Your Questions

Please feel free to call or email the boudoir studio at any time, if you have questions. We are here to assist you and help you feel comfortable.

What is boudoir photography? 

Boudoir photography is a photographic style featuring intimate, sensual, romantic, and sometimes erotic images of its subjects in a photographic studio, bedroom or private dressing room environment, primarily intended for the private enjoyment of the subjects and their romantic partners. It is distinct from glamour and nude photography in that it is usually more suggestive rather than explicit in its approach to nudity and sexuality, features subjects who do not regularly model, and produces images that are not intended to be seen by a wide audience, but rather to remain under the control of the subject. (Wikipedia)

“Will my photographs appear on the Internet or anywhere else without my permission?”

The clients you see on our website have given Intimate Photography permission to display their photographs. Your photographs are completely confidential and for your own use. We have a very private studio and we pride ourselves on our confidentiality.

“But I don’t know how to pose.”

If you have never had a professional photo shoot don’t worry. Our photographer is there to coach you every step of the way with poses and expressions. You will feel like a model when you leave!

“Can I bring photographs and poses from other studios or websites for you to copy?”

At Intimate Photography we have our own unique style. Please don’t ask us to copy another photographer’s work. Be sure and go through our galleries to be sure we are the studio that meets your needs before booking your session. You’ve reviewed the web site and chosen your photographer wisely. Trust that your photographs will look amazing!

“Do I have to bring my own outfits?”

You are welcome to bring all of your own clothing, a few pieces from home or nothing from home. We have a nice variety of wardrobe, shoes and jewelry for your convenience. Most clients find more than enough outfits to wear. However, we are not a lingerie store or shoe store. We do not guarantee that you will find all three of your outfits in our collection. If you are hard to fit or overly critical, we encourage you to bring at least 3 of your own outfits. Our wardrobe is pristine and laundered after every client. (Click here to see a list of our wardrobe.)

“How long does it take for my photographs to be ready?”

 The Image Reveal and Ordering appointment will be scheduled a week to ten days after your session. You will meet with the photographer to view your custom designed slideshow with your amazing portraits and decide on your favorites. Depending on which album, calendar or package you choose, your order may be ready within a week to two weeks. Other packages and albums take a bit longer. Rush service is available upon request for a small fee.

“What forms of payment do you accept?”

We gladly accept Cash, Venmo, PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover or ATM. Payment plans are not available at this time.

“May I bring a friend to the session?”

Please don’t invite family or friends to your session without checking with the studio first. The process works best for the photographer to work one on one with each client. However, if you are driving from out of town, feel free to have a girlfriend come with you. Let the studio know in advance. No men are allowed in the studio during the session.

“Should I tan before my session?”

Once you reserve your session, you be emailed an extensive prep guide that will answer your tanning questions and SO much more!

“I’m not exactly at my goal weight, should I wait until I lose a few pounds?”

With lighting, posing, and wardrobe selection those 5 or 10 pounds won’t matter. Your boudoir session is about accentuating the parts of your body you love-what you like about your body-what your partner likes. It could be your hair, the curve of your back, your lips, your booty, your legs, or your eyes? Your partner loves you the way you are! Just ask!  Setting health goals for your session is great! Go to the gym, tone your arms, whiten your teeth, lose or gain weight if that what makes you feel more confident-BUT it’s not necessary! Celebrate who you are now. Sometimes we focus on what we aren’t instead of celebrating who we are.  (Those problem areas you just can’t love…don’t worry, we know how to conceal them. And there’s always retouching.)   The perfect time for a boudoir session is now!

Do you do editing on the photos?

Light retouching to soften skin is included in your session fee. Extensive retouching including removing blemishes, scars, uneven skin tone, tan lines, wrinkles and light body shaping is available for $8 per image.

“How do I know you will have my size clothing?”

We have various sizes from 2 to 6X. We ask our curvy clients to bring a supportive black bra and panties. If you feel more comfortable wearing your own clothing, please feel free to do so. Our shoes range from size 5-11. If in doubt, please call the studio for more information. Click here to see our wardrobe selection.

What if I don’t have a special someone to give the album to?

Many of our clients have a man or woman to give this intimate gift to. First and foremost they are gift you give yourself! To remind you at this time in your life how beautiful you are. It’s more than just a photo session it’s an experience every woman should have. 

“How revealing do I have to be?”

How revealing or conservative you want to be is up to you. Some clients do a variety of boudoir photos, some for “his eyes only”‘ and one for his desk at the office. We offer nudes or semi-nudes, if requested. Our clients tell us they are much more relaxed with our female boudoir photographer and can be more open to trying more sensuous poses. At your pre-session consultation we can discuss the poses you feel most comfortable with.

“What if I don’t like any of the photographs?”

With several clothing changes and a variety of poses, clients usually find images they are happy with. We do our best to make sure we get the perfect expressions and poses to bring out your best features. Our minimum package includes 10 photographs. Most clients purchase between 20-30 images. However, if you are not satisfied with your portraits, you are not obligated to purchase a selection. 

“I don’t like a lot of make-up.”

Know that your hair and make-up are as important to us as they are to you. The professional make-up artist will discuss with you a look that is just right for your photographs. We want you to love the way you look, whether it’s a “natural” or “dramatic” look. Our session allows you to apply your own make-up and style your own hair, if you choose that option. (Learn more about hair and make up.)

“I’m nervous. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

We find that once our clients meet our staff, make their wardrobe selections and have their hair and make-up done, they feel a lot more relaxed and ready to enjoy their boudoir photo session. If you are still nervous talk to us and we can help!

“Can I purchase a gift certificate?”

Gift certificates can be purchased in any dollar amount. Some clients prefer to purchase a boudoir session, while others choose to purchase the boudoir session and a selected package. Please call in advance, so we can have it ready for you.

Do you have a minimum purchase? 

Yes, our minimum purchase is $395 for our “Little Black Book” album with 10- 4×6 images. With so many photos to select from, our clients always find images they love. (See our price list.)

How is Intimate Photography different from other boudoir photo studios?

• Your session is completely private with only you and the photographer in the studio.
• Your photographs will never be shared anywhere without your written permission.
• You will feel completely comfortable with our female staff-just check out our Yelp and Google reviews.
• Barbara, our photographer, has years of experience working with all women and knows all the great poses to highlight the features you and (your guy) like and the poses to hide the areas you aren’t as comfortable with.
• Intimate Photography is the only studio in San Diego that creates cool silhouette poses that look great with all body types.
• No need to purchase lingerie for your session. We have corsets, bra and panty sets, and lace lingerie dresses to select from in all sizes. (See our wardrobe selections.)
• You don’t have to worry about anything! Barbara will direct you every step of the way… from your wardrobe selection to the actual poses.
• At your in person Image Reveal and ordering appointment, you will see all of your wonderful images set to music in a slide show you won’t forget.
• There are no hidden fees or surprises when you select your photographs. Our price list is extensive and easy to understand. There’s something for everyone! (View our price list.)