Your Ultimate Boudoir Dream Shoot Planner
By Tabetha Rae Photography
Reading this guide
This guide is going to walk you through the process of what a boudoir shoot is and how the process works over here at Tabetha Rae Photography. I am excited to get you in the studio! If you have any questions after reading this, please feel free to reach out and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
This guide is very thorough...which means it's long! Sit down, grab a glass of wine and read this until the very end!
A bit about me
Growing up I enjoyed taking scenic photos, but never to the extent of my family members, lining everyone up to get a group photo. As I have gotten older, I started to understand the importance of taking photos and what they represented, a point in time. As if nothing else were important, these photos could bring me back to that faint memory from childhood.
Fast forward to a few years ago I was scrolling through social media and came across a boudoir photographer showcasing her work, and that she does it to empower woman to love themselves. I took the leap of faith and booked a photoshoot! I wanted this to be a way to remember my 20’s. I wasn’t doing it for my husband, I was doing it for me, so that I give myself the love and support that he has always given me.
Photo Credit: Brendon Christensen
I’ll be honest, leading up to my shoot I was nervous. What if they don’t look good. What if I can’t do the “sexy face”. Is this really worth it? And I’ll tell you, IT WAS ALL WORTH IT. I came out of that photo with a new look on life with a huge confidence boost.
Now here I am wanting to share that same experience with you. I want you to leave my studio knowing that you are good enough, and you are worth it, regardless of what anyone else may tell you.
So thank you for being here and for supporting our amazing business - we can't wait to meet you and create some of the most gorgeous photographs of yourself that you will ever have.
Photo Credit: Heather Nixon
Where are you located?
Our studio is located at 17 Earnhardt Cir, Cabot, Arkansas. The studio is FULL of gorgeous natural light, hardwood floors, and hand selected decor in our moody green walled space.
I’ve handpicked every item in the space, from our velvet blue couch to our vintage mirror, and all the shrubbery in between. The finishing touches of texture help add dimension to your images without being the center of attention.
So, what is boudoir?
The French word boudoir 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. We just want to create the most beautiful portraits of you that you will ever have!
Boudoir is NOT pornographic or overly sexual. 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 our private VIP group on Facebook, I highly suggest that you do!
Can you make me look thinner?
I want to help you feel beautiful now, just the way you are. We flatter you with hair and makeup styling, 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, we do retouch all of our images and 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 without over the top retouching.
What would I do with boudoir portraits?
Going off the bit about me, 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!
Actually, you do! You just haven't had the chance to see yourself from our perspective (yet). Come into the studio and let us show you how beautiful you really are!
There is no such thing as the perfect body. Boudoir is for every BODY. You are never too big, small, old, or too young* to do a boudoir session.
*We only photograph clients who are over the age of 18.
What about retouching?
We are happy to retouch your images! We always remove pimples, bruises, scratches, and under eye circles. We also offer retouching on cellulite, scars, small tattoos, stretch marks, etc. that you may choose to have removed.
Honestly, most of our 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 we leave up to you once you have viewed your images.
We do not remove tan lines or correct skin tone from tanning beds or spray tans, so proceed with caution. We have editing techniques to keep you from looking "pasty" if that's a concern!
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. Within the guide are LOTS of places to shop, as well as what kinds of pieces I recommend.
My policy is always "when in doubt, bring it"! I have an exclusive client closet that you can borrow from for your session with over 100 pieces to choose from (sizes XS - 3XL) that you are MORE than welcome to browse through as well.
Do I get to talk to you before my session?
Absolutely! Most of our clients book their session over the phone, which is kind of like our “first date”! We discuss your vision for a shoot, go over the general process, and answer any questions you may have. If you're ready to book, we’ll figure out which date works best and get your contract contract sent over. Once the contract is signed, you’ll receive the investment menu, and we will have another call about a week later to set up your prepayment plan and answer any additional questions you may have thought of.
Leading up to the shoot, I send out LOTS of prep materials, from places to shop, to having a spa day. We are here for you every step of the way to make sure you feel prepared and comfortable during this process. Then, about a month before your session, I’ll reach out to make sure you are ready for your session, and answer any other questions you may have. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Email is how we most effectively communicate with clients, you can email us any time at tabetha@tabetharaephotography.com. Emails are typically returned within 2-3 business days.
Absolutely NO WEAPONS will be allowed in the studio at any time.
