The Five Hottest Outfits for a Boudoir Session

Women have so many options these days when it comes to clothing for the bedroom. With so many choices, how does one make the decision on what to bring or what to purchase for their Boudoir session? My answer to that is “Bring many choices and we’ll see what works the best for the setting.” However, there are a few “favorites” that I think EVERY woman should bring to her shoot that, in my mind, should be a staple for any Boudoir shoot. Let’s take a look…

Bra and Panty Set

With many color and style options, a beautiful bra and panty set can set the mood of the image so well. The wonderful thing with these sets is the variety that you can choose from. Wether you are going for a high-class look or for more of an edgy, seductive feel, a bra set should definitely be on your list. Make sure to step it up a notch when you do go for it and chose a bold color or pattern that will bring emotion to the image.

Babydolls

Babydolls provide another excellent choice for any setting. From lacy covering to fully sheer, you can select a look that dials into you desired level of comfort. If you want to challenge yourself, dare to be a bit more provocative and chose a lacy or sheer pattern. Also, the added flow to the garment also provides for additional play when posing.

Bodysuits

Bidysuits are probably one of the most versatile outfits that you can add to your collection. Servicing any body type, these are outfits allow the wearer to select from a gambit of options while still laying down that level of comfort that you may be looking for while in front of the camera. From a deep plunging front or a more conservative look, from a thing or g-string to a full bottom, these outfits will help you show off you in the way that YOU want to.

Men’s Dress Shirts

Dress shirts are one of my personal favorites, mainly because it helps incorporate a classy type of sex appeal into the images. White dress shirts are always the best as they lead to many high-key (or very bright) images which are perfect for Boudoir. You can also pair up with a bra and panty set for a more styled look or, if you are feeling daring, wear with just the panties to allow a better capture of the curves your partner enjoys! Need accents? Bring his favorite tie, suit coat or even a hat to help spice things up a bit. Regardless of the reason, it is always good to bring along a white dress shirt. Just be sure that it is oversized for you!

T-Shirts

T-shirts are another fantastic thing to bring. Wether it is a Jersey from your or your partner’s favorite sports team or a simple “Batman” shirt, these can lead for some awesome, playful images. Want to go a bit more daring? Then go with a plain white t-shirt or a white tank top and panties to allow for those more risqué images that are bound to catch your partner’s eye! Try to keep imagery on the shirt to a minimum if possible as the idea is to draw the eye to you and not to the shirt. Select something that can be pulled tight to the body, stretched and, if you are feeling confident, add a bit of water to the front for that added playfulness.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the choice is yours. These ideas are but a few that I find to provide the most diverse imagery. However, there are many more. From full lingerie sets that include stockings and garter belts to just a plain white sheet and nothing else, the options are limitless. Think about what you like to wear. Then take a step out of your comfort zone. I promise you, you (and your partner) will not be disappointed!!!!

Boudoir - A Life Changing Event

Of all of the people that I have taken pictures for, I have to say that my Boudoir clients have some of my most favorite reactions. Sure seniors, families and weddings produce many smiles, but in Boudoir, the reaction is completely different.

As I have stated may times before, we are our own worst self critics. Many times, we do not give ourselves enough credit that we are worth something. Women may consider themselves as not attractive or not cute. This starts those individuals on a downward spiral which we need to stop.

Enter, the Boudoir Photoshoot. I know it may seem contradictory, but a Boudoir shoot can change your life in the best of ways. Every single one of my first-time Boudoir clients have come into the session extremely nervous. Let’s face it, it’s not often that you would get into a bra and panty set for anyone outside of your partner or yourself. However, when the session was complete, they were a different person. More comfortable in their skin, more relaxed and more confident than ever. Here is something one of my clients had said recently:

“I have always struggled with being myself and loving myself. Going in to our shared session last weekend, I was so nervous, I didn't like the way I looked in the mirror, and I just felt that maybe I should have waited until I was thinner. I am here to tell you that, along with the help of my amazing friends, Chris and AJ made me feel SO comfortable in my own skin. By the end of the session, I was feeling comfortable to walk around in my sheer robe with only underwear and a bralette underneath. Don't wait until [enter hard to achieve goal here]. Do something for you that will make you feel good.”

