Boudoir Photography, Napa, California, 2012
Here is a black and white boudoir image from a shoot at the Napa River Inn.
Boudoir Photography, Sonoma County, California, 2011
This image is available for commercial license.
Boudoir Photography, Healdsburg, California, 2012
A black and white boudoir image from a Sonoma County country home.
Boudoir Photography, Sonoma County, California, 2011
This image is available for commercial license.
“I’ve never done a shoot like this before and I really want to but I’m really nervous about it and don’t know how it all works or what to do or wear or anything. Ahhhh!” No worries. Many clients have this same feeling. Boudoir can can be a fun empowering experience, but you really want to make sure you get it right. So the first thing to do is come into my studio and talk. We’ll get to know each other in a laid back atmosphere and talk about your style in terms of photography, wardrobe, location, etc. My stylists and I will help you every step of the way. We’ve been doing this for a while.
“What do your packages include?” My packages are totally flexible. However, my standard package includes the shoot, an HD multimedia slideshow in a stylish DVD presentation book, and prints.
“What about retouching?” Retouching is always included on any physical item, like a print or album, and can always be ordered separately for any item. Pretty much anything can be done with photoshop and I am very good at it. However, I try to retouch judiciously by correcting for minor skin blemishes, dirt, or even some small body shape alterations.
“How long is the typical shoot, and how many outfits or “looks” will I get?” Shoots are two hours not including time needed for makeup, hair, and wardrobe. I suggest we have at least five outfits to choose from, but we typically only get to two or three. But it’s better to bring an outfit that you don’t use than to not bring it and wish you did.
“What should I wear?” Wardrobe for boudoir shoots can range from causal, sexy, fun outfits, to elegant lingerie, to complete nudity and everything in between. The amount of skin that you show is completely up to you. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and sexy because if you don’t it will show. With that said, I would say to keep your outfits simple, pay attention to small details like accessories and your nails, and to push yourself a little. Sometimes the best shoots are when you are challenged up to the edge of your comfort zone without going past it.
“Can you provide professional makeup, hair, and wardrobe stylists?” Yes. I always recommend we use professional stylists, but this is up to you. Some clients like to do their own hair and makeup or have a friend do it. That’s ok, but I find the quality of the images to be night and day from when my stylists are on set to when they aren’t. Plus, stylists definitely enhance your experience because it feels pretty good to know that there is this crew of pros that is only there to make you look great.
“Where are we going to shoot? Do you have a studio or will we shoot on location? My house is messy and kind of boring, if we shoot on location do you have any suggestions?” I shoot a very creative artistic style of boudoir that is very location dependent. We can shoot in a studio, but the vast majority of shoots are on location. With that said, we don’t have to shoot at your home. Many clients like the comfort of a luxury hotel room, but I prefer something more creative. For example, I have done shoots at places like a flower nursery, the beach, farm, even an abandoned school. The most important thing is that the location is safe, private and you really like it.
“In what format are the initial proofs offered, and how soon after the shoot are they ready for viewing?” An online proof gallery will be ready for you within ONE DAY if you purchase an all inclusive package. Otherwise it’s usually a week or so. Your proofs will be optimized for the screen and corrected for color, contrast, and be edited down to only the very best images from your shoot. You may download your proofs and keep and share them indefinitenly.
“Do you retain the copyright for the photos?” Of course. But you will receive permissions to use the images for your own personal use as long as you don’t alter or sell them.
“Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?” In most cases, yes. However, if you would like your shoot to be completely private, I am more than happy to honor that. Although most of clients are happy to see me displaying their images, I’d rather have you happy and not publish your photos, than publish your photos and be mad at me. So if you have a problem, just talk to me. I’m pretty reasonable.
“I have so many more questions!” And I’d love to answer them. Just contact me to schedule a free consultation.