What are the most commonly asked questions about Boudoir photoshoots?
Since ChatGPT was launched at the end of last year, it seems like the whole world has been talking about AI! Now I don’t want you to worry, we’re not going to be replacing ourselves with a chatbot anytime soon - but I must admit I like a gadget so I felt like I had to have a go.
So I decided to ask it “What are the most commonly asked questions about Boudoir photoshoots?” and I thought I would answer those questions for you all here:
what is a boudoir photoshoot?
There are so many definitions of this. You could say that boudoir photos are personal images featuring lingerie - but for us a boudoir photoshoot is so much more than that. Boudoir photography is a way of discovering your confidence, expressing your sensuality, and celebrating who you are!
how should I prepare for a boudoir photoshoot?
The main thing we recommend is spending a little time pampering yourself and making sure your beauty routine is up to date. There is nothing you have to change about yourself for a photoshoot, but if you usually have a haircut or then it’s best to arrange that before the shoot to make sure you feel at your best. The same applies to hair removal; it’s up to you whether you’d like to be natural, waxed or shaved etc but it’s best to plan this ahead of them. It’s good to exfoliate and moisturise your body in preparation for the photos, plus a manicure and pedicure at home or at a salon finishes things off nicely for detail photos too.
what should i wear for a boudoir photoshoot?
The main focus of a boudoir photoshoot is lingerie, and there are so many different styles you can explore: bras, knickers, suspender belts, bodysuits, teddies, basques and negligees to name just a few. I know that choosing what to wear and lingerie shopping can be overwhelming for many of our clients. Many have lost touch with that side of themselves or their body has changed a lot in recent years, and some have never treated themselves to lingerie more than simply buying essential underwear for day to day life. That’s why I’m here to help! We send you our style guide and links to all my favourite lingerie sites when you book a photoshoot with us, but I can also offer second opinions or even send you personal suggestions if you need ideas before your shoot.
can i bring a friend or partner to the photoshoot?
The photoshoot itself is private, we don’t allow anyone to watch. However, they are more than welcome to drop you off and meet us, or even stay for a coffee while we sit down together and chat through the shoot if you like. Then when you head into makeup they can head off to a local cafe or similar to wait for you. There’s also some beautiful walks nearby if they want to explore.
will my photos be kept private and secure?
All photos we take at the studio, and anything personal you share with us in our conversations, remain private and secure unless you give us written permission to share them. We are proud than so many of our clients do share their images and experience to inspire others, but you are certainly not under obligation to do so and you can decide how you feel about it once you’ve seen the photos we’ve created together.
do i need professional modelling experience for a boudoir shoot?
Absolutely not! In fact most of the clients you see on our website and social media etc have never been photographed by a professional before, or maybe had a few family photos and that sort of thing. Everyone is nervous to a greater or lesser extent and it’s our job to guide you through at every step. You’re never expected to know what to do, we will demonstrate poses and talk you through every single photo.
how long does a boudoir photoshoot typically last?
You’ll be with us for around 3 hours for your photoshoot, then approximately an hour when you come back to view and order your photos. That means we have plenty of time for makeup, hairstyling and the photoshoot in 3 or 4 different outfits to capture approximately 50 photos for you to choose from. We never want you to feel rushed, we always take our time.
should i have professional hair and makeup done for the shoot?
We believe that makeup and hair makes such a difference to how you feel, so we include makeup and hairstyling before every photoshoot. Not only does this mean that we can use products suitable for the camera etc, but it always takes the pressure off you on the day: no-one wants to be trying to get eyeliner straight when they’re feeling nervous! This gives you time to sit back, relax and be pampered to ensure you look and feel fabulous before we take a single photo.
can i choose the style and theme for my boudoir photoshoot?
Though clients often bring along props and accessories for their photoshoot, we don’t really offer “themed” photoshoots - the them is YOU! As for the style, we always work without our “house style” that we’ve perfected over the years, but there is a range within it and we’re happy to discuss which looks we’ll concentrate on during the photoshoot. We always adapt our photos to suit the person we meet at the studio and how you want to feel.
how do i find a reputable and experienced boudoir photographer?
Well you’ve already found us! But all joking aside, this is definitely something to take seriously. When you’re deciding which photographer or studio you want to book your photoshoot with there are two main things to consider: do you feel comfortable working with them? and do you feel confident that they will create photos you’ll love?
