Want to know what it's like to be a boudoir photographer?
Beauty in Boudoir owner and photographer Traci shares insights into how she got started as a boudoir photographer, what she loves about the art, and advice for anyone thinking of doing a boudoir shoot.
What inspired you to specialize in boudoir photography, and how did you get started in the field?
When I started my professional career in photography, I shot every type of photography in the beginning: weddings, family, senior photos, headshots, portraits and quinceaneras. But once I shot a boudoir session I knew I found my passion.
*photo of Traci was taken by LeBoudoir Studio
My first boudoir session was actually a marathon of mini-sessions (8 WOMEN)! The session was 10 hours long and was every bit amazing. I knew right then that I found my passion of boudoir photography.
Can you describe a typical day in your life as a boudoir photographer?
A typical day for me is that I get to do what I was meant to do, live my dream of empowering women through boudoir photography. Helping women of all walks of life feel beautiful in their own skin is the absolute best career for me ❤️
How do you prepare for a boudoir shoot? What steps do you take to ensure everything goes smoothly?
I make sure that my clients have received all of the pertinent information for them to feel prepared prior to their session, including my studio location, where to park, and what to do in order for them to be ready (stretching prior, waxing etc.).
I also have them fill out a questionnaire so that I get to know them better prior to them coming in (as well as the music they prefer and their insecurities, etc.).
What kind of interaction do you typically have with clients before and after a shoot?
Usually we have a call to go over all of the details in their consult. In the event someone books their session online they may not want or need that. During the call, I go in depth on what to expect and what the boudoir experience will be when they get here.
Once they arrive, I bring them into the hair and makeup room where they will be for the next hour with my artist. I also offer them a beverage and bring in outfits in their size if they are borrowing from the client closet.
After the shoot, we go over a date for them to come back to the studio to do their reveal and choose their photos for the products they select at that time. This is usually about 1–2 weeks after their session date.
Can you share an example of a memorable shoot, and why it was memorable?
I shot with a woman who had really high anxiety and was very worried about some recent weight gain and hormonal issues she had been going through lately. She came to the studio and we talked for over an hour before her session began, just getting to know her and soothing her fears.
We shot a little bit and kept talking, shot and kept talking... I connected SO much with her and by the end she and I were both in tears with her overcoming her fears and feeling so incredibly beautiful seeing her photos on the camera. I could only think, WOW this is why I do this!
How do you help clients feel comfortable and confident during their boudoir sessions?
I show them their photos throughout the shoot! This helps them to see how they are coming out and relieves a lot of stress in the "what does it look like" stage of the shoot. I also constantly encourage them in a "hype girl" kind of way!
*Behind the Scene Photo of Traci taken by BenAZPhoto
What role does styling (e.g., outfits, makeup) play in a boudoir shoot, and how do you assist clients in choosing the right look?
I discuss with my artists ahead of time regarding any special instructions that my client has mentioned and I always suggest a "Natural Glam" look for my clients. This will help to ensure they still look like themselves, just a little glammed up.
Being that makeup is taken down about 50% with the lighting I use, it may seem like a lot in person, but it will look perfect in photos. If my client wants something more "Full Glam" we can do that too, it will depend on who they are and if they have a specialized look they are going for.
What are some common misconceptions people have about boudoir photography, and how do you address them?
One of the most common misconceptions people have about boudoir is that they have no one to give the photos to, when in reality YOU are the person you should give them to!
Whatever the reason, love yourself for everything you have gone through and for how strong and amazing you are as a woman.
How has the boudoir photography industry evolved since you started, and what trends are you currently seeing?
When I started out, boudoir was fairly new and not a lot of people understood what it was. Once word got out, so many women wanted to embrace their bodies and also give gifts to their partners.
Now, I feel that it is much more known and style would be something I would say has changed the most. It used to be a lot of corsets and fishnets, and now there's more variety in the outfits and styles. There are so many options!
What advice would you give to someone considering a boudoir shoot as a client?
Do the consultation with a few boudoir photographers, read Google reviews (because businesses cannot take any down), and make sure it is a good fit for you before booking them.
I suggest using someone that has a lot of experience shooting boudoir. It is a very vulnerable experience and should be done with care. If you are interested in chatting with me, contact me at 636-577-8583 or email me at contact@beautyinboudoir.com