I’ve started to get requests for boudoir photography from some of my brides. I particularly like doing these kinds of portraits because I find them very creative and I like making my clients feel good about themselves. If you’ve been thinking about doing a boudoir session, I invite you to read through this page to learn more.
The Boudoir Genre
WHAT IS BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY?
Although there is no formal definition for the genre, for me boudoir is all about creating tasteful intimate portraits. The images are intended to be sexy and sensual, but also fun and flirty. Â Working with a professionally trained makeup artist, the shoot can be styled in a number of different ways to create pictures that range from glamorous to vintage black and white.
About Your Session
WHY SHOULD I DO A BOUDOIR SESSION?
Most clients do a boudoir photo shoot as an unexpected gift for their significant other while others do them just for the confidence building experience.
WHAT’S A SESSION NORMALLY LIKE?
Boudoir sessions are your own personal beauty and fashion shoot!
The session starts with your getting your hair and makeup professionally done to make you look your very best. After about an hour of prepping, we’ll begin the session by just talking about what you’d like and your comfort level with different poses.
You’ll likely be pretty nervous the first few minutes of the shoot, but that’s completely normal. So to get things rolling we’ll start with some simple head and shoulder shots and move on from there. Throughout the shoot I’ll be coaching you at every step to make sure your poses are good to help build your confidence. I’ll help position you just right to look your best.
I find that having music playing during the shoot can also be very helpful, so we’ll turn on some of your favorite music.
After the shoot you’ll be all made up, so it’s a great opportunity to hit the town with friends. And if we’re shooting in a hotel room, you’ll also have the room for the evening.
WHERE IS IT DONE?
Boudoir sessions can be done in in your home, in a hotel, or in the studio, with the most common location being in a nice hotel. I like to shoot in the high rise hotels along the Boston waterfront because they have great light and the views of the city make great backgrounds.
SHOULD I LOSE SOME WEIGHT FIRST?
Everybody has some parts of their body that they aren’t every happy with. I recommend doing the shoot today, just as you are. The photos are going to be great regardless.
IS NUDITY REQUIRED?
No, nudity is not required and often isn’t recommended for final images. A great deal of the allure of boudoir photographs comes from what isn’t being revealed to the camera. Some of the best photos though do contain what’s referred to as “implied nudity” where nudity isn’t directly shown. Common examples include a bare back or placing a hand over the breast.
DO YOU WORK WITH A FEMALE PHOTOGRAPHER? I THINK I WOULD BE MORE COMFORTABLE WITH A WOMAN.
I don’t work with a female photographer, but I always have a female assistant present to help out. And very often the makeup artist will also stay for the shoot to do touch-ups, so you’re never alone with me during the shoot.
Some female boudoir photographers use the fact that they are female in their marketing. The subtle implication is that somehow male photographers are either less talented at boudoir or are somehow not to be trusted. I think both are nonsense and that the quality of the work should be your deciding factor in choosing a boudoir photographer.
CAN I BRING SOME ONE FOR SUPPORT?
Yes, of course. If you would like to bring along a friend for encouragement, please feel free to do so. Just be aware that the shooting space can become quite small very quickly with you, myself, my assistant and photo gear.
Products and Pricing
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
For a current price sheet, drop me a note to erik@erikpatton.com and I can give you an exact quote. In general though, you can expect to spend about $350 at a minimum. And if you’ve booked me for your wedding you’ll get 20% off the session fee.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE FOR PRINT PRODUCTS AND ALBUMS?
I offer a complete line of flush mount albums in sizes that range from small ones that will fit into a purse to large 12″x12″ ones. I also offer calendars and regular photographic prints.
CAN I HAVE THE FILES?
I give files for those images that have been included as part of an album or print order. Boudoir images take some time to retouch, so I only edit those that are your selects. But in general, yes, if it’s part of an order, then I will be happy to give you the digital file.
While I certainly love to share my work on my blog and in my portfolio, if you’re not comfortable with my using your images for promotional purposes, you don’t have to.
HOW LONG DOES A SESSION USUALLY LAST?
A session typically lasts between two and three hours. I don’t stick to a super tight schedule because it’s really more important to get the right images.
HOW MANY OUTFITS CAN I BRING?
Within the time frame of a regular session, we can usually do two or three outfit changes.
Other Questions
WHAT DOES YOUR WIFE THINK ABOUT ALL THIS?
That’s a question I get a lot
My lovely wife Colleen fully supports all of my endeavors in photography, boudoir included.
WHAT ABOUT THE SECURITY OF THE FILES? WILL YOU PUT MY PICTURES ON THE INTERNET?
The security of your images is paramount. Images are kept in a secure online gallery operated by one of the most trusted professional imaging archiving services in the industry. In no way will your images be visible to anyone but you.
DO YOU DO MARATHONS OR BOUDOIR PARTIES?
In general I don’t like to rush through a boudoir shoot just to get to the next person, so I’m not a fan of “marathon sessions” or “boudoir parties”. While some women like to get together and do a session as part of a girls night out, I prefer to work with you one on one to create intimate, and often very personal, pictures.