Why New York City Women Love This Boudoir Photographer
Updated: Jun 8
I'm not your typical boudoir photographer-- and never have been. 😀. I work a bit differently than most. If you thought all boudoir photographers were the same, you'd be terribly wrong. So, why have New York women been booking with me up to a year ahead to reserve their session dates? Read on...
The Perfect Match For NYC Women Who Want The Best
Hi. I'm Michael. Needless to say, I'm enthusiastic about my clients. I have been a boudoir photographer for years, and well, it's weird writing about yourself in this manner, but I guess you could say I operate one of those "fancy" boudoir studios. Although I'm not for everyone, my specialty is working with brides who are looking for something a bit more bespoke than your typical boudoir session. Every year I work with women who make the trip to my studio, and the result is not only an stunning wedding gift, but my clients walk away with an amazing experience and the heart filling joy each and every time they view their photos-- five years-- ten years into the future. It's a feeling that transcends words.
We all know boudoir photography is really a lot more than just a few cute photos. Not only is it a great wedding idea, it's possibly the most fun you can have making a gift for your future partner. So how does it all work? Simple. Typically, future brides wind up contacting me on either my Contact Page, or my Instagram to get the conversation started.
Usually, I like to have a quick Zoom, Google Meet, or call to find out a little bit about what you're looking for in your session-- and to make sure we're a good fit. I operate in a bit of a customer-first fashion. I'ts important for me to provide great customer service-- and I'm here to guide you through the process...from the start-- to picking out the best photos for your album. It's a lot of work! 😂.
Who is booking with me? Well, good question. I do anniversaries, birthdays and "Just Because, Damnits!", but brides are my main clients. Brides who are planning spectacular weddings and want the same from their photographer. Primarily these clients are New York professionals who value experiences, have their Starbucks (or Rook's) in hand, love having fun, and would be the type to head out to Nobu on a special occasion. Sound like you?
How far ahead should you be booking me? Well, because of the amount of time dedicated to each project, I make a limited number of spots available for each month. I don't overbook-- my sanity is at stake. If the current months spots are filled then people are bumped out to the next block of spots...and so on. What does that mean for you? If you are planning a session for your wedding, I'd reach out to me at a minimum of 2-3 months before your wedding. Earlier than that is better. There are times of the year, namely spring, and early fall that can be heavily sought after, and spots are often filled months ahead.
You know how wedding planning goes-- you probably picked your makeup artist and venue a year ahead of time... it's not uncommon brides are booking me a year out, as well.
Remember, too, after your session day is completed, it can take several weeks to get your selections edited, and previewed in your gallery. THEN, it can take a week or so (or longer based on your album provider) for your album to be bound, printed and shipped. It's a bit of a process... but so worth it. 😀
NYC Women Want The Best Boudoir Experience
So what's is like? Well, if you don't like fun you've got the wrong photographer. Not only are we creating amazing photography, your session is a bit of a break from your every day grind. Whether you are looking for a bridal theme for your shoot, keeping it sexy with traditional in stocking and garters, or really looking to turn up the heat with some amazing Honey Birdette lingerie, we'll come up with a great plan for your session.
My building is a block from the terminus of the North Jersey Coast line. Many clients simply take the train right to my doorstep.
We're shooting real boudoir. I have a building full of beautiful bright bedrooms. As the name implies, boudoir is shot in a bedroom setting. It's about beauty...peeking in on a woman's private moments...maybe with a tad of voyeurism. Anything else is not boudoir. Don't be fooled. There are photographers out there selling "boudoir" sessions which are anything but. Boudoir does not take place in a dark photo studio.
Our day starts with a bit of pampering-- hair & makeup. After that, we typically view your outfits and come up with our plan for the day. We may take photos for two hours or so. There's no rush, and no time limits. This is about having an afternoon of fun. My space is designed to provide and safe and encouraging environment for women.
Once we're finished for the day my clients leave feeling like they are walking on air. I know it's hard, but you have to remember: This is all a secret! --Your gift is at stake!
This is where the hard work comes in. I work for hours culling through, editing, and putting your collection together. Based on my work load, it can take me a few weeks to get everything completed. Once done, we'll pick out your favorites and start designing your album.
I'm working strictly with custom albums, which is what brides really love for their wedding day gifts. Usually, we have about 24 photos in a bridal collection, and when that's all put in a beautiful custom photo album can be about $1900 for the album, and if you really want to notch it up and go for a hand made custom album you're coming in around $2400 for this one of a kind keepsake.
One of the things I learned along the way was that women needed to view boudoir photography as an experience. It's a luxury, not a commodity. When people ask me how to shop for a boudoir photographer, I always tell them to treat it like you are organizing your wedding. Your wedding is/was special, and you understand to treat it as such. Your wedding day has a much higher value than just sum of all the parts. It's not so easy to put a price tag on the value of time spent with family and friends celebrating and being together-- and it certainly isn't an occasion that is doled out to the lowest bidder.
I told you I was one of the fancy-schmancy photographers! The idea of "luxury" photography started to take hold a few years ago, and photographers started attaching that word to their names. I'm not a fan of that word, but it is what it is. What does it mean for clients? Well, think of it this way. When you're traveling on vacation you can stay at a Holiday Inn Express, or you can stay at a Ritz-Carlton. When you're buying a new car you can grab a new Mercedes S Class, or you can get a Hyundai. There are times and places for all these things.
As it turns out, my business is more of the Mercedes-Benz type of operation. My clients value experiences and having fun. I learned long ago that my mission was bigger than photography, it was to keep you invested in yourself. To that extent I've been more successful than I could have imagined. Boudoir photography is my thing, and for New York brides that want the best boudoir experience around, I'm ready for you!
For more information, or to get your wedding on my calendar, please don't hesitate to contact me!
