How would you describe your style as a boudoir photographer?
Dark and moody, sensual, sexy, raw, intimate, and almost voyeuristic! I sculpt light and shadows to create provocative yet classy, timeless images of you. To get a feel for what I’m describing, my Instagram is always up-to-date with my latest work!
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How long have you been taking boudoir photos?
Since 2009! I officially made my business official in 2012, so I have been a Denver boudoir photographer for over a decade now.
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I’ve never done boudoir before and am feeling nervous. What’s your advice for a first-timer?
You’re not alone — a very high and healthy number of my clients are first-timers! We all start somewhere and I’m so glad you’re considering to do your first boudoir experience with me.
With that said, I’d love to offer you the feedback from my past clients to help soothe your nerves a bit. After nearly every shoot, I hear them say how fun it was, how easy it was, and how it wasn’t as scary as they might have thought it was going to be at the beginning. Take it from them: you’ll do great!
I make sure to give you a ton of guidance and direction during the shoot itself. You’ll never be expected to come up with your own poses. I’ll tell you where to stand, where to look, point that toe, arch that back. That’s my job — I got you!
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How much time should I plan for the entire boudoir experience?
If you’d like more info on this process and how long everything will take, from hair and makeup to printing your products, refer to my latest blog post about the whole boudoir timeline here! No matter what, I’ll have you out of the home studio around 1130a or 12p at the very latest (earlier for mini sessions).
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How soon should I contact you to get my shoot scheduled?
The sooner you get in touch, the better! I book anywhere from one to three months out in the future, but my calendar is always changing so please get in touch and I’ll let you know my next available date. I also post my next openings on my Instagram account, both in my bio and often in my posts. Lastly, each year, I close up shop sometime in December to take some winter time off; if you’re looking to give someone boudoir photos as a winter holiday gift, I recommend getting in touch well before December has come around to schedule your session.
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Which days of the week are sessions available, and at what time?
I photograph the bulk of my clients Monday through Friday. I like to shoot in the morning hours to get the best light in my home studio and to start your day off with a bang! You can expect to be finished by lunch time; perfect chance to take yourself out after your shoot as a treat!
As for weekend options, I have limited Saturday mornings available based on the time of year. If you can’t make a weekday morning work and need a Saturday shoot date, please inquire ASAP and I can let you know of my availability. I’ll absolutely get you in on a Saturday where I can!
Additionally, if you are looking to book hair and makeup services with my glam team, they operate on peak/off-peak schedules due to the busy ass nature of wedding season here in Colorado. In their off-peak months of November to April, it is often very easy for me to schedule these services either on a weekday or on a Saturday. During the peak months of May to October, Saturday bookings for hair and makeup are extremely limited. Monday through Friday will be a much better option if you are looking to have hair and makeup booked along with your session during this time. But! As always, schedules change and openings pop up here and there, so please email me ASAP if you are looking for a coveted summer Saturday spot with hair and makeup and we will see what we can do!
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What’s required to get my session on your calendar?
Two things:
1) A signed contract that outlines studio policies, expectations, and guidelines. This also has your pricing locked in so you’ll never be surprised when the time comes to order your photos.
2) A paid retainer invoice. This retainer is nonrefundable as I only book a certain amount of shoots each month to reach personal income requirements. If you need to cancel for any reason, we can always reschedule you to a new date within 21 days of your original shoot date as the retainer is transferable in the event of cancellation.
Once these two things are squared away, you’ll officially be on my calendar!
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I’m ready to book! When do I pay?
Let me break down your tentative payment schedule based on which kind of session you book:
Full sessions:
- First payment: Retainer to hold your session in my calendar and to cover time spent taking the photos in the home studio; this is due up front and at the time of booking via electronic invoice where you can pay with a card, bank transfer, or Cash App
- Second payment: Hair and makeup, where applicable; this will be due to your stylist on the day of the shoot, via Venmo, Zelle, or cash
- Product payment (often the last payment): Due after seeing your photos and when you’re ready for me to place your product order; this will be due in full unless we are working out a payment plan. Once the payment is received in full, I will order your products and get them to you ASAP! This can be paid for in cash (ask me about the cash discount!) or via electronic invoice with a card, bank transfer, or Cash App.
