Before You Book: Is That $5,000 Boudoir Package Really Worth It?

Trend Alert: Feeling a bit surprised by checking in on a local boudoir photographer... only to see $5,000 or even $7,000 package options being positioned front and center?

$7,000 for boudoir session? Yikes.

Choosing the right boudoir photography package can be overwhelming, especially when faced with price tags that start reaching $5,000! Many wonder if such a high cost is justified. This post aims to shed light on this topic by dissecting what exactly goes into these luxury packages and whether they offer value worth your investment.

I’m Mike Cassidy from MC Boudoir, a seasoned boudoir photographer in Ocean County with over 15 years of experience in capturing women's unique beauty and confidence through my lens (and no, I don't sell $5,000 boudoir packages. 😂) With numerous accolades under my belt, I assure you this post offers expert insights to guide your decision-making process.

The TLDR: Be on the lookout for newbie and slightly-experienced boudoir photographers following marching orders form online gurus and trying to impress their peers by offering very expensive boudoir packages... that are not going to deliver on their hefty price tags.

Ready to learn more? Read on!

You can listen to a mini podcast of this post below:

Is That $5,000 Boudoir Package Really Worth It?

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Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Services: A $5,000 boudoir package includes professional hair and makeup, extensive photo editing, multiple outfit changes, and exclusive locations to elevate the experience.

• High-Quality Outputs: Expert photographers use advanced equipment and techniques to create stunning images. Their seasoned skills ensure that every detail is captured perfectly.

• Personalized Experience: Clients receive one-on-one consultations to tailor the session specifically to their preferences. This customization enhances comfort and confidence during the shoot.

• Enhanced Client Experience: High-end packages provide a luxurious atmosphere with superior props and backdrops. The attention received from booking through final delivery ensures a memorable experience.

• Long-Term Value: Besides providing beautiful photos, these packages offer unique keepsakes like designer albums and exclusive prints that preserve memories for years to come.

Understanding the Value of $5,000 Boudoir Packages

A $5,000 boudoir package might seem expensive, and it is, no doubt-- and it should offer unique advantages that justify the price. Don't be tricked by newbie photographers, also referred to as FLPs (Fake [or faux] Luxury Photographers) offering these high priced packages without the expected experience and results that should go along with the hefty price tag.

You may be asking, Mike, are there "true" luxury boudoir packages that cost that much? Well, yes, but you need to search pretty far and wide to find these elusive photographers-- there aren't many of them.

The "real deal" packages often include high-end services and products that elevate your experience. We'll take a look at thing that should be part of such an experience, and after, the tricky reality of what you are may likely to find... so pay attention and be sure to ask questions of ANY photographer posting such packages before you book.

Analyzing Contents: What’s Inside a High-Priced Package?

Geez. If I were purchasing a $5,000 boudoir package, I'd certainly have some requirements. Boudoir packages priced at $5,000 should offer exclusive features and special perks. Here’s a detailed look into what you should expect as part of such a package:

Pre-Session Consultation. Discuss your vision with the photographer. Receive a comprehensive (and possibly in-person) consultation to share ideas, and finalize details to ensure a personalized experience. Some photographers offer wardrobe styling, and I've even see those who will assist with personal shopping. Right from the start, the photographer is involved in the experience and guiding you through the process.

Professional Hair and Makeup. Expert stylists create stunning looks. Your hair and makeup will be perfect for the camera, adding confidence to every shot. With package prices in this range you'd expect a makeup artist and even a hair styling to be on-site for your session. And not only that, be present during your session to offer touch ups.

High-End Photography Location. Luxury packages should be taking place in luxury locations. Possibly an exclusive hotel suite, or a stunning rented home. The shoot will take place in a luxurious setting. Premium locations enhance the elegance of your photos. ...After all, it's a "luxury" boudoir package.

Multiple Outfit Changes. Luxury sessions should include multiple outfit changes... and not only that, should be featuring luxury lingerie brands. Bring several outfits to capture different styles. This adds variety and depth to your photo collection. There should be no "limits" on outfit styles or "looks."

Extended Shoot Duration. Boudoir photography should about the experience. It's a break from your every day routine... and is a lot like a mini vacation. The session should be relaxed with no time pressures or a photographer counting the minutes down till the end of your session. Enjoy more time in front of the camera. Additional time allow for more creativity and perfection in each shot.

Custom Photo Editing. Your "high-end" photography should be a highly skilled photo editor-- or be outsourcing to one. Skilled editors refine each image carefully. Expect flawless photos with professional retouching services. Your photography will be unique crafted works of art.

Designer Albums. Your super expensive session should be inclusive of some form of a high-end custom album. How would you know? Well, if you've ever held one in your hand you'd know. They look, feel, and smell different. You'll receive high-quality photo albums crafted with care. These albums preserve your memories beautifully, and will be items you'll cherish for years.

Digital Copies. Get access to digital versions of all selected images. Share them easily or keep them safe on multiple devices.

Exclusive Prints/Wall Art. Luxury session package should include lavish wall art and/or print options. Printed photos come on deluxe paper and finishes. Wall art should be deluxe canvas or other high-end options. These prints make excellent gifts or home decor pieces.

Personal Viewing Session. Luxury photographers will often review your photos privately at some point after your session. They will guide you through selecting favorites while getting expert advice on choices.

Extensive Experience Insight. Maybe most important, your boudoir photographer will have extensive experience. The photography will be expert level. Not only that, they will be and expert at creating a great client experience during the session, providing guidance, and dare I say entertain you throughout your session.

Comparing Quality of Work: Is the $5K Photographer's Quality Of Work 5x Better?

So knowing what we know from above, would you think it may be fair to say the quality of work should be 5x better than those of a "standard" photographer if they are charging 5x the price?

Well, agreeing something is "5x better" can be a bit of a judgement call, but you get the point. --AND these are the questions you should be asking yourself upon seeing a $5,000 or $7,000 boudoir package.

Many factors influence the quality of a boudoir photographer's work. Every shot requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of lighting and composition.

A high-priced package often reflects the photographer's level of expertise. Such professionals invest in premium equipment, superior editing software, and continuous learning to stay ahead.

Comparing Client Experience: Is The $5K Photographers Client Experience 5X Better?

A $5,000 boudoir package offers a client experience that aims to be exceptional. From what you have seen, does that photographer offer an experience that is 5x better? Are there makeup artists? Custom consultations?

Is the environment is designed to make you feel pampered and at ease?

High-end boudoir photographers take extra steps to create memorable experiences. Sessions can occur in luxurious settings with high-quality props and backgrounds, making each photo unique.

Post-shoot services may also feature extensive retouching and editing, producing stunning final images that reflect your best self. These premium touches add up to an experience far superior to standard packages.

Comparing Photographer's Experience: Is The $5K Photographer Super Experienced? (They Better Be!!)

Does the photographer offering that $5,000 boudoir package have 5x the personal experience of others? Have they been hard at work for years? Have notable accomplishments? A super experienced photographer brings a wealth of knowledge and confidence to every shoot. There is no side-stepping this fact.

This experience ensures that he/she can handle any situation with ease and produce stunning results.

An experienced professional also knows how to create a comfortable atmosphere during the session, making clients feel relaxed and confident. Such expertise is invaluable when capturing intimate moments authentically and artistically.

Analyzing Market Trends in Boudoir Photography Pricing

Alright, so by now you're thinking, Mike, what the heck is gong on here? What's the point of all this? Well, there has been this recent trend over the past few years of boudoir photographers having this insider battle to one-up each other to prove they are so "luxurious" by raising prices higher and higher, and then brag to other photographers about how much they charge. ...Kind of how Instagram "influencers" rent fake personal jet "sets" to take photos of themselves "flying" private... to try to portray themselves living a certain lifestyle. (But as we all know, mostly it's all lies simply to try to impress a bunch of people who they don't know...)

Well, there are photographers that do a similar kind of thing. You see, there are boudoir photographers that tend to follow and get their marching orders from online "gurus" a.k.a. "business coaches." These online "gurus" say, "Oh, you should be charging very high prices because you should be charging your 'worth'..." The funny part is these "gurus" typically have no tangible record of any success themselves, and are pretty much all sciolists, but yet boudoir photographers still follow what they say (and don't seem to be too interested in investigating the validity of their personal "gurus.") Boudoir photography is a strange world!

So, in the end, what this boils down to, is you have this pool of no, low, and slightly experienced photographers posting very high priced boudoir photography packages that don't quite hold the water as advertised. And the loser is typically the client.

Unsuspecting shoppers, who they, themselves, often may not do any due diligence in their shopping, wind up way overpaying for a package that in no way delivers a "luxury" experience or results up to the price tag they paid. And the clients, well, walk away less than happy.

Exploring Cost Increases and Customer Expectations

It's true, like most things over the past few years, boudoir photography prices in general have surged recently. As the industry has become more refined and specialized, photographers now invest more in high-end equipment, luxurious studio settings, professional editing software, among other things. These elements result in better quality photos but also increase the overall cost.

