How To Find A Local Boudoir Photographer
First thing’s first: Props to you for finally deciding to take the plunge and do a boudoir photo shoot. Whether it’s for your husband-to-be, current spouse, or just for you (perhaps the best reason of all), we commend your courage — and can assure you that you won’t regret it! Now, though, comes the task of choosing a photographer.
Ultimately, finding the perfect photographer depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some helpful tips while starting your hunt:
Search smart
The Internet is the most obvious place to start your search, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have to do some vetting in the process. Start by entering the search terms:
“Best Boudoir photography in [your city, state].” Look for photographers who have professional websites as well as Google business entries, and who specialize in boudoir photography in particular. In addition to scoping out their websites, review their social media presence — they’ll ideally have an established Instagram and Facebook page.
Another option is to use Thumbtack.com to find boudoir photographers near you. You can search by zip code, as well as a number of other features to narrow down your results. These features include where you’d like the shoot to take place (studio, your home, hotel), what style of shoot you’d prefer (glamour, pin-up, natural, romantic, fine art), how many final edited shots you’d like (ranging from 1-5 to 35-50), what format you’d like the images in (digital download, flash drive, CD, physical proofs/prints, album), and your estimated budget ($100-150 to $1,000).
You could also ask around at your local lingerie boutique. The staff may be able to point you in the direction of a photographer, and it’s always reassuring to get a personal recommendation. (Besides — you’ll likely need to swing by your go-to shop anyway for some new pieces — like a padded bra with elegant floral bouquet lace, or a wild pink longline bra, perhaps?)
Read the reviews
Be sure to check any reviews you can find on the photographer’s Google business page, Yelp page, or Facebook page. Many photographers will also feature testimonials from previous clients on their website, and reviewing these will hopefully give you a sense of the experience as a whole from someone who’s actually worked with them.
Related: 5 Reasons Why You Should Do A Boudoir Photo Shoot
Scan their work
Take the time to look through the photographer’s portfolio. After all, this is the best way to get a sense of their aesthetic. What kind of lighting do they typically use? Do the poses look natural? What’s the general mood that the images evoke? What about the settings the shoots take place in? Even taking note of how many models they have in their portfolio can be useful, as this may give you an idea of how much experience that particular photographer has. And since you’re obviously seeking a photographer who manages to get consistently stellar shots, you may want to scope out their blogs as well.
Ask the right questions
Once you’ve found a photographer you’re interested in, set up a time to chat with them either over the phone or in person. You can obviously send some preliminary questions via email, but we always recommend meeting the photographer before actually booking a shoot — this will allow you to gauge whether you feel comfortable enough to work with them.
Ask them about their retouching services — do they edit every photo? Is the studio space is included? If you’re interested in doing the shoot from the comfort of your own home, is that an option they offer? Some photographers also provide professional hair and makeup, and if you’re interested, make sure to ask whether they’re add-on services. If these photos are a gift for a special someone, you likely have a timeline on which you’ll need them back. In that case, ask whether your deadline is realistic to have the finished images.
Finding the ideal photographer for your boudoir session takes a little prep work (and patience) — but your research is sure to pay off when you see the stunning final images. Take these tips into account and you’re sure to find someone who can make your dream shoot a reality.
Related: Preparing For A Boudoir Photo Shoot
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