4 Tips For Hiring A Boudoir Photographer + What To Avoid!


If you’ve been thinking about hiring an Orlando boudoir photographer, there are some important factors to be considered before finalizing your arrangements and setting up your photo shoot. 


Boudoir photography is an investment in yourself — in more ways than one. A little bit of consideration in each of these areas will go a long way in making sure you have an amazing experience. Some of these may seem self evident, but it’s still a good checklist to make sure you have everything in place to get the results you want. 


I believe there are four major things you should consider before hiring an Orlando boudoir photographer. Read on below!

1. Boudoir Portfolio


You should first consider their portfolioIt’s pretty simple, really — do you like their images? 


Every photographer will have a different creative style and there are varying levels of technical expertise.  The great thing about photography is that it is all on display for you to decide. 

  • Do you like their style? The colors? The black and whites? 
  • Do you like their editing style? Does skin look natural to you or porcelain doll-like?
  • Do you want studio-like images (e.g. black background) or a natural background? Does the photographer have the ability to do both?
  • Does their portfolio include a wide range of styles or just a few?
  • Do they focus on boudoir and have a passion for it…or is it just one of many things they shoot?

So there's a lot to consider, but sometimes it’s as easy as a quick look at a portfolio and a yay or nay. 


By and large, what you really want in a photographer is competence -- and there is no better way to determine that than by looking at their portfolio. 


Moreover, the images in a portfolio should give you a pretty good idea of the quality of images you will be getting too.

2. Referrals & Reviews


It’s hard to beat a good referral from a friend. 


A friend can fill you in on their experience and what you can expect as well.


A good photographer will understand this and do everything in their power to make your experience amazing so you can rave about it to your friends. 


Since getting a first hand referral from a friend might not be possible, you can also get a sense of the overall boudoir experience through reading online (Google) reviews and testimonials.

3. Communication Style


Communication is big part of boudoir photography because the photographer will essentially be directing you through the photo shoot. 


Here’s a pro tip — the process of feeling comfortable and at ease during your photo shoot begins long before your session date. In fact, it begins the first time you communicate, whether it is through a web inquiry, email, text, phone call or video chat. 


Each point of contact prior to your photo shoot should feel natural and flow seamlessly. Great pre-shoot communication (like you are talking to a friend) sets the stage for how smoothly your session will go. 


Much like viewing a portfolio, your gut will tell you if it feels right or not.

4. Professionalism

When you are paying for a professional service you expect…well…professional service. 


There are basic fundamentals any professional should be able to handle, and a boudoir photographer should be no different:

  • Are your emails or inquiries being answered in a timely manner?
  • Do you have an idea of how they price their work?
  • Are the rest of your questions being answered to your satisfaction? 

How professional the photographer handles themselves prior to the shoot lays the groundwork for what you can expect the day of your shoot and afterwards. This includes if your session begins on time, how any unforeseen issues are handled, and if finished images are delivered as expected.  


While most photographers don’t have the luxury of a full time staff to handle the details, a professional will get things done and deliver as expected.


If you think about it, hiring a boudoir photographer isn't dissimilar to hiring any other kind of professional.


The things you want to avoid are similar to what you would avoid with other businesses:

  • Evidence of poor quality or uninspiring work.
  • Poor quality reviews.
  • Lack of clear communication prior to your shoot date.
  • Bad gut feeling. Trust your gut if anything feels 'off.'

The bottom line is you want to know whether the photographer is capable of producing the kind of results worthy of your hard-earned money. You want to know if the total experience will be safe, fun, and everything you want it to be.


To make sure this happens, do a little homework prior to your photo shoot to make sure you've found the best possible photographer for you!


Want more tips to help with your decision process?  Check out the following articles: What Boudoir Photography Really Is: A Guide for the Hesitant Bride, and Is Boudoir Photography Safe? 5 Tips You Need To Know!

My goal as a boudoir photographer is to transcend mere imagery, and embody a powerful journey of self-empowerment and personal transformation. With over five years of experience working with women of all shapes, sizes, and ages, I've dedicated myself to celebrating individuality and silencing the inner critic through each personalized photo session. Join me in this empowering adventure!

Patrick Michael

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