Mini sessions:
- First payment: Half of the mini session fee via electronic invoice; this will hold your session in my calendar
- Second payment: Hair and makeup, where applicable; this will be due to your stylist on the day of the shoot, via Venmo, Zelle, or cash
- Last payment: Remaining balance of your session fee; this will be due on the shoot date and can be paid in cash or via electronic invoice. Discounts do not apply to mini sessions as they are already heavily discounted.
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What should I wear?
In order for you to look confident and sexy, you first have to feel confident and sexy. That means wearing whichever lingerie items that you love the most and feel comfortable in. This could be a classic black garter belt outfit or a lacy long-sleeve bodysuit, or it could be nothing at all! If you’d like some inspiration, you can check out my Pinterest for more ideas. You can also peek at my blog for what my clients have worn at their past shoots.
Most importantly, I want you to bring outfits that are you. I want you to be over-the-moon excited to put on your outfits for your shoots. If you’re trying things on at the store and you’re realizing that you’re not totally loving a certain style or color, or perhaps it’s not fitting the way you want it to, chances are you’re not going to love it on the shoot day and that could affect how you feel about the photos in the end.
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Should I bring any props?
The only prop we really need is you! If you have a certain item you’d like to bring into your session, let me know and we can chat about it. I know that some women like to bring in items that their partners love (e.g. a football, button-down shirt, etc.), but sometimes those items don’t totally fit in with the idea of a bedroom shoot. If you’re having trouble deciding, ask yourself: “Would I bring this item into the bedroom naturally?” and work to find your answer from there.
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How many outfits should I bring?
For a mini session, we’ll be working with one to two outfits. For a full session, I recommend that you bring three to four outfits that you absolutely love and one or two additional outfits in case we find ourselves with some extra time. To get a feel for the style of outfits I recommend, check out my Pinterest inspiration board here.
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Where do you recommend I shop for outfits?
Whether you’re based in Denver or coming in from out of town, I have a few places I send my clients for banger outfits. Once you book with me, one of the first things I’ll send you is my master list of where to shop!
As a rule, items with fabric that have more texture to them (e.g. lace, mesh, strappy things, prints, sequins, velvet) photograph much better than basic fabrics like satin or silk. Boudoir is extra af by nature; I recommend leaning into that and going big for your outfits! It’s for that reason I don’t recommend long, flowy, babydolls or things like slouchy sweaters or a stiff men’s dress shirt, as they tend to hide your features as opposed to celebrating them.
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Do you provide any outfits?
Because everyone’s style is so different, I do not have a client closet at this time. We’ll definitely discuss outfits and where to shop when we talk!
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Can I add on extra shoot time in the home studio?
Currently, my mini sessions are 30 minutes and my full sessions are at least an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes long. Because I’ve crafted a reliable posing flow over the years of shooting boudoir specific to the size and scope of my home studio, I’ve found that this is the sweet spot for my boudoir sessions, and I feel confident getting you banger images within these time frames. As such, I do not currently offer additional shoot time to be added on to your session.
If you’re looking for a boudoir session that will last longer than this, I can definitely recommend you to other photographers who might have what you’re looking for. I want everyone to have an amazing boudoir experience and sometimes that means it’s not me behind the camera — and that’s totally okay! I understand that the way I structure my shoots may not be what every potential client is looking for.
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Where do you shoot?
Right now, I’m living my best WFH life and am shooting in my home studio. I live in an old-as-dirt condo (built in 1896!) in the Highlands/Northside neighborhood of Denver proper, near the I-25 and Speer exit. If you’d like to shoot in your own home or somewhere else (I love outdoor boudoir and have spots in the city and foothills for this!), let me know in your inquiry and we can chat more!
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Do you photograph couples?
Because the second bedroom of my condo (lovingly known as my little home studio) has been decorated and furnished with only a single client in mind, I am not accepting requests for couples’ boudoir at this time.
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Will you recreate this image from another photographer?
Because I have a work flow that I’ve curated over the course of many years of shooting boudoir, using other artists’ work as guidance during the shoot doesn’t quite fit in with the posing and direction that I’ll be giving you. For that reason, I ask that you keep Pinterest as a tool to find killer lingerie instead.
