What You Need to Know About Boudoir Photography

What You Need to Know About Boudoir Photography

There are many questions that first time boudoir clients ask and need to know about a boudoir shoot. This article, “What You Need to Know About Boudoir Photography” will cover lots of questions in helping anyone considering a photo shoot.

Our clients come to celebrate and/or process through all sorts of things with us. Happy things like getting engaged, getting married a birthday or an anniversary. We also have a number of clients that come due to sad circumstances. In our studio, we’ve had clients come to us after their divorces, loss of a loved one, widows, women that have suffered baby loss. We had women that have gone through major medical trauma such as cancer, including mastectomy. There is a number of wide-ranging reasons but the one thing that all women have in common is that they are seeking a different way to see and feel about themselves through the use of boudoir photography. Boudoir isn’t just about sexy photos. It’s an amazing tool for people to process certain parts of their lives.

This part is important!! Read Google Reviews. Make sure the photographer you work with is well established and legitimate.

How Long Does A Boudoir Shoot Last?

A boudoir photo session can range dramatically in time depending on the photographer and the type of services offered. A typical hair and make up application, if included in the session can take about 1 -1.5 hours. The shoot itself may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. There are so many variances to consider from photographer to photographer, the number of outfits involved and more.

In our studio, a client will spend about 4 hours of time with us. During that time, a client will have their hair and makeup done, the photo shoot, review their photo proofs, and select their images for their products all in the same day. Our effective use of time allows our clients to spend one day with us to complete all of the necessary in person conversations and complete product selections. Other studios will have you return after the photo shoot to see and select your photos and products. Be sure you know and understand the studio’s process.

How Long Does It Take to Get Boudoir Photos?

The length of time it takes to get your photos and photo products back can also vary. While the day of the photo shoot you may only be in the studio for a few hours, after the photo shoot is when the majority of the work goes into creating your beautiful artwork.

The process of retouching is very complex and can take anywhere from a few hours to 10+ hours. This all depends on each studios process of retouching. Some photographers will retouch their own work. Some photographers use professional retouchers and many use a combination of both for the best results.

Once the retouching is completed, the next part of the process is the time spent to create create albums, wall art wall art and many other specific products. This process alone may also take hours to complete.

After the creation of the products is completed, it is then then sent to a professional lab for printing. Depending on the time of year a lab could have the photo art created in a week or it may take a few weeks.

Finally, after all the products are finished being printed, shipping time is the next part of the process. Again, this can take a relatively short time or longer depending on if the professional lab. Some professional labs are located in the US and some, abroad.

Why Is Boudoir Expensive?

As we mentioned earlier this article, there is a number of hours placed into each client’s shoot. From the very beginning a lot of boudoir photographers will offer a complementary phone consultation. Once you are working together that photographer will often also offer you a custom one on one conversation to help you prepare. On top of that, many photographers will send you their personal preparation guide. This guide is filled with their preferences and other hints, tips, and tricks that they have learned over the years of their experience.

As mentioned earlier, there are many services involved in the process. Professional hair and make up artists create the look for the client, then, the time involved in the actual photo shoot. The time selecting photos with the client, the retouching time of all the photos, the creation of the products/album layouts, and of course the shipping time involved. The cost of boudoir photography can range tremendously. On average, a typical session can range from $1500-$5000. This fee is usually for the cost of products and does not include the cost of the session retainer which is usually paid separately to book and hold your session date. The session retainer/fee can range quite a bit as well from $99- $600 or more and usually does not go towards the cost of the products.

Some studios offer payment plans so always be sure to ask.

Should I Tip My Makeup Artist and Photographer?

Like all services, you should consider tipping as a part of your appreciation of the service. Generally, tipping in the make-up artist is considered good manners. It is generally about 20% of the service fee. Professional hair and make up services in your area may vary drastically. Here in the Atlanta area it is common for hair and professional make up services to range from $200 to $300.

Now, when it comes to tipping the photographer, it is completely up to you. Most photographers do not expect a tip. However, there are a number of clients that choose to show their appreciation this way.

How Should I Prepare for My Boudoir Shoot?

You should prepare for your boudoir photo shoot by first having an open conversation with your photographer. You may discuss the goals of your photos. This will help both you and the photographer a plan your outfits and sets to achieve the looks you desire. Most likely the studio you have chosen to work with will provide you with a list of things to do to get ready that is important to the specific photographer.

How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Photo Shoot

Some of the basics to help you prepare for your boudoir photo shoot include the following:

• Try on all of your outfits, including the thigh highs for fit
• Remove all of the tags on your outfits
• Make sure your hair is colored the way you want it to be for the photo shoot
• Please make sure your fingernails, toenails, and feet are manicured and photo ready
• Remove any unwanted facial or body hair you do not want seen in your photos
• Avoid sun exposure prior to your photo shoot. Uneven skin or a sunburn skin will not give you a beautiful result with the finished product
• Plan to have your photo shoot at least 4 to 8 weeks prior to the date you need them
• Stay hydrated and avoid food/drink that will bloat/dehydrate you in the days leading to your session
• Stretch in the days leading up to your session. Stretch your legs, your back, I promise it will help you get the results you wan

Should I Tan for My Boudoir Photo Shoot?

Most boudoir photographers do not recommend tanning. It may not give you as beautiful of a skin retouch in your photos. Some Studios will even charge you extra if you want the skin evened out. This will arrange tremendously from studio to studio. Be sure to ask the studio you are working with their policy on this.

Why Do Women Do Boudoir Photo Shoots?

There are several reasons why someone may choose to have a boudoir shoot :

1. A boudoir shoot can help boost self-confidence and promote self-love by celebrating one’s body and sexuality. It is also an opportunity to see yourself through someone else’s eyes.
2. A boudoir shoot can help them feel empowered and reconnected with their own sexuality.
3. A boudoir shoot can symbolize a new chapter and serve as a way to celebrate independence or a new start.
4. Boudoir can be a form of self-care and expression, allowing one to explore and celebrate their own beauty and sensuality.
5. Many clients want to have beautiful photos in which they feel sensual and confident to share with their partners. Usually a gift, but sometimes, just for fun.

Ultimately, a boudoir shoot can be a way to embrace and celebrate one’s individuality and boost confidence.

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