Frequently Asked Questions
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A: I am beyond proud to say that our entire body of work is composed of 100% real clients. There is not one single model in our entire portfolio- how is that for inspiring?! They are moms, lawyers, teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, bartenders, yoga instructors, publicists- most of whom have never been in front of a pro’s camera before (except maybe on their wedding day). As my client, you just need to show up, relax and have fun. I have almost 20 years of professional experience, 15 of which has been dedicated solely to photographing women. This is what I do. Trust me that I know what beautiful looks like, I know how to capture it. My favorite thing I hear from clients is “If I could look half as beautiful in my photos as the women on your website, I would be happy”. And then, after their photoshoot, they are so proud of the images we create that they sign a model release to be featured in our portfolio- becoming one of the “beautiful woman on the website”.
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A: Sessions take place at my beautiful, 2600 square foot, private residential studio located near downtown Chicago. We have five unique sets to choose from, each styled with beautiful furniture, lighting and accessories that provides each set with a distinct art direction. We also happily accommodate location shoots; if you have a beautiful home and would prefer to be photographed in your private space we will absolutely travel to you! Please email us for details regarding location fees and travel rates.
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A: Like any luxury purchase, a professional photography experience is an investment. But unlike an expensive pair of heels, this is an investment in yourself and one that will last forever. Session fees start at $975 and range up to $8000, with plenty of options in between. On average, our clients spend between $2500-$4000 for their experiences.
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A: I recommend booking 2-3 months prior to needing your finished product in hand. We tend to book up quickly and relatively far in advance (usually a few months out). Sometimes we are able to accommodate a last minute session, so don’t hesitate to contact us even if you’re on a tight time line. That being said, DON’T WAIT to email us! It is never too early to get on the schedule.
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A: No, not without your permission. Our client’s privacy is our number one priority. We will never post your boudoir photos without your consent. We understand the sensitive nature of boudoir photography and we have the utmost respect for your privacy. Every client is required to sign a model release after their shoot to select her privacy preferences, with the option to keep images under lock and key.
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A: Omg, YES, we got you! I tend to be an over-sharer so you can except a lot of communication leading up to your shoot. After you book you will receive an email with my favorite shopping recommendations. I love to participate so never hesitate to email or call if you want to run wardrobe ideas past me or need help selecting options! A few weeks prior to your shoot you will be getting an epic pdf full of tips and tricks to help you prepare for a successful shoot day. I will also ask that you do a little homework for us by taking screenshots of images you like, we use these as inspiration for your shoot and to help us pinpoint your shoot style and give you wardrobe ideas. We take a limited number shoots each month so that we can give maximum attention to detail and provide the best possible experience for each and every client. We will be in touch every step of the way!
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A: It depends on what look you are going for. How do you want your shoot to look and feel? Lingerie is not a must, don’t be afraid to get creative! This is part of what your homework assignment is for, to get you looking for inspiration and thinking about what wardrobe best conveys your vision. Feel free to bring your favorite pieces from your closet and we will help you style them. Or consider artistic nudes for a low maintenance (and free!) wardrobe option. At the end of the day, bring items that fit well and make you feel pretty- we will take it from there.
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A: Yes, with the exception of our “build your own” base session (in which case, you may add on site services to your session or we have plenty of wonderful and convenient referrals for off site options). Unless you know how to do supermodel hair and makeup on yourself, we strongly recommend using a professional. Professional hair and makeup artists know how to adjust for the professional lighting set ups and post production contrast adjustments to help best show off your beauty.
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A: Photo Retouching is an essential tool used in the creation of our imagery and is included on any images that are ordered (albums, wall art, basically anything that leaves the studio). Retouching includes skin perfection, ovarall image enhancement and a little something I like to call 'Photoshop Spanx'. That being said we are artists, not surgeons, and we use these tools both responsibly and ethically. We always want you to look at a photo and see yourself, not an unattainable and unrecognizable version of you.
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A: YES!!! You are the woman who NEEDS to do this! It’s not your job to be “photogenic” or “good in front of the camera”. Leave that to us! We are experts at what we do. We have photographed woman of all shapes, backgrounds and ages. It is the celebration of self, along with a healthy dose of confidence, that creates beautiful images. EVERYONE is nervous. Everyone. Relax, we got you! We will coach you through the entire shoot with poses that flatter your body to guarantee you look your absolute best- it’s like a game of Simon Says mixed with a Yoga class. You may feel silly during, you will definitely feel sore after, you will wonder how it could possibly look pretty- and then you will see your photos. Real beauty comes from within. A boudoir session is the perfect opportunity to embrace yourself and celebrate your body, and the best person to be gifting that to is YOU.
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A: The only people present at your shoot will be you, the photographer, the assistant and your hair and makeup artists. While the actual the shoot is in progress, just you and your photographers will be present. While I do not recommend it, you may bring a friend for support if you feel strongly that you need them- but they will not be allowed to observe the actual shoot. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible imagery and we find that easier to accomplish when you are relaxed and concentrated on your shoot- without additional eyes to make you feel nervous or self conscience.
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A: Absolutely! There is no limit to the amount of images or product that you can purchase. We can also customize any package for you.
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A: Yes. Because we truly believe that every woman should have this experience, we do offer payment plans- customizable for up to 6 months from your shoot date.
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A: In short, no. Unretouched photographs are not representative of our brand, style and the quality of work we produce. Retouching is essential to the creation of our final art pieces. Decisions made during shooting are based on what we know we can manipulate in post production, retouching is a critical part of our work flow. As such, to protect our reputation and brand, we do not sell or release unedited images.
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A: The booking process is simple! We collect some basic information from you for your contract, find an available date and time that works for your shoot and send a proposal your way. There is a 50%, non refundable, deposit due on acceptance of contract and the remainder of the balance is due three business days prior to your shoot. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and personal check.
*Please Note: Our pricing is subject to change. We will not honor past pricing unless your shoot has been booked and your deposit paid. Thank you for your understanding!