What is boudoir photography?
"Boudoir" comes from the French word meaning bedroom or private sitting room. These places are generally intimate areas, so boudoir photography in essence is intimate photography without being overly risque intended for 'his eyes only'. Boudoir photos are often done in but not limited to lingerie.
How do I prepare for a boudoir session?
To start get a good night's sleep. Take care of any waxing/shaving of sensitive areas such as bikini lines at least 2-3 days before to avoid irritation and redness. Do not drink alcohol the night before, it may make you look puffy the following day. You may want to get a mani & pedi, they can show in close ups. The day of your shoot try not to wear any tight fitting clothes. Any bras, straps, belts, etc. will leave crimp marks on your skin. Arrive in a robe or something loose fitting. In the 24 hours before your shoot avoid really greasy/salty food or anything that may stain your teeth and drink lots of water.
Who will see my photos?
your privacy before, during, and after your session is of the utmost importance to us. Your photos will not be shown or used without your written permission. Only Brittany, your photographer, will be present during the session and she will also do all the photo editing and retouching. Here at Marvelously Made we also have an all female staff to assist you during session booking, product ordering, and to answer any questions you may have along the way.
What is included in retouching?
Boudoir photography often has more retouching that standard portrait photography
Our retouching includes:
Color correction
Acne or blemish removal on face/body
Slight skin smoothing where needed (which reduces or removes wrinkles, cellulite, and uneven skin)
Scar, stretch mark, unwanted birthmark removal
Slight body slimming in 'problem' areas; please let us know what your concern areas are
For additional retouching, please discuss with us your desires before your session and we will do what we can to accommodate your needs.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. You may bring one other person with you to your session. (Husband, Fiance, Girlfriend) Please no more than ONE, so you do not have an audience and space is limited in the studio. Make sure this is someone you are comfortable with and do not feel self-conscience around. If you choose to bring someone with you the may NOT participate in the photos. They are there to support you during your session not to interact. This can be very distracting to both you and your photographer. Keep in mind women are generally more comfortable in this type of photography when they do not have 'extras' in the room.
Do you take nude photos? I'm not sure I am comfortable with nude?
Our nudes are suggestive and artistic. We do not do full nudity shots. We will help you strategically place hands, arms, fabric, pillows, other props, or create very shadowy lighting to be more suggestive but still very sexy, implied, or body are nudes. Any woman with any body type can look very flattering and beautiful in our nudes. We will only do photos and poses within your comfort level.
What if I don't have a models body?
Then boudoir photography is for you! Boudoir is about the everyday woman. It shows real curves on real women and makes any woman of any age or body type look her best. We carefully place and adjust our studio lights, poses, and props to highlight your assets and diminish your weaknesses. And once these stunningly created images are captured, in our editing studio we take great care to enhance the overall image using tasteful and creative retouching and air brushing of your images, and ultimately you are assured of looking way more stunning in your images than you had ever imagined. Your partner will love this sexy new side of you!
What if I don't know how to pose?
That's ok. Most women do not know how to pose or have only seen a few things in magazines or online. Brittany was a dancer for many years and knows how the body moves and can be posed. She will guide you and help you pose to emphasize your best features and reduce your 'problem' areas. We suggest practicing in the mirror and browsing through some of your favorite magazines to help prepare. (Think Victoria's Secret and Pin-up style.) Searching the internet and bringing in magazine tear sheets will help us get a feel for the style and type of photography you want. We will do our best to recreate the images you like.
Where is the session done?
Single boudoir sessions are held in Kathryn's home studio (The garage has been converted into the studio for privacy)
How long is a session?
In-studio boudoir sessions, not including hair and make-up, can take up to two hours. We want plenty of time for clothing changes, make-up and hair touch ups, and of course give you time to get comfortable in front of the camera and relax.
How long will it take to get my images?
Your images can be viewed online in a password protected gallery approximately one week after your session. The CD of images will be mailed to you shortly after your gallery is posted. All prints and products can take 3-4 weeks.
Do I need to bring anything?
Much of how your photos turn out and how individualized they become are up to what clothing accessories, and props you would like to bring with you. Our session times allow for several clothing changes. (3-5) Feel free to bring more than necessary and we can help you choose which ones will look best. We also love any props and accessories you would like to bring. This is where only your imagination is the limit.
Props & Accessory suggestions:
Heels (a must) :)
Lingerie
Teddies
Camis
Bra/Panty/Boy short set
Corsets
Garter Belts
Cocktail Dress
Mini Skirts
"School Girl" outfit (Plaid skirt, white top)
"French Maid" outfit
Jeans and a t-shirt can be sexy too!
Pillows
Feather Boa
Pearl Necklace
Costume Jewelry
Lei
Hats
Scarves
Gloves
Fishnets
Stockings
Thigh Highs
Button-down shirt & tie (borrow one from him)
Veil/Garter (if you are giving these to your Fiance)
All or part of his (or your) work uniform)
Studio Accessories:
Chase/Lounge
Fabric
Blankets
Fur
Rose Petals
Shoji Screen
Small Pillars
Garter (Black & White)
Red & White Stickings
Pedi-coat
Parasol
Long Black Gloves
Feather Boa (Black & Red)
Fedora Hat
Thigh High Fishnets
Black & White 'Gangster' Shoes (sz. 7-8)
"School Girl" outfit (plaid skirt, white shirt, sz. M)
"School Girl" accessories (book, wooden chair)
"French Maid" accessories (garter, feather duster)
Angel Wings
