Tips for your boudoir session
FAQs
Where do you shoot?
I shoot most boudoir sessions in my home studio in Austin, Texas. It's a beautifully modern 1 bedroom apartment in East Austin minutes from downtown & 35 with amazing window light, a view of downtown, hard wood floors, white granite counter tops, eclectic & bright furniture and an intimate, non-studio feel. You also have the option to splurge and have your shoot done in a beautifully decorated Airbnb or upscale downtown Austin hotel suite with curated designer furniture like the W or South Congress Hotel, although I don’t think you need to. I will travel to Houston, Dallas or other Texas locations for a fee, which covers gas and a hotel room for the shoot. This fee is flexible if we can shoot in your home.
Suites at the Hotel Van Zandt feature white floating tubs, monochromatic backsplashes & marble floors lit by soft, window light.
Two reasons to book a stylish hotel for your boudoir session is professionally decorated rooms & designer furniture.
What time of day do you shoot?
I typically schedule boudoir sessions during the day between 11am and 8pm depending on the time of year. If you are hiring my stylist, your session start time cannot be later than 4pm. I highly recommend taking a day off of work for this session so you are not stressed out, you have plenty of time for hair and makeup, and you can actually enjoy the process. It's a great excuse to take a personal day and feel like you're playing hooky. Also, life is short. Also, self care. Also, sometimes you gotta stop beating yourself up for taking time to slow down. Life is all about balance.
I love color & drama, can I book an evening shoot?
Yes please!! All the lights in my home are color changing bulbs and when it’s dark, it’s a viiiiiiiiibe. For these sessions, I don’t use any natural light and partaking in a certain flower is encouraged, hehe.
Do I see all the images taken during the shoot?
No. I edit the gallery down and take any images out that are redundant or aren’t flattering. You’ll see the best images from your session in person at my studio on a later date, approximately 50 images per outfit. This can be done same day if you are an out of town client. I will then help you select the best images to print in your book or print box. Any image that goes to print in your book or print box will be available as a download at no additional charge. You may also purchase just images as digital downloads.
What is included in the sitting fee?
The sitting fee includes your time with me in my studio, shooting for about 40 minutes per outfit.
What if I booked you but need to reschedule my shoot date?
It’s all good, I understand that things come up. If necessary, after submitting your deposit, you can reschedule your shoot to a new date within 30 days of your original shoot date at no charge. If the desired shoot date is 31 days or more after the original shoot date, you will need to resubmit your deposit for the new date. If you need to cancel your session within 48 hours of the shoot, you will need to resubmit the deposit for a new date no matter how far out the new date is. Your deposit (the sitting fee) is refundable only until 60 days before your shoot date. Within 60 days of your shoot date, the deposit is not refundable.
Is retouching included?
Yes. Skin, color and exposure are retouched to be smooth yet still natural. I always retouch out bruises, blemishes, mosquito bites, cat scratches, shaving cuts, etc.. If you want a second round of retouching there is an additional charge. Every image that goes into the book or goes to print gets retouched. Bonus* you will get to see both color and black and white versions of each image.
Can I keep all the images I see at the reveal?
Yes, you do have the option to purchase the whole gallery. The most economic route for you, however, is to purchase a book and add all the images you like. Digital downloads of the images that are printed in the book or print box are complimentary.
How much experience do you have shooting boudoir?
I've had an interest in photographing women since I started at age 16, and I'm now 39. I've shot boudoir, portraits, fashion editorial, fashion bridal, beauty, couples portraits, couples boudoir, family, weddings, engagements, food, events, head shots, you name it. And by the end of 2024, I will have shot approximately 650 boudoir sessions. What differentiates me from other boudoir photographers is my ability to pose and direct. It's my weird, freakish super power. No matter who you are, how you're shaped or what you're wearing, I'll not only pose you well but do it very quickly. I focus entirely on the woman; her curves, the traits that make her unique, the parts of her body she loves the most. No cheesy furniture. No fake sexy faces. The most common statement I hear about my photography is that the subject always looks beautiful, natural and most importantly, like she’s having fun.
