Boudoir Photography FAQ - 5/24/16

 There are a lot of questions I get asked again and again when it comes to Boudoir Photography, and it's totally normal! I've decided to answer a few of the more common questions, and while I will happily answer them anytime for anyone, if you were curious about boudoir photography, this post is a great way to find out answers to a bunch of questions all at once! You might not have even realized that this is a question you have, yet.

I'm not comfortable sharing my images online, is that okay?
YES! Absolutely! This applies to ANY portrait session, not just boudoir. Of course I love when my clients sign model releases--it allows me to promote my business, keep an updated portfolio, and share how awesome you look with others. You are in these pictures, and if you don't want them online I will not share them. Your privacy and comfort is of utmost importance.

Do you offer retouching?
Yes! I do a basic treatment of the skin with everyone. I don't go crazy with airbrushing as I want you to look natural, still. Taking off body weight or reshaping your figure is something I don't do. If there is something you are particularly self-conscious about, let me know!

Can I bring a friend?
One or two friends are more than welcome, as long as they don't distract from the shoot! Friends can help you feel happy and comfortable, and as long as you don't bring an entourage, the more the merrier! If it's a boudoir day, please make sure your friend is female as sessions overlap and are back to back. I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

Are hair and makeup included? Can I do my own to save money?
Professional hair and makeup are ALWAYS included with my boudoir sessions. I find this amenity a necessary service as part of an experience and high-quality product. You may come in with your hair and makeup styled as you like it, but the makeup artist will accent your look and make you camera-ready. This service is not able to be deducted from session fees.

Will it feel as though there is a lot of makeup on my face?
Probably, that is a typical reaction. However, the amount of makeup will not impact the photos. Our makeup artists specialize in camera-ready makeup that accents and complements your already-gorgeous self. Please let the makeup artist or myself know if there is any concerns. Remember that some makeup may fall away during the shoot and not all of it will be picked up by the camera. What you see inches in front of you will be very different a few feet away from the lens.

How long does the shoot take?
Most Boudoir sessions only need 30 minutes to 2 hours and you will get plenty of images to choose from in your edit.

Do I get all the files to my images?
I do not include images, all digital files are sold separately or offered as bonus incentives depending on the session or the event.

Do you provide the wardrobe?
I may have a few props on hand, but please bring your own wardrobe! Bring as many options as possible, we will work together to figure out outfits and how many we can do! If you need help with what to wear, bring whatever you wish to try or ask us for ideas beforehand! We're open books and happy to help!

I'm not photogenic, will you help pose me?
YOU ARE photogenic, as you will learn, and I absolutely will. I have a questionnaire that helps figure out what you are comfortable with in terms of your personal body confidence and awareness and I will always pose you to flatter your body type. It's important to remember that no body is the "perfect" body shape. There is short, tall, curvy, skinny, and so many other adjectives to describe a human body. Also, it's whats on the inside that counts, and this is about loving yourself in your own skin. I promise that you will look nothing short of fantastic.

Do you photograph nudity?
I only photograph implied nudity, and keep everything very tasteful. This separates boudoir from pornography. I'm not trying to censor anything, I'm just trying to make sure the images remain artful while showing as much skin as possible.

How much skin do I have to show?
If you want to be practically naked or are just comfortable prancing around in a sundress, that is fine. We will do whatever you are comfortable with, and our questionnaire will help with that.

How long will it take to get my pictures back?
It can take 2-4 weeks to get photos back depending on how long your shoot was and how much retouching is necessary! Prints take anywhere from 2-4 weeks, and press products like albums or fine art (canvases, etc) can take 6-12 weeks.

New questions will arise, and honestly...I probably forgot a few of them on here. I never want a client to feel afraid to ask me anything. There is no such thing as a stupid question, and the more you ask, the more comfortable you will feel when it comes time to do your shoot! :-)

xx emily

I'm afraid, too. Sincerely, your Boudoir Photographer. - 5/17/16

When people learn that I'm a boudoir photographer, I don't know what they think of me. I'm sure many choose to be tight-lipped and will see it as soft core pornography no matter what (It isn't!) Sure, most people I know and associate with have gotten super excited and have shared compliments along the lines of oh my god that's so awesome! or I love boudoir! Holy shit, that's great! Sometimes I wonder if people assume I have the raging self-confidence and happiness that I try to bring out of my clients. It's true, to some level I have to embody these traits. I have to practice what I preach and bring this strength into my shoots and my business in order for it to work and convey the message I want in my photographs. Most of all, to see that major self-confidence boost in my clients and to gush over their beautiful, badass selves in their photographs.


Would you find it odd if I told you that I've never had a boudoir session done? What if I told you I'm insecure, often self-conscious, as well as anxious?

