Choosing the right Photographer for any occasion takes a bit of legwork, but when it comes to choosing your Boudoir Photographer, it’s definitely not a decision you should take lightly. A part from the fact that you are hiring and trusting a stranger to take intimate portraits of you wearing next to nothing, you are also trusting them to hold a safe space for all your vulnerabilities and leave you feeling empowered. After writing a piece on the 10 Important Questions to ask before booking your Boudoir Photographer, I realised that it I wanted to answer them too! I initially set out to write it as a guide for anyone who isn’t local to me or maybe my style isn’t for them, but for those who are looking, I’m going to make it easy for you and answer it all here.
p.s no red flags here! 🚩
1. Are you happy with their portfolio?
Okay, so I can’t really answer this for you. This is going to be something you have to decide, but if you are reading this, something tells me you might be pretty interested in what I do. So welcome. Feel free to click open every link and take a deep dive into what Leaf & Lace is all about. If my website isn’t enough, feel free to check out my socials. Aaaaand if that isn’t enough, I pride myself on being an open book so slide into my DMs or emails with any questions you may have!
2. How long have they been shooting portraiture and specifically Boudoir?
I started shooting Portraiture in 2015. This was mostly focused on family, engagement and newborn photography. I started dabbling in Boudoir in 2017, juggling both Leaf & Lace and another photography business. By 2019, I decided that Boudoir was all I wanted to do! By the start of 2020, I had closed my family photography business, and focused completely on developing Leaf & Lace into what it is today.
3. Are you the only Boudoir Photographer working for the business?
Yes I am! Leaf & Lace is a one woman show (behind the scenes anyway because we all know that the actual stars of the show is taken by the phenomenal women I photograph every session!)
As the sole human behind the scenes, I have to admit, it feels great to be granted employee of the month currently 5 years straight.
4. How much editing will be done to my photos and who edits the photos?
Leaf & Lace is all about Body Love. Although I still edit the images (colour grading & cropping etc), I will NEVER photoshop you. You are enough just the way you are. Stretchmarks, cellulite and all. During the editing stage, I may edit things like bruises/insect bites because they are only temporary. But we will NEVER EVER edit or remove something that makes you uniquely you.
In saying this, if there is something you are not comfortable having captured, please let me know. I want to make sure you are comfortable throughout the whole experience.
5. What are your average turn-around times?
For your digital gallery, I have a two week guarantee from the day of your session for your images to be delivered to you using a password protected online gallery. If you choose to add any prints or albums, these take approximately 6 weeks to be delivered to you from the completion of payment.
6. Do you offer Hair & Make Up and who does it?
At this stage, I do not offer it as a part your Boudoir Experience. This is because I don’t want to pressure you to feel like you have to wear it to have a positive and empowering session. If you’re someone who wears make up daily, feel the most confident with it on or just want to treat yourself to some pampering, I definitely recommend it. On the other hand, if you’re someone who feels the most confident with a fresh clean face, then that’s completely okay too! It's all about what makes you feel the most confident and feels best for you!
If you are looking for Hair & Make up recommendations - I recommend Makeup by Hayley.
Click here for 20% off The Blackmarket Lingerie & Swimwear Range or use the code "LEAFANDLACE20"
Click here for 10% off the Tutti Rouge Range or use the code "LEAFANDLACE__"
7. Do I sign a contract for the session and a privacy agreement that states whether or not I give permission for my images to be shared publicly?
YES & YES! You must sign your contract (and pay your deposit) to secure your booking.
There is absolutely no pressure to grant me permission to share your images. If you choose not to then I promise you that no one will see your photos.
8. What are your boundaries as a Boudoir Photographer?
I am pretty open minded when it comes capturing you because the time you spend with Leaf & Lace is your space. If there is an idea you want to run by me, let me know and I’ll let you know if its possible and if I’m comfortable with it. Of course, there are a few things that I expect from you which are all detailed in my contract. (Don’t worry, its just basic respect and common sense stuff).
9. How much will the experience cost in total?
In total, you should expect, for an all inclusive package, that includes any print products and your session fee, to pay a minimum of $1k and up. My full pricing is here. If you choose to pick a basic package, once you receive your gallery you can add additional digitals, prints and albums. Of course if you are happy with what’s included in your package, there’s absolutely no pressure to add anything else, but on average most people spend an extra $400-$800 after receiving their gallery.
Flexible payment plans are available for the session fee and AfterPay is available for your gallery store.
10. What should I expect on the day of my boudoir session?
A part from leaving the experience guaranteed to feel more empowered and a deeper body love, a full list of expectations from a session can be found here.
11. Finally - have you ever had a boudoir session yourself?
Yes! Leaf & Lace actually started from my own Self Love Journey when I decided to start capturing myself to document my body. You can read my love story here. For years I kept these images private and then eventually I decided to share some that really made me feel a deep unconditional level of self love. Since starting Leaf & Lace, I regularly take Boudoir self portraits still and have stepped in front of the lenses of other photographers many times! Whether its your first time have any form of a photoshoot, or your 100th time, you are in good hands! I promise.
Choosing the right Photographer for any occasion takes a bit of legwork, but when it comes to choosing your Boudoir Photographer, it’s definitely not a decision you should take lightly. I hope after reading this, I feel like the right one for you!
Let’s create some magic together!