Similarly, requests for photos that fall outside of my style (dark, sexy, sultry, moody, shadowy, etc.) cannot be honored. If you are looking for boudoir that’s more light, bright, and airy, I can definitely refer you to someone who is amazing at that style!
However, you are more than welcome to show me any photos from past shoots that I have posted on my Instagram or from my blog and I can definitely recreate those!
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Can I bring my friend to the shoot?
Because boudoir is an incredibly intimate experience, I only allow for you and me to be in the studio during the shoot. You are more than welcome to have an escort come and wait outside or at a coffee shop down the street.
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Is drinking allowed in the home studio?
Unfortunately, I can’t allow consumption of alcohol or any related substances in my home studio for liability reasons. I promise though — I’m an excellent hype girl and will gas you up during the shoot! No booze needed!
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I usually wear minimal, natural makeup every day. Should I go for something similar or should I glam it up?
I always vote for glam bombshell, any day! I totally understand the draw of wanting to wear makeup that is comparable to how you present yourself in everyday life. But this isn’t an everyday event! A boudoir shoot is an experience, and I want you to feel as glam as a red carpet babe at the Oscars while still feeling (and looking) like yourself.
What this looks like to you can range from a show-stopping red lip to a sultry smokey eye with false lashes to a bangin’ contour. My team of professional makeup artists will also be able to customize your makeup application based on your skin tone and facial features.
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I’m pretty good at doing my own hair and makeup. Can I do it myself for the shoot?
Yes! You are more than welcome to DIY your hair and makeup. I do recommend splurging and treating yourself to professional hair styling and makeup application. It will take a lot of stress out of your getting ready process!
If you’d like to DIY your makeup, I recommend going just a bit heavier than you normally would, as makeup disappears quickly on camera. Read my tips here about doing your own boudoir makeup!
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Do you recommend getting a spray tan before the shoot?
Spray tans are great! I only caution you to go a little bit lighter than you might normally go. Very dark spray tans will look very orange on camera. My editing style is very warm by default, so I’m going to warm up your photos (and your skin) regardless. If you would feel more confident with a spray tan, I recommend getting a light spray tan at least 1-2 days before your shoot. My favorite spot is Golden Hour in LoHi — Emily and her team will take excellent care of you!
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I’d like to do some traditional bridal boudoir. What should I bring with me?
Bridal boudoir is timeless and I’m more than happy to incorporate aspects of it into your shoot! Feel free to bring your veil, wedding day jewelry, shoes, garter, bridal lingerie (usually white or cream colored), and any other items that you feel tie in to your bridal look.
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High heels: yes or no?
If we are doing a shot where you are walking or standing, yes! Absolutely! But I will most likely have you take them off for other poses as heels can drastically limit your range of motion and how well you can get into certain poses. Bring a pair or two and we can see how they fit into the shoot!
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Do I have to get naked during the shoot?
Only if you want to! You are in full control of the vibe of your shoot. If you want to don your birthday suit for a couple of shots, let’s do it! I have tasteful poses for all outfits, whether you’re wearing a bodysuit, topless, or in just the skin you were born in. I’m comfortable with whatever your comfort level is and won’t push you one way or the other. I’ll offer it during the shoot and if you’d like, we’ll do it!
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What kind of accessories should I bring?
If you love chandelier earrings, bring them! If you wear long, layered necklaces, bring them! If you find that you’re not totally into accessories or jewelry (the only piece of jewelry I wear is a watch), I would say you don’t need to stress about finding accessories to bring.
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Do you Photoshop/retouch the photos?
I do but only to a very minimal extent. I make sure to remove any blemishes or temporary marks (think: things that will be gone in 14 days like pimples, scratches, bruises). Beyond that, you are in control of how much I retouch your photos. I have more info at this link here about skin smoothing and the art of retouching as a whole.
The bottom line is that you don’t need a ton of Photoshopping. I carefully guide you with posing techniques to put you in the most flattering positions and with the most stunning light. Let’s leave the extreme editing to the magazines!
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How many photos do you show at the virtual reveal session? What all does that entail?
If you are doing a mini session, I guarantee at least 25 images for you to choose from at your virtual reveal. If you are doing a full session, I guarantee at least 50 images for you to choose from at your virtual reveal.
