Boudoir Portraits

What is Boudoir Photography?
Boudoir is a type of Photography that involves an intimate setting to create passionate images of you. Most commonly you would be wearing lingerie. Having intimate images of your self is a rising trend for today’s wives and soon to be brides. Many of my clients give an album of the images to their significant other on anniversaries, birthday or as wedding and holiday gifts.

Where did Boudoir Photography originate?
Boudoir (pronounced bood-wha) is a french term (as is Trésor) :  A boudoir is a lady’s private bedroom, sitting room or dressing room. The term derives from the French verb bouder, meaning “to pout.”  Historically, the boudoir formed part of the private suite of rooms of a lady, for bathing and dressing, adjacent to her bedchamber. In later periods, the boudoir was used as a private drawing room, and was used for other activities, such as embroidery or entertaining intimate acquaintances.

Today Boudoir has evolved into a style of photography where women are in intimate settings in their most intimate of expression. Most women today feel having images of themselves in a Boudoir style is classy and modern. Often Women will keep the images to remember a certain time in their life or to showcase their inner and external beauty.

Who gets boudoir images done?
Anyone who is looking for beautiful images of themselves because every woman is sexy regardless of size or shape. Anyone who wants to give an intimate gift for special occasions. The most popular are for Anniversaries, birthdays, and weight loss, body improvement celebrations, holidays. You don’t need a reason… sometimes it is for him – but we have found that it empowers women, so it just as much for you!

How much are boudoir portraits?

My sessions range from $350 for a few outfits and files to a deluxe pampering session with custom leather album and photo keepsakes at $1000.

How do I schedule a boudoir session?

I mainly do boudoir marathons about 4-5 times a year. I schedule them a few months before the holidays and in January in time for Valentines, and then I do about a couple in summer. However, your session does not have to be during a marathon – you can schedule it any other time as well. Just email me or call to arrange the date of your shoot.

How to prepare for the session?
Try to iron and use hangers or garment bags to transport your outfits to reduce wrinkling. Wear loose fitting clothing and undergarments when you arrive so that you don’t have red marks on your skin. Bring outfits that you like and make you feel good; confidence shows in the images. If you are getting your hair and make up done you will want to make sure to show up with no make up and no product in your hair. I always suggest taking a shower before you leave home and blow-drying your hair dry completely. Don’t forget amazing shoes!

How many outfits should you bring?
4 to 5 outfits are recommended but there is no limit. You may want to bring additional options to see what is works best for you that day. Always bring more than you think you need because you never know what you might decide to wear at the last minute. Remember you can easily dress up a bra and pantie outfit with thigh highs, garters, etc.

You may want to bring something that belongs to your significant other: a jersey, button down shirt, tie, hat, etc.
Bring accessories and heels to go with some of your outfits as well.

At the start of the session we will go over what you brought and make the selections together. I will bring my experience in styling to assist you in your choices.  If you feel that you made awesome choices then we will put them together and make sure we get them all done!

Bring something white and strapless if you are uncomfortable topless for the in-between the sheets photos.

Will others see me naked during the session?
No one other than you, me, and my camera will be there.  The make-up artists will be in a seperate area unless you are comfortable with them being there to do touch-ups.

Will you post my images on the Internet?
I respect everyone’s personal wishes. Due to the nature of boudoir photography, some images you might not want to share with others and some you might not mind. I always choose 4-5 images that are most suitable for my portfolio, but ask you to approve them. I leave it up to you if you want your images to be displayed in my portfolio or not.

Clothing?
Clothing is not supplied but here is a list of types of clothing that you might want to bring:

Nightgowns
Boy shorts
Bra and pantie sets
Bustier
Teddies
Baby dolls
Tight jeans
Fishnets
Mini skirts
Bikinis
Thigh high stockings
Garter belts
Sexy dresses
Corsets

Things to avoid: anything with lots of patterns because solid colors are generally the most flattering

What if I am not as skinny as I want to be?
You are you and that is beautiful. It is my job as a photographer to emphasize the positives and minimize any areas you feel self-conscious about.  If you have any concerns, feel free to speak to me about them and I can assure you that we will make you see yourself in a different light by the end of the shoot.

I am choosing to get make up done, what should I expect?
You should expect an amazing result. I only use professionals when booking make up artists. In saying that the reason why it is important to use a professional is due to the fact photography lighting has a much different effect on make up then daily wear. Generally there is a different application method and  it assures that you will get the best result for photography.