What should I wear for my session?
This is a SUPER common question, so don’t feel alone if you’re not sure what to wear for your photoshoot!
My short answer is that your outfits should reflect who you are and what you love about yourself.
If you’d like a long answer… I actually made an entire guide about boudoir wardrobe (where I cover my most common outfit questions, my favorite lingerie and non-lingerie recommendations for your session, what bra/underwear styles photograph best, and even my favorite places to shop). Click here to see my downloadable Boudoir Wardrobe Guide!
What if I’m nervous/awkward in front of the camera?
If that’s the case, you’re in the same place as 90% of my clients! And honestly, I’m right there with you. I’m super nervous in front of the camera myself, even though I’m a photographer! Because it’s so normal to feel anxious before a boudoir session, I’ve intentionally structured every minute of my boudoir sessions around helping my clients feel cozy, comfortable, and celebrated. Come on into the studio, nerves and all -- I’ve got your back, friend. <3
How long have you been doing photography? Are you a full-time photographer?
I’ve been doing photography professionally since 2010, when photography was my summer job during college. I went full-time as a wedding & family photographer in 2015, and I photographed my first boudoir session in February 2016. Now boudoir portraits at the majority of my business, and I love every minute: this is truly my dream job.
How much skin (or how little skin) can I show in my boudoir session?
As we’re planning their session, I talk with all of my clients about how much skin they’re comfortable showing in their portraits. I think it’s helpful to imagine a spectrum with many options - and each client gets to choose where their comfort zone is on that spectrum!
At one end, I have some clients who come in and wear “everyday” amounts of clothing (think jeans and a t-shirt, or a cocktail dress).
A lot of folks are in the middle, wearing lingerie or bra/underwear sets.
Most of my clients like to include an “implied nude/topless” look, where they’re not wearing much, but are covering their breasts/butt with a sheet or with arms - for example, holding a blanket up in front of themselves, but with an open back. Want to see some examples of this?
At the other end of the spectrum, the most skin folks show at my studio is what I call a “fine art nude” look - for folks who are comfortable with their nipples or their butt being visible in pictures.
Want to see what these look like? Take a look at this blog post where I show examples for each of these spots on the spectrum!
What do your packages include? How much should I expect to spend?
My signature Illuminate Boudoir experience includes planning/wardrobe guidance before your session day, an incredible two-hour photoshoot (time for 3-5 looks/outfits), and seeing your portraits the same day at your portrait reveal. You’ll place your order for your final portraits/art collection at your portrait reveal appointment.
Booking packages for my signature boudoir session experience range from 1800-3500, with most clients ultimately spending between 2000-4000 in total between their booking package and final portraits/art collection.
I also offer Minimalist Sessions, which have a simpler, more pared-down experience, and fewer customization options, but the same heart that my boudoir studio is known for. Minimalist Sessions are priced at 900 and available a few times per year.
For full pricing information, head to my boudoir info/pricing guide to see my entire price list and lots of details (click here to download the guide, or email me at hello@illuminateboudoir.com for a copy!)
Will you be posting my pictures on your website, social media, etc?
Not without your permission! Your pictures can be as public or as private as you’d like them to be. If you’ve seen any pictures of past clients on my website, social media, or example products I use in the studio, it’s because those people have given me their permission to share them .
I believe that consent and privacy are super important in all photography but especially with something as intimate and personal as boudoir. If you’d like to learn more about this, here’s a link to a blog post on privacy and your boudoir portraits.
Where do photoshoots take place?
Most of my sessions take place at my custom boudoir studio in Longfellow Minneapolis. I do also offer outdoor boudoir sessions at gorgeous locations around Minnesota, the midwest, and even across the country. Take a look at my outdoor boudoir page for more info!
What Covid safety precautions do you have in place?
Your safety and health is super important to me! I’ve adjusted my covid safety plans a lot over time, and here’s where I’m at now.
I’m fully vaccinated and boosted, and continue to monitor my own symptoms and will reschedule if I’m sick or have a covid exposure (and I ask that you do the same!). My hair/makeup artists are also fully vaccinated and follow these same safety steps. If you’d like me (or your hair/makeup artist) to wear a mask during your photoshoot day, just ask - we are really happy to!
How many pictures will I see from a session?
After your session (and during the afternoon break), I will go through all of the pictures we took during your photoshoot, choose the final photos, and fully edit them. I never want to show you a bunch of pictures in a row that look the same, so I’m getting it down to only the BEST, most amazing pictures! For my signature Illuminate boudoir sessions, you’ll see approximately 60 portraits at your Reveal.
How soon can I see my pictures?
The SAME DAY as your photoshoot! We’ll do you photoshoot in the morning, take a break in the afternoon (so you take yourself out to lunch or take a nap while I edit and prep your pictures) and then you’ll come back that afternoon for your portrait reveal appointment.
How will I see my final pictures and place my order?
After we wrap up your photoshoot, you’ll head off for an afternoon adventure and I’ll begin preparing your images for your portrait reveal appointment.
I’ll print some for you to see, and I’ll create a slideshow with all of the final images. When you come back to my studio for your reveal, we’ll have plenty of time for you to look at each picture, so you can relax and just enjoy seeing how amazing you look. Then we’ll choose your favorites and plan out your order.
You’ll decide if you want your portraits to be kept in an heirloom box or a custom album. We’ll finalize design details, and I’ll take your payment or we can arrange a payment plan. I even keep some of my collections in stock, so I may be able to send you home with your portraits in hand that same evening!