There are so many reasons to do a Boudoir session: Birthday, anniversary, Christmas, new year, Valentine’s Day , just because. But the BEST reason to have a boudoir session is for YOU!!! It will help you increase your self worth. It will help you feel more confident and those two put together can help you overcome anything!!!

Take a moment and fill out the questionnaire and let’s get the ball rolling toward a new, more confident you! Click here to inquire about a session!!!

Shooting the Details

When you look at images of Boudoir, what do you typically notice? For me, it is not just the beautiful, confident woman in the image. It goes well beyond that. It is all of the small details that are being captured in the image. As I have stated before, it it more than the body, it is what is going on in the image as a whole which gives the image feeling and a purpose. And most of the time, it does not even have to be a whole body shot.

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Take, for instance, the image above. Just a picture of a woman taking off her jeans, right? However, look closer. The subtle red on her toenails that blend beautifully with the wall art in the background. The gentile bend in the left leg that draws your eye across the image. Even the position of the hands yield a sexy yet innocent look the the image. All of those things combined bring sexiness to the image.

Next, take the following two images:

Both are beautiful in their own right. What draws me to these images are the shoes. In Boudoir, there are two ways to go: High Heels (Stilettos preferably) or bare feet. The heels help to give the claves more definition as well as elongate the legs. In this particular case, they style of shoe is almost identical: Black, close-toes stilettos with an ankle strap. But let’s take a closer look at the images to see the story being told…

In the first image, you have a wood floor and a door (possibly french) with the woman fixing the strap on her shoe giving you the thought of rural suburbia or just another woman getting ready for work with one exception: the studs on the back of the heels. That changes the feeling of the image slightly that the woman may be preparing for an evening of excitement and fun. The image is changed by one set of studs. Amazing.

In the second image, you see similar shoes, but this time we are pulled away more. Rather than wood, you see a concrete floor and wall yielding a more edgy look to the image. She is leaning back on a leather chair and her body is posed in such a way that, not only does it draw your eye across the image, but, with the help of the sheer fabric on the wall, the attention is drawn to the shoes. Throughout this image, you are given the overall feeling of sexiness in a different sort of way. Both images give power to the woman which, in boudoir, is very important.

Finally, take this simple shot of a cherry sitting on the woman’s tongue. Just the pose alone lends itself to be sexy! But more than that look at the image as a whole. In this case, the image is High-Key (mostly white or bright). Because of that, the eyes are naturally drawn to the darker parts of the image, mainly the tongue and cherry. Beyond that, the position of the fingers and the cherry help draw the viewer’s image across the picture multiple times, something that should be felt in every image viewed.

So, as you can see, the little details and positions can help an image go from “just a picture” to something artistic and beautiful. Just as lingerie helps a woman feel a certain way (beautiful, sexy or naughty), the subtitle details within an image can also change the perspective of how something (or someone) is being viewed. Look for those details during your next shoot and play to their strengths. You may just find yourself feeling more and more confident!

Why is Boudoir Photography So Expensive?

So you decided to take the step and get a quote for your session. However, once you see the quote, you may have an initial bout of sticker shock!  rest assured, there is good reason for this! Take a deep breath and read on in order for me to explain.

Boudoir photography is a very niche type of photography. It varies widely from a typical senior or family session. Because if that, there is a lot more time that goes into a Boudoir shoot. The following will help explain some of the differences. 

Pre-Planning

Unlike senior and family sessions, boudoir photography takes A LOT more planning. You need to be in continual contact with the client refining the shoot ideas and comfort levels. You may be in a state of routinely reassuring first-time boudoir clients that everything will go great. This time includes populating idea boards and suggesting ideas on a regular basis. A lot more time is spent here than a typical session. 

