Choosing a Studio For Your Boudoir Session

Posted July 21, 2010 by admin in Blog | No comments yet

Tips from Romantic Glimpses Boudoir Studio

If you’ve recently decided to have boudoir portraits created but haven’t chosen a studio or photographer yet, you’ve no doubt found that there are many questions you have regarding the entire process.

Do you want a female or male photographer?  Is there a real difference on how a man or woman approaches this type of session?  What does the studio offer regarding sets, props, wardrobe considerations?  Does the studio offer a consultation to help you know what will photograph best and to give you a chance to meet with the photographer ahead of time?  How long is set aside for the photography?  Will the session take place in a studio or in some other location, such as a hotel room.  How long has this studio been offering boudoir photography?

These are just a few of the many many questions that I’m sure you’ve had.  Your boudoir session can be incredibly fun and quite rewarding but you’ll want many of these questions answered before proceeding.

My wife and I have been photographing Boudoir/Intimate Portrait sessions for 25 years.  We’ve seen many trends come and go in the industry but there has always been a demand for romantic and sexy portraits that a woman can give as an “I love you!” gift to the special person in her life.  You’ll find that your personal session will be a blast and provide you with great photos if you do your homework and get the answers to the questions above, before you decide on a studio.

Male or female photographer.

Some women are typically more comfortable with women photographers, some with men, but the main thing is finding a studio and photographer that you trust.  Do a Google search for boudoir portraits in your area and check out the websites of several different studios.  Take a good objective look at the photographs and see which studio’s portraits have a “look” that you like.  There are studios that have more of a fashion look, some with more of an old school glamour look and some with their own signature styles.  The studio’s website will give you a good feel for that studio’s work.  Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few, call them and chat with them regarding their sessions, pricing, etc.  Talking with them on the phone will really help to see who you’re most comfortable with.  Next, make an appointment to meet with them and discuss the session.  If you’re still comfortable with the studio/photographer, book the session and enjoy!

Studio vs. Location sessions.

There seems to be a recent trend of photographing boudoir sessions in luxury hotel rooms.  These can be really beautiful locations to do the photography.  However, many times studio will choose to do the photography at a location because they don’t have a studio location of their own.  They do the photography at a hotel or B&B to gain access to a pretty location.  They’ll often arrive with minimal equipment and photograph using available light only.  A few studios have carved out a signature style with this approach and do beautiful work.  While we offer location sessions, anywhere you’d like, the vast majority of our boudoir work is done in our gorgeous studio.  And while available light portraits can be very nice, we will often use 4 – 6 different lights to create drama, add depth, sculpt the body and highlight your best features.  Using our studio and sets and multiple light set-ups give us tremendous control over the outcome of the finished portraits.

Boudoir Marathons

Another trend we’ve seen arise in recent years is the Boudoir Marathon.  This is when several ladies will get together for an evening of  hors d’overes, perhaps some wine, good music and then one at a time they’ll each participate in their own boudoir session.  This can be great fun for an adventurous group but is maybe not the best way to insure great photographs for any of them.

First of all, grouping 3, 4 or 5 (or more) in the same, night or day, pretty much requires that these are “mini” sessions.  Second, alcohol rarely leads to you looking your brightest and best.  And third, it’s our experience (25 years and going strong) that women are rarely comfortable trying to look “sexy” in front of their friends.

We’d strongly recommend commissioning your own session with a photography team you are comfortable with and love their imagery