I think that the best way to research this is to look at their reviews and testimonials. How do previous clients speak about their experience? Do they have photos that you love of women of different ages, shapes and sizes? How do they direct you in the studio? Who will be at the photoshoot with you? If you want to understand more about us and how we work - I would recommend taking a look at our TikTok videos as they show lots behind the scenes at the studio.
will the photographer provide guidance on posing and expressions?
We will always guide you on posing and expressions, you never need to know what to do and you’re not expected to have any previous experience. In fact a huge number of our clients tell us before their photoshoot that they’re not photogenic or never have any idea what to do for a photo. We usually start each pose by demonstrating what we would like you to do, then you can copy us and we’ll adapt the pose by talking you through it. As for facial expressions - we try to avoid saying things like “smile” and never give instructions like “be sexy” or “give me your model face”! We like to keep things natural and have loads or secret ways to make that happen.
can i request retouching or editing of my boudoir photos?
Well that depends on what you ask for. We’re very happy to remove temporary blemishes like spots, bruises, insect bits, scratches and marks from clothing - but we don’t remove permanent things like scars, stretch marks, tattoos and we certainly don’t change your body into a dramatically different shape. This is all about learning to love yourself as you are!
what is the cost of a boudoir photoshoot?
The overall cost of a boudoir photoshoot depends on the number of photos you purchase, but there are a range of options from £1200. We charge a £300 session fee when you book your appointment which includes: a welcome pack with our magazine and style guide for inspiration, personal advice on what to wear and help with lingerie shopping, makeup and hairstyling to ensure you look and feel fabulous, private studio photoshoot with pose direction and guidance throughout and a private viewing appointment to see the beautiful photos we’ve captured and create your own fabulous photo collection.
is it necessary to show nudity in boudoir photography?
It’s up to you how revealing you’d like your photos to be, but our photoshoots always include lingerie outfits of some kinds. This can range from conservative bodysuits to a sheer bodystockings and everyone is unique. For returning clients planning a second or third photoshoot with us, we also offer the option to capture implied nude photos (e.g. with just a bedsheet) or elegant topless and nude images.
can i use the photos for personal or professional purposes?
Yes, you are welcome to print and share the photos you have purchased from us for personal use or in professional profiles, but they cannot be resold without our written permission.
are there any age or body size restrictions for boudoir photoshoots?
Our photoshoots are suitable for all ladies aged 21 and above; the oldest client we’ve photographed to date is 74 but there is no upper age limit. There is no body size or shape restrictions for a boudoir photoshoot with us at all - the gorgeous ladies on our website range from size 6 to 34 and all rocked their photoshoot, so can you.
will the photographer respect my boundaries and comfort level?
We certainly will respect your boundaries, but for most of our clients the whole experience is completely out of their comfort zone! We will certainly go at your pace and whatever we suggest to wear or do in the studio, you can always pause or say no and we will simply move on. This is a hugely personal experience and we want you to feel as comfortable as possible during the shoot and proud of the photos we create together.
can i bring my own props or accessories for the shoot?
Absolutely you can if you want to personalise your photos to your hobbies or your partner. There are endless possibilities here but recent clients have brought along books, guitars, handcuffs, painting easel, sports kit and even a bow with arrows. Then don’t forget the accessories like robes, stockings, high heels and jewellery, but you can also bring other pieces from your wardrobe that express your personal style. Whether it’s your prized trainers, military uniform, beloved DM boots, vintage denim shirt, team’s sports kit or favourite motorbike jacket - have a think about what is really “you”.
what can i expect during the photoshoot session?
A boudoir photoshoot is a very intimate experience and we take what we do very seriously… but we do not take ourselves seriously! In the studio it’s lots of fun with music, chat and usually a lot of laughter too. Jon will direct the shoot, talking you through everything you need to do, using light to accentuate your shape and capturing images that you’ll love. I’ll be on hand to help with final outfit decisions, demonstrating poses for you to copy and keeping an eye out for the little details - hair in the right place, twisted bra straps etc. You can think of me as your assistant for the day!
how long does it take to receive the final edited photos?
The digital images you purchase will be sent to you within 2 weeks, with the printed albums and wall art to follow within 8 weeks. All our bookbound albums, frames and such are beautifully printed and hand-finished at workshops across Europe and so they take a little time to arrive - but they are so worth the wait!
