If you're reading this blog, chances are that you're considering your very own boudoir session! But where do you start? That's why you should keep reading... there are 5 super important questions you should ask before you book your dream session!
As you sit there Googling "boudoir photography near me" or something similar, you're probably finding out very quickly that not every photographer can fit every person's needs. And there's nothing wrong with that, but you need to know what YOU are wanting from your session. Do you want to focus more on sex appeal, on a gift for your partner, do you want to feel more empowered in your own skin... is it a combination? Whatever it is, it's so important to know this! And while knowing that part is important... there's so much more to consider, too like:
- editing style
- location
- the experience
- the quality of the products
- the investment
- payment plans (if any)
- privacy
- what's included
- and more!
To know whether or not you're about to hire the right photographer for you, you need to do your research! You need to ask all of the questions, you need to voice all of your concerns. This is an investment. This is a luxury experience. Do NOT settle.
1.) 𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙨?
Think about low-volume and high-volume boudoir studios. It's important to recognize that various types of boudoir studios exist. High volume studios often have multiple boudoir photographers on staff, and this can always change. So, whoever is booking your session, may not actually be who's taking your photos. It's so important to ask about the photographer assigned to your session. Don't hesitate to ask who'll be taking care of you!
Ｍｙ Ａｎｓｗｅｒ：
R.H.L Boudoir is a full-service, low-volume, boudoir studio. I only book a few sessions per month, and this is to ensure that every single client I work with receives the same luxury experience they deserve!
2.) Where Will My Boudoir Session Take Place?
More than likely, you're wanting your session to take place in an intimate setting. Someplace like a bedroom or a studio. It's important to understand that not every boudoir photographer offers a private location for your session to happen. Some photographers prefer to shoot outside, some do not have a studio at the moment, and others prefer to go to their clients. Whatever the reason it, your boudie tog should have absolutely NO issue in talking about where your session will take place and the process.
Ｍｙ Ａｎｓｗｅｒ：
When you book a session with R.H.L Boudoir, you have several options to choose from: the studio, outdoors, or an on-location session (your home or an Airbnb). I like to offer several options for my clients because not everyone has the same idea for their sessions! I personally LOVE shooting on the beach, and my studio is literally located RIGHT DOWN THE ROAD from one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida! For this reason, I've actually created an all-inclusive session: Goddess by the Sea. I do primarily shoot out of my studio, though. It has 4 different sets to offer: the Greenery Room, the Bedroom Set, the Mirror Wall, and the Window Set. I also travel to my clients; a good portion of the women and couples that I work with live over 2 hours away from me. Yes, most do end up traveling to my studio (talk about a compliment!), however, I offer traveling options! I've worked in my clients homes, but I also have rented out Airbnb's for us to shoot at.
Whichever option you decide to go with, know that you are in great hands, and you still receive alllllll of the luxurious parts of having your boudoir session with me!
3.) What's Included with the Cost of My Boudoir Session?
It's important to know that not every single boudoir photographer has the same process when it comes to pricing. Some are all-inclusive, others start with a retainer fee, and then offer packages of some sort. Some also offer one or the other, but maybe don't include hair and makeup, or they need to add the cost of the Airbnb or hotel.
Ｍｙ Ａｎｓｗｅｒ：
When you book your boudie session with R.H.L Boudoir, you start with paying your non-refundable retainer fee. That fee includes: a pre-session wardrobe consultation, professional hair & makeup, multiple outfit choices, up to 2 hours of shooting in the studio, a massage or dinner on moi after your session is completed, and a same-day image reveal and boutique ordering appointment!
Once you've viewed your images and you're completely satisfied, only then will you choose a collection and/or products. You only pay for what YOU love!
4.) How Many Boudoir Sessions Do You Shoot Per Day?
Some photographers shoot back-to-back sessions. This can mean that it may not always be just you and your photographer (and the hair & makeup artist); if you're someone that prefers TOTAL privacy, you absolutely need to ask your potential photographer how many sessions per day they're shooting and/or if any of these sessions ever overlap.
Ｍｙ Ａｎｓｗｅｒ：
I schedule no more than 2 sessions per day. And I ALWAYS over-estimate the timeframe, so that way my sessions will never overlap. You may see a client leave the studio, or begin their hair & makeup while you're finishing up your product order, but you will never have your session begin with anyone else in the studio. And THAT is a promise.
5.) Do You Have Experience Shooting Women My Size, My Age, etc.?
Experience and boudoir-specific-training is so important when you're getting these done! A boudoir session is not just getting your headshot taken for your business card. It's not capturing your kiddo running around- this session is capturing you in your most vulnerable state. You NEED someone who knows exactly what they're doing. So, take a look at everyone's portfolio! Have they worked with women who look similar to you? Even if they don't display in their portfolio someone who's similar to you, I would still suggest asking if they have. Not everyone is okay with their images being displayed online, so that could very well be the reason why you don't see those photos.
Ｍｙ Ａｎｓｗｅｒ：
My mission is to make sure that every single woman or couple that I work with is taken care of to the fullest extent. It's for that, that I invest so much into my education every single year. I have made it a priority to specialize working with every single body type and age group!
I know how to guide you from what to wear, how to pose, and even your facial expressions! I've worked with women who range from 21 to 60+, I have over 5 years of experience with boudoir, I've worked with all different body types, and I have worked with all different levels of comfort! I don't expect my clients to come in feeling 100% about their outfits, how to pose, and even their comfort level; nerves are to be totally expected. That's exactly why I'm here for you.
Other Important Questions to Ask...
- Can I bring someone to my session? Ask me.
- Do you alter body weight? Ask me.
- Do you edit out things like blemishes, tattoos, scars, etc.? Ask me.
- Do you offer any add-ons like props, additional time, etc.? Ask me.
- What if I don't know how to look "sexy" in photos? Ask me.
- How far out are you booking sessions? Ask me.
- How far do you travel? Ask me.