**We also do not allow anyone under the age of 18 in the studio, ever.
What types of boudoir sessions do you offer?
Yes, there are different types of boudoir sessions you can book!! And OOOH girl, we are ALWAYS changing it up! We are currently offering the following types of sessions.
Individual Sessions
Our most popular, also great for first timers!
Couples Sessions
Turn up the heat with you and your partner!
How does this work??
Your session will last about 4 hours. You will receive complimentary hair and makeup, access to the 100+ piece client wardrobe, and much more! I am 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 begin at 10AM. During hair and makeup, we schedule when you will be back in the studio later that week for your Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment! We will select which images you would like to purchase and how you would like to display them at home! Ordering appointments take approximately 2 hours, so please plan accordingly!
How long does it take to get the albums and prints back?
You will receive your images within 48 hours of payment being received in full! All products will be shipped directly to you in order to keep this process as simple as possible. Typically clients will receive their products within 15-20 days.
We do not offer online galleries for viewing before purchase or multiple appointments for your reveal, all ordering decisions must be made at your reveal appointment.
So, what do I need to do to book?
The Session Fee is required to reserve a date on our calendar. If the session fee is not discounted for a sale, or event, it can be split, the first half is due to reserve your date on the calendar, the second half is due within 14 days of the first. If the session is discounted, it must be paid in full at time of booking.
SESSION FEE
Individual Session $500
Couples Session $600
THE SESSION FEE INCLUDES:
Pre-Session Consultation Call
Private Use of the Boudoir Studio
Professional Hair and Makeup Application
Access to Our 100+ Piece Client Closet
60-90 Minutes of Photography
Complete Posing and Expression Coaching
Minimum of 2 Wardrobe Changes
Private In-Person Reveal & Ordering Appointment
All images are purchased separately from the Session Fee at the Reveal & Image Ordering Appointment. Full Investment Menu is provided upon paying the session fee and signing your contract. Failure to sign contract within 7 days or complete the second payment within 14 days will result in forfeiture of the session date and session fee.
I need my images by XX date when should I book?
Our studio books up 3-6 months, and can schedule up to 12 months in advance. Our printed products can take up to 6 weeks for delivery, as our luxury albums are handbound in Portugal. Make sure you reach out to book well in advance of when you need your images! If you have a special occasion coming up or wish to book a holiday appointment, I recommend booking 6 MONTHS in advance of that date. Yes! You should book 6 months in advance to secure special dates!
Can my spouse/friend/mom come to my session or my ordering appointment?
We do not allow guests to be present during your session, as our sessions are best delivered in an 1-on-1 atmosphere with your complete undivided attention. However you are more than welcome to bring one guest to your Reveal and Ordering Appointment.
Guest must be 18+
What can I expect to spend at my Reveal & Ordering Appointment?
Before we have created your images, it is hard for me to give you an exact figure as to what to expect. Some women only want a basic album, others may want to invest several thousand on a Collection with a variety of products. What you spend is up to you! You can purchase from our Collection or A La Carte, our full Investment Menu will be sent immediately following the completion of your booking process.
That being said, if you're looking for a "quick shoot" or "just a few images," this is not the session for you. We offer a full day experience and show you 60-80 images in both color and black and white. We only offer luxury products, because you are worth it. Investing in yourself is priceless. You'll never tire of your images or forget the way the session day made you feel. I cannot wait to give you this incredible experience!
Our albums begin at $1800.
Our Collections begin at $2200.
Have sticker shock? I get it! I did too the first time I ever booked a professional boudoir session with my dream photographer. But you know what? I would have paid her DOUBLE when it was all done!
We know that this experience is an investment and therefore offer prepayment plans options. You can split up the cost of any of our products via our interest free in-house payment plan and make smaller weekly/bi-weekly/monthly payments towards your purchase leading up to your shoot (can schedule up to 12 months out). It’s easy, and we set it up for you on auto-pay so you never have to worry about late fees!
We also work with Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Credit! If you're interested in PayPal Credit, they offer no interest for 6 months! See if you qualify below... it only takes a few seconds!
Click here to Apply!
Ready to book?
If you've made it this far and are ready to take the next step, you can click the link below to book your session! If you have further questions, we can answer them during our “first date” phone consultation!
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! Please feel free to ask us ANY questions, we want you to be 100% comfortable and EMPOWERED during your session!
I can't wait to chat with you soon!
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