After being a boudoir photographer for 8 years, I’ve heard it all. Every now and then someone asks me something way out of left field but for the most part, all of my clients have the same questions. If you’ve never done a boudoir session before, I know there a million and one things you’re curious about! I’ve compiled a list of the 12 most frequently asked questions about boudoir to help you feel more informed and ready to get in front of my camera!
Should I lose/gain weight before my session?
Nooooope! Your weight does not qualify or disqualify you for a session. You should be celebrated at ANY size. When we put on some weight we tend to be really hard on ourselves and sometimes our self esteem can dip. When we drop weight unexpectedly, sometimes you feel like you’ve lost your ‘womanly’ curves. A full photoshoot with a professional hair and makeup team, proper wardrobe, and expert posing and lighting, can be really amazing during these times. Sometimes you need to hear how amazing you are from other people and the number on the scale means nothing concerning your beauty. We are so much more than what we weigh.
2. I’m SO awkward in front of the camera. Can you help?
Hell yes! I cannot tell you how often I hear this! We are all a little awkward. Embrace it! I am very detailed with how I direct you into poses. I also demonstrate the poses for you! I seriously just boss you around the entire time so you don't really have any opportunities to look awkward and if you do, it usually just results in a laughing fit and sometimes those are our favorite images! Trust me, I’ve photographed hundreds of women (and lots of men!) so I know how to bring the sexy out of every self-proclaimed awkward babe!
3. I have no idea what to wear. Will you help me?
Absolutely! I send a super in-depth guide in your welcome email that will go over outfit choices and how to prepare for your session. It will answer just about any question you may have. We also have an incredible and ever growing studio wardrobe with pieces that you get to keep. Like, for forever. We have sizes 6xl-xs! I even started my own online lingerie boutique because I love this part so much!
4. What if I don’t want my images shared online?
Then they won’t be shared! I never share any images without permission. I have my clients fill out a model release form after their session where they get to decide what can and cannot be shared. Sometimes my clients are ok with me sharing images where their faces aren’t visible. Other times they want all of them to be kept private. Then there are clients who let me share everything! Whatever you are comfortable with is perfectly fine by me! This is about you, after all.
5. What if I don’t know how to do my hair and makeup?
Then you are in the right place. I have multiple hair and makeup artists that I’ve worked with for years that are highly skilled in on camera looks. Bonus points: they are also kind, smart, and hilarious!
When you come in for your session, you’ll basically look like you just rolled out of bed. We do the rest! I have my clients fill out a questionnaire before their session so they can decide what kind of hair and makeup they are interested in. Sometimes they have a very specific look but more often, they just want my team to work their magic!
6. What kind of products do you have?
The most popular product my clients purchase is definitely an album. We have multiple sizes and cover options to make them super personalized to your style. We also have really fun add ons like a custom view finder (so cute and fun), custom poker chips and playing cards(helloooo strip poker), and fancy acrylic blocks for display. I’m also a sucker for wall art so we offer float mount metal wall art and framed art! Digital collections are really popular as well and make your images easy to share with your friends or partner!
7. How many outfits will I wear?
My typical session will have about 3 outfits. This will give you plenty of variety when choosing your images. Sometimes clients will bring way more and ask for my help in deciding which ones will photograph best. There are many times I have clients wear more than three outfits if they bring options that I know will look amazing and have special or sentimental meaning behind them. I love getting to play dress up with clients! I played with Barbies growing up so this part was made for me.
8. Do I have to get naked/Can I get naked?
Always completely up to you and your comfort level. I actually ask you this in your questionnaire so we are on the same page and I can avoid making anyone feel awkward. You do not have to take nude photos. You can also decide during your session if you’d like to. My studio is professional and private so if nude photos is something you think you might like to try, I am here to guide you. I do love an artsy, tasteful nude. Our bodies are incredible and beautiful and I love turning them into art. If your goal is to look HOT AF naked, I am also here for that!
9. When do I get to see the photos?
Before you leave your photoshoot, we will schedule your ordering appointment for 1-3 weeks after your session. You’ll come back in to the studio (or meet me on zoom) to see the photos I’ve selected and edited for you! Yes, you will be nervous to see them. Everyone is. Everyone is also blown away at the final results. It can be hard to wait those couple of weeks but I promise it’s worth it!
10. Will you photoshop me?
Short answer: yes. Let me explain! I do use photoshop to edit my photos but that doesn’t mean I’m going to make you look like a different person! If you don’t want me to edit your photos, I am more than happy to keep them as is. The majority of my clients want their hair and skin touched up, and that’s also ok. When I edit my photos I am typically removing blemishes, bruises, frizzy hairs, makeup imperfections, clothing tags, etc. I also soften wrinkles, stretch marks, and cellulite. I will smooth out some body parts if I feel like the clothing or pose didn’t do them justice. I can remove scars if you’d like but that is up to you!
I won’t make your body size bigger or smaller. I want you to still look like you.
11. Do you offer payment plans?
Definitely! When you book your session you can go ahead and set up your monthly payment plan for your products. You can do this with automatic payments to my studio. Easy Peasy! You also get access to free digitals and a custom phone app! We also offer Affirm and Afterpay.
12. Where is your studio?
My studio is in Canton, Georgia, right off of 575. We’re close enough to Atlanta to be accessible but far enough to skip the traffic! We’re currently in a gorgeous loft apartment on the top floor for added privacy.
Join our exclusive Facebook Group!
Our women only Facebook group is a great resource for my studio but it’s so much more than that. So many friendships have blossomed from this online community and I’m so proud of what it’s become!
Our professional boudoir photography studio is in Canton, Georgia. We have clients travel to us for a boudoir photoshoot from Atlanta, Woodstock, Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Acworth, Kennesaw, Buckhead, Cumming, and many other surrounding cities and states!
Image credit: Branding photos of me by Katya Vilchyk of atlantabrandingphotographer.com