Your Ultimate Boudoir Dream Shoot Planner
By Tabetha Rae Photography
Reading this guide
This guide is going to walk you through the process of what a boudoir shoot is and how the process works over here at Tabetha Rae Photography. I am excited to get you in the studio! If you have any questions after reading this, please feel free to reach out and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
This guide is very thorough...which means it's long! Sit down, grab a glass of wine and read this until the very end!
A bit about me
Growing up I enjoyed taking scenic photos, but never to the extent of my family members, lining everyone up to get a group photo. As I have gotten older, I started to understand the importance of taking photos and what they represented, a point in time. As if nothing else were important, these photos could bring me back to that faint memory from childhood.
Fast forward to a few years ago I was scrolling through social media and came across a boudoir photographer showcasing her work, and that she does it to empower woman to love themselves. I took the leap of faith and booked a photoshoot! I wanted this to be a way to remember my 20’s. I wasn’t doing it for my husband, I was doing it for me, so that I give myself the love and support that he has always given me.
Photo Credit: Nelly Hernandez Photography
I’ll be honest, leading up to my shoot I was nervous. What if they don’t look good. What if I can’t do the “sexy face”. Is this really worth it? And I’ll tell you, IT WAS ALL WORTH IT. I came out of that photo with a new look on life with a huge confidence boost.
Now here I am wanting to share that same experience with you. I want you to leave my studio knowing that you are good enough, and you are worth it, regardless of what anyone else may tell you.
So thank you for being here and for supporting our amazing business - we can't wait to meet you and create some of the most gorgeous photographs of yourself that you will ever have.
Photo Credit: Heather Nixon
Where are you located?
Our luxury in-home studio is located in Cabot, Arkansas. The studio is FULL of gorgeous natural light, hardwood floors, and hand selected decor in our moody green walled space.
I’ve handpicked every item in the space, from our velvet blue couch to our vintage mirror, and all the shrubbery in between. The finishing touches of texture help add dimension to your images without being the center of attention.
So, what is boudoir?
The French word boudoir means 'a woman's dressing room or bedroom', but I like to think of it as just a fancy word for women's intimate portraiture. We just want to create the most beautiful portraits of you that you will ever have!
Boudoir is NOT pornographic or overly sexual. Boudoir can be fun, flirty, beautiful, cute, sexy, feminine, intimate, candid, posed, or really anything else you want it to be.
If you have not already joined our private VIP group on Facebook, I highly suggest that you do!
Can you make me look thinner?
I want to help you feel beautiful now, just the way you are. We flatter you with hair and makeup styling, a wardrobe that compliments your figure, and amazing lighting and posing techniques to highlight your best ass-sets (see what I did there?). I do not believe in heavy photoshopping. Don't get me wrong, we do retouch all of our images and will gladly remove all of your bruises and pimples, but we don't want to over manipulate your body to make you look like someone you are not. We already live in a time where we are consumed with unrealistic bodies in the media, I want to show you that you are beautiful at this very moment without over the top retouching.
What would I do with boudoir portraits?
Going off the bit about me, I actually believe that boudoir is the best gift you can give YOURSELF, to capture your essence as you are now. When you need a reminder of the strong, beautiful woman that you are, you will have a collection of amazing portraits to look upon. I love it when women come to me for themselves. The images we create together will boost your self esteem and your confidence, and that should be celebrated by YOU! It will help you reclaim your femininity, your sexuality, two things that are often lost as we get consumed with our lives, our jobs, our families. Put that pep back in your step, and reflect on the bodacious babe you are. Celebrate the body that you live in!
I don't look like the women in your portfolio!
Actually, you do! You just haven't had the chance to see yourself from our perspective (yet). Come into the studio and let us show you how beautiful you really are! There is no such thing as the perfect body. Boudoir is for every BODY. You are never too big, small, old, or too young* to do a boudoir session.
*We only photograph clients who are over the age of 18.
What about retouching?
We are happy to retouch your images! We always remove pimples, bruises, scratches, and under eye circles. We also offer retouching on cellulite, scars, small tattoos, stretch marks, etc. that you may choose to have removed.
Honestly, most of our clients are WOW-ed at how amazing their images look straight out of camera and opt for less retouching than they thought they needed. It's all a very personal decision, and one that we leave up to you once you have viewed your images.
We do not remove tan lines or correct skin tone from tanning beds or spray tans, so proceed with caution. We have editing techniques to keep you from looking "pasty" if that's a concern!
What will I wear?
I have created a beautiful and comprehensive wardrobe guide that should give you the 411 on how to look and feel like a bombshell for your session. Within the guide are LOTS of places to shop, as well as what kinds of pieces I recommend.
My policy is always "when in doubt, bring it"! I also have an exclusive client closet that you can access as a Standard Bonus by prepaying for one of our collections. It has over 150 pieces ranging from XS to 5XL!
Do I get to talk to you before my session?
Absolutely! Most of our clients book their session over the phone, which is kind of like our “first date”! We discuss your vision for a shoot, go over the general process, and answer any questions you may have. If you're ready to book, we’ll figure out which date works best and get your contract contract sent over. Once the contract is signed, you’ll receive our full investment guide to look through and set up your prepayment plan.
