NEW TO BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY? NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE? PERFECT! I’VE GOT YOU!
Most of my clients have never had their photo taken before, much less in the boudoir style. I will walk you through every step of the process, from your initial inquiry to the delivery of your images. Read on to know what you can expect from your Brooklyn Boudoir Experience.
What is the Brooklyn Boudoir Experience like?
BEFORE YOUR SHOOT
You'll need to make the first move by contacting me. First, I will send you a very detailed email describing the process, the pricing & package options, and let you know the next available shoot dates. I do not require a consult call in order to book - I’m busy, you’re busy and I’m happy to relay all the information you need over email so you can have it at your convenience. Most of our communication will be via email, however if you want to zoom so we can meet “face to face” at any point before your shoot, I’m happy to do so.
We’ll talk about why you want to do a boudoir shoot, what you envision for your photos, the vibe you’re going for, and I'll answer any questions you may have. Once you are officially booked, I'll send you a comprehensive digital guide that covers what to wear, where to shop, tips for looking great in your photos and will give you a few "homework assignments" so I can get to know you and your style better. I’m happy to talk anytime to answer your questions or consult on wardrobe, and we can communicate in whatever way works best for you.
Then, a few days before your boudoir or maternity shoot, I'll touch base with you to confirm the details and check in, so by the day of your shoot, you've already received so much information from me that there isn't anything left to wonder about. You’ll know how long we'll be together, how many outfits we'll be photographing you in, how long hair and makeup takes, and that I'll be giving you guidance along the way.
YOUR SHOOT DAY!
The day has finally arrived! I hope you're a hugger, because I certainly am (COVID comfort level taken to account of course), and we'll already feel like we know each other by this point. We'll look through the wardrobe options you brought and I'll introduce you to my hair & makeup artist. She'll already know the concept of your shoot and the look we are going for, so this is your time to relax and get pampered. She'll enhance your features and make you look even more stunning than you already are, in a natural way that still looks like YOU (no harsh contouring or Muppet-like lashes here!) Meanwhile, I'll be putting together each of your looks and a shot list to be sure we capture everything we discussed. We'll talk, we'll laugh, we'll drink some bubbly if you fancy, and we'll get to know each other some more. Oh yes, and I’ll be wearing a black jumpsuit because I always do.
By this time you will be feeling comfortable and having fun, just like you’re hanging out with some girlfriends. Once you’re happy with your look, our hair & makeup artist will leave for your privacy. The shoot doesn't start with any big pomp & circumstances -- it's essentially a continuation of the past hour. You might be surprised at how comfortable you already feel! Your boudoir shoot is not a "sensual" experience at all -- it's actually very relaxed, fun, and we'll laugh a lot. I'll put you into poses, tell you where to put your hands, where to look, how to breathe and then photograph you from all angles -- you'll see me standing on the bed, laying on the floor, getting into all kinds of weird positions to get the shot, and I warn you that I will most likely fall down at some point during our shoot (it happens almost every time). I'll put myself into each pose so that all YOU need to do is copy me. If you’re comfortable, I’ll encourage you to improvise a bit, as I often find the most magical shots happen when we collaborate together. I will encourage you and be mindful of your insecurities while playing up your favorite features. BUT I do insist - once we are on-set there is no negative self talk allowed. Once we've got a large variety of shots, we change looks and continue on for the duration of your shoot.
Time will FLY by. It always does! If I don't make a very conscious effort to check on the time, I would shoot all day. It's fun for me, it's fun for you, and it's over before you know it. By the time we are packing up, you'll already want to do it again (and probably will...my clients always do ;) ) You will probably be a little sore the day after your shoot because believe it or not, modeling is a workout! Holding these poses is like taking a yoga class, no doubt. A few days after your shoot you get a “teaser” image from me to whett your appetite and hold you over until your photo reveal, which we'll schedule for 2-3 week after your shoot.
PRO TIP Be sure to make plans the night of your boudoir shoot because your hair and makeup will be on point, and you'll feel like you're on cloud 9.
THE PHOTO REVEAL
OOOH the boudoir photo reveal is so much fun!! You’ll come back to the studio for an in person reveal or we can do it via zoom if that works better for your schedule or for COVID reasons. We’ll enjoy some treats together while we're reviewing your images. I'll start by showing you a slideshow of my 20 or so faves, then we'll go back and look at all of your images. There are usually between 70 to choose from, all of which have been lightly edited, so you will be seeing & selecting the actual images that will be in your album/folio/wall art. I'll help you choose the perfect selection of images for whatever way you want display your photos. I will have samples of different albums, cover styles and wall art for you to see & touch in person. These are high quality, fine art quality professional products, not Shutterfly or iPhoto albums. You'll walk away from your photo reveal with a crystal USB jump drive or downloadable link with all your purchased images and a newfound swagger in your step.
What about photoshop? All of the images you see at your reveal will be enhanced & lightly edited. "Enhanced" means I'll apply my artistic look to them and convert about 75% of them to black and white. "Lightly edited" means I'll erase blemishes, bruises, stray hairs, scratches, or anything that won't be there tomorrow. My general policy is: if it's a permanent part of you, it stays. This includes birthmarks & tattoos. I'll smooth out and de-blotch your skin overall so that cellulite & unwanted texture is minimized. What I WON'T do is change your features or body shape or make you look airbrushed or plastic-y. If there is anything you see in your final images that you want retouched away, we can discuss it at your reveal. I'll let you know what is possible & make my professional recommendations.
PRODUCT DELIVERY
Albums and wall art generally take about 4 weeks post-reveal to come in. I'll receive them first to check them over and package them up for you. Once they are ready, I'll contact you to arrange a pickup. We'll hug wave again, and promise to stay in touch, just like old college friends would. I'll drop you a line and instagram stalk you, I hope you will do the same with me. With most of my clients, it's less a "goodbye" as it is a "see you next time." ;)
PS - You can see me in action shooting a boudoir party in New Orleans here:
