My philosophy about boudoir:
I have been photographing boudoir sessions for over 10 years, and I’ve seen trends come and go. I know one thing for sure: you are unlike any other client I’ve ever had before. I let my clients personality and preferences lead the direction of the concept, I don’t try to fit you into a style or a box.
Boudoir can be about healing, about sensuality, about joy, about so many things… It can show a lot of skin or barely any at all. It can be raw and natural, no makeup and bed head. It can be lipstick and lingerie with a low-ball whiskey glass in one hand. It can be joyfully romping through the forest… It’s all about you and your own relationship with your body and yourself, right here, right now.
THE PROCESS: Booking, Planning, Shooting, and the Finale.
• Booking: All of my sessions (boudoir included) include a consultation, wardrobe planning, location scouting, editing, pose coaching, and I am totally open for discussion about you and your body's journey. Boudoir can bring up a lot of different emotions and I just want you to know you are never alone when going through them! The first step is to decide on your date, my online scheduling software makes it super easy to see when I am available, and you can book your shoot whenever you are ready! 50% of the total is due at signing, the remainder due two weeks before the shoot date. Two contracts will be sent your way: one model release that is completely optional, and one general contract (basically saying you agree to be present for the shoot and pay the invoice).
• Planning: After the official stuff is out of the way, we can start brainstorming your session! I’ll send you a questionnaire to get to know you better. We’ll schedule a pre-consultation zoom call or coffee date, and start crafting your perfect boudoir session. We’ll decide on the style of the shoot, the location, the outfits, and all the while keep your goals for the session in mind (your “why”).
Location is usually a big topic of discussion, especially with new clients, and I want to assure you that I am here to help you secure the perfect spot! I have years of experience shooting in people’s homes, outdoors, rented studios, and other cool venues. I always love shooting in a client’s home, it can be so familiar and peaceful for them, and really show a unique side of their personality. I understand that this isn’t always an option, so my next stop is to recommend www.peerspace.com (think of it like an AirBNB for photo shoots! You can find awesome venues on there available to rent by the hour).
I’m here for you every step of the way, and am always accessible for questions or concerns. I’ve got you.
• Shooting: On the day of the shoot, we will ease into photographing while chatting and making sure you are comfortable (and hydrated!). I provide pose coaching and suggestions, all while reminding you to breathe and get in tune with your body. We can listen to music, you might have your favorite drink, and we can laugh while we get to know each other and you get comfortable in front of the lens. Posing can be tough, but I got you! I usually spend some time observing how your body is naturally comfortable, and make suggestions from there. Some clients of mine have even felt comfortable enough to cry or dance or tell me some of their life story. I’m here for all of it!! There’s no pressure to do or say anything you are not comfortable with. This is your day.
• Finale: After the shoot, I will go through the images and select the best-of-the-best, this is usually around 60-80 images. I then send you un-edited proofs to pick your images from, and after you’ve made your selections I edit them to perfection! If you need additional images (say your session was for 8 images but you pick out 12), you are totally welcome to add those on a la carte!
If you would prefer a more hands-off approach: I am more than happy to select the images for you and simply send you the edited versions. In this case, I would choose the very best images based on composition, expression, lighting and many other factors I have honed throughout years of experience.
I edit the images based upon your preferences (ex: stretch marks, piercing holes, bruises, blemishes, body hair, etc.) and deliver the photos within 4 weeks. Your photographs will be uploaded onto a private online gallery for you to download and purchase prints or photo books if you wish. I am also very happy to help you decide on prints for your home, or help you craft a photobook! Communication doesn’t end at delivery of photos, I love hearing about your experience and keeping in touch after the shoot, and of course, getting started planning the next one :)
I can’t wait to hear from you,
-Courtney
