FAQ - Answering Boudoir Questions
Booking a session can seem scary and you want to know what to expect, right? We try to talk about everything that will happen on your special day during your pre-consultation, but we can go over a few common ones here in advance. I’m an open book and your comfort is my number one concern. So the more you know, the less nervous you’ll feel.
I pride myself on bringing that certain part out of you that you sometimes didn’t even know existed. “Is that me??” Every single client says that and I will cheer you on and give you coaching until you feel like that too.
So with that said, i’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions that I hear often.
Is Hair & Makeup Included?
YES. A full makeover is part of the experience. Hair & Makeup is included for anyone who paid the full session fee. Sometimes we’ll do group days, go to the beach, shoot party, for a fraction of the cost. Only then will makeup and hair not be included. If you paid full price, you’re getting the full pampering experience!
It is highly recommended! And here’s Why - This is more than a photoshoot! We have to get you into that perfect headspace where you feel like a queen on your special day, and part of that transformation is the feeling of being pampered!
I will send you a questionnaire before your photoshoot and one of the questions is specifically about what kind of makeup you will require. Some girls like a natural look and others want to be glammed up with all the fixings including fake lashes.
I also encourage you to save makeup looks from pinterest or have them saved on your phone so you can show me and your make up artist for reference. She will custom tailor the look to your face and skin tone without it appearing over done.
This is also a great time to get to know each other and help calm your nerves before the actual shoot. You can have girl talk with the ladies as you get your makeup and hair done. They will put you right at ease and give you that extra confidence boost that you’ll be dying to show off in no time!
CAN I BRING A FRIEND TO MY SHOOT?
A friend can help you get out of your comfort zone. I don’t mind if you bring a friend to the studio while you are getting your hair and makeup done to hype you up and hold your hand, even up to the shoot itself. I understand you’ll have nerves, it’s completely normal. The actual session, however, I need all the focus to be on you. I’ll have an assistant with us helping. It takes a few minutes for you to come out of your shell but it will be totally worth it when you do!
Whenever someone brings a friend, it’s almost always distracting or makes our photoshoot inefficient. As well meaning as they are, they slow us down. I’ve had girls literally posing for their friends phone pics instead of me. Very disrespectful. My assistants and I will provide you with behind the scene content, so there’s no need to worry about that
Also i’ve found that after you get your makeup and hair done, you feel like a completely different person. It’s almost like a mask, and you’ll act with a new confidence that your friend might not have seen before. This makes people feel like they’re acting out of character in front of their friends so they hold back. When it’s just you and me, however, I don’t know what your ‘normal’ is. It is a completely judgment free zone and you can act as silly or confident as you want. Whatever will get the best images out of you. I do have a big space, so your friend can chill on a couch and use our free WiFi to their hearts content. Or visit the local market and shops if you’re from out of town. We are right downtown after all!
LINGERIE…I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I’M DOING.
You are in luck in this department. Not only will I assist you in getting new outfits and be your personal shopping assistant but I also have a co-promotion with a local lingerie dealer, meaning that we’re going to get deals just because you know me! They have a lovely staff that will not sugarcoat if something is not flattering, they care less about the sale and more about making you happy and looking good in my photos! Also don’t forget how great of a resource our VIP fb group is, feel free to post a few outfit options on there and the supportive ladies love to help out. You’ll get all sorts of opinions.
Sometimes, ladies will come in with one outfit, and sometimes…it’s not even a flattering outfit either….eeek. It’s okay though, I am prepared. I still have your back!
I have a collection of body jewellery and stockings that will complete the look, even if you show up in your birthday suit. Never underestimate the power of stockings and shiny things.
If you need to order things online, do it way in advance and make sure it’s the right size. I even wrote a blog specifically about that!
I AM NOT A MODEL AND DON’T LOOK LIKE A MODEL
I will coach you from your chin down to your toes and make sure that every body type looks and feels ‘like a model.’ I shoot real women of all shapes, sizes, ages, colours, etc.. the problem is you don’t see that often on social media.
Many of these ladies have jobs that won’t let them share their photos, but the good news is there’s a lot being shared in the group! You can find all body types in there looking like bombshells!
My goal with this shoot is that you will leave your photoshoot not only loving the magical images we created together but also a new found respect and love towards your self and body. Some of the poses will feel stupid, awkward to hold, and you will feel them the next day! But the results are always worth it. No regrets! I’ll push you a little out of your comfort zone so you can nail that look that you always wanted. If you need a dose of body positivity and support, don’t forget to ask our VIP group for opinions on snags of nervousness. They’re lovely cheerleaders as well.
