You’re in search of finding a boudoir photographer for your very first session (or your next session); how exciting! There are so many amazing photographers out there with a pool of diverse styles to choose from. With boudoir being such an intimate experience for yourself, it’s crucial to find a photographer that aligns with your vision, one you jive with, and makes you feel comfortable! Here are 5 tips I would take into consideration when choosing your photographer for your boudoir session.

Client Testimonials/Recommendations:

The easiest step when choosing the right photographer for you is looking at past client testimonials on their websites and social media. Through reading past client stories, you can get a feel for how the photographer runs their sessions, their personality. If you’re comfortable and have close friends or family that have had their own session with a photographer that they recommend, that can greatly help your decision! This way you can also directly get to know what they enjoyed about their experience, or if they had an unfavourable experience with that photographer.

Scheduling a Phone Consultation:

While searching for your boudoir photographer, booking a phone consultation can help narrow down your selection easily. I love offering a video consultation so my clients can physically see me and ask all of the questions they want! This way you know exactly what that photographer is offering, and you get to meet them prior to booking a session so you can get a feel for their personality. It’s just a nice meet and greet!

Pricing:

  Pricing is a big one! Not every photographer offers the same services, and that is something to keep in mind. Most often, photographers will display their average investment from previous clients or starting investment, so you can see what amount you can start saving for. Many photographers offer flexible payment plans so you can prepare and save for the session you want! With boudoir being a luxury experience and a sensitive one at that, you want to hire someone who is experienced and professional because sometimes a boudoir session can be more damaging than beneficial for the client! Please keep in mind that free and cheap is not always better! 

Portfolio:

   I can’t stress enough to look at the photographer’s past work! Looking at past client galleries on their website or social media, you can see if they have photographed other people similar to your body shape and if they align with the style you want for your photos. I often hear past stories from clients that have had bad experiences because their photographer only shot a certain type of body shape and they didn’t know what to guide or direct them. And in the end, the client was extremely dissatisfied with their final images because it was so far from what they saw and expected. Transparency is key when it comes to the photographer’s portfolio!

Editing Style:

   Boudoir is art, and with that comes a vast range of styles and retouching levels. As mentioned above, you want to find a photographer that fits what YOU are looking for! For example, it would be counterintuitive to book a session with a photographer that edits and retouches with a very glamorous style when you might be wanting a more natural look. With that being said, there is no right or wrong way of editing when it comes to boudoir because again, it is art! Some photographers will offer more retouching services, and some will not as it does not reflect their brand and mission. Both are A-ok!

I hope these tips help you in booking your boudoir session! Overall, transparency is key and whoever you are booking with should be honest and clear with you, and most importantly make you feel comfortable.