I know everyone has the same questions when considering a boudoir session, so I thought that it would be best to answer some of them here as an easy reference point. It is a bit long, but I’ve covered everything I can think of! Have a question you need an answer to? Feel free to contact me!
I don’t have the perfect figure.
I could go on and on about how I think the media has tainted our vision of the perfect figure, but instead I’ll just say – who does, really? And who defines perfect? You have the perfect figure – you just don’t know it yet! We’ll take photos from a variety of angles, focusing on all of your favorite parts. I want you to see just how beautiful you are!
I’m concerned about being a little bit too exposed.
Before your session, I will want to discuss your limits and what you are comfortable with. We may want to do photographs where you are only “hinting” at being exposes – an open shirt, for example. There are these great products out there called breast petals, and they look like little flowers and cover you so you don’t have to worry about any accidental exposure, a la Elaine in Seinfeld and the holiday card incident.
Speaking of being exposed, I don’t want my photos to be visible to the public online.
It is likely that I will find images that I love and want to show off, but I will only ever post photos on my blog or in my portfolio with your permission, clearing each and every photograph I share. Your session gallery will be online, but will be password protected so that only you have access to it.
Is it important that I like you if you are going to photograph my boudoir session?
I feel that it is very important that you like your photographer. It comes across in your photographs if you are at ease with me. I know I am not the perfect photographer for everyone out there – I’m not trying to be. I want us to be a great fit. I do hope that if you have read this far, I am the right photographer for YOU, and if so, I would love to work with you. I look forward to hearing from you.
How do I hire you?
We’ll pick a date, I’ll send you a contract (digital) that you will sign and then you’ll pay your session reservation fee. The final payment will be due before or at your session, depending if you’re paying online or with a check. Proofs are not released until the final payment is made.
If I hire you, will you photograph my session?
That question may sound redundant, but trust me – it is something you should ask. You should always know in advance who will be photographing your session. When you book me, you get me.
I’m interested in hiring you – can I view an entire session gallery?
Boudoir sessions are a very intimate thing, and I respect my client’s privacy. I am happy to request permission from them for you to access their gallery, but they might say no. This site serves as my portfolio and shows you pretty much exactly what style my photographs are.
What if something happens and you can’t shoot my session for some reason? What if I can’t make my session?
I really don’t ever want to risk making someone sick. I also don’t want to get sick. My normal rule is that if I have a fever or if I know I’m contagious, I will reschedule our shoot. If you’re sick, I would appreciate it if you do the same. We’ll work together to find a new date that works well for both of us.
How are my photos stored?
As soon as I complete a session, before I do any editing to the photos, I copy them all to two external hard drives. I then edit them from one external drive. Once the editing process is complete and the photos are online, I make a copy of the final proofed images in high-resolution JPG format.
My editor, Brittany & I are the only people that have access to boudoir session files.
All galleries are protected with an access code so that no one else can view your photos without your permission.
If my package includes the DVD of high-resolution images, why should I buy prints from you?
Years ago, photographers used to feel it was critical that they control your photographs. Times have changed. So I get why you would want a DVD of your images, so I offer packages with the option to receive a copy. I want you to have them. You have permission to print them as well.
However, there is something to be said for having me print your photographs. Then I can control how the images come out, because my monitors are calibrated for my lab. My prints are heirloom quality, and printed on papers only available to professionals. Much like the old photographers used to do it, we take your proofs and do additional digital work to them to make them perfect before they go off to print. We tweak the colors, retouch any skin imperfections, fix things like under-eye circles, and just make them pretty before we send them off.
I do offer the option to purchase a select number of retouched files from your session. Check the a la carte pricelist for the current rates.
When it comes to getting prints from us, our lab is a professional lab, that only prints for professional photographers. We work closely with them, printing a high volume each year. We have worked to make sure that photographs look the same way on our screen* as they do when our lab prints them. We know them, and we trust them. They print on the best quality Kodak Endura paper with archive quality inks. Our canvas print company is also the leader in the industry and their canvases are beautiful works, neatly stretched on mounts, and finished on the back to hang nicely. * They may not be a perfect match to your screen, but they are to mine.
How many photographs do you take at a session?
A lot. I am a little shutter happy. Most clients with 2 hour sessions receive 100 proofs, if not more.
Where will you photograph my session?
My 1-2 hour sessions are available at my studio in the Houston Heights, at your home, or at the hotel of your choice. Hotel fees are not included in the session, and you would need to reserve your own hotel room. Travel fees apply for locations outside of the greater Houston area.
If you live outside of Houston – like in another state – and you would love for me to come there for a session, I am happy to work out travel arrangements with you. If you have friends that would like sessions also – boudoir, portrait, whatever – you are welcome to coordinate with them and split the cost of my airfare and hotel.
How much time should we allow for our session?
Most of my sessions involve between 1-2 hours of shooting, plus time for outfit changes, getting to know each other, and things like that – so be sure to allow plenty of time. The perk of spending so much time together? It will help to put you at ease. Trust me, it shows in the photos when you are more comfortable and relaxed.
What time of day is best for our session?
It all depends on where the shoot is taking place at. If at my studio, the light is best during the late morning and early afternoon. If we’ll be at your home or a hotel, it depends on the lighting there — we can talk about it to work out the perfect time.
What should I bring?
Here are some items that look great in photographs:
– A smile!
– A basic bra & panty set, especially in black.
– A bra & panty set in another color that compliments your skin tone.
– Your favorite lingerie
– Doing this for someone special? How about a dress shirts, a tie, or maybe their favorite t-shirt?
– Jewelry
– Sexy shoes
– Stockings
– Scarves, boas, or other fun items!
– Anything special that you might think of!
I don’t provide outfits or props for sessions for obvious health reasons.
Do you do makeup or hair?
No, I don’t — but I work with Jennifer Aronson, a superb makeup artist with 17 years of experience. She shares my studio space with me, so you can have your makeup done right there! That way, you don’t have to worry about anything. We’ll pamper you right there at the studio! She has done make up for a number of my clients, and it is always fabulous!
My session is over; what happens next?
- I will back up all of the photographs as outlined above.
- Once we complete the edits, your proofs will be online for you to review at the Clients link listed on every page of this site. You will have a special access code for your gallery so only you can view the images.
- Once the proofs are online, you can use the “Add to Favorites” option on the must-have shots that you would like to see included in your album.
- Once you have selected the images that you would like in your album or prepared for your DVD if select images were purchased, I’ll get those edited and prepared for you.
- If you wish to have me create Art Prints for you from your session, you can order them online – both standard prints and canvas options are available. Canvas Gallery Wraps take 4-8 weeks for delivery.
- Once your album layout is finalized and you sign off on it, it will be sent to the printer and the book will be created. The book will be ready within about 1 week for our coffee table books. Fine Art albums can take longer depending on the book binder.
- When your album arrives, we will meet again so I can deliver it, or I will send it to you via UPS if you are not local.
- You love your photographs, and you refer your friends when they want a session too! (I give referral gifts of prints and other goodies!)