I know I'm human, and that's okay. As a person trying to make a creative professional freelance business work, is it alright to share this vulnerability about myself. Will this honesty hurt me? Will people realize this about me and not want me to take their pictures? Will they think it's hypocritical that I push feminine strength and self-confidence into my business plan and mission, YET I am the queen of anxiety?

Before this goes any further, as a side note: I was likely overthinking the last paragraph.

I know that as a person, I believe in honesty. I also try to carry this value with how I shoot. Still, you could see my struggle in talking about this. I also value the importance of allowing yourself to be human. Can I be honest, vulnerable, and self conscious and be polished and professional? I guess I allowed myself to talk about this today because if anything, I want to show my clients that it's okay to feel this way. It's natural, it's human, and quite frankly, it is to be expected.

I've made a lot of mistakes over and over,  and I've gone through many self-discoveries. Haven't you? Sometimes we make terrible mistakes and hurt people, and sometimes we don't learn right away. Sometimes you think you finally found yourself and have your life figured out. Well my friend, the truth is that you will go through this over and over and over again...and you're doing alright as long as you're trying...

...and remembering how awesome you are from time to time, bringing back that self-love that is hiding in there somewhere.

I'm also afraid of letting a client down. I'm terrified that somehow my awkwardness that I cherish as being quirky will make them uncomfortable. I fear that they will look at their photographs and they are not what they expected, and even worse, they do not feel that joy I yearn to bring through delivering photographs that make them look and feel stunning and that they've got the world in their back pocket.

I can't let these fears that are for the most part created and nonsensical affect my photography. I need to remember that these feelings are natural and that I'm human and I can make mistakes. If anything, these fears give me a viewpoint into the minds of my clients who are nervous and feeling uncertain about themselves going ahead with this life passage of getting practically-naked in front of a camera. My understanding of their emotions will help me best reach them, and I can truly mean it when I say "It's okay to be nervous, but we're here to have fun and I promise you will look beyond-stunning." As it turns out, I have found my confidence in my work and myself by allowing myself to be anxious and vulnerable. That is the root of where Boudoir works. You are physically vulnerable by showing so much skin, this uncomfortable feeling can migrate to your brain making you feel exposed. Choosing to be brave, loosening up, having fun, and finding that inner beauty through the skin, body, and mind you have at that very moment is where this magical equation works. This is why I shoot. This is why I am okay sharing this with you. Remembering HELL YEAH I'M AWESOME, LET'S DO THIS! It works with boudoir, and it works with life.

I look at the photographs I took, and I remember how much I kick ass at this, and the girl on fire is found. I hope the photographs I take of you are a lasting reminder of how amazing YOU are.

I'll know this even more someday when I finally get my boudoir photos done.

xx emily

Boudoir Unicorn: Boudoir Shoot Flight Plan - 4/25/16

Hello Lovely Unicorns!

So....you've booked a boudoir shoot. You've never done this before. What can you expect? What do you do besides show up and get your pictures taken? Well, I've designed a little guide here to help!
I've written this specific to my Boudoir shoots and the clients that have already booked, but I think that this post will be a great for any prospective clients who are interested in getting a boudoir shoot done with me or another artist. You can never be too prepared!

FAQ....

Here are a few repeat questions I've gotten from clients everytime I've done Boudoir shoots. I'm always happy to answer them, but naturally I'll list a few here for convenience, and as always...if YOU have any questions, just ask! :-)

Do you provide a wardrobe, or do you provide one for us?
Our unicorns dress themselves!
Other photographers may provide wardrobes if they've accumulated a collection, but personally I do not provide anything. Women come in all different shapes and sizes, and keeping your shoot personalized with your style right from your own wardrobe! Some ladies choose to go lingerie shopping for their shoot to treat themselves to something new and pretty, but if you have a budget to keep in mind, I am sure that you have more than enough clothing to work with. We will get into specifics later!

Do you provide digital files?
Usually not, but occasionally I do. As a photographer, I choose to not offer digital files with sessions. I always outline this in all my contracts and emails, but they are always available for purchase. If I include them, it is for a special reason such as a booking incentive, and that will be outlined.

How long does it take to edit a boudoir session?
If I'm editing a Boudoir Day, it can take a few weeks to a month. I always outline this on the individual session contracts. If you have a special request, let me know!

 How many files do you deliver?
Boudoir Day shoots are usually culled to an edit of 15-30 images. Quality over quantity!

How long will this take?
Boudoir sessions typically take 30 minutes to an hour. You'd be surprised with how many shots we get in such a short amount of time! Normal on-location portrait shoots typically take longer because you have to move around from location-to-location!

I bet you didn't know...

You don't need to worry about self-confidence for this shoot! IT IS OKAY TO BE NERVOUS!
You could be second-guessing yourself, shaking, or crying...WE'VE GOT YOU, GIRL! We're here to make you feel gorgeous and look amazing. Just be yourself, and let us do all the hard work! It's natural to feel a certain reluctance in bearing skin. Most of us don't walk around like this everyday, and it's okay to feel vulnerable. I've never had an experience where a client didn't eventually loosen up, relax, and have fun!

