(5 Things) To Look For In A Boudoir Photographer

1 YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER’S EXPERIENCE WITH BOUDOIR

Your photographers experience in this niche style of shooting (boudoir) is a lot more important than you might think. Not only are no two boudoir sessions or photographers alike, but the culmination of ones experience with lighting and posing can greatly affect the outcome of a session. “When I started boudoir, I had been photographing weddings for about 8 years, and let me tell you… I was in over my head thinking I could just pick this up.”

Each photographer will have their own distinguished style and personality, that uses the skills that they have acquired to bring out the best in their clients.  Your photographers focus should be on making you, the client, feel relaxed and comfortable.

One of the ways to make sure that this is accomplished is by familiarizing yourself with the photographer’s “work”  Typically, a Boudoir Photographer will post various samples of their work on their Website, Instagram or other social media profiles. Being able to see these samples shows us their confidence in what they are able to produce, and the effort they are willing to put into creating a comfortable atmosphere.

2 FEELING COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER

Does your Boudoir Photographer share their “why”?  Do their Blogs and testimonials resonate with you and your vision? Does their website provide all the answers to the questions you had and questions you didn’t even think to ask yourself? How about their social media presence? The way they portray themselves online, write, and showcase their “mission” matters.

3 LOCATION

Where is your photographers “studio” do they shoot “on location”? Sometimes this means they will want to shoot our or your home, a hotel, or an air bnb. If you are lucky you’ll land a gorgeous location and you might have nothing to worry about, but on the flip side this is their time shooting in a new location. It might take them a long time to get acclimated to how the light works in the space and the results can be unforeseeable.

With a studio you’ll know exactly how far your traveling ahead of time, the hair and makeup will be on time, your photographer will know the light and layout of the space, and so much more!

4 DOES YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER OFFER “THE WORKS”?

Is this is your first self love boudoir experience? Choose a photographer that offers “the works.” Does the photographer offer a “client closet” to choose wardrobe pieces and accessories from or do they only tell you that you bring your own pieces for the shoot?  While you should bring a variety of your own options to your session, it is also nice to be able to look through a variety of intimate options that you might not otherwise try. 

Does your photographer offer full hair & makeup in order to have a relaxing experience? Your photographer should also know exactly how to pose you for your body type and personality. You should never come into a session in charge of your own poses.

5 UNDERSTAND YOUR PHOTOGRAPHERS PRICING STRUCTURE

After doing your researching on different Boudoir Photographers, make sure you understand how they price themselves before you book. There will normally be a “retainer” fee which covers the fees charged by the hair and makeup artist, the photographers time, and the hours put into setting up your session. 

Products are typically a separate purchase that may be a-la carte or there may be package options. Ask your photographer is they offer a payment plan, if you need to break up the payments on your investment.

There will be “luxury” Boudoir Photographers that are more expensive and those that charge less. Selecting the right boudoir photographer for you is important to keep your experience, an amazing one. Bear in mind that typically those that are charging more are doing so because they have more experience, greater skill, know their worth, and clients pay what they are asking.

Please don’t choose a photographer purely on a budget standpoint. Remember, boudoir is meant to show you how beautiful you are in this moment, but with an inexperienced photographer, the experience can potentially create a negative impact.