Vital Questions To Ask Any Boudoir Photographer Before Booking Your Session
- Mike Cassidy
- Oct 24, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 26
Thinking about booking a boudoir session? Choosing the right boudoir photographer can be a game-changer for your confidence and self-image. Hmmm. Aren't all boudoir photographers the same? Turns out, the process can be a bit more work than you may initially expect.
Here's the dirty little secret-- not all boudoir photographers are created equal! How would you feel knowing that "great" boudoir photographer your coworker put you in touch with essentially has about 2 months worth of experience... and no technical photography skills? Not too confidence inspiring, right? Well, this may describe a chunk of boudoir photographers operating in any given area. Surprise! And the rub-- they are not going to volunteer any of this info you to... SO YOU NEED TO ASK HARD QUESTIONS.
This article will provide essential "Boudoir Questions" to ask any boudoir photographer before booking your session, ensuring you make an informed choice.
With over 15 years of experience as a luxury boudoir photographer in New Jersey, I have seen the transformative power of these sessions firsthand. My goal is to guide you through the process with my expertise because I want every woman to walk away from their session having a great experience.
Let's explore what questions will help you find the perfect fit for your boudoir session!
Don't Forget To Get Your Downloadable Copy Of These Vital Questions: Click Here to Jump To The Download In The Post Conclusion.
BONUS: Listen to a mini podcast episode about this blog post
Key Takeaways
Choose a boudoir photographer with at least several years of experience to ensure high-quality, comfortable sessions.
Ensure your photographer has strong privacy policies. Make sure they store images securely and share them only through private galleries.
Verify the photographer handles their own image editing. Ask if they maintain consistent quality and style in their photos.
Confirm that the included services in boudoir packages match your needs. Avoid paying for unnecessary extras like wall art or client closets you don't need.
Establish comfort and trust with the photographer during pre-session talks. This is key for capturing intimate moments authentically.
Experience and Professional Background
Experience is key in selecting the right boudoir photographer. Asking any prospective boudoir photographer about their journey and how long they've been capturing intimate portraits is vital... perhaps the MOST important thing you should be asking.
Let's face it. Photography, in general, like any skill (think: learning to play guitar, etc.) takes time to learn and master. In the weird world of boudoir photography it is entirely not unusual that one week a woman is operating an at-home cupcake baking business and suddenly decides the baking business isn't for her-- and the next week she's selling herself as a "pro" boudoir photographer! Yikes!
Always ask: How much experience do you have as a professional boudoir photographer?
Seems simple, but you'd be amazed at the truth. Would you hire a guitar player for your wedding who started learning a month ago? No. That would be crazy. How can anyone learn-- or refer to themself as a "pro" guitar play with so little experience?
In the world of boudoir photography-- this happens all the time. Women with absolutely no experience or technical ability in photography pop up out of the blue and advertise themselves as "pro" boudoir photographers all the time. There are certainly some in your area!
Always, always ask your potential hire about their experience, and how long they have been a photographer.. and even how many women they have worked with. Experience doesn't always relate to photography excellence, but you most definitely don't want to be a practice subject for an unskilled boudoir photographer-- even though she is touting that she is "changing lives!"
These inexperienced photographers are a hard pass despite all the boudoir narratives they may be trying to woo you with.
Always ask: How long were you interested in photography before you turned professional?
An interest in photography can (and should) start early, sometimes even years before a professional career begins. Why is this important? Well, many photographers spend years honing their craft and exploring different styles simply for the love of photography... and learning the art of photography.
My journey in photography began with capturing photos around me long before I even had any inkling about turning "professional." It was never a thought. I did what I did purely for enjoyment.
What does this have to do with boudoir photographers? Well, boudoir photography is hard. It's takes a lot of time and passion to learn well. The best photographers are going to be those who started for the pure enjoyment of learning photography.
They did it for themselves. So, if you're asking a photographer how long they were interested in photography before they turned pro, and have stories about learning years before they thought about charging someone, that is a great sign.
Alternately, if they have no story, it may be a bit of a concern. Always ask your potential photographer about their photography story before they turned pro.
Security and Privacy of Images
The shocker of all shockers... most boudoir photographer do not address anything about their image security or privacy on their websites! Your privacy matters, and you should feel secure about your images.
Ask your photographer how they protect digital files and their privacy policy.
Always ask: How do you secure my images after my session?
Typically you'd want to hear one of two things here: They are deleting the files after your project, or encrypting and archiving them for storage.
If you ask a photographer about this, and they have no answer... run. It means they don't take your privacy seriously. You don't want your personal images sitting unprotected on a laptop hard drive, or external drive that may be lost or stolen. Boom. There go your private images-- and who knows what can happen to them next.
Always ask: What is your privacy policy?
Your images should be private by default. Privacy should be a top priority. Images should never be shared without your explicit consent.
