), tucking your chin to your chest. Repeat for 5-10 breaths.


2. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

This stretch elongates the spine, releases tension in the shoulders, and stretches your legs, giving you a beautiful, long silhouette. It's a fantastic way to shake off any stiffness before your boudoir shoot.

How to do it: Start on all fours, then lift your hips toward the ceiling, creating an inverted V-shape. Keep your feet hip-width apart and press your heels toward the floor. Stay here for 5 deep breaths.


3. Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana)

The Goddess Pose is a powerhouse for feeling grounded, empowered, and strong. It also stretches your hips, inner thighs, and chest.

How to do it: Stand with your feet wide apart, toes pointing out. Bend your knees deeply, lowering into a squat while keeping your chest lifted. Bring your arms to a "goal post" position and hold for 5 deep breaths, sinking deeper with each exhale.


4. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)

If you’re looking to open up your hamstrings and lower back, this stretch is perfect. A relaxed lower body will help you ease into those gorgeous poses where you extend your legs gracefully.

How to do it: Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Inhale to lengthen your spine, and as you exhale, fold forward, reaching for your feet or shins. Stay here for 5-8 breaths, letting your body melt deeper into the stretch.


5. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Bridge Pose is fantastic for opening up the chest and hips while strengthening your glutes and lower back—two areas that come into play for those steamy, arched-back poses.

How to do it: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Press through your heels to lift your hips toward the ceiling. Clasp your hands underneath your back and hold for 5 breaths, lifting your chest higher with each inhale.


6. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

A boudoir session often involves a lot of hip-focused poses, and Pigeon Pose is your go-to for releasing tension in this area. It stretches your hips, glutes, and lower back, leaving your movements feeling more fluid.

How to do it: From a Downward Dog position, bring one knee forward and place it behind your wrist, extending the opposite leg straight behind you. Lower your hips toward the floor and lean forward, resting on your forearms or forehead. Stay here for 5 breaths before switching sides.


Final Thoughts

Incorporating any of these stretches before your boudoir session will leave you feeling limber and ready to shine. Plus, yoga is a great way to center yourself emotionally, which can help reduce any pre-session jitters. Remember, your boudoir experience is all about celebrating you—in all your gorgeous, authentic, and powerful glory. So take a deep breath, stretch it out, and get ready to feel amazing in front of my camera!