The Location

In many Boudoir shoots, the client is looking to do the shoot at a location outside of their home. This could be because of privacy or because they want the “full” experience. Typically, a client will ask me to secure the location myself. This is something I prefer as I can look at images of the location (like a hotel or Air BNB) from a photographer’s standpoint. However doing so increases the cost as this is an extra out-of-pocket cost. However, the results are well with the investment. 

The Assistant

Being a male in the Boudoir photography business (see my previous article HERE regarding that topic), I always ensure that there is a female assistant with me at the shoot at all times; this is non-negotiable. This allows me to be 100% hands off during the shoot while she can go in and adjust jewelry or hair. I want you to feel at ease as much as possible and for a shoot like this, that means that we keep our distance. 

The Shoot Time

Again, as compared to other types of shoots, I always plan for extra time for Boudoir shoots. Aside from the time for hair and makeup to be done, it typically takes 30-60 minutes for a client to begin feeling comfortable with their skin in front of the camera. Because of this, we take our time to help relax you. 

Post-Processing

What many people fail to realize is that the photographer’s time does not stop at the end of the shoot. Post processing (or image editing) takes a lot of time, especially for a Boudoir shoot. Now, before you think I am doing body morphing, I do not. Each woman deserves to be shown for who she is and the intrinsic beauty that lies in each of them. The edits that I do are for lighting and color adjustments, skin retouching (a lot more skin is shown) and maybe making the eyes pop!  But this does take a lot more time than a typical shoot. You are putting yourself out there so you deserve to look your best!

So as you can see, there are a number of factors that play into the increased costs that separate a good boudoir photographer from a great one. It can be a bit scary to look at a large investment, however remember that you are investing in YOU. Everything during these shoots are meant to help you have an amazing experience that you will be excited to share!

Location, Location, Location!!!

When you look at Boudoir images, what do you see?  Your attention is drawn to the model. You may catch some little things here and there after your eyes dart back and forth across the image a few times (more on this in another article) but ultimately you focus is on the subject. You see their pose, their look and their outfit. Maybe, in the case of a body shot like the abs or lips, it might be how the little details look like water droplets on the abs or maybe a cherry on the lips or tongue. 

The point I am trying to get across is that location is not the most critical thing in a boudoir shoot. Session locations can be almost anywhere. Here are a few examples that might surprise you:

Hotel Rooms

One great location because of its clean and simple look is a hotel room. Most hotels will have white sheets and white comforters which help keep the attention drawn to the model.  There are also windows with privacy curtains that will block visibility but still allow natural light in. If you get a suite, you can also get some beautiful bath tubs and walk-in showers that would make for great shots. 

Air BNB

This is becoming a more popular location as the variety is almost limitless. Plus it allows for additional setting like a kitchen, living area, den, weight room and bedrooms. In many Air BNB locations, they have beautiful bath tubs as well and walk-in showers that would lead to fantastic images. These also make for great locations for mini sessions. The key here is to make sure the owner is OK with pictures taken at the property. 

Your Own Home / A Friend’s Home

In some cases, women will opt for an in-home session. These are the easiest (and most cost effective) locations to shoot from as all of your clothing options are already there. Plus you have the comfort of being in a familiar place during the session. Plus, if you have a pool or hot tub, you can get some amazing shots as well. With these locations, it is always best to send the kids / significant others away during the shoot to allow minimal distractions and potentially the awkward, “what are you doing mommy?” moments. 

Outdoor Locations

Outdoor locations are less common as the people who tend to choose locations like these are very confident in themselves. This is mainly because you have the risk of people passing by. That is, unless, you have a lot of land or know someone who will allow you to shoot on their large property. These locations are normally either wooded or with water. However, an outdoor theme can produce some fantastic images. Just be sure to bring some clothing like jackets and towels for any adverse conditions or water-related shots

Other locations

There are so many other locations that could be used that the chooses are vast. From farms to warehouses, from beaches to garages, the location possibilities are only what your mind can see!  Working together, we can make any of these happen! In any case, each location has its benefits and could lead to a number of great shots. So when you schedule your shoot, think about location and what might work for you!

What Does A Boudoir Session Look Like?

So you have decided to take the leap and you have scheduled a boudoir session.  You have signed all the forms and all the session fees have been paid.  You have gotten to your manicure and pedicure, maybe even a massage (because if you are going to pamper yourself, why not go all out!). You have your outfits ready.  You are officially ready to step into the session.  What can you expect?

Well, to be honest, you can expect to have the time of your life!!!

Arrival

Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a smile!  Wether you are doing the shoot at home or on location somewhere, we will take a few minutes to just small talk to help you relax a bit.  This is a time for you and I to just chat for a few minutes about things.  What your week has been like leading up to your shoot, different things going on in the world and just general chit-chat.  

This will also be an opportunity for both of to walk through the various settings we will be using during the shoot.  In some cases, like a shoot at your home, It is an opportunity for myself to get a feel of what we could use during the shoot like couches, chairs, bed, curtains, etc.   In the case of hotels, depending on the room, it will be much of the same.  I do try to do some homework where I can to get a feel of what the layout is like before the shoot so I can come with some general ideas for poses and shots that we can do.  

We will go through any Pinterest boards you/we have put together to discuss poses and styles that you like or dislike.  Some of this may have already happened virtually, I want to be sure that we are both on the same page to start with.

Finally, we will take a look at what outfits you have brought or have available.  We will mix-and-match in some cases and in others, we will use the outfit as-is.  We will take the time to make sure that we have a little bit of a plan laid out for the shoot.

Preparation 

Now that we have some of the shoot details ready, it is time to officially prepare for the shoot!  This is the time when Hair and Makeup will be done.  All you need to do at this point is to sit back and relax as the artist does their job.

As for myself, I will pop in from time to time to check on things and get any drinks or snacks you may need while you are getting ready.  However, this will also be the time that I am setting up equipment.  Lights, cameras, reflectors, etc. as well as preparing the first setting.  Ideally, I want you to be able to walk right into the scene and be the star of the show.  

Lights...Camera...ACTION!

After your artist is done with hair and makeup, it will be time to officially step into your first outfit.  With Boudoir, it is much easier on clients to start more conservative and work toward more risqué from there.  That way, you get an opportunity to feel more comfortable in front of the camera.  Your first outfit may be jeans or shorts with a basic white t-shirt.  It could be an oversized sweater or any number of more conservative outfits.  This not only allows you to feel more comfortable, but it also provides some great images right out of the gate!  

As we go through the shoot (anywhere from 30 min for Mini Sessions or up to 6 hours for a full length session), I will occasionally show you some of the RAW images (RAW is simply a term used in the photography business that means “straight out of camera with no edits”).  This will allow you to begin see YOU and just how good looking you are!  Doing this, I have found, helps build confidence with the client and, as I have stated before, “Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear.”

As we proceed through the outfits and poses, I will also help guide you into a particular pose by either demonstrating it myself (don’t laugh too hard...it really works) or by having my assistant help you with posing.  If at any point you begin to feel uncomfortable with a pose or a ANYTHING, you just say the word and we go down a different path.  This shoot is about you and who you are.  Boudoir is meant to push the boundaries and comfort zones a bit, but I will never overstep boundaries with anyone.  I’d like to consider myself a gentleman and I will always treat a lady with honor and respect!!!

Throughout the shoot, we may want to take breaks from time to time as this can provide a mental or physical rest.  It is also a time to have a drink of water or champagne (not to be over done though).  As we proceed through the shoot, you will find yourself feeling more confident and having so much fun!

After The Shoot

Now that the shoot is over, we go our separate ways for a while.  This is where the adrenaline rush will be put on hold for a bit as I will be working to give you the best images you have seen in a long time!!!  It is not uncommon to have 300+ images in a shoot (in some full sessions, we could have as many as 800 images).  I will go through these images and select the best of the best and process them to make you look the best!  

Once all the images have been processed I will get a book together of the ones I feel made the top picks and will also populate a private online gallery for you with the others that were great as well.  Depending on the session length and variety of poses / clothing / settings, this could be anywhere from 30-80 images.  

Then it is time to meet again.  This could be at your home, a coffee shop, or anywhere where you feel comfortable.  This reveal of the book and online images will make your jaw drop!  You will be seeing yourself as you probably never have seen yourself before!  The book will be yours to keep and the images will be available online should you decide to download or order a canvas print for the bedroom.  

In Conclusion

A Boudoir shoot is all about YOU and capturing an essence of you that is you rarely see.  This is such an experience that it will have you chatting with your friends about how much fun it was and how nervous you were to start with but then felt like a beautiful model!  You can share your images with your friends and might even talk them into having a session of their own because of how it made you feel.  They are THAT powerful.  Who knows, maybe you will even want to schedule another one for the future!

Preparing For Your Boudoir Session

To many women, Boudoir photo shoots are a new concept.  What do you do to prepare for one?  It is not something you do last minute.  It is something planned out over a period of time, in some cases months is not uncommon.  This allows you time to prepare clothing and to have installments of the session fee rather than paying for it all up front.  Maybe you have a goal to lose a little weight or maybe you just need the time to work yourself up to it.  Whatever the reason, it is always good to have a plan leading up tot the session

Planning Basics

One of the things that will need to be worked out over the planning period is the types of images that you find beautiful or sexy.  Maybe it’s a pose that you would like to try or maybe it is a type of lingerie that you love.  It could be the hair or makeup style that you see or even the overall image concept that is appealing.  Pinterest is a GREAT tool for this, especially as you can craft private boards that can be shared.  I have created some for clients that they can view and add to.  It could also be boards that you share with me for some of your ideas as well.  Regardless, having this helps provide a huge talk point for us so that we can come into alignment on what kind of looks you are going for.

1-Week Out

Your Boudoir shoot is very likely a once in a lifetime experience or in the least a rare treat, so there are several things you want to do in order to appropriately prepare for your session. These tips will guarantee that the days will be much less stressful leading up to and during your photo shoot and will result in a beautiful set of photos.

H20!

Drink plenty of water the night before your shoot. It will keep your body hydrated overnight and will benefit your body the next day.

Hangovers aren’t sexy

We know it’s the weekend, but sacrifices need to be made! You can party after you’re done to celebrate the success of your sexy shoot!

Get enough sleep

No explanation needed here, sleep is very important! Dark bags under your eyes aren't sexy!

Have your manicure and pedicure done

Easiest way to ruin the perfect shot is having chipped nail polish showing up on your images!

Wear loose clothing to your session

Tight clothes will leave deep impression marks on your skin (this includes tight socks) that can take a while to go away.

Pack your outfits, lingerie, and shoes the night before

The last thing you need is to feel rushed and stressed the day of your shoot. A relaxed mind will make the whole experience that much more exhilarating and enjoyable.

Make sure to moisturize & absolutely no fake tanner

Moisturizing will give you a beautiful natural glow. However, make sure to avoid fake tanners at least one week before the shoot.

Try on your outfits before hand

Make sure everything fits properly, it is a must that you feel comfortable in what you bring.

Remove all tags and labels from your outfits

If we have to do this for you it will cut into your photography time.

Iron and use hangers to bring outfits that can wrinkle

Seems obvious but this is often over looked.

Preparing yourself for hair and makeup

If you want to have your hair and makeup styled by us we ask that you arrive to your shoot with clean, dry hair and absolutely no product or spray (this includes any oils.) Do not curl or straighten your hair as this may negatively affect the final look. Have your base foundation applied (make sure it does not contain SPF, it reflects light) and make sure you have no eyeliner or mascara applied.

What to bring!

