Tips to help you choose the right boudoir photographer for you and how to prepare for a shoot.
Research, research, research. It’s time to put your sleuthing skills to the test and learn everything you can about your photographer. Take the time to go over their images, noticing the different styles of retouching, lighting, and posing so you can compare with other photographers and find the style that suits you best.
Schedule a pre-shoot consult. This is huuuuge, and a big step in establishing trust & connection with your photographer. Ask to see the studio, look at more images, talk about your kids, and your favorite subject in the 3rd grade. (That last one is optional.) Plan on spending 30 minutes to an hour on your consult.
Glam it up. If you go with a studio that doesn’t offer hair and makeup before the shoot, make sure to book your own. If you look your best, you’ll feel your best—which’ll make the entire photoshoot go silky smooth.
More clothes. (As far as we’re concerned, “more clothes” are the magic words.) If your studio of choice doesn't offer wardrobe options, always bring more outfits than you’re told to. Each photographer (and stylist, depending on the studio), will help you decide what works best with the design of each set.
Ask me anything.
Here are some questions that we are asked regularly plus a few that will help you get to know us better!
Q: How long does a shoot take?
A: Well this depends on how many outfits/scene changes you have. Our all inclusive session takes about two hours. An hour in hair and makeup and an hour behind the camera. A Pin Up Party can be an all day affair depending on the number of beautiful Bettie's you bring along!
Q: How long after the shoot will my images be ready?
A: We are usually able to get you scheduled for a viewing consultation within a week of your shoot. Once you've chosen your images for retouching we need about two weeks (depending on the number chosen) to craft them into art! If you've chosen to purchase digital downloads those will be available in about a week, books and calendars will require approximately 1-2 weeks for print and delivery time. Please plan for longer turn around times around Christmas and Valentines Day.
Q: Will my images be on Facebook or other social media?
A: Not unless you want them to be! We respect the fact that it takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there and for some women just being behind the camera is intimidating enough. This is a very intimate experience and we will do whatever it takes to make you feel confident and comfortable. Our hope is that you will receive your retouched images and feel so empowered and sexy that you can't help but show every woman you know!
Q: What should I bring to my shoot?
Q: Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
Q: What do you like most about your job?
Q: If you were a client, what do you wish you knew about your trade?
Q: Do you have a favorite story from your work?
Q: How did you decide to get in your line of work?
A: Part of your experience includes access to our FABULOUS in house collection of props and wardrobe. We just recommend that you bring the basics; black panties, bra, heels, etc. that can be worn under our items. Of course if you are going for a specific theme and/or have your own items to add please do bring them on!
A: My ability to make women feel instantly comfortable in front of the camera is a quality that I've developed over the last ten years of shooting. It's feedback that I receive from almost every woman that I photograph.
A: The way women transform during their sessions. They often arrive quite nervous and unsure about the experience but over the course of a couple hours leave feeling renewed and transformed both physically and emotionally.
A: Pose coaching is the key to a successful shoot! Part of the experience you are paying for includes professional direction just like you are a real model on a high fashion photography set. Each woman responds differently to various cues and it's my job to find what works best for you so I'm able to get your best angles and features.
A: I photographed a 50 year young woman recently who had traveled from Maine to visit her daughter for a week. When she was about to leave she burst into tears hugging me and said, "this is honestly the most beautiful I will ever feel again!"
I remember thinking, "Geeze I certainly hope not but thanks!"
A: When I re-located here from Chicago a year ago to be with my now husband, I knew that I need a way to stand out in a market completely saturated with photographers. I have always wanted to share with others the way that stepping out of your comfort zone can transform you as a woman.