If you're doing this as a gift to a signifigant other, don't forget yourself!
This is SO IMPORTANT. This is why we try to pamper the living daylight out of you at these sessions! Besides, your loved one adores you and wants you to see yourself through the same lens. They see amazing things in you, and if you have the same mindset...it'll show even more in the photographs.

In the end, it doesn't matter how much skin you bear.
Boudoir is not just sexy photography. Boudoir is about the experience. If you are just interested in dancing around in a sundress, that's more thank okay! You do you, girlfriend.

Getting Ready & Prepared!

 Like everything, it's best to plan ahead and not leave things until the last minute, and for a boudoir shoot getting ready is REALLY easy! Procrastinate if you will, I know a lot of us are awesome at that, but in the long run this will go better for you if you take the time to get ready mentally and otherwise.

• Don't worry about your body! No crash diet or last minute hitting the gym will help! It does not matter to us, or ultimately you if you kill yourself over how you look physically. While this may be a weight-loss or fitness reward to yourself, it is important to love the skin you're in. We're here to make you look amazing no matter what. Above all, being okay with yourself is best for YOU!
• Don't worry about a lingerie shopping spree if it's not in your budget or you don't want to! We can work with what you've got! Seriously! I'll list some ideas below, but bring as many things as you wish! We may not use them all, but we are happy to help you with styling! If you have any ideas prior to the shoot, we're happy to discuss them with you.
• Drink lots of water before your shoot! Stay hydrated! Water is also great for your complexion, and occasionally clients will hold some difficult poses for lengthy periods of time (we'll never do anything outside of your comfort zone) and having enough H20 in you will prevent dizzy spells and so on
• Avoid foods that cause bloating! Avoid any excessively fatty, sugary, cheesy, or carbohydrate heavy foods before your shoot if you are concerned about your tummy in the photographs. Stick to fruits and veggies, granola bars, yogurt, cereal, and other healthy foods. We will even have some refreshments on hand that will cater to this. PLEASE DO EAT, before your shoot!
• Bring your foundation or cover up! This will help the makeup artist match her makeup to what you use and best match your complexion. If you have any allergies, please let us know

Wardrobe Ideas:

Below is a list of a few wardrobe ideas and props that are commonly used in the past and also some suggestions. No idea is a bad one, and there are many more possibilities on this list!

• A boyfriend's flannel, button down, jersey, blazer, or hoodie.
• Your favorite bra/panty set
• A slip or nightie
• High heels
• An oversized tshirt or sweater
• Garter belts and tights
• Lace, or textured fabric
• Pajamas
• Bridal jewelry
• Fashion jewelry
• Blanket
• Bridal Accessories/Veil
• Boots
• Hats
• Dress or gown
• Corset or other lingerie set (there are so many kinds!)
• Button down shirt, pencil skirt, "pinup" clothes--props: old rotary telephones, sassy glasses, headscarves, vintage suitcases, perfume bottles, etc!
• Long pearls
• Your favorite things: Books, makeup, your yoga mat, ball (if you play any ball), art, musical instrument, photos, whatever! Sky's the limit here!
• His tie!
• Wine glasses
• Handheld mirrors

Errands to run beforehand!

These aren't required by any means, but if you've got the budget you may want to consider:

1. A haircut, color, or trim! Freshen up those glorious locks! 
2. Brow waxing/threading or waxing in general ... if you do this. 
3. Paint/trim your nails or get a manicure/pedicure--just one of the details to take into account! Fingers and toes occasionally show up! Especially if you're showing off wedding jewelry!
4. Lingerie Shopping--Hit up Victoria's secret or another store that specializes in "pretty little sexy things"- You can find suggestions for online stores here. I am also a big fan of Fredrick's of Hollywood and Aerie!

The Day Of

 You're probably going to be the most nervous this morning or a couple of days before! Take a deep breath, and relax. Take this time for yourself and take care of yourself. Go to the spa, read a book, go for a nice walk, take a bubble bath! EAT SOME PIZZA! We'll do whatever it takes to give you an enyoyable, relaxing, empowering photoshoot (we usually have goodies for you) but you should take care of yourself to! You deserve it!

After The Shoot 

After the shoot is over, you'll anxiously be waiting for your images! We try to be as efficient as possible with editing, but we want to do a polished, good job too. We'll set up an appointment with you to view the images and talk about products and which ones to order! Coffee's on us! <3

Lastly, don't forget how beautiful you are whether you have seen your images or not. Even when those photos aren't hanging on your wall or in a little discrete book on the nightstand as a reminder, you are amazing, beautiful, and perfect just the way you are. We can only hope that the empowerment you received on this day will last a lifetime.

xx emily