I've never been photographed before. I have no idea how to pose myself. This is scary and I don't know what I'm doing. Will you help me?
Of course! It is my job to pose and direct you the entire way through. This means I will tell you how to hold your head, where to look, whether or not to smile, when to lift your chin, where to put your hands, your arms, your legs, your feet, when to take off your shoes, when to put your shoes back on, when to stand, when to lie down... I will literally tell you when to breath! It is my job to get gorgeous, natural smiles out of you. It is my job to make you feel and look sexy. Don't spend a second worrying about coming up with posing or expressions yourself. Side note* I will pose you according to your body, how it looks best in what you are wearing, and what is the most flattering for you. There is no comparing you to anyone else, you are an individual and I will photograph you as such. This is how you will get the best photos out of me, and also enjoy the experience the most. Choose your outfits based on what makes you feel amazing, and let me do the rest.
Is it a problem if I'm on my period during the shoot?
The only potential issue with you being on your period is if you want to do a nude set. I don't shoot open crotch shots, so I won't see the string, and if it does show in any of the photos you decide to keep, I can retouch it out. But, if you feel completely uncomfortable with the idea of being photographed while you're on, we can reschedule so long as it doesn't mess with your deadline.
When should I book my session and what is your availability like?
I shoot boudoir during the week, however, you may book a weekend boudoir session for an additional $500. The turn around time for my boudoir sessions is approximately 8-10 weeks, including product delivery. If you need a quicker turn around time (within 3 weeks) I can do so for an additional charge of $300. This covers delivery of your photos no later than 5 days after your shoot and overnight shipping of the book.
What should I wear?
Outfits can range from oversized sweaters, bra + undies, boy shorts, leather jackets, blazers, thigh high boots, fringe vests, rompers, strappy tank tops, literally anything see through or lace, cheekys, thongs, fishnets, mini dresses, fashion bathing suits, etc. I recommend Feather Red, Freya, Bare Necessities, Shein, Adore me, Tabu, Naja, Agent Provocateur, Savage Fenty, Petticoat Fair, Le Rouge Boutique, Zana Bayne, Fredericks of Hollywood, Charm School Vintage, ModCloth & Yandy. PLEASE consider buying a size up on anything with a tight seam that cuts into your skin. It's never a bad thing to bring a unique piece of clothing, clothes that aren't underwear or jewelry either. *TIP: When buying thigh high tights for a photo shoot, I highly recommend selecting at least one size bigger than your actual size. Thigh highs almost always run small and short, and will pinch your thighs (because duh, women have thighs). Ladies size 10+, consider plus size tights. First and foremost, they are made LONGER (longer is key) and will sit on your thigh more comfortably. Less thigh squeeze = more flattering photos (trust me, I'm speaking from personal experience cause your girls got thighs). Having said that, don't feel bad if they do squeeze your thighs, posing is everything (also women ARE allowed to have fat on their bodies without shame, full stop).
If you’re a strappy black lingerie woman, consider bringing in one “girl next door” outfit for balance.
When choosing outfits for your boudoir session, don’t underestimate basics like a crop top t-shirt or a soft pink thong.
How should I do my hair and make up?
The easier your hair is to work with, the better. Down, straightened, curled or wavy and not too much product work best. For make up: it disappears in photos! More makeup is ALWAYS better for photo shoots, even if you are a natural makeup kind of woman. I highly recommend you hire my professional boudoir hair and makeup stylist who will come pamper you in my studio for $150 (there will be a small up-charge if she is installing extensions). I work with a few amazing artists who have 15+ years experience, and they know exactly how to doll you up for a boudoir photography session. *Tip: If you are doing your makeup yourself, make sure your mascara covers all your lashes, and please use a damp q-tip to clean up stray makeup. The camera sees everything. Please also make sure your foundation is your actual skin color and doesn't give the illusion of a 'floating head'. I could go on, but the benefits of hiring a stylist are endless, I think you should always go for it. The best things to do for your skin before a shoot are don't drink alcohol, don't get a sunburn, moisturize frequently for a few days prior and drink lots of water. If you have hired my stylist for your session, please arrive with a clean face and clean, dry hair (washing your hair the night before the shoot is better than the morning of). Moisturizer is helpful, but she has everything she needs to make you photo shoot ready, including foundation, bronzer/contouring makeup, eye makeup, lip and false lashes.