Some boudoir photographers will sneak photo releases into their session contracts, or use generic photo contracts that include photo releases, which may give them the right to use your photos publicly. Ask the photographer is their contract includes a photo release, AND read your session contract carefully to make sure there isn't any language about you consenting to give the photographer permission to use your images for any purpose.
Image Editing Expertise
Ask about the photographer's editing skills and methods. This helps you gauge both quality and consistency in your final images.
Always ask: How would you rate your editing experience?
I have over 15 years of experience editing boudoir photos. Editing is crucial for making sure every photo looks polished, yet genuine. It's something that takes time to learn well, and it's the cornerstone of getting beautiful boudoir photos.
This expertise ensures you receive the highest quality portraits that are both flattering and true-to-life.
Brand new photographers simply aren't going to have great editing skills, and the level of work is going to be inferior. There's no shortcut here, and they can't hide their inexperience.
Always ask: Do you outsource your image editing?
Some boudoir photographers choose to outsource their image editing. Others handle the process themselves. Outsourcing can lead to varying styles and results, depending on who edits your photos-- but there's more to it...
It's vital to ask if your boudoir photographer uses a third-party service for this. Newer boudoir photographers may "outsource" their image editing, and attempt to justify it by noting they do it because they are the "CEO" of their business and they are so busy running everything, they don't have time to put into editing... because they focus on the far more important tasks of running their companies. Yikes.
This may be sign they can't or won't edit photos because they lack competent editing skills (see above question.) But it gets worse... Remember-- your images are private. "Outsourcing" your private images to "who knows who" via the internet can be a massive breach of your privacy. Do you feel good about your private work being sent to the laptop of some mysterious person in the Middle East simply because your boudoir photographer decided to pay someone $10 on Fivver.com because they didn't want to edit your photos themselves? Imagine where those photos could end up!!
Truly frightening. Yet, boudoir photographer will regularly do this.
Direct editing by the photographer ensures personalized and consistent work. This approach allows your images to keep the same style as shown in their portfolio. Knowing this helps you make an informed choice about comfort and body positivity during your session.
Additional Considerations...
Take a close look at what’s included in each boudoir package you are considering. Also, assess how comfortable and connected you feel with the photographer during your initial consultation.
Does the photographer's boudoir packages include unnecessary products you don't need/want?
Review the photographer’s boudoir packages carefully, and don't hesistate to ask questions. Do they include items like wall art or a session features that you don't care about? Photographers may claim big "deals" or "savings", but some packages may include extra services or products you don't want or need, which can drive up costs without adding value to your experience.
Be specific with what you need so you're not paying for prints or products that don't interest you.
This practice ensures your money is well-spent on what matters most to you.
What is your comfort level and connection with the photographer?
Your comfort level with the photographer affects your session. Make sure you feel at ease during pre-session talks. Knowing the boudoir photographer's style can help too. Trust and rapport are key to capturing intimate moments in boudoir photography.
Ask about their approach and how they help clients relax. A good connection will show in your photos, whether taken in bedrooms or studios. Feeling comfortable ensures a smooth experience, so only use photographers who make you feel supported and respected.
Is the boudoir photography comfortable producing the type of photo/videos you want to create during your session??
Talk to your boudoir photographer about the type of photos and videos you want. It's crucial that they understand your vision. Different photographers have different styles, so make sure their approach matches what you adore.
For example, some may excel in sultry black-and-white shots, while others might specialize in bold, colorful images. Another example may be you're looking to be bold and create some extra spicy photos, and you don't want to find out on session day your selected photographer isn't comfortable creating that kind of content.
Check if the photographer offers packages that allow customizing sessions according to preferences. This flexibility will ensure the final product aligns with your desires. Be clear about any specific poses or themes you're interested in during your session to avoid surprises later on.
Conclusion
Booking a boudoir session can be thrilling... but it's also work! Ask about the photographer's experience and how they secure your images. Verify their editing skills, and check if they do it themselves.
Ensure you feel comfortable with them and that their packages fit your needs. These questions will help you find the perfect match for an unforgettable shoot!
Best of luck and have fun!
Download Your Copy Of These Questions Here To Save & Use
You can get a downloadable PDF of these questions to keep handy and use during your search for a boudoir photographer. Click below to save your copy.
FAQs
1. What questions should I ask about the photographer's experience?
You should ask how long they have been doing boudoir photography and if they specialize in it. Knowing their level of expertise can help you feel more at ease during your session.
2. How do I know my credit card information is secure when booking a session?
Inquire about their payment process and security measures for handling credit card transactions. This ensures that your financial details are protected.
3. Can I see examples of past work before booking?
Ask to view a portfolio or sample images from previous sessions. Seeing real-world examples will help you gauge their style and quality, making sure it aligns with what you adore in boudoir photography.
4. What steps do they take to ensure client comfort and privacy?
Discuss how the photographer creates a comfortable environment during the shoot and safeguards your privacy afterward. Understanding these steps can make you feel more confident about booking your session.
