8 Questions to ask your boudoir photographer before your shoot
Boudoir photography in general is something your average person just isn’t familiar with. Not because it’s rare per se (WOOT for people learning to embrace their bodies and celebrate using photography!) but if you haven’t had a shoot of your own, it all feels like a foreign language!
So I wanted to give some tips y’all can use during your consultation to assure the important questions are asked and you’re fully prepared, so let’s do the damned thing!
Will my images be shared publicly, on social media or your website?
This is a big one and that’s why I made it number one. Not everyone wants their business out in the world. Loving your body doesn’t mean you have to share that with the world and knowing the photographers’s policy is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. At BDP we leave that entirely up to you but not everyone does, particularly photographers who are building their portfolios. Allow us to share or keep your images private, the choice is entirely yours.
How should I prepare for my shoot?
To tan or not to tan? How many days in advance should you wax or get your hair dyed? What should I wear when I arrive to my shoot? These are all important things you’ll want to know and each photographer will have a different answer. Generally we suggest, tanning no sooner than a week before your shoot, and the same goes for any hair changes (to give you time to get it fixed just in case a mishap occurs). Waxing no less than 3 days prior and arrive in loose comfortable clothing and avoid anything that will cause indentations or red marks on your skin ::cough:: bras & socks.
When will I get to see my images?
Again, this is one that greatly varies. Some offer same day viewings and others take several days, weeks or months. One photographer may simply send you a link and you can scroll through an online gallery and select your images, while another may have an in person or virtual meeting where they go through your images together. We prefer to go through your images with you about a week after your session and help you build your album and fine art pieces. I mean after all, I do this for a living and that’s what I’m here for, to help you!
Can I bring my partner, friends or pet?
Some photographers don’t mind you having friends hang out and watch from behind the scenes, others prefer to take the time to focus. Having friends come along can be fun, but also act as a distraction. We ask that you fly solo, unless your plus one is part of the shoot. This allows us more time to get to know you, and for you to shake out the nerves and not feel embarrassed while being posed and preened for your perfect shots! If your friends would like to join in, check out our ultra fun Ladies’ Night Experiences.
Do you include hair and makeup?
This varies from one photographer to the next. Some have HMUA (hair & makeup artists) they recommend, others have some on staff or include their fees in your session fee. Some don’t include it at all and it’s up to you to take care of. It’s important to know what your session fee includes, when, where and how makeup application will occur, if at all.
What does your average client spend and is there a minimum purchase?
Let’s be real, we all want to know what something is going to cost (or else price tags would never exist). Having a good idea of what the average client for a photographer spends and what, if any minimum purchase is required will give you a better idea of the full cost of the experience. There are boudoir photographers in every price range, and products in varying levels of quality. A “print” can vary greatly, from a $1 photo from Walmart from a budget photographer to a $5000 archival quality fine art print from a luxury photographer. Be sure you know if their artistry, and price point is something you’re comfortable with.
What payment methods do you accept and do you have payment plans?
This ties into the last question. Payment plans really help you get your dream session in an easy to manage, affordable way. Personally we offer SlayAway©, our flexible pre-payment “layaway” style plan and accept major credit cards as well as cash.
What products do you offer?
The last thing you want, is to go to a photographer with the plan of purchasing a luxury, hand bound 100 year archival quality album to find out after your photoshoot that they only offer digital images. The same goes for the other direction, if you’re only looking for digital images, be sure your photographer offers the option to purchase digital images only.
What is your philosophy when it comes to retouching?
Personally this one is VERY important to us. Some people want to be retouched to the gods, pore-free and body shape altered. Others prefer not a stitch of retouching. Most of our clients typically fall somewhere in between. It’s important to discuss your expectations with your photographer beforehand. Do you want a tattoo or significant scar removed from all of your images? Make sure they are aware ahead of time if possible, and discuss any potential retouching fees you may incur. Again, no surprises for you!