Lingerie Tips & Tricks

A brunette white woman standing in front of an iron bed frame with her lingerie draped over it at the Meagan O Photography studio in Atlanta.

Ok-let me start this post by saying that I love each and every one of you reading this. I truly believe you're all stunning, unique and beautiful. So do not read this as a "things Meagan thinks I need to work on" list. I am here to celebrate YOU. I already love your thighs/stomach/arms/belly button/pinky toe/booty/etc. That said, I also recognize that every woman who walks into my studio does so with her own insecurities. Sometimes they’re common complaints like carrying more weight in her stomach than she'd like. Other times it’s things like thinking her hands are too large/small, areolas too big/small/dark/light, big toe is too stubby/pinky toe is too long, hair too thin/thick/curly/straight...you get the idea. I hear it all-and trust me, whatever you're insecure about is someone else's ideal situation.

I don't hide my client's insecurities. Or avoid shooting that area of the body. I just shoot those areas with additional care through posing and lighting to show my client whatever they think is abhorrent, really isn't that bad. And sometimes, even they can't deny it's beautiful.

Another aspect of the shoot that can improve on insecurities is wardrobe. I've currently noticed a trend where when a client has an insecurity, she just wants to cover it up. Instead, here are some wardrobe choices I encourage that will enhance your natural beauty without just tossing a sheet over it.

Important note: With lingerie, the number one thing that makes it look great on your body is the fit. If you have lingerie you haven't worn in 25 years, you need to try it on and make sure it fits. It needs to stay close to your body without rolling over/digging in and without major gaps in bra/sides/etc. If it doesn’t, it may not be the right size. And, let’s be honest, lingerie sizing is just plain stupid. I have things in my drawer that are s/m/l/xl...and they all fit! If you aren't sure, go to a lingerie shop and have someone help you (Anna Bella in Alpharetta is one of our favorites!)

As we head full speed into the thick of Valentine's season, here are some wardrobe suggestions for some of my most common complaints:

1) I want to elongate my legs. Totally get it! As someone who has a longer torso/shorter legs, I love when legs look like they go for miles. Check out a teddy-which I mistakenly call a "onesie" at least once a week... Teddy's are basically bodysuits, but they come up much higher on the side of the thigh than traditional underwear, which keeps that line on your leg from getting interrupted.

A curvy, white woman with a black teddy lingerie posing at the Meagan O Photography studio.

2.) I want my stomach to look smaller. For that hourglass figure, look no further than a gorgeous, lace-up corset. There's a reason corsets have been in the fashion rotation since the late 20th century. Now, they aren't comfortable (as in we will get your shoes on *before* we lace you up because once you're in, you can't bend-and-snap without boob-pop-out). BUT the photos we get for the 15 minutes you're in it will be gorgeous!

A curvy, white woman holding a glass of bourbon in a black and blue corset at the Meagan O Photography studio.

3.) I want my chest to look bigger. If you'd like to add a bit of ooomph to your breast line, the push-up bra is a great outfit choice. As I said before, please be sure to get the right size. I totally understand that wearing a cup size or two larger may look fine with clothes on, but girl, you don't want that type of gappage in your photos.

A thin white woman in a floral orange and green push-up bra at the Meagan O Photography studio.

4.) I want my booty to look bigger. Thanks to J-Lo, big butts have been "in" for a while. If you are looking to draw some attention to your backside, a great pair of lacey, cheeky bikini panties will do wonders. The lace ensures that there won't be a harsh line that digs in, but lays flatteringly flat. And the line of the bikini going across your tush instead of under/over will enhance even the tiniest of booties.

A picture of a black woman's booty in cheeky, lacey underwear holding a stethoscope at the Meagan O Photography studio.

5.) I want to wear thigh highs, but they dig in/roll over. I hear you. I remember bringing thigh highs on a trip and spending 15 sweaty, panting minutes trying to get the damn things attached without them rolling over, only for them to finally end up in the trash. What I know now is that they sell another type without the blasted plastic at the top that will stay up without digging a trench around my thigh.

A beautiful black woman in black, lacy underwear with thigh-highs at the Meagan O Photography studio.

Hopefully, this will help your lingerie shopping be a little more enjoyable!

Meagan O'Neal
Meagan O'Neal is an Atlanta based photographer who specializes in boudoir photography. Every woman deserves to truly connect with her beauty.
www.meaganophotography.com
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A Boudoir Session for Valentine’s Day