When women call me for a boudoir consultation they ask all kinds of questions. While a boudoir session can be a life changing experience it can also be nerve-wracking. So, I wanted to compile a list of my 12 boudoir frequently asked questions to help you prepare for a session with us. Some may help calm your nerves and others will help you navigate the process. And, of course, if you have more questions you can always book a consult call of your very own!
#1. Will you share my boudoir images on social media or your website?
Our #1 question is actually related to our number 1 priority: your comfort. Actually, a lot of the questions we get relate directly to making sure our clients are comfortable.
We only share your images if you sign a model release allowing us to share your images.
By default we do not share pictures of videos from or of your boudoir session. That means the final products and any behind the scenes images are all private unless you give the go ahead. Only IF you decide to sign a model release will we share your images or videos. A model release is a very clear agreement between you and us, written out in a contract, where you either do or do not agree to let us share your photos. You can even choose to let us share only some photos, such as only those that don’t show your face.
If you’re uncertain, we’ll talk about it. If you have questions, we’ll answer them. It’s all up to you.
#2. Do I have to be naked or wear lingerie for my boudoir shoot?
A quick look at our Instagram account will show you that not all of our clients are in the nude. In fact, most of them aren’t. Lingerie tends to be the go-to clothing of choice for our clients but it isn’t the only option.
We find that the most profound emotional experiences happen for women who choose to strip away the layers. The type of boudoir we practice at Gabriela Cruz Photography isn’t so much about making a sexy photo as it is about taking a journey to loving and celebrating yourself. When our clients have ditched the bulky sweaters and oversized t-shirts and opted for lingerie or partial nude “in the sheets” we’ve seen them really blossom into a new level of self-love.
What you wear for your shoot is up to you. Since it’s boudoir we do suggest that you don’t wear a LOT, but it’s really all depending on what you’re comfortable with. Boudoir isn’t about nudity, it’s about feeling good in your skin. If you feel best acting out a fantasy in a stunning ball gown, who are we to judge?
Looking for some ideas to spice up your shoot? Check out our blog post 8 Creative Ways to Spice up Your Boudoir Shoot
#3. Is hair and makeup included in my boudoir package?
Hair and makeup is included in all of our boudoir shoot packages. A boudoir session isn’t just about taking nice pictures. If that’s all you’re looking for we might not be the right fit for you. We believe in a full-service experience that combines empowerment and pampering in just the right way to pump you up on your self-love journey. So, of course hair and makeup are part of the package!
A boudoir shoot at GCP is “come as you are” and we’ll do the rest. (Of course, you can bring a bag of sexy lingerie, too. Or, shop our client closet).
#4. Where should I buy outfits?
Shopping isn’t always necessary for your boudoir shoot but it is encouraged. There’s nothing worse than putting on an old bra and panty set for your shoot and finding that it’s ripped or just isn’t selling the vibe you’re going for.
The first step is figuring out what style of boudoir shoot you want to have. Look up some photos, check out our past sessions, get a feel for our sets, then peruse some of our favourite lingerie spots:
We also have a client closet with a lot of great styling options from lingerie to accessories (especially accessories 😍).
Did you know?
When you book in for a boudoir shoot with us we will send you prep guides to help you pick out the right themes, clothes, and more?
We work together with all our clients to build a personalized experience EVERY TIME.
#5. How many outfits should I bring?
It really depends on the package you choose. If you’re going for a full day shoot you’ll want to bring at least 5 outfits. For a half-day experience you’ll only need 3 or 4. You definitely do not need 10 or 12. If you’re having a hard time narrowing it down, send us a text. Show us what you’re thinking of and we can help you narrow it down based on the style you’ve told us you want.
#6. What type of print products & digital images do you offer?
We offer a variety of luxury albums, partially customizable with special finishes and covers. We have wall art of various sizes in canvas and metal (how cool is that?) and some other fun things like decks of cards and retroviewers.
I think my favourite is our luxury glass boxes of prints, though. I love the feeling of picking up a physical print. It’s so surreal to see yourself like that on glorious, glossy pages. I find myself flipping through my own prints every chance I get. It brings me back to the feeling of empowerment I had during my shoot in a very special way.
Of course, we also offer digital versions of your images. You can opt for all of your images or pick and choose your favourites.
#7. I’m not sure if a boudoir shoot is right for me because I’m shy.
Shyness can make a boudoir shoot feel a little daunting. You might worry how you’ll break through it to create the confident, sexy photos you see on our Instagram page. But I’ll let you in on a secret, a lot of the women you see on our page are just as shy as you are. I’m no exception (which is why I chose a career BEHIND a camera).
If you’re nervous, we’ll ease you into things. We always take it slow and start with the easiest poses and most clothes. And we have a lot of fun in the studio. Of course our photos are uber professional, but the best photos come from a relaxed, inviting, and fun environment. If you’re into it, we’ll pump up the jams and dance around a little to get relaxed and comfortable with each other. Yep, we dance too! If that’s too much for you we can keep things chill and calm. We’ll give a lot of posing examples and show you how to move, too. We’ve got your back, girl!
#8. How can I calm my nerves?
Nerves are normal. In fact, being nervous is a sign of being brave, because you feel a little fear but you do it away. Still, the experience of nerves isn’t fun and you probably want to get through it so it doesn’t show in your photos. So, here are our tips.
- Just let the shoot happen. A lot of our clients start off feeling nervous but quickly shake the nerves once they’re actually into their shoot. Sometimes that’s all you need. To just go with the flow.
- Pump yourself up with some good music. We play a lot of energetic music for most of our clients and even have a special playlist we like to use. Figure out what songs make YOU feel pumped and listen to them on the way to your shoot. If you have a special playlist you want during your shoot you can even send it to us and we can see what we can do!
- Do something relaxing before your shoot. Whether it’s yoga, a bath, a walk in the park, or breakfast with a friend, doing something that naturally makes YOU feel relaxed is a great way to soothe the nervous jitters.
- Skip the coffee. If you’re like me, this just isn’t possible. Some of us need coffee to function. But if you CAN go without, maybe consider NOT adding caffeine to your nerves.
Need a confidence boost?
Grab our FREE confidence guide!
It’s packed with some of our top tips and uplifting, confidence-building techniques 👇
#9. Where is your studio located?
We’re in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. If you’re in the surrounding area, GREAT! If not, we can work with you to help you find a perfect boudoir shoot date to coincide with any travel plans you have that will bring you to our area.
#10. How far in advance do I need to book my shoot?
We usually book 2 to 3 months in advance but our schedule can fill up pretty quickly so you might be looking closer to 6 months in advance during peak seasons. BUT we sometimes have last minute openings so if you’re looking for something soon and can be flexible with your dates we just might be able to squeeze you in.
#11. How much is a boudoir photoshoot?
Prices vary depending on what you’re looking for. And we can even build custom experience and packages upon request. Custom experiences are charged at a premium rate. Generally, it’s best to expect to invest in this experience. It is a day of pampering followed by a lifetime of empowerment in the form of your photos. Contact us for more information about pricing and payment plans.
#12. Do you offer payment plans?
Absolutely! Before your session you’ll have a chance to pay in installments or pay all at once – whatever works best for you. This includes paying for your package and for any products you want to add onto that package. Not sure what products you’ll want until you see your images? No problem. You can choose those AFTER your session and pay for those then.
More questions? Contact us!
We’re always here to answer your questions. We usually respond within one business day.
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