Do I have to get naked or wear lingerie? You have both boudoir and glamour portraits on your website, do I have to choose one style or the other? 

Your shoot is all about you and what you want to express! That’s why we’ll have a consultation over the phone (or email or in person) ahead of time to figure out what you’re looking for. You can be as tame or racy, as clothed or unclothed, as you’d like. If you’re getting one of the packages that contains multiple sets/outfits, you’re welcome to mix it up if you’d like by shooting some straightforward portraits (that you can use on LinkedIn or Facebook, for example), followed by elegant glamour portraits (that you can display on a wall at home), followed by boudoir looks. Or any combination of the above! Your shoot is your own!

Do I have to be a model or know how to pose to have my picture taken?

Absolutely not! Almost all of our clients are real women who have never done this before. Lori will direct you on posing and expression, and use all the techniques of poses, lighting and retouching to have you looking your best. Lori’s been working with women for 20 years, and knows how to work with all body types and ages. We promise, we’ll walk you through the whole process!

I’m a size 16. Do you work with larger women? I’m 50 years old. Do you work with older women?

We  work with all the wonderful shapes, sizes and ages of women, and know how to pose and light you appropriately to bring out the best features and hide any flaws. You will look glamorous and beautiful, but still yourself!

If I don’t want a makeup artist, can I pay less for my sitting fee?

No, we always include the hair/makeup artist because we feel it is essential for this type of photography. Our makeup artists are trained to do makeup specifically for photography, and the look that we achieve in our photographs is due in part to her work.

Why are your prices so expensive?

This is not only a good question, it’s a very important one!

The phrase “you get what you pay for” is never truer than with boudoir and glamour photography. I’ve been a professional photographer for 20 years, with the bulk of my career shooting primarily glamour and boudoir. I’ve worked with professional and adult industry models, and my photography has been featured on TV, radio, and in magazines and art books. I’ve also taught workshops all over the country specifically in this skill. My experience is reflected in my pricing.

Besides all the technical photographic knowledge, however, knowing how to pose women for boudoir is probably the single most important skill to have for this job, especially when dealing with “real” women with real bodies (in other words, not models), and it’s a skill that can take years to develop. There’s also a skill to making everyone comfortable in this rather intimate setting, regardless of their age, shape, or personality type.

I’ve been doing this a long time, and know how to best pose and light for all ages and body types, as well as how to let all personalities feel comfortable and shine. No matter who the client is when they show up at my door to shoot, I am ready to give them beautiful images and a wonderful experience!

The other reasons for the high prices, of course, have to do with the inclusion of professional hair and makeup, as well as all of the “behind the scenes” work we do such as designing and setting up the studio for your boudoir session, consulting with you before and after your shoot, spending hours retouching, designing albums, and dealing with professional photo labs and other industry vendors. Actually, there are usually far more hours spent behind the scenes for any given shoot, than during the shoot itself!

How far in advance do I need to book my shoot?

That will depend on a few factors, particularly the time of year. Our busy season generally starts a few months before the holidays and goes until Valentine’s Day. During that time you may need to book your boudoir session a month or more out if you want a weekend date (it’s easier if you want a weekday slot). During the non-holiday season you can usually get in much more quickly. We are available for shoots 7 days a week.

Do you provide the wardrobe or do I need to bring my own?

Please bring your own, and don’t forget shoes and any accessories you might want. I used to have a selection of wardrobe on hand but no longer do so. This is because my clients rarely used it, preferring instead to bring their own, and l decided it was no longer worth keeping my wardrobe up to date and in fashion. If you have specific questions about what to bring or where to buy it, however, please feel free to ask. I’m more than happy to talk about it!

Can I bring a friend? Boyfriend? Husband? Sister? Children? Pets?

Yes, yes, yes, yes, no, possibly. Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to come to the shoot with you, but absolutely no children younger than that. We do, however, strongly discourage bringing your husband or boyfriend to the shoot for a variety of reasons, largely because they tend to be back seat drivers of the photo shoot which does not work well. If you’d like, you are welcome to invite your significant other to joint you at the end of the shoot for a few quick couples shots. It may be possible to bring a pet as part of your photo shoot – please inquire.

What if I need a drink first?

For liability reasons, I do ask that you not bring any alcohol with you to the shoot. And though I know it can be tempting to have a glass of champagne or wine beforehand to help you relax, if you do, please do so in extreme moderation. Otherwise, your eyes will get glassy and your movements sloppy for posing. Also, I know I don’t have to say it, but please don’t drink and drive.

Will you be posting my pictures on the internet or selling them to anyone else?

Absolutely not! All of the women shown on our website have given us permission to use their images. If we do not ask for and get your permission (and a signed model release), we will not post your images anywhere. And if you do give your permission, and later change your mind, just let us know and we will take them offline immediately. Please see our privacy policy.

Should I get a tan before my photo shoot?

First of all, don’t use tanning beds. You already know that, right? And honestly, an even skin tone in any shade is most preferable, including (if not most of all) beautiful porcelain skin. As for spray tanning, just like with hair cuts and coloring, we recommend that you not try anything new prior to the shoot. If you don’t normally tan, don’t suddenly do it just for the shoot. You don’t want any surprises right before your appointment. If you do regularly tan, do so a few days prior to the shoot so it has a chance to “settle down.” Also, be aware that it is not possible to remove tan lines in retouching. We can blend them a bit, but not erase them. (Sometimes tan lines are fun and sexy though!)

What types of imagery are you willing to shoot? How “racy” can I be?

As you can probably tell a little bit from looking through my galleries, I’m comfortable with everything from fully tame to completely nude, to fetish garb, and even a “50 Shades” theme. Believe me when I tell you, I’ve shot it all (I shot adult models in Los Angeles, remember?). The only thing I don’t shoot is overt sexual activity. If you’re interested in something on the edgier side, please don’t hesitate to discuss your ideas with me.

Where will my photo shoot take place and who will be present?

Unless we’ve arranged ahead of time for a location shoot, all sessions will take place at my lovely store front studio in Wilmington, Delaware. It’s a women-only set, with just Lori, the make-up artist, you and whoever you might bring with you.