During the reveal, which will take place a couple weeks after your shoot on either Zoom or back in the home studio (your choice!), I’ll show you the images from your shoot for the first time. You’ll then be able to decide which ones you want to take home with you. If that means an album, we’ll also craft the album layout right then and there as well!
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Can I get the unedited images, too?
Unfortunately, I don’t include unedited images in my product offerings. My signature boudoir style really comes to life through the editing process. Every photo I show you will be edited!
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Can I bring my partner to the virtual reveal session?
Yes! You can bring your partner, a sibling, or even your BFF to the virtual reveal. Sometimes it’s nice to have another set of eyes on the photos as you’re deciding on which ones to print or put in the album.
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Do digital images come with each session?
Session fees (this is also known as the retainer you pay up front to book your shoot) do not include products, either digital or handmade. Think of it as à la carte! You have the option of choosing from a ton of gorgeous take-home products, from custom rose gold image boxes to classic black leather albums. I have studio samples to show you at the reveal session so you can see the quality for yourself. What you take home is entirely up to you!
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When do I need to pay for my products? When will they arrive?
Whenever you are ready! There’s no rush or pressure on my end. I’ll never delete your images so I’m on your schedule here! Once you’re ready to order your products, I’ll send you an invoice for whatever you want to keep from your shoot. Once the invoice is paid in full, I’ll order your products straight away.
If you’d like to work out a payment plan, we can definitely do that! I am very flexible and we can work out a payment schedule that works best for you. I also accept Afterpay if you’d like to use that service as your own personal payment plan. Once the invoice has been paid in full, we’ll get your products ordered ASAP.
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How do I get my products from you?
The default option here is pickup at the home studio, which is no extra cost to you. I prefer to be able to inspect your products as they arrive to make sure there are no issues. This way, if something is damaged, for example, I can re-order your product straight away.
If you have extenuating circumstances and need the products shipped to you, regular ground shipping is $20. Two-day and next-day shipping are also available at market pricing which will be determined at the time of ordering.
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I need to reschedule my session. Is that possible?
Yes! I totally get it, life happens. There is language in our contract together that stipulates what happens should you need to reschedule. You’ll have twenty-one days’ time to get a new session on the books if you need to change your date for any reason at all, at no extra cost to you. All I ask is that you give me (and your hair + makeup artist) as much notice as possible!
If I need to reschedule with you, I’ll do my best to get your session moved that’s at the most optimal and convenient time for you. In all my time doing boudoir photos in Denver, I’ve only had to do this once (thanks, COVID), so it’s very unlikely that it will happen — but good to know the process in case it does! There will never be any fees assessed if I have to reschedule because of a reason on my part.
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Do you offer any discounts?
I have four discounts that are available year-round!
- If you are a student-facing K-12 or higher ed teacher or professor, you’re eligible for $100 off albums or physical prints purchased at your reveal.
- If you’d like to pay for your products in good old fashioned cash (sorry, Venmo), you are eligible for a $100 discount off any printed products or packages you take home. Digital image purchases are not eligible for this discount.
- If you are coming back for another round of boudoir, I do offer a $100 off repeat client discount off any products as well!
The fine print: Full session clients are eligible for a max of two discounts per session, as listed above. Mini session clients are not eligible to receive these discounts.
Outside of these discounts, sometimes I’ll do Instagram promos for special occasions, often in November before the holiday season and in January before Valentine’s Day. Make sure you’re following me to get the best deals!
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Do I have control over where and how my images are displayed? Do you keep them private or do you put any on your website or social media accounts?
The default setting here is always private. I will always honor and respect your privacy first and foremost. That means that your images are on a hard drive on top of the fridge in my kitchen, and not displayed on the internet for all to see.
However, if you are comfortable with sharing images, I would be incredibly honored to do so. Showing other women your art and leading by example can have an empowering ripple effect.
You will always have the final say in which images are shared, if you choose to do so. You can opt to share only faceless photos, or you can opt to have images only shared on the blog if you’d rather keep them off Instagram.
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I see you have a dog in your home studio. If I don’t want to shoot in that space (allergic, fear of dogs, etc.), can we shoot somewhere else?
Yes! Please let me know as soon as possible if you’d like different accommodations for the location of your shoot. Please note that this may incur an additional charge on top of your session fee as a result.
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Does your site have a privacy policy?
Yes! You can view it here.
