What is boudoir photography?
Boudoir Photography is the art of capturing beautiful, sensual and sexy photographs of women. Boudoir comes from late 18th century French word and is translated as – a woman’s bedroom or a private sitting room. Boudoir photography, usually takes place in a setting such as a bedroom or a hotel room, or an intimate setting to create classy images that can be soft, playful, romantic, sexy, sensual, or naughty. The main objective of a boudoir photographer is to capture you in the most flattering way by guiding you through the poses that compliment your body type. This means you can be of any age, height or weight .... every woman is beautiful and deserves to feel that way.
Why would I need a boudoir session?
Every client has different reasons, this is a great way of improving self esteem, and a really personal gift for yourself or a significant other. If you are looking for more reasons....
- A woman that wants to surprise that special one in her life with a unique and personal gift…. There’s something about seeing him open that photo album for the first time and drool all over your sexy photos (and not the ones from Playboy magazine)!
- A woman that needs a confidence boost. O yes, we all occasionally get really tired of looking at these glossy magazines with “perfect” models on every page. Well, now it can be you looking back from a sexy picture. Why should only models have all the fun in front of the camera? Boudoir photography will help you discover that secret seductress in you.
- A woman that is already confident and just wants to strut her sexy stuff in front of the camera and have some fun! Why not just make it all about you and give yourself a gift? It’ll be your little secret (ssshhhh, we wont tell anyone).
- A woman that wants to capture her beauty forever. Lets face it, none of us are getting younger. 30 years from now a boudoir photo shoot will be the proof of your hotness. Boudoir photo album will be one of your most cherished possessions 😉
- A woman that’s been married for a long time and well….wants to revamp her private life with her husband.
- A woman that is thinking of having a baby and wants to have a reference point of what she wants her body to look like after the baby 😉
- A woman size 0 to……100, well maybe there is not such size but you get the point, there is no size, weight, or height limitations. Every woman is beautiful in her own special way and boudoir photography is there to help you bring it out.
How far in advance should I book my session?
The final product would determine how far in advance you would need to book a shoot. It is advisable to allow 4 to 5 weeks before you need the final product
How much time should I allow for my session?
The Make-up normally takes about an hour and depending on the package, between 1 to 4 hours for the shoot. Have a look at the available packages to see what suits you best
Where will it be?
Normally I use my studio in Queenswood, Pretoria, but we can use your home or a boutique hotel. The studio is no charge, but if we use a hotel or other venue the costs are for your account.
I have a girlfriend or a few girlfriends interested in doing a boudoir session, do you offer boudoir parties?
Yes this is an option and it can be a lot of fun!
What do I need to bring?
Bra and Panties ~ Most importantly, bring a varied selection of pretty matching bra and panty sets. Start with basic black and then add white, colors and patterns. Bras and panties can be photographed alone or paired with other clothing items or accessories.
Lingerie ~ A baby doll nightie, vintage slip, teddy and/or camisole always photograph well. Corsets or bustiers with thigh high stockings, a garter belt, and heels are super sexy too. Start simple and grow more extreme from there. Think about what colors look good on you. Maybe even ask your fiance/husband/boyfriend what outfits he likes or what colors he prefers on you — in an unsuspicious way of course!
Casual Attire ~ Everyday clothing such as lacy or sheer tops, lose knit sweaters, cut-off jeans, shorts, sportswear, and pajamas can look cute and sexy if photographed properly. A simple white tank top or cami is a must have!
Something Of His ~ If this is a gift for your fiance/husband/boyfriend, then bring something from his wardrobe. This can be one of his favorite ties, a button down shirt, a sports jersey, recreational gear, or his uniform. Anything that makes the images more personal and sexy to him! It also adds variety to your collection of outfits and will look great in the final book.
Accessories ~ You can easily modify the look of your outfit by changing your accessories. Accessories include jewelry, scarves, hats, stilettos, boots, gloves, fishnets, stockings, garter belts, etc.
For more ideas please see the About your Boudoir shoot page
Will I be completely nude?
No, that is not required. With a strategically placed sheet or pose an illusion can be created. Nude photography is only done on request.
What happens if I’m extremely uncomfortable on the day of the shoot?
It is normal to be nervous when you arrive and start out. With the talented make-up artist and myself we will do our best to make you feel relaxed and calm. A glass of champagne does wonders to relax the nerves and listening to your favourite music while we do the shoot creates the necessary ambience. I often find that as you start to see the photos we take most of my clients start to relax and enjoy the shoot. We have started some ladies sessions fully clothed and sharte the images with you to build your confidence, throughout the shoot we will work at a pace that you are comfortable with.
How should I prepare for the session?
Drink enough water leading up to the date of the shoot and moisturise. Avoid alcohol the day before the shoot - you want to look your best! Make sure your hands and feet look nice and the nail varnish isn't chipped. You may benefit from touching up your hair colour a few days before the shoot as well. If you decide to do a facial treatment, please do so week before the shoot. Wax a few days before the shoot so the redness has a chance to disappear. Check the shoes that you plan to use and clean the bottoms of your shoes, dirty shoes are not looking good on photos!
Will these images be posted online or any social networks?
Our clients privacy are important, your photos are yours to enjoy and we will only share if you have given us permission or requested us to share your photos on Social Media. If you give me permission to share the images they only get posted on my website. I will also not use your photos in sample albums unless I have been given permission to do so. A number of our clients prefer not to share their images and we respect their wishes.