For instance, some top-tier photographers might spend thousands on a single camera lens or hundreds on custom props for each session. (Do you really wanna know how expensive some of those angel wing costumes are? 😬) The cost of professional makeup artists has also practically doubled over the past few years.

Customers today expect an exceptional experience from start to finish. They want personalized consultations that cater to their specific needs and preferences. Many clients demand exclusive locations, professional hair and makeup services, and unique styling options to make their sessions memorable.

As expectations rise, so does the need for photographers to offer comprehensive packages that justify the higher price points while providing unparalleled service. BUT how do you know you're going to get value for what your paying for? With a boudoir photographer... you really need to do some digging!

So, Are You Really Getting Value In That Luxury Boudoir Package?

So, the sad truth is that often people are often not getting great value for what they are paying. Can we 100% blame the photographer... no. Clients need to due their due diligence, as well, and be vigilant about their photography purchases.

Evaluating Benefits: Comparing Luxury Boudoir Features To What You Actually May Find...

Spending $5,000 on a boudoir package can seem extravagant. Let's take a look what what clients may often find when their touted "luxury" boudoir package isn't quite so luxury. Remember those bullet points from above? Let's take a look at how they may work out for you if your stuck with a "faux" luxury boudoir photographer...

Pre-Session Consultation. I have to admit that photographers in general do a fairly decent job with a consultation-- despite their price point. My biggest observation is that clients, themselves, may push back and ignore, or not want to take part in a consultation. This is a mistake, and you risk showing up unprepared and risking that your session may not go quite as planned by not reviewing your session ideas with the photographer.

Faux luxury photographers may not offer in-person, or quite the same type of comprehensive consultation to share ideas, as their counterparts. The FLP (Faux Luxury Photographer) may not be as granular with details to ensure a personalized experience. There may be no wardrobe styling, or personal shopping.

Professional Hair and Makeup. Be sure the FLP is including hair and makeup as part of the package (it should be at that price!) Generally, I've found that photographers of all sorts seem to work with competent makeup artists. In the FLP packages, however, you may find the MUA doesn't stay on-site during the entire session, so there wouldn't be any makeup adjustments or touch-ups during the course of your shoot.

High-End Photography Location. Ah, this is a big point of trip up for the FLP. Luxury boudoir sessions demand luxury settings. Always ask where your session will be taking place! Remember: boudoir photography takes place in a bedroom setting (hence the word boudoir.) Seems obvious, but taking photos on a couch is not boudoir. Taking photos on a couch in a photo studio in a strip mall is not a "luxury boudoir experience," and it's not boudoir, at all.

Ask hard questions. If you're paying $5,000 for a session, and find it's taking place in a strip mall-- don't book it. If you're paying $5,000 for a session and it's taking place in the same bed-on-wheels the photographer uses for a $399 session-- don't book it.

$5,000 luxury sessions demand luxury locations. If you're location is not luxury, you're being misled.

Multiple Outfit Changes. Luxury sessions should include multiple outfit changes... There should be no "outfit limits." You're there to have fun, and have a dress-up day shooting photos in the elegant lingerie you've prepared for the session. Any indication of "bra limits" or "you can include 2 outfits in your shoot" may be a sure sign you're not in for a luxury experience. Ask if this is the case, it's a favorite "feature" of the FLP to talk about "outfit limits." If this is something you're finding in package details... I'd probably think twice about working with that photographer.

These photographers will also have "faux" add-ons or pre-payment upgrades, such as "angel wing sets." or "white sheet sets," which are added to packages as "benefits" for prepayment-- but there is really nothing special about these add-ons to make them "luxury." Taking photos in a set of bed sheets, as far as I can tell, would be just standard boudoir. Don't fall for faux add-ons. It's a bad sign of an FLP.

Extended Shoot Duration. As I noted-- boudoir photography should about the experience. It's a break from your every day routine... and is a lot like a mini vacation. Like the "outfit limit," if your packing includes a "time limit" is a certain sign you may be involved with a FLP. Actually, it's a dead giveaway. Luxury boudoir sessions are not about keeping one eye on the clock. Ask pointed questions before booking any high-priced photographer if they include time limits with their packages.

Custom Photo Editing & Quality. Sigh. The dead giveaway you're dealing with a faux luxury photographer. Your FLP most certainly is not going to be an accomplished photo editor. It is vital to learn what "good" boudoir photography looks like, however. Vital. I can look at a boudoir photo and in two seconds know if the photographer knows what they're doing. FLPs will have basic editing that often makes photos look worse. FLPs also will, without a doubt, lack the image quality and "Wow" factor.

