Commonly Asked Boudoir Questions
I've been shooting a long time, and during that time I've had all types of questions come across my desk. But there are some that everyone asks during the course of planning their session, so I thought it'd be a good idea to address those concerns with a blog post. I'm so glad you're here. Keep reading if you are considering a Boudoir experience but have some mental blocks you need to overcome so you can take the plunge.
1. Will my images be shared? I'm not comfortable sharing them.
Look at you thinking ahead and being cautious of your online presence! That's awesome and shows self-awareness, so kudos to you. As a photographer who specializes in intimate images, I understand how important privacy is to this experience. Do you want your images all over the internet? I can make that happen. Do you want none to be shared anywhere and only live in the album you take home after your shoot? That works too. I promise. The photography featured here in my blog, on my website, and social media are shared with permission from my clients. Detailed permission that's provided on a legally binding document.
How's this work? After your session you'll view your images and I provide a Permission Slip that allows you to choose how many (if any) images you are comfortable with me sharing. If you want no images shared, that's fine. If you only want images shared that show none of your face or discernable physical characteristics (like tattoos, etc) that's fine too. This is an experience intended to pamper and empower you, so you're in the driver seat about how your images are used.
Most of my clients (and don't feel bad if you know this isn't applicable to your situation, to each their own, right?) share their images because they're so amazed at how they look and want everyone to see it. That doesn't mean they show ALL their images though. Let me explain...During the shoot I'll undoubtedly shoot some shots that you know you don't want published anywhere, but if you're cool with me sharing some...I can do that. You can literally choose exactly which images I am allowed to share.
Keep in mind that throughout this process you and I will be getting to know one another, and building a relationship. This relationship is established on a foundation of trust, and in order to maintain the privilege of being your photographer; there's nothing I'd do to betray that trust.
2. Is hair and makeup included? Is it cheaper to do my own hair and makeup?
Hair and makeup are completely complimentary and included in the cost of the session, so you won't be saving any money by skipping the hair and makeup. I have a team of artists comfortable working with a wide range of skin tones, hair textures (this includes my curly girls, and my natural queens). This is a pampering moment for you. Imagine showing up to the studio and walking into hair and makeup, and being handed a glass of champagne. You can relax and let the pampering begin.
3. Where can we shoot?
I'd say about 90% of my sessions take place in my studio. The other 10% happen out in San Diego. I have a list of secluded locations where we can shoot your portraits privately, I even have a portable changing tent I bring with me when we're on location. Are you curious about shooting outside? It's so fun. There's something about being naked in nature that just makes everything so sexy. When we're planning your session I ask about your comfort level, and whether you're ready to bare it all outside, or feel more secure in the studio - I'm totally down for either.
4. Can I bring my best friend or significant other?
I love this question because you're about to have a great experience and it should definitely be shared. However, if the person you're thinking about bringing is not someone who 100% supports you, or not someone you feel comfortable being in lingerie in front of...don't bring that person. I've had clients bring friends who hype them up, and I've had clients bring friends who are cringing and disparaging to what we're trying to accomplish. When you leave my studio I want you to feel like you ROCKED it. Because with my coaching and the team I have in place, you will absolutely nail this session. Anyone who makes you doubt that isn't welcome on the session. I'm not going to be rude and call them out while we're shooting, but I will kindly ask them to step out. If you have someone who wants to come, but you don't want to bring them and don't know how to tell them no - let me know. I'll be the bad guy for you so you can relax and enjoy your shoot day. I got you.
5. Do you shoot couples? What if we're not straight or cishet?
Absolutely I do. I love couple sessions. I wish I could show you some of the images I've done, but I don't have permission to share. That said, I want to be clear that I shoot same sex couples, I shoot queer couples, I shoot trans couples, I shoot interracial couples. My studio (and honestly my life) is completely inclusive and a non-judgement zone. If you're interested in a couple shoot though, I need to know as soon as possible and I require an in-person consultation for those, and both members of the couple need to be present. Since I just won't be working with one of you, I need to be sure I am building trust with each of you. This way when shoot day arrives, everyone is friendly and we're not feeling that awkward "you want me to get into what pose?" weirdness.