Leading up to your shoot, I send out LOTS of prep materials that will likely answer most of your questions. From places to shop, to having a spa day, to eating just before your shoot. We send it all! We are here for you every step of the way to make sure you feel prepared and comfortable during this process. If you have any questions along the way feel free to shoot me an email, it’s the most effective way to communicate with us so your texts don’t get missed!
Absolutely NO WEAPONS will be allowed in the studio at any time.
**We also do not allow anyone under the age of 18 in the studio, ever.
What types of boudoir sessions do you offer?
Yes, there are different types of boudoir sessions you can book!! And OOOH girl, we are ALWAYS changing it up! We are currently offering the following types of sessions.
Individual
Sessions
Our most popular, also great for first timers!
Couples
Sessions
Turn up the heat with you and your partner!
How does this work??
Your session will last about 3 hours. You will receive complimentary hair and makeup, wardrobe guidance, and so much more! I’ll pose you from head to pointed toe, and help you with a variety of facial expressions! Prepare to be sore after your session, we do a LOT of bending and twisting (it's quite the workout!). Studio sessions begin at 10AM. During hair and makeup, we schedule your Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment that is typically within a week of your session! During that time, we will select which images you would like to purchase and how you would like to display them at home! Ordering appointments can take up to 2 hours, so please plan accordingly!
How long does it take to get the albums and prints back?
You’ll typically receive any digitals purchased the same day as your Reveal & Ordering appointment, or within 48 hours of your payment being received in full. All products are shipped directly to you, keeping the process simple and stress-free.
Most clients receive their products within 15–20 days; however, some vendors may take up to 5 weeks, so please plan accordingly.
Please note: we do not offer online galleries for pre-purchase viewing or multiple reveal appointments. All ordering decisions are made during your Reveal & Ordering session.
So, what do I need to do to book?
The Session Fee is required to reserve a date on our calendar. If the session fee is not discounted for a sale, or event, it can be split, the first half is due to reserve your date on the calendar, the second half is due 15 days later. If the session is discounted, it must be paid in full at time of booking.
SESSION FEE
Individual Session $500
Couples Session $600
THE SESSION FEE INCLUDES
Pre-Session Consultation Call
Private Use of our in-home Boudoir Studio
60-90 Minutes of Photography
Complete Posing and Expression Coaching
Minimum of 2 Wardrobe Changes
Reveal & Ordering Appointment within a week
All images are purchased separately from the Session Fee at the Reveal & Image Ordering Appointment. Full Investment Guide is provided upon paying the session fee and signing your contract.
I need my images by XX date when should I book?
We typically recommend scheduling your session at least 6–8 weeks before you need your products. Our studio can book out 3+ months in advance, so planning ahead is essential. For special occasions or holiday sessions, we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance to secure those dates.
We also set up a Pre-Session Payment Plan, so for those who want to spread out their investment, sessions can be scheduled up to 12 months in advance to take full advantage of this option.
Can I Bring Someone?
We do not allow guests to be present during your session itself, as our sessions are best delivered in an 1-on-1 atmosphere with your complete undivided attention. However you are more than welcome to bring one guest to your Reveal and Ordering Appointment.
Guest must be 18+
What can I expect to spend at my Reveal & Ordering Appointment?
Before we have created your images, it is hard for me to give you an exact figure as to what to expect. Some women only want a standard album, others may want to invest several thousand on a Collection with a variety of products. What you spend is up to you! You can purchase from our Collection or A La Carte, our full Investment Guide will be sent immediately following the completion of your booking process.
That being said, if you're looking for a "quick shoot" or "just a few images," this is not the session for you. We offer a full luxury experience and show you 60-80 images in both color and black and white. We only offer luxury products, because you are worth it. Investing in yourself is priceless. You'll never tire of your images or forget the way the session day made you feel. I cannot wait to give you this incredible experience!
Our albums begin at $1800.
Our Collections begin at $2500.
Have sticker shock? I get it! I did too the first time I ever booked a professional boudoir session with my dream photographer. But you know what? I would have paid her DOUBLE when it was all done!
We know that this experience is an investment and therefore offer prepayment plans options. You can split up the cost of any of our products via our interest free in-house payment plan and make smaller weekly/bi-weekly/monthly payments towards your purchase leading up to your shoot (can schedule up to 12 months out). It’s easy, and we set it up for you on auto-pay so you never have to worry about late fees!
We also work with Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Credit! If you're interested in PayPal Credit, they offer no interest for 6 months! See if you qualify below... it only takes a few seconds!
Click here to Apply!
Ready to book?
If you've made it this far and are ready to take the next step, you can click the link below to book your session! If you have further questions, we can answer them during our “first date” phone consultation!
I truly hope you've enjoyed reading this guide, and it's left you feeling excited about the thought of having your very own session with us! Please feel free to ask us ANY questions, we want you to be 100% comfortable and EMPOWERED during your session!
I can't wait to chat with you soon!
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