If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had a period of time in your life when you felt insecure or not as comfortable in your own skin as you’d like to be. And if you have, you know that accepting, loving & embracing yourself is a journey—sometimes a long one. Doing a boudoir shoot can be an amazing step in that journey.
My personal approach as a boudoir photographer is based on one simple idea: your boudoir experience is SO much more than just a photo shoot. It’s a symbolic act of self-love, of you choosing to embrace who you are right now. It definitely took me a while to work up to it, but honestly, loosening up and posing during my session made me feel like I could do anything.
So if you feel ready to give yourself this kind of experience, but still have some questions or want more clarity on what it’s all about, I’ve got you. Here are four of my most commonly asked questions from my clients, answered:
1. Is it all about being sexy?
Not necessarily. This largely depends on your photographer’s particular style and approach, as well as your specific goals. Some Massachusetts boudoir photographers focus on capturing very sex-forward images, while others lean more toward the soft, sensual side. My work strikes a balance between these two styles. I love adding a few implied nude shots to my sessions (as long as you are comfortable with this, of course), but at the end of the day, boudoir as a genre is all about making you feel gorgeous and empowered on every level.
2. Will my images be shared publicly?
Only if you are comfortable with it. Client comfort is always my top priority and I completely understand if you prefer for your images to stay private. After your session, you will have the option to sign a model release, which grants me permission to use your photos on my website and in other promotional materials (and this will also be discussed prior to your session when you receive your contract). It’s completely optional, though, and I will of course let you know which specific images I’d like to share so you are 100% on board with everything. I can’t stress it enough – your comfort comes first!
3. Are hair and makeup services included?
Yes! Hair and makeup services are included in your session fee (with the exception of $99 giveaway sessions). It’s part of the experience, and my clients always love getting their makeup done (yes, even the ones who hardly ever wear any on a regular basis!). I work with a variety of very talented hair & makeup artists who can nail any style, from soft and subtle to full-on Hollywood glam. You’ll have the chance to discuss your desired look with your artist before getting started. Feel free to bring inspiration photos too!
4. Is a boudoir album a good wedding/anniversary gift for my partner?
A: Definitely. Let’s be real, your partner probably hypes you up and celebrates you more than you do yourself. They love you for exactly who you are—so imagine how much they will cherish a collection of gorgeous photos of you that show exactly that! With all that said, though, boudoir doesn’t *have* to be done only as a gift for your significant other. You can totally do it just for yourself!
5. Do you Photoshop my images?
While I do edit your images for proper color balance/contrast/etc, and do a little bit of minor retouching/skin smoothing, I do not make any major changes to your appearance. If there is something you specifically want edited further, I’m happy to discuss it with you.
6. Where should I buy my outfits?
I’ve had clients purchase beautiful garments from major retailers like Torrid, AdoreMe and Victoria’s Secret, but you can also shop locally for lingerie! I’m proud to be partnered with an amazing boutique called Deborah Winthrop Lingerie in Portsmouth, RI. If you let the store manager, Amy, know that you’re shopping for a boudoir session with Gaia Boudoir, you can receive 20% off your entire purchase!
7. Is boudoir only for women?
A: Nope—not the way I see it, anyway. Boudoir is for anyone who wants to feel empowered and more confident in their own skin. While the vast majority of my clients are women, I am 100% welcoming of ALL gender identities.
(Psssst…for more daily empowerment and self-care tips, join my fun, supportive community on Facebook!)
8. How much does it cost?
A: This also depends on the photographer and their specific approach. Boudoir may seem pricey, but there is a lot that goes into giving you an incredible experience that you’ll cherish forever. Hair, makeup, studio space, and the cost of producing a beautiful album all factor into the final price. I think of it as being very similar to the pricing of other businesses that provide self-pampering type services, like tattoo artists and hairstylists: it’s all about the type of experience you want. At the end of the day, your boudoir album is something you’ll always be able to look back on and be reminded of the strong, radiant, beautiful badass that you are. And that—your unique essence captured forever in a beautiful piece of art—is priceless. Payment plans of up to 6 months are also available – just ask!
Learn more about my pricing here!
9. What kinds of products do you offer?
Every one of my Collections includes a beautiful album with glossy pages and an acrylic cover. (You will also receive complimentary digital copies of all the images included in your album.) I also offer gorgeous metal and canvas prints, which are fantastic ways to display your favorite images on your walls (read more about that here)! Metal prints are included in some Collections and can also be purchased a la carte.
10. Do you offer digitals?
When you purchase an album, you always receive digital copies of all the images included, BUT, if you want to purchase only digitals, you have that option as well. They will be delivered to you via a private download link.
11. How many outfits should I bring?
Most of my clients end up wearing 2 or 3 different outfits during their session! Of course, if you’re feeling unsure about what to wear, or if you’re torn between several different options, feel free to bring them all, and we can decide together when you arrive! I always like to encourage people to bring extra pieces such as silk robes – these can be added onto an existing outfit to create a totally different look! (I should take a moment to note that all of this is optional and 100% up to you—you don’t have to bring more than one outfit if you don’t want to!)
12. I’m pretty nervous for my session—do you have any tips for dealing with this?
Absolutely. It’s completely normal to feel nervous—after all, this isn’t something you do every day, and being photographed in such an intimate way can feel scary! But I promise, the actual experience is SO much fun. Before your session, I’ll send you my full Session Guide, which is full of tips, tricks and suggestions so you know exactly what to expect. That’s a huge weight lifted already. Then, when you arrive and we begin hair and makeup, you’ll get to sip mimosas and chat with your artist (and me!), which always helps calm the nerves. By the time I’ve finished capturing you in your first pose and given you a little peek at the back of my camera, I can guarantee you’ll already be feeling 10x more confident than when you walked in!
If you have other questions about the boudoir experience that weren’t listed here, just drop me a line! I’d love to connect with you and chat more about it ❤️
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