If you’re reading this, chances are, you are thinking about embarking on a boudoir photoshoot- which even for the most confident woman, can be somewhat intimidating. When talking to women, I get asked all sorts of questions, so I’ve compiled a list of everything you might wanna know about a boudoir shoot, to give you insights on what it’s all about and how to best prepare for your session.

1. Do you share my images?

   When it comes to images, I always ask for permission, in the form of an image release, before I post anything. If you don’t love an image, I don’t post it; simple.  Images are sometimes used on my own site, Facebook group, or blog, but at the end of the day — my goal is to make sure my clients feel comfortable about sharing their photographs. 

2. Do I have to wear Lingerie?

   No! Boudoir is a state of mind, not an outfit. For some women, beauty is a long bohemian dress with beach waves hair. A cute updo wearing a man’s white shirt. Or perhaps it’s a set of Marylin Monroe-inspired white sheets and nothing else.
   
   For many, the classic lingerie set, fishnet stockings, and garter belts are the wardrobe that makes them feel feminine.  I will shoot you in whatever makes you feel uniquely sexy. Discovering what you find sexy is half the fun! We’ll discuss that in your initial consultation and right before your shoot. I am all about out-of-the-box ideas and fun fantasy elements, romantic backdrops, and going out into nature.  There are many ways to show how gorgeous you are whether in lingerie or whatever fits your aesthetic and dream shoot vision. Best of all, you have a wide variety of lingerie, corsets, robes, jewelry, masks, and accessories available to you in the Client Closet!

3. Do you have payment plans?

   Yes. The transformational experience of a boudoir shoot should be accessible to all. This is an investment in YOURSELF and we take pride in providing you with a service and payment options that fit your needs. This is why I offer in-house pre-session payment plans that include bonuses (our Boudoir Jar) and also post-session payment plans after your session. Once you view your images, we will work together to decide which collection and payment options work best for you and your budget. 

4. Are hair and make-up included?

   At Lin’s Photo Studio, we offer professional makeup services priced at $150. With over 20 years of makeup artistry experience, I am well-versed in creating a look that will enhance your natural beauty with a touch of sensual drama.
   
   For hair styling, we strongly recommend you get your hair professionally done prior to your shoot. We’re happy to recommend two top-rated, nearby salons: Lemon Honey Salon and Flip Blow Dry Bar, both located in Cooper City.  

5. Do you retouch my pictures?

   In a word, yes. To create artfully done images, we retouch to ensure lighting, exposure, and color balance are perfect in every single shot. As far as corrective retouching, my philosophy is minimalistic. But these are corrective edits like blemishes or bruises, hair in the face, a bra strap that’s digging into your skin. I am not trying to change your size, I only smooth outlines to avoid visual distractions. Ultimately, it is up to you what you love the most about your body and we then decide that together when reviewing your images, what you’d like to tweak.

6. Where should I buy my outfits?

   I recommend Victoria’s Secret, Adore Me, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Lovehoney, Hustler of Hollywood, Yandy, and Amazon to name a few. I also offer a closet full of lingerie, many from Victoria’s Secret, for you to choose from. The studio also offers tons of fun accessories like body jewelry, crowns, masquerade masks, feathers, flowers, and more.

7. What type of print products do you have?

   We offer luxury leather albums, mounted prints, canvases, and fun items, like an old-school View Finder.

8. Do you offer digitals?

   Most of my packages come with their corresponding digitals, but we’ve recently started offering digital-only packages in addition to our regular Collections. Digital images will be available for you on a secure, password-protected online gallery, for you to download and share!

9. I am freaking out, how do I calm my nerves?

   Remember, this experience is all about you! I am here to make sure you have a meaningful, uplifting, and empowering experience from the moment you walk into the studio.  My goal is not to discourage nerves; it’s to help you channel them into the right energy for your shoot.  We will work together to inspire and capture your essence through a variety of poses and emotions. I will both coach you and demonstrate to you exactly what I’m looking for. We will blast great music and we’ll get into the spirit. I’ll teach you a few posing techniques that will enable you to breathe and relax. It will be a total “spa day” for your soul.  And, best of all, I’ll show you sneak peeks during your shoot so you can marvel at how incredible you really look.
   Want to hear real-life experiences of real women who have done shoots at the studio? Come join a local, body-positive community where we dish all about how to truly embrace the experience at our Full Exposure Facebook Group.

10. How many outfits should I bring?

    I recommend a minimum of 2-3 outfits complete with matching underwear, jewelry, and shoes. Keep in mind that you may want to take advantage of the Boudoir client closet options, but it’s best to have a few solid pieces you already know fit you perfectly.  You can see many wardrobe options in the Full Exposure Facebook Group’s “Wardrobe Wednesdays.”

11. Should I get to my shoot early?

    I always recommend arriving about 15-30 minutes earlier, to set a relaxed tone and give us some extra time to talk review outfit options, and relax during your makeup. A 15-20 minute consultation to discuss your outfit and make-up preferences always helps and the makeup typically takes around 45 minutes.

12. Where is your studio located?

    My studio is at a private location in West Broward, Florida. The studio features a romantically decorated boudoir bedroom set, surrounded by a classic vanity and velvet navy sofa that complements all skin tones. The French-Victorian bedroom set overlooks a private lakeside garden. My absolute favorite place to shoot is outside during the golden hour, surrounded by a vast landscape of trees, cascading leaves, a well-spring pond, and a bohemian-styled cottage.

Wanna join a body-positive community of over 1600 other local ladies? All shapes and sizes are welcome in our Full Exposure Facebook Group, where you can come hang with other women who share their own uplifting, self-love journeys through the art of boudoir photography.