Preparation and Details
Each woman has her own vision of what she wants her boudoir portrait session to be. My goal is to accommodate your vision by making recommendations for attire and poses. Whether fun and flirty, or sexy and sensuous, all portraits are tasteful and tailored to meet your style and comfort level.
Your boudoir session is an exciting experience that will leave you feeling empowered and beautiful. Planning your outfits is important and at the same time should be fun to shop and plan for. Choose something that covers you where you want to be covered and is flattering with your skin and hair color. I’m happy to offer my opinion or suggestions and often have clients call to discuss or email me sample photos of the outfits they are considering.
Outfit suggestions to consider:
*Bra and panty set/corset/teddy/slip
*boy shorts/jeans/tank top/flannel pjs/sports team jersey
*men’s shirt/men’s tie
*cocktail dress/evening gown
*vintage pin up costume/crinoline petticoat
*accessories such as jewelry/scarves/hats/high heel shoes/veils
Wear anything that makes you feel sexy and at the same time… comfortable.
If you are planning on more than one outfit change you might consider bringing a cocktail dress or evening gown to begin the shoot as your first outfit. This allows you to become comfortable in front of the camera before you do a switch to a more revealing outfit.
Don’t forget to bring high heels and jewelry to match your outfit or anything that will coordinate and create the boudoir portrait you want to achieve.
To have the best photographs possible with the least amount of retouching required, please ensure you do the following prior to your shoot. In short, plan as though you are getting ready for your wedding day.
*Get a good night’s sleep the night before your shoot
*Drink plenty of water and avoid salty and greasy foods the day before and the day of your shoot
*Shave/wax your underarms and legs
*Pluck/wax your eyebrows
*Consider a manicure/pedicure the day before your shoot
*Freshen your hair color (if this is what you normally do)
*Bring a bottle of lotion and moisturize well before your shoot
*Practice your poses in front of a mirror. Exaggerate your curves more than you normally would as this will make for a better photograph.
*Practice not only your poses, but your facial expressions to ensure you have a serious sexy look, a sassy look, and a fun loving flirty look. Don’t worry about posing the “correct” way; I will coach you through the entire session as I am viewing your angles through the camera.
*Following the shoot expect to be a little sore as if you have had a rigorous workout. Modeling is hard work!
Having a great boudoir portrait session is a partnership between you and your photographer. Planning what you will wear and how your hair and make up will be handled prior to the shoot will give you the results you are dreaming of.
Your Experience
Booking your Session
A boudoir portrait session is one of the most exciting opportunities a woman will experience. I’ve had my own experiences a couple different times and it totally changed my own perception of my body and how I see myself every day.
After booking your shoot you will likely not be able to think of much else until a few days before your scheduled session. At that point you may go from feeling excited to feeling a little insecure and uncertain. This is perfectly natural. I want you to know that you will be delighted with the results. I will ensure that you are always comfortable before, during, and after the shoot. I am respectful of your space when getting ready as well as during the shoot.
When you book a session with me you can expect that I will walk you through the entire process from the time you book to the posing and expressions during the shoot to the selection of your photos and finally to the delivery of your package photos and options. When you arrive for your session we will discuss your ideas and talk about what you are planning to wear and what your expectations for the shoot are. If you scheduled hair and make up with our stylist she will take you and begin. I highly recommend hair and makeup by our stylist not only because she is fabulous, but because that time you are being pampered takes the edge off your nerves. Lauren Carlson of 715 Hot Heads is my preferred stylist and is very experienced with working with models and boudoir shoots. She works with an airbrush make up system that flawlessly finishes your foundation with a silicon base make up that is moisture resistant. Additionally hair and make up includes the application of faux eyelashes, which will enhance the eyes significantly. We strongly encourage you adding the hair and make up application.
The Shoot
I recommend that for a first outfit you select a cocktail dress, evening gown, or a full slip if you are not feeling comfortable with something leaving you a bit more exposed. This will help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. You can expect that I will show you how to pose and direct you so you are not left to figure it out on your own. I will also let you know when we will switch the outfit and allow you enough time in between outfits to change and touch up your hair and make up. Upon completion of the shoot you will be given time to dress. We will finalize payment details and delivery of your package options before you leave. It will be an empowering experience you will never forget.
Post Production
Following your shoot all images will be refined and edited. Several shots of the same pose are taken to ensure there is a selection of photos to choose the best angle, lighting, and expression. These images are then further edited through airbrushing techniques to minimize complexion imperfections (dark circles, blemishes, scarring, etc.), enhance lighting, boost color, and to further add editing options such as a vintage application. Very minimal smoothing of the body shape is done in terms of making you look more shapely, thinner, or enhanced. My mission is to show you how beautiful you are as YOU! Post production can take 1-4 weeks depending on how large your package option is. Please communicate your plans for the package and the resulting products so that timing of post production can be taken into consideration.
All photos shown on my website or within my portfolio and advertising are used with written permission of each model. I respect your privacy and offer you the option of being included as part of our portfolio, but it is completely voluntary.
Please plan to make payment immediately following your shoot. I will not release photographs until payment is made in full by cash, check, Vista/Mastercard, PayPal, or Venmo.
Please inquire about our three-month payment plan.