What I would tell you about choosing a Boudoir Photographer if I wasn’t afraid of hurting your feelings.
I know it’s difficult deciding who you want to work with when you’ve actually never experienced anything like a boudoir photoshoot before.
I’d love to say that we’re the best choice for everyone, but choosing a boudoir photographer is a very personal decision. So instead, I thought I would share with you some advice on what to look for with some rather direct truths.
(Jon has described me as “brutally honest” and I guess I’m living up to that reputation today!)
You are not a professional model.
No-one knows how to pose for the camera without years of experience in the studio, which means you need to choose a photographer who understands boudoir posing. More importantly, you need someone who knows how to adapt those poses for each individual woman, and how to demonstrate and explain those poses for you in really friendly and accessible way.
Personality is more important than photography.
A boudoir photoshoot is a very private and vulnerable experience, so you need to choose a photographer and team that you believe you’ll feel comfortable opening up to and working with in the studio. Social media can be a great way to get to know people, but also don’t be afraid to ask questions and have a chat before you book your photoshoot.
The right photographer for you probably isn’t in your town.
Working with the right photographer makes the world of difference to your photos and experience, and there are not dozens of boudoir photographers in every town, so you will probably need to travel. Booking your dream photoshoot may involve an overnight trip or even a flight to another country and a whole new adventure.
Don’t trust someone without any reviews.
I think we all value recommendations from family and friends above all else, particularly for such a personal service, and honest reviews from other clients is the next best thing. So please do your research - read testimonials on their website and social media etc, but also look at public reviews on Google etc to see how other ladies felt throughout their experience.
You don’t need airbrushing.
I believe that boudoir photography is all about learning to love yourself as you are, not airbrushing away your individuality and turning you into someone else. Everyone has a different philosophy on editing or photoshopping photos, so the important thing is to choose a photographer who has the same approach as you.
Don’t choose your photographer by price alone.
Of course your budget will always be a consideration, and it’s very important to discuss pricing and understand your options before you book a photoshoot, but choosing the cheapest studio you can find may well lead to disappointment. Nobody deserves to have a negative experience that knocks their confidence! So sometimes waiting and saving up, or spreading the cost with interest free credit, to get what you truly want is a safer choice.
You need help with lingerie and styling.
Choosing the right outfits and accessories really does make a huge difference to your photos, and having someone available to support you through the shopping and planning stages is invaluable. Knowing what looks good on camera, where stocks your sizes, how to put looks together, how to express your personality through lingerie, and how to celebrate your passions and hobbies in a stylish way really comes from experience.
Don’t book a photographer based on one great photo.
You really want to explore the whole portfolio of a photographer on their website and social media to get an understanding of the kind of photos you’re going to create together. Do they feature a diverse range of ages, shapes and sizes? Do you see people you relate to? Are the photos of a consistent style and quality?
Your home is not a photo studio.
No matter how pretty the wallpaper is or how tidy you keep your home, no-one’s bedroom is designed for a photoshoot. It’s unrealistic that you’d have the right lighting, layout or space for boudoir photography at home - so you need a photographer with the right location for your photoshoot, whether that’s somewhere rented for the occasion or a permanent specialist studio like ours.
Professional makeup and hairstyling is essential.
That doesn’t mean you need full glam - long gone are the days of theatrical makeup for a photoshoot! You can choose a look as natural or dramatic as you like, but it’s important to work with a makeup artist who understands which products to avoid and what looks good on camera. More importantly, you deserve to be pampered and relax before your photoshoot to help you emotionally prepare for the camera.
You deserve better than digital photos on your phone.
Photos truly come alive on paper, so you want to choose a photographer who will beautifully print your favourite photos to last a lifetime. Whether they’re captured in an album, traditional frame or panels for the wall - your photos deserve to be celebrated and enjoyed for years to come.
Not everyone with a camera is a boudoir photographer.
Just because someone took great photos of your wedding, dogs, kids or business doesn’t mean they know how to sculpt your body with light. You really want to choose someone experienced in Boudoir photography specifically so that you can enjoy a relaxing photoshoot and beautiful photos.
You need to book your photoshoot earlier than you think.
Beautiful bespoke albums and hand-finished frames aren’t available on next day delivery! They often take weeks or months to be made and shipped to you, and photographers’ diaries can get very busy, so it’s important to plan your photoshoot well in advance of any special occasions e.g. your birthday, wedding or anniversary. Please contact your chosen photographer (hopefully us!) ASAP to give you time to plan and ensure everything is ready in time.
