What women are asking us when they inquire about a boudoir session
Boudoir Photography- Frequently Asked Questions
The thought of a boudoir session can be scary. When talking to women about their session, I get asked all kinds of questions. So I wanted to compile a list of my 12 most frequently asked questions to give you some insight on preparing for a boudoir session with me!
Do you share my images?
Our Number One priority is making sure our clients are comfortable, especially with boudoir! It can be a lifechanging experience, but that also makes it nerve wracking. Sometimes, you are just learning to love your body and you aren’t quite ready to share the images with the world. Or sometimes these photos are specifically for your spouse and aren’t for anyone else’s eyes. These are great reasons for not sharing your photos, and it all depends on your personal preferences. I will make sure to ask your permission first before I share, and I’m also very conservative in what I share anyway since everything is so censored these days anyway, I don’t want any of my platforms to be shut down. So I keep things very PG! I shoot a lot sexier (if you’re comfortable), but those stay private.
Do I have to wear lingerie?
Absolutely not! It just depends on your personality! There are a LOT of other outfit ideas besides lacy little things! Bodysuits are great, even the kind you would wear out, as well as off the shoulder tops or sweaters, a cardigan, a sweatshirt or t-shirt, a tank top, crop top, so many more things!!! I will help you plan all of your outfits that suit your taste and personality.
Photo by M.D. Welch, depth-of-field.com
Is Hair and Makeup included?
Professional hair and makeup artistry by skilled pros is complimentary in all of our boudoir sessions! I think it’s really important to feel pampered, even if you feel that you can do it yourself. My amazing artists can help you complete your look, whether that’s “I just woke up like this”, or FULL-ON Glam! You can bring any ideas you have for your makeup and we can try to use them for inspiration. We work with a lot of ladies who never wear makeup, and my artists are great in creating an enhanced but natural look for you, so you still look like YOU!
Do you Photoshop my images?
I do retouch every portrait you select, to the degree that you want me to. I am happy to leave or remove scars, stretch marks, cellulite, wrinkles, bags, lumps, and bumps. It’s totally your call! I see you as perfectly imperfect, so you tell me what you would like to have done. I definitely don’t want to edit out parts of you that make you who you are! Part of the process of accepting yourself and seeing your own beauty means to give yourself a little grace, and don’t pick yourself apart. If there are part of yourself that you are learning to love and aren’t thrilled about, that’s OK! I am skilled in posing and lighting to make you look your absolute best and bring out your shine! But hey, if you want to be flawless I can definitely do that too!
Where should I buy outfits?
There are a few places to buy outfits from and it depends on what you’re looking for and the style of your shoot. Here is a long list to peruse with your different styles and sizing!
- Victoria’s Secret
- Forever 21
- Adore Me
- Torrid
- Eberjey
- Aerie
- Forever Yours Lingerie
- Hips and Curves
- Jasmine Stacey Collection
- and there’s always Amazon!
I do have an Amazon wish list that I’ve curated over the years of things I think would photograph well, make sure to check it out-
And you will have a chance to shop our gorgeous client closet filled with amazing wings, robes, gowns, body jewelry, lingerie, and shoes. You can add your selections to what you bring, or some clients even show up with just nude and black thongs and bras (to wear under outfits), and we take it from there!
What type of print products do you have?
A variety of gorgeous art products! Completely custom albums handcrafted in Portugal. Glass or wood luxury boxes containing your prints. Matted prints in an elegant box. Art for the wall that you may not have even considered! Such a daily confidence booster! Available in many mediums- canvas, metal, acrylic, and wood- framed or unframed. I am thrilled when my clients enjoy all of the photographs that they absolutely love in an elegant album, and feel that surge of empowerment every time they look through it!
“20 Glorious and lustrous pages from my boudoir shoot that I flip through every chance I get. I think I look at them more than he does. It’s a daily reminder that my self-image has completely chanced after having my boudoir shoot.”– Alex, on her experience with her boudoir shoot and her album
Do you offer digitals?
Yes, all of our collections include some sort of art printed product, but there are also A la Carte options that you can choose from as well! On this list we have the option to add on digital images to your collection! These digital images come in a password protected online gallery, for you to download and share!
Do you have payment plans?
We offer a few payment options! There is a booking retainer to schedule your session on my calendar, and the balance of your chosen collection is due 2 weeks before the date of your session. If you want more time to be able to pay off your shoot, you can schedule it a few months out and pay it off in payments. Let me know if this is something you want to set up, it works well for many of my clients!
I’m freaking out! How do I calm my nerves?
Nerves are part of the experience! I always say that it would probably be weird if you WEREN’T nervous! The nervousness in the beginning of your session makes your moment of “WOW” seeing your photos for the first time so much better!
We also will have a consultation in the studio before your session date, so that we can get to know each other and start planning your outfits. This step alone alleviates so much of that nervous feeling, and you will be super excited! Aren’t we always nervous before a big event in our lives, and it always turns out great?
How many outfits should I bring?
We usually photograph 3, but you can bring more if you’d like me to help you choose the best ones. I will give you plenty of recommendations while you’re planning as to what will work the best.
Should I arrive at my session early?
No need to arrive early, just plan to arrive right on time- which is normally 10 a.m. The hair and makeup artist will be setting up, and it might take her longer if she gets distracted with chatting. But she should be ready for you at your scheduled time to jump right in!
Where is your studio located?
The studio is located at 328 California Avenue, Suite 2. We are between South Virginia and Arlington, just two doors down from My Favorite Muffin. It’s a three story brick building with an alley on each side. We have labeled parking in the back, enter on the right side alley and you’ll see it. Park in the second spot away from the building, which is our first labeled spot.
Our Reno Boudoir Studio