“Wow, you are way too expensive, that’s absolutely ridiculous!”

“Oh Jesus, you are completely robbing people, you should be ashamed of yourself for charging so much!”

“Nevermind, I can go to the picture people and get the exact same thing for SO much cheaper!”

These are just SOME of the examples of comments I’ve received over the years from people who inquire about their own Boudoir Experience.
I’ve been called every name in the book by people who don’t agree with my pricing.
You know what I’ve got to say to that? GOOD.

These types of people who send me nasty comments because they are unhappy with the way I run my business aren’t my people.
My people understand how much work goes into what I do.
My people know the value that I give.
My people get that there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes.

But this got me thinking… many people really and truly don’t understand why Boudoir Photography is so “Expensive” – and even though “expensive” is a relative term, I thought I’d better cover this topic in order to educate!

ONE; It is the most intimate form of photography.

Boudoir isn’t a cake walk. It isn’t something any photographer can just pick up and instantly be amazing at.
Why?
Because with Boudoir, you are dealing with mound of insecurities, abuse, hatred, body image, etc.
You have your clients self esteem in the palm of your hand.

You have a responsibility to help your clients feel comfortable being in little to no clothing.
You have a responsibility to bring out their personality in these intimate photographs.
You have a responsibility to show your client through your art, that they are beautiful just the way they are.

In other words… you really need to know your shit and have experience with photographing all types of women to back it up.
And yes, with Boudoir, you need a photographer who has EXPERIENCE. Not a new photographer who needs to practice.

TWO; We provide a safe, and comfortable environment within my studio.

It’s not enough to have fuzzy blankets, pretty lingerie, and awesome hair and makeup… you need to feel COMFORTABLE.
I want you to come in, relax, and feel like you are just hanging out with your girlfriends.
I want you to feel safe to explore your sensuality as a woman and really reconnect with yourself. (I know that sounds dirty, but I don’t mean it that way, hehe!)
I want you to leave the studio with your head held high, and a stronger sense of badassery.
Within my studio walls is love, acceptance, and non-judgement.

We are breaking down any stereotypical “walls” and pre-conceived ideas of what is acceptable and what is not.  We embrace and celebrate the beauty in all of our babes, all different body types, all different styles and personalities.  Everyone that comes through our studio door is distinctly unique and because of that, there is no cookie-cutter way to provide the experience that is Boudoir.  

THREE; Knowledge and Experience.

We are conscious of building self-esteem, and promoting self awareness and acceptance even in those who feel unsure about their sensuality and their own beauty.  One of the ways we do this is by knowing all different body types and what works best for each shape. 
We are not a one size fits all, we are all unique and different, and knowing the lingerie and styles that compliment you best is what I am good at!  

I also have over 15 years of experience in the photography world. I know my camera like the back of my hand, I’ve photographed over 3,000 women in my career, I know what I am doing, and that’s incredibly important when it comes to Boudoir. You can fake it till you make it through other types of photography, but NOT Boudoir.

FOUR; I’m not just a photographer…

I’m not just a photographer.
I’m a cheerleader, a therapist, a friend, a shoulder to lean on, and a support system.

So many of my clients who are on the edge of full self hatred have left their experience telling me that this one day has done more for their self esteem than years of therapy has ever done for them.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t claim to be a licensed therapist… but I do know that sometimes what some women need to someone to listen, and to see them… to TRULY SEE them. 

I am here to cheer you on, to show you what you thought you could never do, is actually something you CAN do, I’m here to boost you up, and to show you that you are a damn goddess, a dream, a sexy MF.

FIVE; You are paying for someone who understands where you are standing. 

By that I mean, I used to be there. In a dark place of self-loathing and despising my body.
I know what it’s like to look in the mirror and cry my eyes out.
I know what it’s like to not get out of bed in the morning because the emotionally taxing moment of figuring out what to wear is just too much.
I know what it’s like to walk by a building and accidentally catch my reflection and try to hold it together.  

I pulled myself out of that dark place in high school and have been working towards loving myself ever since.
It wasn’t easy, and it took a long time.

But I honestly feel that since I taught myself how to love me, I taught myself how to use a camera, and I taught myself everything I know… I am the perfect person to build YOU up as well, because I know you. I understand you. I’m here for you.

SIX; I don’t offer cheap products to display your images.

Last but not least, the curated products that I’ve found over the years that I carefully chose to display your gorgeous images, prints, metals, etc… they are NOT cheap.
They will not break easily, they will not rip by touching them, they will stand the test of time.
My beautiful handmade albums and hand stitched, my heirloom boxes are sanded, and stained by hand, and my leather envelopes and carefully created by hand.

My products are top notch and meant to last generations.
You cannot simply go to Costco and print your photos with the same quality.

You can also rest easy knowing your products are being handled by boudoir photography ONLY labs whom I went the step further to have contracts with.
You never know when you print your intimate photographs from Costco or target who’s hands they will end up in.
Privacy is of the utmost importance to me.

Keep in mind, none of what I listed above even included all the boring stuff like how much my gear costs, how much my taxes cost, how much my studio costs, all the costs that go into owning my business, etc. These five things alone make the investment in yourself 100% worth it.

You are worthy of putting yourself first, for once.
So no more waiting, no more excuses. DIVE IN.