Who else will have access to these images?
All the editing is done by ourselves and that includes album design. Our printers are professional and selected for their professionalism as well.
Will I have the option to use props?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own and we also have a selection of masks, hats and pearls that you are welcome to use.
I do not have any stockings?
We often have a few pairs that you can purchase or we can recommend stockists that can supply you with good quality stockings that should fit.
Should I tan before my session?
Tan lines are incredibly difficult to remove and spray tan has a tendency to leave you with an orange skin tone. I would recommend that you do not spray tan, or suntan unless it is sunbed. If you sun tan, please try to avoid tanning lines and sunburn. It is almost impossible to remove tan lines and sunburn in post-production so you will see it in your final product.
If it helps, can I bring any alcohol?
We do supply a small bottle of champagne to steady the nerves. You are welcome to bring more with but remember drinking does cause heavy eye lids and sleepy eyes. The objective of the session is to capture you with beautiful open eyes and seductive images. Rather avoid consuming too much alcohol as it may cause you to bloat, which is not a great feeling when you are trying to be sexy.
If I want the session to be at a specific location such as a boutique hotel, who will be responsible for the charges or is it incorporated into the package amount?
All venue or hotel charges are for your account. You could, however, use the opportunity to arrange a night away with your loved one after the shoot at the venue.
If it’s in the package, do I have to use the provided professional hair and makeup artist or can I have it done prior to the session?
We include a fee for make-up in all our shoots and work with a select few make-up artists for a specific reason. They know the industry and can deliver the required standard that we desire. Photography takes away a certain amounbt of make-up and unless a make-up artist is skilled in creating the right look for a boudoir session it will not contribute to the success of the overall photos. You are welcome to use your own hairdresser before the session.
How do I go about securing my session?
A 50% non-refundable booking fee and the signed contract is required to secure your booking. The balance is payable the day before the shoot.
What happens if you’re sick or are unable to shoot the session on the scheduled day?
Let us know and we will and reschedule the shoot at your convenience.
May I bring a friend along?
You are welcome, we may request that your friend sit in a specific place in the studio or boudoir and that your friend does not interfere with the shoot.
How will I know how to pose?
If you have any sample photos or poses you are welcome to bring them along and we can discuss these and even incorporate those that will work. During the shoot I will direct you and may even demonstrate some of the poses to help you to get it right. We have a large number of sample poses but it is always nice to know what you like and do not like.
How many outfit changes can I have?
Our packages offer a rough guide as to the number of outfits. Ultimately the time it takes for your shoot and how long it takes you to get comfortable and relaxed determine the number of outfits. We are flexible in terms of the number of outfits you may want to use.
How do we determine the final photos to be used?
At the end of the shoot we will allow you time to select the final list of photos that you would like us to process.
Can I have more photos than what is included in my package?
Yes, you are welcome to select more photos and we will gladly provide these after they have been edited at a cost to be agreed upon.
I’m a plus size woman, is boudoir still something I should consider?
Curves are beautiful! We have photographed women of various ages and even a number of pregnant ladies who wish to celebrate their extra curves. A boudoir shoot is a great opportunity to boost self confidence.
How long have you been shooting boudoir?
Francois has been shooting boudoir for 6 years, and Rosalie has been doing so for 2 years.
I’m doing this for my husband but I’m not comfortable with some of the poses I see online…
It is important that you feel comfortable and relaxed. Not all poses that you see may appeal to you and that is understandable. Use the internet to find a few poses that you do like and bring them with. You could even practice them beforehand. We also suggest that you let us know what appeals to you and what you do not like. The poses we suggest and use are meant to show your beauty and reflect your personality. If a pose makes you feel uncomfortable it will show in the photo and we want you yo look your best!
Could we do this session at my house?
Yes, we will require that there is sufficient space and that all the tables and vanity cases and stands are cleared of ornaments as well as having sufficient natural soft light.
I prefer black & white images will you edit them in color and black & white?
All the photos are processed in colour, and if they will lend themselves to a stunning B&W conversion I will do so for you as well. Have a look at our Chess gallery here.
How many photos do you typically take during the session?
It varies depending on the package selected but it is typically between 60 to 120
How many photos will I receive?
Between 20 to 30 but additional images can be purchased
What happens to the photos that I do not select?
Once we have processed your selection the photos that were not selected are deleted and your final selection is delivered and a copy is archived for 12 months.
Do you offer professional retouching of photos (ie fat reductions, zit removal, stretch mark removal)?
Your photos are retouched to remove blemishes, marks, bruises etc. I do prefer to retain your natural beauty and enhance it by showing you poses that compliment and flatter you.
Do you use flash at your sessions?
I will use either natural light or studio lights or a combination thereof
Do you have any options to shoot out door?
Yes, it is possible.
Do you have any samples of your boudoir sessions?
Yes, there are some examples on my website as well as albums and prints at the studio.
If we overrun on the time required for the session is there an extra charge?
No, there will not be an extra charge. We prefer to have you relaxed and if we need to add some extra time we will gladly do so.
Do you have an assistant?
You have the choice to have either Francois or Rosalie take your photos or both. Some clients feel more comfortable with only one of us and we respect that.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept EFT and Cash payments
