Boudoir photography has become an increasingly popular form of photography particularly for women and some men (“dude-oir”). Our clients have sought our service for a variety of reasons such as an upcoming marriage, gift for a significant other, test out a make-up artist, or celebrate a fitness milestone! As boudoir photographers our mission is to make all of our clients look beautiful or handsome through the use of proper technique, good lighting, and effective coaching!

Comfort

The most important thing to consider is comfort! How comfortable are you with the photographer, likewise how comfortable is the photographer in fulfilling your requirements?

Boudoir photography is not exclusively a female profession, you’ll find both male and female boudoir photographers. If working with a photographer of the opposite gender gives you the creepy crawlies, then don’t do it! You should feel calm and relaxed during your photo session, not like you’re about to go sky diving!

However, gender should not be your sole decision for purchasing any service...

Cost

Can you afford your photographer? There are several factors associated with the cost of your photo session such as location. If you’re actively searching for a boudoir photographer you may have  heard the term marathon session or shoot! Marathon photo shoots typically occur when a photographer reserves a hotel room and holds as many photo sessions as he or she can during their allocated time in the hotel to maximize the cost and opportunity of having the space! The cost of a marathon session can vary depending on the exclusiveness of the hotel, as well as the total clients the photographer was able to book prior to the beginning of the marathon.

Hair and make-up are a must have...yeah the photographer can work their magic in photoshop, but thats not the point! If you’re going to do a boudoir session, have fun get your self pampered. Hair and make-up vary, most photographers hire different freelance make-up artist, and some have an exclusive make-up artist. Not all of our clients elect to use our make-up artist, we’ve had clients bring their own make-up artist, or hire a make-up artist as a trial to test suitability for their upcoming wedding!

If you’re tight on a budget places like Mac, Sephora, and some department stores may apply make-up if you purchase an item. However, make-up application for everyday wear and make-up for photography and videography are different, and you should seek the services of a make-up artist experienced with photography or videography!

What do you plan to wear to your photo shoot? If you already have it, thats a plus! Surf the internet look for boudoir photo ideas! If you want a more modern look, then you may not need to invest in expensive corsets! If you want to look more down to earth, you don’t need a pair Gucci high heels! Present your ideas to your photographer and he or she should be able to provide great advice on what to wear. Some photographers have wardrobes with items that you can use or purchase, and other photographers have no wardrobe! If don’t intend on spending a lot of money you might consider a photographer with a wardrobe.

Last but not least, its all about the end result! What do you want as result of your photo session, perhaps an album, digital disc, prints, maybe a calendar? What does the photographer charge and are the prices reasonable? What is the turnaround time from end of shoot to product in your hand? Do your homework and compare prices of a few local boudoir photographers. Furthermore don’t be afraid to ask the photographer the kind of camera and lenses they use, or about the the quality of their products. Be wary of the photographer who has no product samples to show before spending a lot of money on a product.

Location

Some boudoir photographers do not have studios and either shoot in hotels, your home, or their home. If you’re not comfortable having your photographer in your home or the environment is not suitable suggest reserving your own hotel room or looking for a boudoir photographer who has a studio, or is conducting a marathon session in a hotel room he or she has already reserved. Location ties into comfortable, where are you most comfortable in a hotel, a home, or studio?

In conclusion ensure you’re comfortable, like their style, can afford, and agree upon the location for the shoot when selecting your boudoir photographer. Furthermore you want to select a photographer who is comfortable with meeting your requirements and the value of their skills is comparable to the prices they charge.