Choosing a boudoir photographer is a little different than picking someone for family pictures.
I mean… you’re about to be half naked in front of this person ! You better feel comfortable with them.
So yes, look at the pretty pictures. But also ask questions about their experience, privacy, pricing and what the whole thing actually looks like BEFORE you hand over your money.
We photograph women from Nashville, Middle Tennessee, Huntsville and the surrounding areas, and these are 7 questions I think you should ask before booking anyone.
1. How Much Experience Do You Have?
Boudoir is its own thing.
I’ve been a photographer for over 18 years, and trust me, knowing how to use a camera is only part of it.
Your photographer needs to know how to pose different bodies, use lighting that actually flatters you and make you feel comfortable when you’re standing there thinking, “OMG what am I doing?”
Look through their work. Read their reviews. Make sure they actually have experience doing this.
2. Are You Going to Tell Me How to Pose?
PLEASE ask this.
You should not be expected to walk in knowing where to put your hands, how to stand or what the heck to do with your face.
I tell you ALL of it. Head to toes, hands, eyes, facial expressions… everything.
You don’t need to practice before you come in. That’s literally my job.
3. Is Your Studio Private?
This one matters.
Where are you actually going to be taking your clothes off?
Is it their own private studio? A shared studio? A rented room with other people coming and going?
Honey Bacon Boudoir is a fully private studio. When you’re doing something this far outside your comfort zone, the last thing you need to worry about is who might walk through the door.
4. Are You Going to Share My Pictures?
Never assume.
Just because you see women all over a photographer’s website doesn’t mean your pictures have to end up there too.
At Honey Bacon Boudoir, I don’t share your images without your permission.
Some women are like, “POST THEM ALLLLL.”
Others don’t want a single image shared. Both are completely fine.
5. What Am I Actually Paying For?
Don’t just ask what the session fee is.
Ask what it includes. Ask if your images are separate. Ask where collections start. Ask what most clients actually spend.
I don’t want you walking into your reveal and finding out something you should’ve known before you booked.
Know the numbers upfront.
6. Do You Have Outfits That Will Actually Fit Me?
You shouldn’t have to spend $500 panic-ordering lingerie before your session.
We have an extensive client closet with hundreds of pieces in sizes XS–6X, including lingerie, bodysuits, robes, shoes and accessories.
Bring your own stuff, raid my closet or do both.
And if you’re already wondering how much stuff you’re supposed to bring, check out my blog about how many outfits you need for a boudoir shoot.
7. What Does the Whole Experience Look Like?
This is a BIG one.
You’re not just paying someone to take pictures for an hour. Ask what happens from the time you walk through the door until you leave.
At Honey Bacon Boudoir, you come into our private studio, get your professional hair and makeup done, we figure out your outfits together and then I guide you through your entire shoot.
Afterward, you’ll have your private reveal where you actually get to see what we created.
You’re not left trying to figure everything out yourself.
So How Do You Choose the Right Boudoir Photographer?
Look past Instagram.
Do you love their work? Do they have experience? Is their studio private? Are they clear about pricing? Will they help you pose? Do they photograph women who actually look like YOU?
And probably the biggest one… Do you feel like you can trust them?
Because yes, the pictures matter.
But so does how you feel while they’re being taken.
If you’re looking for a boudoir photographer near Nashville, Middle Tennessee or Huntsville, you don’t need to know how to pose, what to wear or how to look sexy.
That’s my job.
You just have to show up. 🖤