Bras and matching panties

Black and white are classic and our favorite to photograph, but don't be afraid to bring colorful ones as well. Some more options would be:

1. Bodysuits

2. Garder Belts

3. Stay Ups

4. Corsets / Bustier

5. Baby Dolls

Have a significant other? Grab something of theirs!

This is a fantastic way to personalize your shoot! Sneak out with one of his/her favorite things, and they're going to be pleasantly surprised when they see you sexing it up in your photos. Some examples:

1. Favorite tie

2. Dress shirt (Plain Coloured, ie. White, Black, etc)

3. Sports jersey

4. Baseball cap, or any other wearable.

The importance of shoes

Wearing heels lengthens you, straightens the look of your legs, and overall makes you look and feel sexier. Things to consider:

1. Bring more than one pair

2. Be sure the shoes you bring match with your outfits

3. The soles of your shoes needs to be clean (no tags, stickers, labels or dirt)

4. Keep in mind that 2 inch heels are not high heels!

Lingerie isn't the only thing you could bring

Lingerie is sexy, but sometimes a soft sweater, an oversized shirt or a tight T will look even better!

If you're still stumped on what to bring, let me know and I would be more than happy to give you suggestions based on your body type and shoot theme.

Boudoir Is About Who You Are NOW!!!

If you have every watched Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, you will remember one of the best and honest lines in the movie,

“Life moves pretty fast.  If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Life does move fast.  First we are in school then maybe off to college or we get married and before you know it, even your kids are getting ready for graduation.  Then we look back and ask ourselves, where in the world did the time go?

During that time, we go through so many different changes.  Some are physical, some spiritual, some attitude and some just are seeing the wisdom that your parents may have imparted to us.  Regardless of the change, we need to celebrate making it another day and be comfortable with ourselves for who we have become.  

Why should you do this? Let’s face it, society has done some pretty nasty things to us.  People, especially women, are made to feel that they need to be skinny size zero with a muscular physique and a flawless complexion with hair that flows like the wind.  The cruel side effect of this is that people begin to compare and demean themselves because they feel a constant need to compare themselves to those other. They lose the confidence that had inspired them to become who they are. Society has been chipping away at women for a long time and it is only getting worse and I’m here to say…

THAT’S NOT RIGHT!!!

Fortunately, I am here to say that I can help fix that situation!!!

EVERY woman, every person is a perfectly unique creation that deserves to be admired for who they are and what they have accomplished in their lives.  Each of us has gone through so many different struggles in our lives and we need to celebrate the fact that we have persevered through it all! You deserve to be reminded of that every day.  Every aspect of YOU deserves to be celebrated.  

Maybe you have just had a milestone birthday.  Maybe, you have undergone a weight loss journey. Maybe you have just had your third child.  Maybe you want to just celebrate being you.  Maybe, you want to celebrate with a group of friends that just want to have a good time to remember.  Any number of these things are reasons that you should capture the YOU that you are today.  

In Boudoir, women have the opportunity to capture themselves in that moment of their life.  It is a moment in time that will pass by if you are not careful.  It can also be something you look back over the years and relish in the memories that came with the experience or the reactions of your significant other as they saw your images for the first time. Regardless of the reason, a Boudoir shoot can help serve as a reminder of just how fun you can be and grow your confidence to help you feel better about yourself.  

Regardless of the time in your life, regardless if you are 21 or 60, regardless of your body type or any other factor, every woman should pamper themselves with a Boudoir shoot at least one time, if not multiple times in their lives to help them feel great about themselves.  Take back what society has stolen from you and retake your confidence and self worth.  You have worked hard in your life.  You deserve to celebrate YOU!!!

Click here to take that first step!!!!

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What to Expect from a Boudoir Session

I thought I would take the time to talk about what you might expect to have happen from a boudoir photo session. Many people believe that it is just a couple of hours shooting and that’s it. That is completely false. There is a good deal that goes into the planning, execution and beyond the photoshoot and that is where all the excitement is to be found.