What are your thoughts on tanning?
Good, professional spray tans (consider going fully nude) are preferred over tanning lotions or beds because it ends up more even, it’s better for your skin and you don't get orange hands. But, if you do get a professional spray tan, go a couple days before your shoot so the orange tones down. To be clear, I do not think you need to get a tan before your shoot. I think fair skin is just as beautiful, so just be you! I also don't hate tan lines unless it's distracting while you're in your outfits. Tan lines can be super sexy. Side note: please wear sunscreen the week of your shoot. Red skin appears much more vibrant in photos and gives the appearance of an allergic reaction, it’s not cute.
What should I bring?
I provide location, lighting, beverages & music during your shoot. You should bring a robe to wear during hair and makeup, your wardrobe, jewelry & heels (not necessary if you don’t wear much of either). I do not provide outfits or props (because I think that’s icky & impersonal). If you have props you'd like to incorporate, please bring those too. Just like the make up, having more options is always better. Consider items like pearl or leather harnesses, wrist/ankle restraints or handcuffs, a whip, nipple tassels, sex toys… get creative, you won’t freak me out =) Also, please let me know ahead of time if you'd like some wine or bubbly to help you relax (please don't hesitate to bring your own boozy beverages as well).
I have hired my own hair+makeup stylist, can I use your studio to get ready in before the shoot?
No. Hair and makeup styling can take up to two hours, which is ample time for me to be doing other work. If you schedule your own stylist, you are responsible for the location of hair and makeup. There are no exceptions.
I am pregnant and want to schedule a maternity session, when should I do that?
It is usually best to schedule your maternity session between 6 and 8 months into your pregnancy, depending on how much you are showing.
I've hired your hair and makeup stylist, what time do I arrive?
Please arrive at our agreed upon time (you can always refer back to your order form). Hair and makeup begins at that time and typically takes 1.5 hours. Then, you and I will consult on your outfits, and I'll have you try on items in question to give you my feedback. This is also a great way to eliminate options, so feel free to bring more outfits than what you chose in your package. Sometimes a quick bra or undies change can be done during an outfit if we're both unsure what you'll like better in photos.
Do you photograph nudes?
Yes, if you specifically request it, and only tastefully. It is typically considered an additional outfit if you'd like to do nudes because it takes just as much time, if not more, to pose nudes as it does dressed. It's really just about time, so please let me know if you would like nude to be one of your outfits.
Will you show my photos on your Instagram or website?
Only if you allow me to, and only shots you approve. You will be able to denote this on the order form.
What is the post shoot photo reveal?
This is a separate meeting we will schedule for after your session. It’s best for you to come back to my studio and I will show you the photos from your session enlarged on my projector. This is when you get to select your favorites and purchase your images/print products. Please come with your Venmo ready or credit card in tow, this is your ordering session. Payment for your photos/book is due at this time. We can also schedule a payment plan if that is what you’re hoping for. If you are an out of town client, we can schedule your reveal for the evening of your shoot day so you can wrap things up before you leave town.
What images do I see in the post shoot photo reveal?
I will select all the flattering images from your session and lightly edit those. When you come in for the post-shoot photo reveal, you will see all these images in both color and black and white. We go through your images together to select the best ones for your book or print box. I will also have put together a book design for you as a template, and we will go through the book page by page to ensure you love every single image that you keep. The images you purchase will be available in your online gallery. If you ever want to see the full gallery again, simply schedule another meeting with me. I will keep all the deliverable images for two years after your session.
What are your COVID protocols?
Studio surfaces & sheets/blankets are disinfected between each client.
How do I submit payment and sign the contract?
I will send you an electronic contract that we will both sign online. Next, I will email you an order form and the invoice for the deposit, which needs to be submitted via credit card or Venmo. Payment for your images or book is not taken at this time.
