Are you thinking about booking a boudoir session with me but have SO many questions?

Have you already booked your session and want to know what to expect? (besides awesome images)

Well, that’s what I’m here for.

One thing I pride myself on with my clients is that I am an open book with questions about shooting boudoir with me. I’m not only your photographer, but I’m your cheerleader, your sounding board, and I work with you to bring out your best and truest self.

To make things a bit easier, here’s a top 10 list of the most frequently asked questions by my Sirens.

As a plus-size woman, should I still schedule a shoot?

THE ANSWER IS YES.

OF COURSE YOU SHOULD.

I shoot women of all shapes, sizes, colors, etc.. with my goal being that you leave your session loving not only your images, but yourself more in the process. I will work with you to pose you from the tippy top of your head all the way down to your toes. It’s my job to find what not only makes your body look more bangin,’ but also pushes you a little bit out of your comfort zone so you can see yourself as the bombshell you are. If you’re still having some doubts about your body or how to move to a place of body positivity, check out my blog post here.

 

 

I have NEVER bought lingerie. What the heck should I wear?

I gotta give some love to my VIP Group here. These ladies are a GREAT resource for lingerie for sessions that fit all body types from XS-6X.  Yandy, Amazon and Fashion Nova are some favs if you’re looking to invest in a piece. I also have my client closet with a range of sizes and pieces from sexy items, some fun shirts, and of course fishnets. 

 

 

Do you Photoshop out what I’m insecure about?

I edit out things that aren’t permanent – so yes. If you’ve got a zit or a bruise in a bad spot, I’ll edit it out.

I’m not going to manipulate your body in Photoshop to make you look like something you’re not.

As a professional, it’s my job to help you see yourself as the goddess you are beyond all the makeup and clothes. I talk all about how I edit in Photoshop in another post, so feel free to read a bit more about how I edit and why I choose to keep you ladies looking like yourself.

 

Do I have to get my makeup done for my session?

Yes! And here’s why – this is the ultimate self-love experience. You deserve to be pampered and have your features accentuated by a professional.  My hair and makeup artist is amazing and she works hard to create a look for each of my girls that is unique to their style and portrays well on camera. If you’re a minimal/no makeup wearing girl, it may be alarming how much make up is going on your face, but don’t worry. If you’re wanting a more natural look, my makeup artists know just how to apply what’s needed to help even out your skin tone, without looking over done.  Plus it’s part of the experience. These sessions are meant to show off your assets, but also as a way to pamper yourself.

Oh, and hair and make up are our time to get to know one another before our session. Consider it a way to clear up your nerves.  

 

 

Do I have to share my images online?

Absolutely not. If you want to share the images, you are more than welcome to. After your session, and after viewing your images, I have you sign a model release of your images. This release gives you control of what I can and can not post, from a little to a lot. Online, in our VIP group, in the studio or not at all. Every lady’s level of comfort is different, and I totally understand a want for privacy. I’ve worked with teachers, politicians, and doctors who have requested their images stay off the internet in every way and I respect that. I’m photographing a very private part of your life, being discreet is my middle name. 🙂

 

Do you only shoot women?

NOPE. I also shoot couples boudoir and male boudoir. I love seeing the intimacy between couples and catching it on camera. There is an unspoken connection between them that is awesome to witness and even better to have in a photo forever. Male boudoir has a certain sensuality and vulnerability about it. I talk all about my new adventure with male boudoir here. 

 

 

How else should I prepare for my session? I have my lingerie picked out – now what?

I laid out the top 5 things to do before your session in another blog post, but most importantly – besides pumping yourself up – is to HYDRATE and STRETCH. I can’t emphasize that enough. My clients always tell me after the session how sore their calves were or that they weren’t expecting to use their back muscles so much. And it’s true! So, do yourself a favor, and stretch.

 

 

How do you make your clients comfortable?

I mean, let’s be honest. You’re getting half-naked with a complete stranger. I totally get that. My job as your photographer is to make the session as comfortable for you as possible. I am silly and try to get you to laugh as much as possible so you feel at ease. Ask any of my previous clients, our sessions are hilarious, with a dash of “Yas, Queen!”  My hope is that before you even set foot in my studio, we have chatted (whether in my VIP group or on the phone for your initial consult) and I have an understanding of your personal style and why you are doing your shoot. But we spend the first hour of your session chatting while your hair and makeup are perfected which helps ease your nerves, and lets you get more comfortable with me. Then, we let the magic happen!

 

Can I bring a friend to my shoot?

So, this is where it gets sticky. I don’t mind if you bring a friend to the studio while you are getting your hair and makeup done. Nerves. I get them. A friend can help amp you up and get you ready to step out of your comfort zone. However, when it comes to your actual session, I like it to be just the two of us and my assistant in the studio. And, as much as your friends mean well, they don’t see what I do, and their helpful ideas only serve to slow down our session. Good news, there’s a coffee shop just a building over from the studio your friend can hang out at if they want to wait on ya.

 

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes!  I have an in-detail blog post about payment.  Your boudoir session is an investment and I understand some clients need a payment plan. We offer in-house payment plans as well as Paypal Credit. Take a peek at the post and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

When do you shoot boudoir sessions?

I shoot boudoir sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. We start our day at 9 AM for hair and makeup, and wrap things up around 4:30 pm after you view your images and decide on your products. It’s a pretty fantastic experience all the way around!

 

 

Okay, you answered all my questions. How do I book with you, girl?!

Yassss, girl. Let’s get this party started. You can email me or follow this link to my online scheduler. I can’t wait to see you in the studio!

 

 

BONUS QUESTION!

(because everyone loves a little extra)

Where do I find you on social, Love?

Follow me on all the things:

Instagram |Facebook| VIP Facebook Group

 

 

Interested in learning more about my Akron boudoir sessions and the packages I offer? Check out my boudoir page here. Looking for something unique that isn’t listed on my site? Don’t be afraid to ask! I’d be happy to set up a customized session just for you.

Here’s how you can get in touch with me:
Love Gwaltney
Grá Intimate Portraiture
Your Akron Boudoir Photographer
Phone:  (234) 208.5744