Let’s take a moment and go over some of the details of a typical shoot starting with the very first thing…

The Initial Contact

The hardest part of the whole thing: making that initial contact. This is where you officially step out of the comfort zone and begin thinking of a Boudoir shoot just for you. Wether it is via an email or by a form submission, this is how you get the process started. During this initial dialog, we will talk about when to schedule the next step…

The Meet-and-Greet

Every boudoir session that I do requires a face to face meeting. This can be done at a local coffee shop, a restaurant or even a virtual meeting online. This allows both of us the opportunity to meet one another and get a feeling if we would work well together for the shoot. There has to be good chemistry between the subject and the photographer for a shoot to go extremely well.

More importantly, this is the time to ask all of the important questions that may be on your mind. The more information you have, the more comfortable you will feel so this is definitely the time to ask about ANYTHING!!!

This is also the time that we will work together to come up with a plan for things like dates, times and location. Locations could be your home, a hotel suite, even an Air BNB rental. We will answer questions like will you have a friend with you, is this a solo shoot or a group shoot and so on. Based on that information I will work up an invoice for the session to send to you regarding the whole photoshoot.

This is also the time when we would typically discuss the various types of poses and clothing that you as the subject would be comfortable with. As always, things are subject to change as you begin to get excited for the big day, but this helps lay a foundation for ideas to begin flowing. From there is is on to…

Pre Planning

This is a personal favorite of mine. Thanks to my wife, I LOVE Pinterest for generating ideas of what to shoot. Along with the ideas from our meet and greet session, I will generate a private Pinterest board that we can both contribute to for ideas. Again, these are just suggestions for what appeals to you or what I would think would work well for you as well.

Also during this period, the invoice will officially be issued and the down payment will be due to help secure dates and reserve venues if needed. The remaining payment can be paid in one lump sum or in installments up to the day of the shoot. That way, you don’t have to break the bank for a session!

During this phase I also highly encourage either shooting me texts or messages with some combinations you have found or if you have questions on anything. An open line of communication is huge at this point in the game, especially as we approach the next phase…

Pre-Shoot Preparation

Typically, a week prior to the shoot is when you as the subject will begin working on preparing for the shoot. Haircuts, waxes, manicures and pedicures, last minute lingerie or jewelry, etc. should be taken care of this last week. That way you are ready to rock and roll. Gather everything into a duffle or small suitcase so you are ready for the next step…

The Big Day

It all comes down to this. All of the planning and stress of getting things together… what am I saying??? You have had a blast looking at ideas and gathering clothing and new lingerie, not to mention pampering yourself with freshly painted nails and such!!! This is where you may feel a bit nervous again on the onset, but trust me, that quickly melts away as we talk through the shoot.

If you had not already met, this is the time that you get to meet my assistant. If you planned for hair and makeup, they would also be onsite to make you over!!! There’s music in the background, some snacks and a little bubbly to help relax you.

Over the next hours, you will be giggling, laughing, feeling sassy and sexy as we go through various poses. Normally, I like to start with more clothing on to help you become more comfortable in front of the camera. Then we will work our way toward more intimate poses. Don’t worry, you are still in control of the situation! Your comfort still takes top priority so if something makes you uncomfortable, we will bypass that. However, stepping out of your comfort zone is always a challenge too. The decision is up to you.

Post Processing

Your work is done now and it is all in my hands. I will go through the hundreds of images and select the best of the best. These images are then fully edited to bring you the cleanest, most jaw dropping images of you that you have ever seen! This process can take time but results in so many WOW reactions! I have heard so many times, “Is that me? I can’t believe that is me!” I have no doubt that you will feel the same. I may even sneak an image to you to wet your appetite and get you excited to see the final shots during…

The Reveal

The reveal for a boudoir session is a special time for any woman. This is where you begin to feel excited and nervous at the same time.

This final step is always done face to face. That is because I want you to feel awesome about what you see and to point out what I live about the images. You will be greeted with a “Little Black Book” keepsake to remember your session that will contain something of, what I feel are the best images from the session. I will also Show you additional shots that were not in the book.

