Why Is Boudoir Photography So Expensive??
Well, to start by focusing strictly on the dollar amount is a bit unfair, and it's not really telling the entire story. It's a bit like saying, "Wow, can you believe people would buy this $97,000 car..." --The number seems a bit surprising at first, but when you find out the car is a custom Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography, that number no longer seems so surprising.
The bottom line is, as with most things in life, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.
Is there really a difference? The answer is, yes, there is. Let's take a look...
Boudoir photography has been my passion for years, and working with badass fierce goddesses is my specialty. Today, I find my myself working with clients from all around the US who are looking to create epic boudoir artwork-- and they really don't want to settle with mediocre.
How did this all happen?
How can it be that I can have a client wait-list for months?
Well, I wish I could tell you this was the plan from the beginning...but it wasn't. 😀
As with most things, it all started pretty small. I happened to have a camera, and did a favor for a friend who wanted some photos for herself. She, in turn, showed them to a friend, who asked if I could do photo's of her for her boyfriend's birthday... and so it went, and yadda, yadda, yadda, somehow we wound up here. Pretty amazing.
The truth is I just "yadda'd" over lots of dedicated hard work and countless hours spent focusing on becoming the strongest boudoir photographer around. I invested a shit ton of money into business coaches, boudoir mentors, workshops, and mastermind events to get where I'm at. It seems the winds of the universe just seemingly started blowing me in that direction when I realized that I truly enjoyed providing women with an empowering experience. There was this relentless drive to keep getting better and to be honest there's always a bit of feeling it was never good enough. While most photographers would have been in bed sleeping, I could be found sitting up staring at photos at 1AM wondering how I could have made them better. There's a bit of irrational determination involved here... but maybe that's what it takes. They always say, "your first 10,000 photos are shit" and the only way to get better was to keep shooting.
I realized long ago what I wanted my boudoir sessions to be, and I really didn't want to compromise. The number of hours invested in each client grew and grew-- but I was unwilling to change that. I knew and wanted others to understand, boudoir photography was a lot more than just a bunch of photos. My mission was a lot bigger than photography, it really was about keeping my clients invested in themselves and connected to their beauty.
What did we wind up with? Well, we wound up with something pretty great.
It all typically starts with someone filling my Contact Form, or sending me a DM on Facebook or IG. I'm not your typical photographer... but most people come to me understanding that-- and that's why they are contacting me. You see, I am enthusiastic about my clients, and I only want clients who feel the same about working with me. I tend to lend my editing style over to "moody & sultry" with a pop of "editorial" and my clients want that. We'll often have a bit of a chat to find out if we are a good fit, and what you are looking for in your session before proceeding any further.
One thing that boudoir shoppers need to always be aware of is the sheer volume of low-quality photography out there-- and not only that, the number of photographers out there selling "boudoir" photography that, well...isn't actually boudoir photography. Just about anyone can snap a photo of you in a fitted tank....not everyone can create an experience that leaves you feeling like a fucking fierce goddess walking on air. As it's name implies, boudoir photography takes place in a bedroom setting (most of the time). It's about beauty. It's about being a bit voyeuristic and peering in on a woman's secret moments. It's a style of photography that is photographed in a simple and organic manner. The truth of the matter is it's an extremely difficult thing to do-- and do well. Do you know how hard it is to make a client look like they're not doing anything and yet showing off every curve of their gorgeous body & remain relaxed??
Typically, I tell my clients to get on my calendar with a minimum of 8-10 weeks before they need any images in hand for a special occasion and we currently have women booking up to a year in advance. There are times during the year, especially during wedding seasons when my slots are all full, and I can be wait-listed for months...literally months.
Due to the nature of how I work, and the time involved, I only see a limited number of women each month. Every session gets my full attention, as it deserves. I'm not a high-volume studio pumping out 2-3 sessions a day and giving each client maybe 60 minutes of my time...NOPE.
If high-volume, fast-paced, hastily edited images in a mediocre album is your end-goal I'm not going to be the photographer for you.
If you're looking to invest in yourself, spend an entire afternoon (not just 2 hrs of your day) getting pampered, dressing up in gorgeous, designer lingerie and posing against unique sets most other photographers do not offer while sipping champaign with fruit and chocolates and chatting with your BFF that you're allowed to bring with you while creating truly one-of-a-kind museum-quality artwork then I'm TOTALLY your photographer.
I have clients who travel to me as far as Wyoming and because boudoir is definitely about the experience, usually the 60-90 minutes of every session is devoted to a complete professional makeover with camera-ready makeup and hairstyling. We may have mimosa's or champaign if that's your thing or coffee or artisan waters even. We'll even order in lunch if you'd like. We're here to relax and enjoy and not feel rushed. Your session is a bit of a break from your everyday routine. It's an experience, and it's treated as such.
Remember the car we were talking about earlier? Does anyone have to spend $97,000 on a Range Rover? No. Do people? Yes. Why? It's about the experience & the perceived value that comes with owning a Range Rover. When you walk into a Range Rover dealership you know you're going to receive top-notch customer service from the salesman to the auto mechanics & everyone in between. The services included with that price tag match the value and experience that comes with owning a Range Rover. What I do is no different. That's the simplest explanation.
I don't operate with any type of time limit. It's your day, and we're here to have fun. That's another key thing of my experience...this IS about having fun. You're in good hands. We'll typically take two hours or so going to various poses and outfits. Bring your favorite lingerie items, and I'll make it all look spectacular. From cute and simple, to down-right sexy... anything goes!! 😄
After our day together, you'll literally feel like you are walking on air. It's a great time...and kind of hard to describe until you've experienced it. That's when my hard work begins. Getting everything prepped and ready is quite a process. I love making beautiful custom boudoir albums, and that's what we'll do. We usually meet back up 1-2 weeks after your session for a cinematic preview of all of your fully retouched images in color and black/white. You pick only the ones you love for your artwork. Once that's completed I create the final album proof for approval by you and send off the orders for production. Many people don't realize that even after your session, it can take up to six weeks or so for clients to receive their products in hand...good things take time & planning.
In the end, it really is a great time. In a world flooded with "photographers," I knew I needed to make a difference. From what I have seen...I think I may have succeeded... and I love it. No one "needs" to spend a small fortune on a car, but they do? Why? There are a number of reasons. They see the value. They enjoy the experience. They like exclusivity. It's the same with what I do.
If you'd like to learn more, or get on my list for 2021 sessions please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to talk boudoir. You can message me on my Contact Page. I love hearing about your dream session ideas!
