FAQs
What is boudoir photography?
The word Boudoir means woman’s bedroom or private room from the french 18th century definition. It’s a genre of photography in which the subject is captured in an intimate setting, tastefully capturing images with an air of sexiness. It generally involves a certain level of undress (either lingerie, loungewear, other intimate apparel, or nothing at all). My style of photography is a bit more conservative than others. I use natural light to create artful, intimate portraits of women that are meant to embrace your sexuality, independence, femininity, and capture your personality. Whether it’s a gift for that special someone, or celebrating a milestone in your life, getting married, celebrating fitness or weight goals, or just because. Essentially, this is for you! In the words of Dita Von Teese: “It’s not about seducing men, it’s about embracing womanhood”.
I’m not the lingerie kinda girl, what else can I wear?
Whatever you feel sexy in! My favorite style is an effortless look, a bra and panty set, oversized sweater, bodysuit, corset, silk robe, your love’s favorite buttoned shirt, or nothing at all! Whatever you decide, it will turn out fabulous. So don’t stress too much about wardrobe. I also have a few lace and silk robes available for you to use in my studio. The most important thing is that you feel beautiful and comfortable. In a 1.5 hour photo session, you will have time for up to 3 “looks” or outfits. Most of my clients do opt to do a “nude” or “implied nude” set during their session and “nude” DOES count as an outfit. Once you’ve completed the booking process with me, you will receive a detailed prep guide that will help you with preparations and wardrobe considerations.
Do I have to be nude?
No! Being sexy does not require nudity. You choose how risqué you want your images to be, whether you want to be fully clothed, partially clothed, implied nude, or nude. Being photographed nude can be an empowering and exhilarating experience, so I encourage you to go as far as you dare to. Whatever you decide, your comfort zone will always be respected.
What if I want to get a little more risqué than the photos I see on your website?
Get it girl! I showcase only the most tasteful and reserved images on my website for the privacy of my clients, but I also capture images that are more provocative. My goal is to photograph every woman in a way that celebrates her God-given femininity. I believe that implied nudity can be done in a tasteful, artistic way, I just don’t post anything beyond what you would see at the beach anywhere on my website or social media.
I am not a model, and I’m nervous, will you help me pose?
Absolutely! The women on my website are not models. They are all just like you. Nervous prior to their shoot and just went for it. You don’t have to know anything about posing. I will guide you every step of the way, from facial expressions, where to place your hands and what to do with your toes, etc. I will physically show you each pose too!
Can I bring my significant other to our session?
I do not allow partners, husbands, significant others, boyfriends or girlfriends, etc. at my sessions. I find that sessions are a lot more successful without friends or family present distracting us, however, if you feel like you absolutely need your bestie for moral support, I just ask that you chat with me about it first. Otherwise, any guest will have to wait in our waiting area until the session is done.
Who will be present during the shoot?
My studio is completely private. The only people present during your session are you, me and a female make-up artist that will get you all dolled up when you arrive. The make-up artist will depart prior to your shoot.
How long does the session last?
Sessions last about 60-90 minutes- give or take a bit of time. I don’t like working on a strict timeline and prefer to have the option to shoot until I know we have a great variety of incredible shots. Everyone’s comfort level is different and I find that my clients need different amounts of time to get into their comfort zone.
Will my images be shared online and social media?
Your privacy is incredibly important to me! Your images will NOT be shared with anyone but yourself unless you express written permission for me to do so. All images shown on my website and social media have been released by the client. In this digital age there are several other ways I protect your privacy & images. All images are retouched in-house by me. I do NOT send your images off to an outsourced editing company, leaving them vulnerable.
I see in your website that most of your images are black and white, do you do color?
My specialty is black and white...its my jam! and prefer the classic look of monochrome portraits. For me, when I look at a black and white image, its more like reading a book than seeing a movie. From the famous words of photographer Ted Grant, “When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in Black and white, you photograph their souls!”
However, at our reveal session I will show you both color and black and white so you can chose your favorites!
Do you photoshop my images?
My retouching philosophy is simple. I will make your skin look its best, while still keeping it natural looking. I do all editing myself and your images will never leave my computer to an outside re-toucher. I will smooth your skin, remove blemishes, cellulite, stretch marks and whatever you desire. We can chat at your session to see what level of editing you are comfortable with. Our goal is to help you look like the best version of yourself.
I am so pale, do I need to tan before my session?
No, and actually, please don’t. I would rather you be pale, and I can add warmth to your skin in post processing, rather than trying to make your skin less orange. Unless you are getting the most expensive air-brush tan available, your skin will likely appear blotchy/streaky and orange in photos. If you lay in a tanning bed, you will have white marks on pressure points and will likely look orange in photos. If you do a stand up bed, you will have white marks under your rear-end, and you will probably appear orange in photos.
Is a deposit required?
Yes, a non-refundable retainer fee of $150 is required to reserve your date and for the makeup artist to be confirmed. A lot of work goes into planning your shoot, so it’s important that I know you are serious about your photo shoot.
What is your rescheduling and refund policy?
I understand that life happens! If you need to reschedule your session, your retainer is transferable with at least 48 hours notice. Your session will need to be rescheduled within 90 days. Due to the custom nature of photography, the session retainer and anything you purchase once its delivered to you is non-refundable.
I am older, curvier, shorter, heavier, etc. than the girls on your website, can I still do a boudoir shoot?
You are GORGEOUS! Boudoir photography is for every woman, every size, every age. We will work with you to create a collection of photos that you will LOVE!
When will I see my photos?
I offer in-person, no-pressure photo reveal a week after your session! This is when you see all of your photos, touch and feel our sample products. The in-person reveal is always the most favorite part of the experience, and I can’t wait for yours!
Can I do my own makeup to save money?
Professional hair and makeup is such an important investment of the photo pampering experience and also the final outcome of your images. Unless you are a professional hair and make artist yourself, the professional makeup application is an included part of your session cost that cannot be removed. I promise you will not regret having this as part of your experience!
Do I get a digital copy of my images?
Whatever you purchase in print (prints, wall-art, album, etc), you will also receive a digital copy of those images with your purchase.
I have no one to give these to. Is it weird to do this just for me?
Absolutely not! A boudoir session is ALL for you! Even if you’re in a relationship, my clients tend to be happier with their photos when they start the experience for the purpose of finding self love, versus doing photos as a gift.
If you have any questions that I did not answer here, please click CONTACT to send me a note, and I will get back to you ASAP!