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, I offer payment plans for orders/collections - it’s super simple. We can break your final payment down into two, three, or four payments. I’ll take the first payment at your portrait reveal appointment, and then payment per month after that! Once the final payment is paid in full, I’ll place the order for your collection/order.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Credit cards and checks. I do charge a 2.9% credit card processing fee, but I’m happy to waive that if you’d like to pay with a check - just ask!
What days of the week do you schedule sessions for?
My sessions take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays! My clients are generally arranging to take a personal day off of work for their session.
How physically accessible is your studio?
That’s a great question. My new studio is quite accessible — it’s not technically ADA compliant, but I’ve designed it to be as wheelchair accessible as possible (it’s on one level, it has a portable ramp for the front door, the bathroom is spacious and has grab bars according to ADA specifications). It’s a priority of mine to be accessible, so you have specific questions or limitations please let me know! If my space is not accessible to you, I will rent an alternative studio at my own cost.
I’m trans, gender-fluid, or non-binary. Can I do a photoshoot with you?
Absolutely, you are welcome in my space. I photograph people of all genders in my studio, and work with trans, nonbinary, and gender-fluid clients. My photography style is elegant, joyful, and feminine and while there’s definitely variety depending on the individual personality of each client, I bring my same style and posing guidance into all of my sessions. If you want your pictures to look like the work you see here on my website, then consider yourself welcome and celebrated in my studio!
Do you ever travel for photoshoots?
I do travel for my outdoor boudoir sessions! Would you love to do a boudoir session on a faraway beach, at the foothills of mountains, or in an epic forest? I’d love to bring your vision to life and am more than happy to travel for an outdoor boudoir session. For locations beyond one hour of the Twin Cities area, I can customize a travel fee to cover transportation and accommodations, and we can talk through a custom photoshoot plan built around your location. I’ve traveled throughout the country for photoshoots before, so I’m happy to pack my bags and head to the destination you’re dreaming of.
How long does it take for my order to arrive?
About one to two months! I generally have all orders shipped directly to me so that I can inspect them and make sure that they are perfect for you - and then we’ll find a time for you to pop by the studio to pick it up. If you’ve traveled in from out of town, I can arrange to have your order shipped directly to you!
How far out should I book my session?
Most clients book their session 3-6 months ahead of time, although my outdoor sessions often book a year in advance. I do list my current booking availability in my instagram highlights - take a look at instagram.com/illuminateboudoir/.
If you’ll need pictures for a specific date, plan for three months from the time of your photoshoot to allow time for art to arrive. If you’ll be paying with a payment plan, plan for six months after your photoshoot.
Are your hair stylists comfortable working with Black/natural hair?
Yes, absolutely. I know that especially for my Black clients, it’s necessary to have a hair stylist who has expertise at working with natural hair, and I’ve got you covered there. If you have any questions for your hair/makeup artist or if it would feel helpful to talk with them ahead of time, I’m happy to connect you both as well.
How do the digital images work - can i print them?
Yes, you can print them. The copyright to the pictures stays with me since I’m the original creator - you get a license to the portraits - that means that you can print them, back them up, share them with friends, do nearly anything as long as it’s for personal use!
What’s your approach to editing/retouching boudoir pictures?
I have a very natural editing style, adjusting light and shadows and color tones to create pictures that feel warm and natural. I never want your portraits to feel fake or over-edited, but I will generally soften things that are temporary (like blemishes, small bruises, or a bug bite). In general, I don’t edit permanent things like scars, wrinkles, or stretch marks - I’d rather use my lighting and posing techniques to celebrate your body as it is. If you have any specific concerns or request for editing, please just let me know and I’m happy to talk through options! For more info about my approach to editing and retouching, check out this blog post where I explain it in more detail.
Can I bring my friend to the photoshoot?
This decision is up to you!
Some clients want to bring a buddy to their session to help them feel more calm or as an extra layer of fun to the day. If that’s the case for you, you are absolutely welcome to bring one encouraging friend along to your boudoir session or portrait reveal! Make sure to choose someone who will help you feel positive, safe, and celebrated - and platonic friends only please.
I also have some clients who find that having a friend along makes them feel more nervous during the photoshoot because they’re being watched while they pose. If you think you’d have a harder time focusing on yourself, then I encourage you to come solo and make the day just about you!
What kind of photography education do you have?
A mix of formal education, apprenticeships/mentorships, and lots of practice, practice, practice.
My bachelor’s degree was not in photography! I went to St. Olaf College and have a liberal arts degree in Sociology/Anthropology, with a double concentration in Management Studies and Family Studies. I’m super grateful for my liberal arts background for the insight it gave me into people/cultures/society, and for the big-picture and critical-thinking skills, which make me the business owner I am today.
I did take some extra art classes when I had room in my schedule (pottery and sculpture, which informed my love for creating physical art with my photographs), and I studied abroad with an arts program that spent a semester in London and Florence, studying art history and culture and drawing.
I lived in Boston for a bit after undergrad, and I took night classes at a photography college out there! I learned how to shoot and develop film, explored my creative approach and inspiration, and took business classes.
And when I was just getting started, I also mentored and apprenticed under a number of photographers local to the twin cities as well as internationally known boudoir photographers.
But as is true for all artists, in many ways the best education has been my own repetition and practice and exploration. With over a decade of professional experience under my belt, I have a concrete sense for my style and approach, plus the skills and technical know-how to create what I want to create.
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