This is also the time where, after reviewing the images, you can make the determination of which images (hopefully all) you will allow me to use for additional promotional material for my work. This can be the full image, no faces, or none at all. My hope is that you see yourself in a way that makes you proud to be you and willing to share it with others!

In Conclusion

There are a lot of moving parts to a boudoir photoshoot. But, it is also one of the most empowering thing a woman can do for herself. She will see herself in a completely different light and not as the “mother of two” or “the overly shy one.” Instead, you will see yourself as sexy, sensual and ready to live life to its fullest! Take that step and see just how good it can make you feel!

Chris Fleck

Christopher Fleck Photography

Overcoming Fears in Boudoir

What is the first thing you imaging when you hear the words “boudoir photography?” Do you think of something revolting and taboo? OR do you think of empowering women to love themselves for who they are and becoming confident in themselves?

Boudoir photography is a type of photography that has many women talking lately, and (believe it or not) in a great way! Put simply, Boudoir is a photographic style featuring intimate, sensual and romantic images in a private setting. Many believe that they could not do that type of session because their body isn’t perfect. That feeling is one of the harshest things that society has done to women. Movies, magazines and television have forced women to believe that if they do not fit a certain physical profile that they are not appealing to others. This is FAR FROM THE TRUTH!!!

Every woman in the world is sexy and appealing in their own way. Everyone has a deep need to be appreciated and that appreciation needs to be of their true self, not some fictional person. The best way to do that is building confidence in themselves. In fact, one of my favorite boudoir quotes is, “Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear.” This speaks volumes!

The following are some common statements that I have heard in the past from women in regards to getting their picture taken:

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Why would I want to pose for those kinds of pictures?

Simply put, to celebrate YOU!!! Maybe you just hit a milestone birthday. Maybe you just underwent a weight loss journey and want to capture the new you. Maybe you want a special gift for your significant other for them to see you in a new light. Maybe you are tired of the same old routines and want to try something new. There are so many reasons one could want to have a session. They key is looking within to see yours!

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I don’t have the body for it.

We are our own worst self critics. Again, don’t believe everything you read and see on TV. There was a beautiful story of a woman who wanted a boudoir session to give to her husband but wanted the photographer to “heavily photoshop” her images to remove her imperfections. However, her husband went back to the photographer and described the heartfelt meaning behind those little imperfections . You can read the story here and be ready to be impressed.

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What will my friends say?

As many women do, they love to share with their friends about experiences they have had and this is no different. You would be pleasantly surprised to hear the number of compliments that come your way. From, “you look gorgeous” to “you really did that? How cool!” You might even be surprised at a response of, “I did that before too! Wasn’t it fun?!?!”

Isn’t it weird to be half-naked in from of a stranger?

As a subject, it can definitely be a very new experience to be in situations like this. As a photographer, it is even more nerve racking as you have someone letting their guard down for great images. But, I can assure you that with the right photographers, the experience can be so much fun for both. Prior to a boudoir session, you should always meet face-to-face with your photographer to not only get a level of comfort, but to also address any questions you may have about the session.

In a boudoir session, you should always be put at ease by the photographer. In my case, being a male photographer, I always have a female assistant at the shoot to help with clothing adjustments, stray hairs and so on. That way I am completely hands-off to help you feel more comfortable.

The comfort of the client should always take top priority during a session. In some cases, bringing a friend to the shoot with you can serve as a great way to help make you feel more at ease. Mostly, though, it is creating an environment and a flow with the client

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In Conclusion

Boudoir photography can be a very empowering experience for women. A friend of mine once said that EVERY woman should do a photoshoot like that for themselves. The only way we grow is by stepping outside of our comfort zones once in a while. Take the risk and book a photo session. If you are nervous or want to share your experiences I have created a Boudoir VIP group on Facebook for just such conversation.

Be proud of who you are and confident in who you want to be seen as and before you know it, you will be in front of the camera and coming back for more!

Chris Fleck

Christopher Fleck Photography