How to Choose the Right Boudoir Photographer for You

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER?

When it comes to choosing a boudoir photographer, the options can be overwhelming. Boudoir is an intimate form of photography and it’s important to find the right photographer for the job! Whether you choose Rosewood Boudoir or go with someone else, here are a few tip and tricks to help you find the right boudoir photographer for YOU!

WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET AND WHAT DO YOU WANT AT THE END OF THE DAY?

What are you looking to get out of your session? Do you only want a few digitals? Do you want a beautiful professionally designed album? Perhaps you want something in between. How much effort do you want to have to put into figuring out what to wear or where to print photos? Do you want professional hair and makeup? Do you want it included or will you have to coordinate it yourself? Do you want access to a client closet? These are all questions to consider when looking for the right photographer.

Unfortunately, most good boudoir photographers are not cheap. They have mastered a craft and they are using their talents and experience to earn a living. If you want a positive and memorable boudoir experience from a true professional including professional hair and makeup and a custom album, you can expect to pay at least $1,500 – $3,000 (or more in some cases).

If you just want a few digital photos out of your session, you may be able to find a newer photographer (or a wedding photographer who also offers boudoir) to do it a bit more economically ($500-$1500). This option may not include hair and makeup and you may not get a professional quality album in the process.

Rosewood Boudoir includes professional hair and makeup with your session. Rosewood boudoir has lots of resources to guide you in choosing outfits that will flatter you and photograph well (including recommendations on where to shop).

You can expect to spend $1,500-$2,500 on your experience depending on what you choose to purchase. Rosewood Boudoir prioritizes professionally designed albums while also offering digitals and wall art. Any image purchased in an album will come with a digital image as well. The idea is to make this as easy and fun for you as possible!

PORTFOLIO AND STYLE

If you’re looking at a photographer’s portfolio and you don’t love it, there is a good chance you won’t love your photos. When you’re looking at portfolios, look at the posing and editing style of the photographer.

Some boudoir photographers choose to be more spicy in their posing while others are more flirty or suggestive. Some focus on details. Some focus more on full body shots. Some have a really good mix of both. Look for portfolios that include photos that you would love to have of yourself.

Check out the editing style of the photographer. Some photographers edit dark and moody. Others edit bright and airy. Some edit true to color or more vibrant. Still others edit cinematically. Some favor black and white. What catches your eye? Who’s editing style makes you smile? What is the level of retouching like? Are there visible stretch marks? Does the skin look impossibly flawless?

Do you like the look of the background in the photos? Some photographers choose fully styled studios while others opt for a minimal look that produces cleaner looking images.

Rosewood Boudoir uses feminine and elegant posing with a mix of detail and full body shots – including silhouettes. The editing is on the true to color/warm side of things with a mix of black and white images. The Rosewood Boudoir studio space is simple for a clean background allowing you to be the focus of the images.

GENDER AND COMFORT LEVEL

If you’ve found a few photographers you like based on their offerings and their portfolios, it’s time to narrow it down. Is it important to you that the photographer is a woman? Or do you want a man to be your photographer? Are you comfortable either way?

From the photographer’s online presence, does it seem like your comfort is a priority? If you’re not comfortable, it will show in the photos. Can you tell who your photographer will be from their website? Will your photographer respect your privacy if you don’t want your photos posted online?

Reviews will also give you a glimpse into others’ experiences. Google reviews are a great place to check!

At Rosewood Boudoir, all sessions are photographed by a woman: Kelsey Wood. Comfort and privacy are high on the priority list. Privacy is the default and no photos will be posted online without explicit written permission. You can also check out Rosewood Boudoir’s reviews on google here.

PERSONALITY AND VIBES

This is the last step! If everything else is good, does this person seem like they’ll be a good fit for your personality and preferences?

Some photographers are more extroverted and more likely to exude enthusiastic commentary to hype you up during your session (“yessss girl”, “you are a goddess”, “you’re killing it babe”, etc.).

Other photographers may be more introverted and/or more relaxed and specifically encouraging during your session (“Your eyes look so good in this light”, “that color is perfect on you”, etc. ). Which type do you expect to vibe with? Who will suit your own personality best?

You may be able to determine whether a photographer is a good fit from their website and social medias alone. If not, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for a consultation. Boudoir consultations give you a chance to talk to the photographer before your session (often before you even book a session) and be sure they will be a good fit for you and help you feel comfortable and empowered during your boudoir experience.

Rosewood Boudoir’s photographer, Kelsey Wood, is on the introverted side, but will communicate with you and encourage you with genuine compliments and positive feedback throughout your session. The vibe will be laid back with plenty of excitement and positivity!

TO SUM UP…

Boudoir photography is an investment in you. The idea of boudoir photography may make you feel a bit vulnerable. But with the right photographer, boudoir is an empowering experience that will leave you feeling beautiful and confident!

Be sure you do your research to find the right person who will make you feel gorgeous before, during, and after your session.