Most gals are intrigued by the thought of having boudoir photos taken of themselves. Many may hesitate because they just don't know what it would be like. This article is intended to illuminate the process. It all starts with a phone call and a deposit of $50.00 to hold a photo session. I then e-mail a questionnaire in order to get an idea of what the client is hoping for with her photo shoot. I have a lot of ideas for each Serenity session, but I also want input from the client. I like to know a little bit about a woman's personality, what she perceives as her body type and self-proclaimed flaws.
The questionnaire also asks what kind of boudoir shots a client is looking for. I have photographed women who want to be fully clothed but give a sense of sexuality, and also the gals who want to do something a little more out of character. As a note, I never do distasteful photos.
I then send out an e-mail letting them know what to bring and/or how to prepare for the shoot.
When a client arrives at my private, upscale, in-home studio, I greet her at the door. She is offered something to drink (most choose water or wine). I have a number of sets to choose from with props. Our basic package includes one set, and then the packages go up from there. We offer the following sets: the Inara set (gypsy like, warm colors, soft and sensual), the pin-up set (think old pin-up girl posters), the typical "bourdoir" set (stockings, bras, the idea of peeking into a woman's dressing room), we also do "scene" sets like...the french maid idea, cowgirl poker scene, hot gal in the kitchen scene then we have the "After Dark" set. This includes more of a dark, edgy, moody look.
When the gal is ready we start by just doing some very simple face shots and extreme close-ups on details so that the client begins to feel very comfortable. Before we know it, the inner model comes out and she feels her groove. I usually talk to my model the whole time to do away with that awkward silence. Most of the time I have a female assistant helping me to move lights and hand the model props. My assistant also will encourage and support the client. When near the end, I'll ask if there is anything in particular that she really wants to try. After we shoot that, the session is over. Every gal that I have photographed has said that it was so much fun and easier than they thought it was going to be.