Questions to ask when searching for a boudoir photographer:

Have you ever walked into a flower shop in your hometown, hoping to find a bouquet that perfectly fits the occasion you need it for? 

Say, you’re planning to cheer someone up on a gloomy day; you go in looking for yellow daisies and sunflowers, but the entire store is just filled with pre-made bouquets of roses and love letters. That’s probably not the store for you, right?

You would leave and start googling the next closest flower shops near you, read through the reviews, look through the photos, and maybe even call and ask if they have daisies available. 

Hopefully you find the right store on your very next try, or maybe the third time is the charm. (I love a girlie who takes her time finding that perfect thing that meets her standards!)

Searching for a boudoir photographer that matches your vibe, makes you feel safe, and allows you to express yourself through art and femininity can feel a lot like flower shopping.

Are you hoping for a style that conveys something bold and dark and moody?

Are you wanting to tap into your inner fairy with a look that is bright and flowery?

Are you wanting a photographer that has experience with your body type?

You might want someone who makes you feel like a lifelong friend, someone you just feel comfortable and relaxed with.

Maybe you want your hair and makeup included because it’s been since you were in high school that you did a full face glam.

Maybe you want a photographer who is also a mom because you just need someone who understands how rare a couple of hours to yourself is.

Boudoir is more than just paying for photos of yourself. It’s an investment in YOU. 

That is why it is important to take your time searching for a photographer who understands your intention, who knows the best way to capture the shape of your body, and who makes your time worthwhile and leaves you feeling like the most beautiful and confident version of yourself. 

If you're feeling stuck on what to ask or how to approach certain topics as you are interviewing photographers, I've curated a list of questions you can start with.

How private is the boudoir session?

Specifically, where are the photos taken, and what happens to your pictures afterwards?

Believe it or not, I have heard some wild stories from women about their first boudoir session. It is so, so, SO important that the place you get your photos taken feels private and safe. You don’t want to feel like there will be a chance of someone else walking in or peering through the windows. If you feel tense and nervous because of privacy issues, it will most definitely ruin the vibe and excitement of the shoot. 

Make sure to ask what kind of studio location they use, or ask if it’s a home studio. 

You can even ask what the curtain situation is over the windows-is there a one hundred percent certainty that nobody can see through them? 

If it is a home studio, is it done at a time when no one else is home?

When your photos are finished, do they get published to social media? Do you get to give consent on paper for that?

Ask the questions that you need answers to in order to feel safe.

Your safety and privacy needs to be a number one priority on your checklist!

How do you guide nervous clients?

Many women are super nervous for their first boudoir session, even their second session. 

Very commonly, I hear “I don’t know how to pose, how to do a serious face, or where to put my hands.”

It can be especially daunting if you feel insecure about your body and are nervous about how you will look in different poses. You want to be sure that the person you choose feels confident about getting you in and out of poses while highlighting the parts of your body that you feel best about. 

Does this photographer guide you step by step on how to pose your body everywhere from your lips to your fingers to your toes if you need the help? 

Do they play your favorite music to help lighten the mood? 

Do they offer texts or calls for when you have questions or have time before the session to get to know each other better so you feel less like a stranger and more like a friend?

This is a vulnerable photoshoot- be certain you can feel comfortable with the photographer!

Is hair and makeup included?

This is quite an important question to help you know how much preparation you need for your session. Maybe you truly have not done your makeup since the prom, or maybe you just want to worry about literally zero elements surrounding your photoshoot, and the thought of having your hair and makeup done sounds so relaxing and extra pampering. 

Some photographers hire a professional beautician, some offer it themselves, and some leave it all up to you.

As someone who loves the hair and makeup portion of the photography session, my hope is that you find someone who listens to the level of glam you desire, and that you feel SPARKLING at your session. 

If the photographer offers hair and makeup themselves, that could be a fantastic way for you two to connect and get to know each other before the photo session starts. P.S. I do ;)

What should I bring to the session?

The absolute last thing you want is to show up to your session after worrying the entire car ride over if you have forgotten anything. 

Ask if the photographer has a prep guide or if they can make you a list of things you need to know or need to bring to your session

Do I need to bring my own props?

Do I need to bring a robe for in between sets?

If they have a guide, ask to see it. See if it is as in-depth as you need it to be and ask any other questions you might have.

A prepared girlie is a confident girlie. 

Do you have experience with trauma or people with body image issues?

If these are things that are part of your story, you will want to find someone who can make this experience feel safe and private for you. A photographer who understands the importance of consent and how to help you feel comfortable in your own skin. 

You need to find someone who doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable topics, someone who feels like a safe space to share these aspects of your story with.

Can I bring a partner or a friend?

While we usually hesitate to do anything alone because, yes, doing new things can be intimidating, and we love having our people behind us, you have to remember this session is YOURS. 

Most of the time, photographers will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and claim this time for you and you alone. You should be able to get into a pose, maybe fall out of it, and then try to get back into it again without the worry of extra eyes on you. It may not be intentional, but sometimes even bringing our most important people with us to the session can add an amount of awareness or hesitation to our posing or outfit choice that we don’t realize can happen until we’re in the moment.

It is definitely an important question to ask your photographer, but for me personally, I am intentional about being the hype crew you need to ensure your time is all about you!

Do you help with choosing an outfit?

Ladies, we NEVER enjoy being left to our own devices when it comes to finding the perfect thing to wear. We typically don’t go to a fitting room without dragging someone else along to help be our voice or reason, or the friendly push we need to just get the dress.

Ask your photographer if they have a client closet or if they have a few links or recommendations they can give you. Ask what sizes they have if they do have a client closet.

The photographer you pick should have a good understanding of body types and what styles look best, and what skin tones look best with what color palettes. You will want to be able to trust their judgment and believe when they say “YES! This is THE outfit for you.”

What do you have to offer that stands out from other photographers?

Listen to their answers! So many photographers offer really great collections, bonuses, and exciting sets or product options. But only the perfect photographer for you will have exactly what speaks to you the most.

You might want hair and make up included, a look at your photos after the session, the option to have some beautiful sets, and one or two outfit changes during your session. Maybe you want someone who helps you along every step of the way and has an amazing prep guide so you have to worry about literally nothing.

What made you decide to do boudoir photography?

Every photographer will have their reason, and hopefully they will get excited about this question and would LOVE to tell you.

You have your own reason for wanting to get this session done. Pick a photographer who has a reason that resonates with you. 

Do they have a passion for empowering women and showing them their beauty through art?

Do they want to challenge the typical standards of beauty by highlighting bodies and stories that don’t often get the attention they deserve?

Maybe they want to help document milestones apart from the generic celebrations, like reclaiming your life after a divorce, overcoming a health issue, or showcasing a postpartum body.

Find one that resonates with your intention, and the experience will be all the more special.

Why your questions matter

Choosing your photographer should be personal and empowering for you.

The choice is all in your hands: the one you choose to trust with vulnerability and privacy, the one you choose that makes you feel empowered and strong, and you feel like they see you for you- that is all in your hands, completely in your control. 

You want to find someone who listens and understands you so that they can center this entire experience around YOU, YOUR story. Someone who sees you for who you are.

Take your time meeting your options; find the one with the perfect blend of elements you need to make this experience create moments that will last a lifetime.

The right photographer will mark everything off your checklist and make you feel seen before you step foot in front of their camera.

Ps. You’ve already found her. ;)

Book your consultation with me, bring your questions, and I’ll have your answers!

https://www.boudoirbykatilynn.com/contact