6. What to wear, what to wear?
Choose outfits that make you feel sexy and comfortable. Whether you prefer bra and panty sets, boy shorts and a sweater or garters and a bustier, pick outfits that you love, in colors that are flattering and make sure that they fit you properly. I really take care of you the entire way, so if you were hitting roadblocks and showed up with literally nothing...I'd have plenty for you to choose from. I maintain a client closet you're more than welcome to use, sizes range from 00 - 4x. I have fishnets, body suits, body jewelry, gold leaf (sooo sexy, omgggg), and all sorts of sexy silky robes and accessories.
If you want to start shopping for your shoot now, head over to my Boudoir Lingerie Guide and get some ideas! I also have a specific blog post for clients endowed with large breasts. Have you seen it? Find it here, and start shopping.
7. But Shannon, I'm fat. (Ok, so this one isn't a question, but I hear it a lot, so we're gonna address it)
Girl, me too. So what. Be fat and sexy, that's totally a thing. I know literally the entire world is set up to make you feel like less than the bombshell goddess you are, even IF you're a size 00. We don't pay that sh*t any mind in my studio. You have no idea how others see you and value you. Do me a favor right now and touch your skin. Do it. Just brush your hand against your arm or thigh. You feel how soft you are? No, right? That's because you're USED to touching your own skin. Just like you're USED to your own body and face. And because you're used to your own body you don't value it the way someone who is touching you for the first time. They will treasure the experience of being able to feel your soft skin. This experience will pull you just enough out of your comfort zone so that when it's over you'll be like "I'm fat AND beautiful, f*ck those impossible beauty standards." I had my own Boudoir session done (the images are in my Facebook group The Crown Adjustment Society: A Self Love Rebellion. Join us there and tag me and let me know if you want to see them. If social media isn't your thing (seriously, how do even resist?) - head over to my About Your Photographer page...there are pics up of me and I'm clearly not a size 2. I was 210lbs when those were shot. I'm not even a size 12. Okurrr? So if I can do it, so can you. And no, I'm not some special unicorn woman that was flinging her clothes off for my own photographer. You'd think just because I shoot Boudoir I'd be over my own body hang ups. I'm not. I still talk down to myself. But you know what? When I do that, now I check myself and say "now, Shannon...you know that isn't true. You have the images to prove it." I want that for you.
8. Everyone looks so relaxed and natural, I'm not a pro...is that ok?
Boo. Relax. I'm the pro. Lol, you're not supposed to be one. Your only job is to show up and be your gorgeous self. If you're that worried, the champagne we have for you while you're in hair and makeup certainly will help you relax a bit.
That being said, your comfort level with me starts well before you show up to the studio and have your champagne flute in hand. Before every session, you fill out a quick survey that helps me understand what you're trying to achieve with a Boudoir session and then we'll schedule our consultation.
I always tell clients that this first meeting is probably the most important piece of communication that gets your Boudoir images from just O.K to... OMG?! Is that really ME?!" Boudoir photography is built on trust. The more comfortable you are with me, the more you'll be able to "let go" when we are in the session and just have an amazing time.
I will pose you correctly, literally down to your fingertips, and then I coach for expressions. I use different breathing techniques (breathe through your mouth), emotional cues (look directly into the lens like you have a secret), and general silliness to help you focus on the "mood" of the shoot without it ever being creepy or awkward. I feel like I have been entrusted with something very important to you — your self-worth. I never take it for granted and I'm committed to empowering you. We also listen to music while we're shooting. It just helps set the mood and I won't be surprised if I catch some shots of you grinding your hips to your favorite jam.
I hope this has been an enlightening read for you and helped you understand a little more about how I work, and why as an artist I chose to specialize in Boudoir photography over all the other genres of artistic expression out there. It is such an empowering and transformative experience, and you'll enjoy it so much. Hit me up if you're ready to get on my calendar and start planning your session. Leave me comments and let me know if you have any other questions I didn't touch on in this post.