DO YOU PHOTOSHOP OUT MY INSECURITIES?
My photoshop rule is I will edit things out that will disappear in a week or two. Acne, bruises, etc. Things that are not permanent. I will not manipulate your body to a point where you look like something you don’t recognize. My job is to help you see yourself as the queen you are and help you love your imperfections. We can have a pitch perfect barbie doll photoshoot, but you will always compare what you see in the mirror to this unrealistic filtered version of you, and my goal is to help you love your body not hate it.
We will work with shadows and angles to make sure your problem areas, as you call em, are not so prominent. For many ladies, it’s the first thing you notice in photos. So we’ll do a few versions of each photo, until you’re so happy with them, you’ll want to print them off and show the world! The ideal goal is to make you love your imperfections. That is what makes us unique humans after all!
CAN I BRING MY BF? OR DO YOU ONLY SHOOT WOMEN?
Yes! I shoot couples too! Remember how I discouraged you from bringing a friend to the shoot because they are distracting? Well that rule doesn’t apply if they’re willing to join in on the fun! I love seeing the intimacy between couples and catching it on camera. There is an unspoken connection between them that is awesome to witness and even better to have in a photo forever. Often times, I don’t even have to pose you, just looking in each other’s eyes is enough to make you both smile and catch things that I could never force out of a pose. We will do up to implied nudity but there will be no funny business on my set! We don’t want to look too porn-ish, think boudoir mixed in with engagement photos….use your imagination.
WILL MY IMAGES BE SHARED ONLINE?
Only if you want them to be. If you want to share the images, you are more than welcome to share with the world how amazing you look. I understand that due to careers and choice of partners, sometimes that’s not an option and I will totally respect that.
In fact, after you order your photos, I’ll have you sign a contract for the both of us, and this goes over what I can and can not post. There’s lots of room to play.
Some ladies are okay with showing anonymous photos with no identifiable features. Bum looks good in fishnets and heels? Could be anyone! A neat shot of your killer heels? Heels yea!
As far as our VIP group goes, it’s all up to you. I try not to post anything on there unless you tell me to. I would much rather you share your favourite photos on there and get the comments and support from your friend who are also in this group.
This helps inspire other ladies and you can talk about your experience too when posting. I’m shooting you at your most vulnerable and I understand when discretion is required. Being a mystery is in my name afterall!
HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR CLIENTS COMFORTABLE?
This is my number one goal the day of the shoot. I mean, let’s be honest. You’re getting half-naked with a complete stranger. My job is to make the session as comfortable for you as possible. This is why we have a pre consultation, so we get a sense of each other.
I am silly, full of dad jokes and try to get you to laugh as much as possible so you feel at ease. Your favourite music will be blasting in the background and the option of wine is always on the table if you need a little extra encouragement.
Ask any of my previous clients, our sessions are hilarious. This is another reason why we have that pre consultation, to get a sense of our personalities and make sure we jive together before the big day. I try to get in your head and listen to what’s important to you so I know what to focus on. After the chatting during your makeover and hyping you up, you’ll feel like a confident queen. Chocolates….i always have chocolates on hand too!
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Yes! These are absolutely necessary for a lot of people! Your boudoir session is an investment in the products and in yourself. It’s a get-what-you-pay world out there, a lot of ladies tell me they will never do a shoot like this because of a bad experience they had with a groupon boudoir photographer. This is a luxurious experience. Think Louboutins vs Payless. This is such a personal and vulnerable experience that you want to make sure it goes right. I will make a more in depth post about this to go over all the details. It’s a bit too much for a simple FAQ, but the gist of it is that I will custom tailor your payment plan according to your needs and capabilities.
We have many options that suit almost everyone, you can have your photos right away by saving up or using paypal credit.
Put the whole thing on credit card. Or pay very little amounts for a duration that we will determine together that works for you.
I had someone pay as little as $50 every 2 weeks…it took quite a while, but she got the session eventually.
WHAT IS THIS VIP GROUP YOU KEEP TALKING ABOUT?
Oops, I figured you already knew. Since these photos are sensitive, not everyone wants them online. So we have created a safe space to share them (the safe ones) Not only that, but you will hear testimonials from previous clients not seen anywhere else. Body diversity and supportive group members who will hype you up and never put you down. Also another incentive for joining the group is it is sometimes the only place we announce deals and contests and giveaways. Join Mystery VIP today and see what all the fuss is about!
I hope that answered a few questions you might have had. If you have more and feel like i should add more to this list. Don’t hesitate to send me a message.