What is a boudoir photoshoot?

Your boudoir photoshoot, explained

A boudoir photoshoot is an investment in yourself, a celebration of your body, it’s an empowerment session. Something to instil you with a confidence you’ll never let go of, and help you to see how beautiful you really are! Whilst a lot of people will see “just sexy photos” (and there’s NOTHING wrong with that), it’s so much more than that. The way it lifts us up, helps us love our bodies, helps us see what our loved ones see when they look at us – it’s something truly spectacular.
I grew up in an era of women being scrutinised by the media. Unhealthy diet fads/trends and body images were everywhere. Cellulite/rolls/bad skin being highlighted and splashed all over the front of magazines. Celebrities having to “bounce back” to their pre-baby body in record time otherwise they’d “let themselves go”. So toxic. And I believe we’re all still healing from that.
And that’s where I come in, that’s where this photoshoot plays its part. The importance of realising our worth is not determined by how we look. We are all beautiful – to paraphrase Bridget Jones – … just as we are.

When should I book in for my boudoir photoshoot?

Now. No really… Now!
I’d book as far in advance as you can. I have clients booking in up to 18 months in advance!
What are you waiting for? Let me tell you, “the right time” doesn’t exist. By all means, get yourself prepped. Book in for a haircut/nails appointment/ waxing etc, but other than that, get it booked!
If you’re wanting the images for something in particular, for example, loads of my clients do their shoots as a gift for their partner, or a wedding/anniversary present, or even for themselves to celebrate a birthday. For these occasions, I’d advise booking in for your session at least 8 weeks in advance. This allows plenty of time for the photoshoot, viewing session, and to order any products you may wish to purchase. Wall art/albums etc can take up to 4 weeks to turn around.
Also if you’re thinking of taking advantage of one of the pre-payment plans, you need to give yourself time to pay in instalments!

How do I prepare for my boudoir session?

I will send you out a full prep guide when you book in with me and always offer a pre-shoot consultation. The guide talks you through preparing your whole body, from eating well to waxing & exfoliation. I also send out advice on your boudoir photoshoot wardrobe. Outfits can make or break a photoshoot so I always encourage my clients to get in touch with me if there’s anything they’re not sure on! Plus those all important on-the-day tips, such as not wearing anything tight that will leave marks on your skin for the photoshoot.

What happens at my boudoir photoshoot?

A typical boudoir experience looks like this:

10am – Arrive
10am – 11am – Hair & Make Up
11am – 1pm – Photoshoot
1pm – 2pm – Lunch (you leave the studio for an hour or so to grab a bite to eat whilst I get your images ready to view)
2pm – 3pm – Viewing
3pm – All Done!

After your hair and make up artist has left, it’ll only be the two of us in the studio, so you can relax with me. I’ve done my own boudoir photoshoots before so when I tell you I know how you feel…  I really do! I’ll talk you through everything, tell you and show you what to do, and we can take it as steady as you like.

prepare-for-a-boudoir-shoot

I can't pose/I'm not sexy!

Firstly, you can & you are!
Secondly, I got you.
I will not only tell you exactly how to pose, but I’ll show you what I want you to do too. Most of the images you’ll be looking down/eyes closed/ away from the camera. I won’t ask you to pout or pull a “sexy” face at the camera! It’ll be great fun, and you’ll nail it. The only thing I will warn you of… it’s HARD work. You may well feel like you’ve done a full body work out after the photoshoot!

Leeds-Boudoir-Photographer

What should I bring for my boudoir photoshoot?

Outfits you LOVE!
As I said above, the right or wrong outfit choice can make or break a boudoir photoshoot. If you love it and it makes you feel good, it’ll show on camera!
My photoshoots are about you & your body, so I don’t tend to do much with props, but I have had clients bring in items to personalise their photoshoot. Particularly, for example, if it’s for a gift. Your partners motorbike helmet, a golf club, his shirt, his tie, a rubgy ball… you get the idea. So this is an option for you if you want it!
Heels & accessories/jewellery can really finish off an outfit too. You can also bring make up/moisturiser/deodorant/robe etc so you’re as comfortable as possible. But I do have similar bits to hand at the studio in case you forget!

How many outfits should I bring?

We’ll aim to shoot up to 3 outfits, but you can bring as many as you’d like with you. I’ve had clients turn up to the studio with a suitcase that looks like they’re moving in for the week! I’ll help you narrow down your options to the best ones. If you’re unsure on your outfits, we can always do a little try on session before we start shooting and I can give you my advice on which pieces will work best.  I also have bits at the studio that you can use such as bodysuits/lingerie sets/stockings/heels/body jewellery. My outfits range from XS to XXL.

Do I need to buy new underwear?

Yes.. and no. It depends what you’ve already got! I do however, think a boudoir photoshoot is an excellent excuse to treat yourself to some lovely new pieces and make you feel extra special!
Try and avoid bringing anything that no longer fits you properly or perhaps looks a bit old & tatty.
In my prep guide I’ll give you advice on where to shop and I do break it down into low, middle and high end budget sections.

How much does a boudoir photoshoot cost?

My sessions are £299. This non-refundable booking fee covers our pre-shoot consultation, complimentary hair and make up, your in depth prep guide, up to 2 hours shooting time, and your images retouching ready to view. This price does not include any images.
Prices for smaller collections of digitals start from £349 and are better suited for smaller budgets.
Most of my clients opt for one of my all inclusive packages which start at £749 but include ALL your images from your session (usually around 50 images) PLUS a gorgeous printed product. These have been specifically designed to be the best value for money. I also offer prepayment plans to make this often once-in-a-lifetime experience more affordable!  You can see my full boudoir price list here: Price List

Leeds-Boudoir-Photographer

How long after the photoshoot until I can see my images?

The boudoir experience includes a same day viewing. You’d leave for around 1 hour after your photoshoot whilst I get your images ready to view.

If you don’t have time for a same day viewing, the other option is to return for a viewing. This is where you’ll be invited back to your “view and order” session usually around 2 weeks after your session.

I need my images for a specific date - how far in advance should I book?

Ideally at least 8 weeks. This gives us time to schedule your photoshoot, viewing, and if you’re opting for something like an album, it allows time for the production turnaround.

Leeds Boudoir Photographer

Can my photos remain private?

Of course! I love it when my clients allow me to use their photos, but it’s completely your decision. I will ask you about your image preferences, and if you’d prefer I use unrecognised photos, or only post them in my VIP group, that’s absolutely fine. Equally, if you know you’ll be happy for me to share your images, please let me know in advance of your session so I can take some behind the scenes shots of me working and include a special gift for you!

Where are you based?

My studio is nestled in Esholt woods which is North/West Leeds. Just off Apperley Lane in Rawdon, you’ll find me in a beautiful business park that used to be a working farm before it was converted! My boudoir studio is totally private and you will have a designated parking space for your session.

I do have clients travel to me from all over the U.K and I am more than happy to provide recommendations for hotels if you’re planning on staying over in Leeds.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Please do follow me on instagram: Leeds Boudoir Instagram 

And come and join my private facebook group which is full of past, and present clients. See questions they’ve asked, videos posted by me, session advice plus be the first to know about offers and exciting news!

Hopefully that’s answered all the questions you might have about a boudoir photoshoot, but if there’s anything else or you just want to have a chat, I’m here! We can organise a phone or zoom call or even an in person meeting to talk through everything if it would make you feel more comfortable.
I can’t wait to hear from you & create some stunning empowering photos of you, for you to treasure forever!

Lots of love, Laura x