One trick FLPs use is misdirection. FLPs use boudoir narratives to often try to overshadow technically poor work (the hallmark of FLPs.) What to look for... Well, the FLP website is typically littered with narratives talking about "empowerment," and "changing lives," and "making women whole," etc. They scream all kinds of talk about changing people to distract from the photos.

The work of a true luxury photographer stands on its own. There is no need for shouting of narratives to distract from the work-- which is the main reason why you'd choose such a photographer, right? --Amazing photos.

Mikes note: I can't express the importance of this point, and how many women get duped into working with low quality photographers. If you're not certain about the quality of your photographer (especially if they have packages in the $5,000 range) MESSAGE ME. I'll be happy to give you my thought on work quality.

Designer Albums. Your super expensive session should be inclusive of some form of a high-end custom album. There's a a chance an FLP may be using a quality album provider... but how would you know? You have to ask! Album providers are like auto manufacturers-- they come at all price points and levels. Fancy-schmancy custom albums can be very expensive (the photographer's cost of which can easily rise into the hundreds of dollars.) THIS is exactly what you should be expecting from a $5,000 luxury session.

FLPs can be using a budget album maker and including that as part of a "luxury" package. Be aware! --The same goes for any other products included with your package. Ask questions. If they hesitate to tell you the album companies they work with, or won't-- go elsewhere.

Exclusive Prints/Wall Art. Luxury session package should include lavish wall art and/or print options. As I noted above, wall art also comes in all quality levels. Your $5,000 session should be included nothing but the best-- so be sure it does. Don't get duped.

Personal Viewing Session. Luxury photographers will often review your photos privately at some point after your session. It may be same day, or most likely at some point after. Remember it takes a photographer a lot of time to go through and edit photos. An experienced luxury photographer will walk you through the selection process with no pressure (keep that in mind!) and help you pick out the best shots from your session.

One note: Remember the fake photography "gurus" we were talking about earlier? Well, one of their favorite tricks to tell photographers is to do "same day reveals." Why? Because they know the client is still in studio, and the idea is that the photographer can pressure the client and "upsell" them in-person to purchase additional products.

True luxury photographers are way less likely to have "in person," or "same day reveals." Why? Well, it takes hours of work to cull photos, custom edit and retouch them. It's a time-intensive process that can't really be rushed.. and there is no way an entire gallery of completed images can be done the same day as your session!

Extensive Experience. As I noted earlier, this may be the most important feature lacking with an FLP. Here's a little secret. Photography is hard. Boudoir photography is even harder and takes years and lots of clients to master. Just like you couldn't become a "pro" golfer or "pro" guitarist in a few weeks-- photographer is the same.

Many, many, many FLPs have little to no experience. It's vital to ask questions about how long they have been working in photography, how many clients they have photographed, why they have chosen to become a womens photographer, etc., before you hand over your $7,000. Don't assume. Establish a solid track record for your photographer.

Remember: Anyone can pick up a camera and the next day be calling themselves a "pro." Would you feel comfortable handing over $7,000 to a guitar player to play at your wedding who just started a month ago? Errrr--- probably not. And image if they hid that fact and on your wedding day you found out you just hired someone who can't even strum their way through one song, because they just started. You'd feel quite misled that this person advertised themselves as a "pro," right? Well, boudoir photographers do this all the time!

Ask how many people they've worked with. Get proof. Get referrals. Boudoir photographers are all so different-- just like any other service. They are not all the same.

Imagine how you'd feel if you found out you just handed over $5,000 to a fake luxury photographer who has maybe 3 months experience. This sadly, is a regular occurrence, and the point for this post-- is to ask many, many questions about a photographer charging those type of numbers.

Conclusion

High-priced boudoir packages offer an exclusive experience that goes beyond just photos. The quality of work in these sessions often reflects the photographer’s expertise and creativity.

The big issue in boudoir photography these days are the growing masses of low quality photographers misrepresenting themselves as luxury $7,000 photographers without

FAQs

1. What makes a $5,000 boudoir package worth the price?

A $5,000 boudoir package often includes high-quality photography, professional makeup and hair styling, custom albums, and personalized service. These elements ensure an exceptional experience and stunning results.

2. How does a $5,000 boudoir session compare to cheaper options?

Higher-priced packages typically offer more experienced photographers, better equipment, luxurious settings, and extensive post-production editing. Cheaper options may lack these features.

3. Can I expect long-lasting value from a $5,000 boudoir package?

Yes! The investment in top-tier services provides not only beautiful images but also boosts confidence and creates lasting memories that you can cherish for years.

4. Are there any hidden costs in a $5,000 boudoir package?

Reputable studios should be transparent about pricing. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what is included to avoid unexpected fees or additional costs later on.