This guide is going to walk you through the process of what a boudoir shoot is and how the process works over here at AY ARTISTRY & DESIGN LLC. I am excited to get you in the studio! If you have any questions after reading this, please feel free to reach out and I will get back to you as soon as possible!
My studio hours are by appointment only.
This guide is very thorough...which means it's long!
Sit down, grab a beverage and read this until the very end! I have been doing photography since for as long as I can remember. Boudoir is so precious to me because I love helping women feel better about themselves, inside and out. We all struggle with self image, and I want to help women overcome as much of that as I can. I love the WOW factor. I love delivering images to women and having them say, "I can't believe that's me! I have never felt so beautiful in my entire life!" It means so much to me to be able to offer that to women, and that women of all ages trust me to provide them with this experience. You don't need to lose 15 pounds to do a session with me. You don't need to be Beyonce curvy. You just need to be you. Have fun. And enjoy this moment. You won't regret it!! I got you, boo!
The studio is located in the Front Street Studios in Dayton, Ohio. We have over 500 square feet of space with multiple set ups, a makeup and wardrobe room, and have samples on hand. Our studio is FULL of gorgeous natural light and hand selected decor in our whitewashed brick walled space.
So, what is boudoir?
Boudoir technically is a French word which means 'a woman's dressing room or bedroom', but I like to think of it as just a fancy word for women's intimate portraiture. Boudoir is NOT pornographic. Boudoir can be fun, flirty, beautiful, cute, sexy, feminine, intimate, candid, posed, or really anything else you want it to be. If you have not already joined my private VIP group on Facebook, I highly suggest that you do!
What would I do with boudoir portraits?
I actually believe that boudoir is the best gift you can give YOURSELF, to capture your essence as you are now. When you need a reminder of the strong, beautiful woman that you are, you will have a collection of amazing portraits to look upon. I love it when women come to me for themselves. The images we create together will boost your self esteem and your confidence, and that should be celebrated by YOU! It will help you reclaim your femininity, your sexuality, two things that are often lost as we get consumed with our lives, our jobs, our families. Put that pep back in your step, and reflect on the bodacious babe you are. Celebrate the body that you live in!
I don't look like the women in your portfolio!
There is no such thing as the perfect body. You are never too big, too small, too old, too young (well, I only accept boudoir clients who are 18+) to do a boudoir session. Boudoir is for every BODY. Let me show you. I want you to celebrate just how incredible your body is in this very moment. Don't lose the weight, lose the mindset.
Can you make me look thinner?
I want to help you feel beautiful now, just the way you are. We flatter you with a wardrobe that compliments your figure, and amazing lighting and posing techniques to highlight your best ass-sets (see what I did there?). I do not believe in heavy photoshopping. Don't get me wrong, I will gladly remove all of your bruises and pimples, but we don't want to over manipulate your body to make you look like someone you are not. We already live in a time where we are consumed with unrealistic bodies in the media, I want to show you that you are beautiful at this very moment.
What about retouching?
I am happy to retouch your images! All of my images will have pimples, bruises, scratches, and under eye circles removed. I also offer retouching on things like cellulite, scars, small tattoos, stretch marks, etc that you may want removed. Honestly, most of my clients are WOW-ed at how amazing their images look straight out of camera and opt for less retouching than they thought they needed. It's all a very personal decision, and one that I leave up to you once you have viewed your images. I do not remove tan lines or correct skin tone from tanning beds or spray tans, so proceed with caution.
Do I get to talk to you before my session?
Before your session we will have a consultation over the phone so that we can prepare you for your session and get to know you better. I am here for you every step of the way to make sure that you feel prepared and comfortable during this whole process. If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Email is how I communicate with clients, you can email me any time at contact@aythephotog.com. Also, make sure you join the private Facebook group and to get daily access to behind the scenes and see first hand how goofy I am.
Who is going to be there the day of my session?
- You
- Your Photographer (ME!)
Please, no props, no spray tans, and absolutely NO WEAPONS will be allowed in the studio at any time.
I also do not allow anyone under the age of 18 in the studio, ever. I do not allow guests unless they are joining you for a couple's session.
What will I wear?
I have created a beautiful and comprehensive wardrobe guide that should give you the 411 on how to look and feel like a bombshell for your session. My policy is always "when in doubt, bring it"! You are welcome to make a Pinterest board and share it with me, so I can help you make your dream shoot a reality. I have an amazing client wardrobe that you can borrow from for your session with a ton of pieces to choose from (sizes XXS- 5X) that you are MORE than welcome to browse through. To be totally honest, most of my clients typically bring NOTHING to their session and rely solely on the fabulous Client Wardrobe - 99% of the lingerie you see women wearing in my images actually belong to the studio!!!
What types of boudoir sessions do you offer?
Yes, there are different types of boudoir sessions you can book!! And OOOH girl, I am ALWAYS changing it up! I am currently offering the following types of sessions:
- Traditional Studio Sessions
- Couples Boudoir Sessions (you+your partner)
- After-Dark Sessions (think 50-shades of Grey, November - February only)
- Limited Edition Special Sets (exclusively available throughout the year to the email list)
Have something else in mind? Ask me! I am always up for new adventures.
How do I choose what kind of session I want to do?
Most people for their first time will opt for a Traditional Studio Session, but we can discuss this more during your No-Obligation Phone Consultation, which BTW you can book by clicking this link.
Head over to my website and check out my portfolio.
How does this work??
Your entire experience will last around 5-6 hours. We start with Hair & Makeup, 1 1/2-2 hours of shooting, break for lunch, then the ordering session. You will receive complimentary access to the ever growing client wardrobe, and much more! I'm going to pose you from head to pointed toe, and help you with a variety of facial expressions! Prepare to be sore after your session, we do a LOT of bending and twisting (it's quite the workout!). Studio Sessions typically begin between 9AM -10AM on Saturday and Sundays. Your ordering session will be scheduled the same day after we break for lunch. YES, you will get to see your images the SAME DAY!!! Payment plans are required or you can pay in full towards a product/collection.
How long does it take to get the albums and prints back?
You will receive your images in about 6-8 weeks (or sooner) after your ordering session! We will schedule a pickup time at the studio once all of your products have been delivered. I do not offer online galleries or multiple appointments for your reveal, all ordering decisions must be made at your ordering session. Post-Payments are not accepted.
The Session Fee includes:
- 30 Minute Pre-Session Consultation
- Private Use of the Boudoir Studio
- Complimentary Hair & Makeup
- Access to the Client Closet
- 90 Minutes of Photography with Yours Truly
- Complete Posing and Expression Coaching
- 1-Hour Same Day Reveal & Image Ordering Appointment
**All images are purchased separately from the Session Fee. In-house interest free payment plans available before your session.**
So what do I need to do to book?
The Session Fee is $500 and is required to reserve a space on my calendar.
I need my images by XX date, when should I book?
My studio books up to 6-12 months in advance and my printed products can take up to 8 weeks for delivery. If you have a special occasion coming up or wish to book a holiday appointment, I recommend booking up to 12 months in advance of that date.
Can my spouse/friend/mom come to my session or my ordering appointment?
I do not allow guests to be present for any portion of the time you spend with me. My services are best delivered in a 1-on-1 atmosphere with your complete undivided attention. Unless they were included in the session, they are not permitted to attend. I want you to pick YOUR favorite images without the peanut gallery chiming in.
What can I expect to spend at my Reveal & Ordering Appointment?
Before I have created your images, it is hard for me to give you an exact figure as to what to expect. Some women come to me and just get a basic album, others come to me and want it all and invest several thousands on a variety of products. Keep in mind what you spend is up to you. You can purchase from my Collection Menu or the A La Carte Menu, both which will be sent to you immediately following the completion of your booking process. What I can say is this, if you are looking for a "quick shoot" or "just a few images," this is not the session for you. I offer an entire day experience and will show you anywhere from 60+ final images that will be printed on luxury products. It is certainly an investment, one that is worth its weight in gold. You'll never tire of looking at your images or forget the way the session day made you feel.
My beautifully hand crafted products begin at $1800
Have sticker shock?
No worries, I know that this experience is an investment and therefore I offer several different payment plan options. You can split up the cost of any of my products via my interest free in-house payment plan and make smaller monthly or weekly payments towards your purchase leading up to your shoot (usually 6-12 months).
Ready to book?
If you've made it this far and are ready to take the next step, you can click the link to book your phone consult!
I truly hope you've enjoyed reading this guide, and it's left you feeling excited about the thought of having your very own session with us! I have worked with some truly incredible women over years, and can't wait to get you in front of the camera! Please feel free to ask me ANY questions, I want you to be 100% comfortable and EMPOWERED during your session!
Head over to my website to view more amazing images!
Can't wait to chat with you soon!
Still not convinced?
Here are a few love notes and kind words from previous client experiences.
"I’m a very shy person when it comes to cleavage/showing skin and etc, and damn, she had me walking around topless and not caring at all!!! If you’re on the fence, DO IT! Take the jump, you will NOT regret it! "
"It has truly been an experience that I don't think I could've gotten anywhere else or with anyone else. Ladies BOOK THE FUCKING SHOOT."
"Amanda made me see myself in a new light, I mean Holy Crap, I was blown away by my pictures. Some of them I even thought, that can’t be me, but it was me. "
"Amanda made me practice positive self talk. And it was HARD. I’m ashamed to say I could only find a few nice things to say to myself. Now? I’m comfortable complimenting myself and do it daily. "
"After my boudi shoot I have felt so empowered and driven to want more from myself and for myself. I will no longer settle for less than I know I deserve and no longer beg to be accepted or wanted."
"Amanda was absolutely amazing with everything - from the posing to getting my forehead to relax - I was concentrating so hard on everything i scrunched my forehead. I don’t see myself as a sexy, sensual person so she had her work cut out for her! But she made absolute magic with that camera!"
"I felt awkward and I sure as hell did not know how to be sexy. I remember thinking what does that even mean. However, idk how Amanda did it but I look amazing! She made me feel so comfortable. I was nervous and anxious for nothing! She even directed me on poses so I didn’t stand there awkwardly like it was my middle school photo day. Girls, you owe yourself to do this. Take the opportunity you won’t regret it. "
Credits:
Copyright AY Artistry & Design