FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
One thing that stops us from stepping out of our comfort zone and trying new things is fear of the unknown. So here are a few frequently asked questions and common statements that I have heard before and answered for other clients who were once in your shoes...and considering a photo shoot with me.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR LINGERIE FOR MY BOUDOIR EXPERIENCE?
Simply put...this is your photo shoot, so you can wear whatever you like. Maybe that’s sexy lingerie and a pout…but maybe it’s a cosy cardigan and a smile. You can be naked or fully dressed. As much as I encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone...I also want to make sure you feel comfortable. If that means keeping your clothes on...do that! We will work together to choose the outfits that are right for YOU!
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO WEAR?
Wear nothing!! Hehe...just kidding...although, that is totally an option if you’d like!
As part of the planning process of your experience, before you even come into the studio, we will schedule a closet consultation on zoom so that we can go through your closet and the studio client closet. There’s definitely plenty of options in the studio client closet (XS - XXXL and various styles)...and there’s probably even something in your own closet that you didn’t even consider. Shopping can be fun (if you like that sort of thing) but it’s not absolutely necessary.
I DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT BODY!
As you can see in the pictures all over my website, I have experience photographing women of all shapes and sizes, because there is beauty in every woman and every body deserves to be celebrated. We put far too much emphasis on our weight and clothing size, and I often hear “I need to lose 10lbs first”.
If you need to lose weight because of your health, then I support you, but your weight has absolutely nothing to do with your beauty. YOU are beautiful just as you are...and with the right outfits, posing and lighting, you will see that beauty!
I’M TOO OLD FOR BOUDOIR!
Absolutely not! Who put an age limit on beauty?!
If you love to have fun, go on adventures, celebrate and feel beautiful...this is for you...regardless of your age! I’ve always seen age as just a number and every number is worth a celebration...because we just never know when our time is up. Do whatever makes your heart happy...whenever that may be.
My oldest client so far was 90 years old. She didn’t do boudoir in the ‘typical’ lingerie way...but she did feel beautiful in the outfits that she chose for her milestone celebration. The majority of my clients are in their 50s or 60s and have LOVED every minute of this adventure.
I’M NOT PHOTOGENIC!!
Did you know that being photogenic has nothing to do with what you look like on camera and everything to do with how comfortable you feel in front of it. I can hear you say >> “yes...but Emma...I’m not comfortable either”. That’s because you haven’t had your photograph taken by the right person yet. It’s important that you feel comfortable and a connection with the person behind the camera...your photographer. And I’ve got some good news for you...I’ve been told that my super power is making people feel comfortable as soon as they meet me! When you feel relaxed...you will look relaxed...you will look beautiful...you will feel photogenic! Besides...I will be coaching you through every pose, movement and expression, so you won’t be left not knowing what to do!
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOUDOIR & BRANDING?
Branding is for the purpose of your success in business...while boudoir is for the success of your life overall.
Personal or professional branding is designed to capture your true essence so that your clients can feel like they know you before they have met...and so that you can attract the ‘right’ clients for your business.
Boudoir is designed to boost your confidence and give you the opportunity to see yourself as the beyouty that you are.
Whether it’s boudoir or branding (or a bit of both)...your experience is all about celebrating yourself and allowing yourself to shine. Your outfit choices are generally different, although, not always.
DO I HAVE TO BOOK IN FOR HAIR & MAKEUP?
Hair & makeup is not mandatory, although it is included in most of the packages. If you create your own adventure from the a la carte menu...you do not have to choose professional hair & makeup. You can choose to do it yourself (or choose another professional) and come ready...or you can choose to wear none or minimal. The choice is always yours as this is your experience.
The reason that hair & makeup is included in most of the packages is because it is the perfect opportunity for you to relax, and for the two of us to chat and get to know each other even more prior to stepping in front of the camera. When I do your hair & makeup, I can do it as simple and natural as you like...or super glam. False lashes are always included (unless you are allergic to the glue) because they really do finish off every look and enhance your eyes!
WHERE DOES EVERYTHING TAKE PLACE?
I am located west of Stony Plain (east of Wabamun) in Alberta, Canada. I have a designated private studio space in my home, as well as access to my home living space, if requested...and ten acres of private secluded land. However, if you would prefer to venture out and about...in the city, a nearby lake, the mountains or anywhere around the world...we can do that too! I’m always up for an adventure, whether we’re home or away!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
I want to make sure that my clients don’t feel rushed (me neither)...so I don’t actually put a time limit on your session. The limit is the amount of outfits, which is 4. Everyone’s comfort levels are different. Some ease into their experience easily and naturally, where as others need a little extra time to settle in. There’s no right or wrong and it takes as long as it takes. Having said that, it usually takes about 4 - 6 hours or so. Our day will start at 11am (10am on a retreat day), but I can be flexible on start time as long it is before noon.
WHEN WILL I GET TO SEE MY PICTURES?
Waiting to see your images can leave you feeling just as nervous as when you walked into the studio. I want this day to be super empowering and exciting. I want you to go home feeling on a complete high. That’s why you get to see them the same day as your shoot!
Once we’ve finished having fun in front of the camera...and we’ve gone through your 4 outfit choices...it’s time for a bite to eat (and bit of bubbly, if you wish). This gives you the opportunity to just relax and have some ‘me’ time...and it gives me the opportunity to cull through your images, removing any duplicates or blinky eyes, etc. Then it’s reveal time!! You get to go through your images and choose your favourites.
WILL MY PICTURES BE AIRBRUSHED?
This experience is all about accepting and loving the wonderful woman that you already are. For that reason, I do not airbrush the photos. I want to keep them as natural as possible because I want you to see your beauty...your worth. Let’s be rebels and go against what society expects us to do. I will not remove tattoos or wrinkles or give you a tummy-tuck...or anything else of that nature. Just be you! If you have bruises, grazes or pimples...I will remove those since they are temporary. But anything that makes up who you are will be left as it is. If there is anything on your body that you are insecure about, we will have a conversation and decide how we are going to tackle it. Posing, lighting and outfits work wonders...and are way better than photoshop!
WILL MY PICTURES END UP ON THE INTERNET?
All photographs you see on my website and social media are clients (or ambassadors) who have given me signed consent to share their images. If you do not sign a photo release form, I do not use your images for anything, online or printed. Of course, I am always happy when I am given permission, because seeing ‘real women’ in my portfolio helps future clients say YES too! If you would rather keep your images private...I fully respect that.
