You've booked, now what?
☆
You've booked, now what? ☆
The Boudoir experience
with Michael Jacobs
It starts with a phone call…or maybe a text/email. I know us millenials and gen z are afraid of the phone.
Seriously though, we will have the first of few conversations to discuss your boudoir experience. Nobody has ever just booked me and shown up on shoot day. That experience doesn’t exist. What does exist is a professional relationship we build together. I try and understand your needs and listen to what you think you might want to create.
And it’s completely fine if you have absolutely no clue on what you actually want. That’s partly my job to help you figure out. Text on websites is seriously annoying so I’ll briefly touch on that we will go over the setting and location of your shoot, makeup and hair necessities, introduce you to the makeup artist, wardrobe, and most importantly the boundaries of your comfort level.
Yes, this is the most important knowledge to understand for your shoot. We discuss absolutely everything involving your comfort level BEFORE you step in front of the lens. We do not photograph anything that we haven’t discussed prior. There are no surprises.
You are the person that controls the narrative.
You control the “spiciness” of the session.
You control what is photographed.
I just facilitate that experience.
Where do boudoir experiences happen?
Boudoir, n: woman's bedroom or private room. I’m sorry to say that this isn’t the only place these sessions happens. Simply a boudoir shoot is no longer relegated to the bedroom. I’ve photographed on farms, the woods, magical mountain tops, studios, airbnbs, and boutique hotels. Your session can literally happen anywhere, even your own home. Still waiting for that Times Square boudoir shoot though. Just kidding, Times Square is awful.
Understanding your skin
Wow, that almost sounds like a serial killer. No serial killers here, just makeup and hair artists. With some minor exceptions I don’t allow people to do their own makeup. Why?You probably aren’t as good as you think you are. I know, way harsh Mike.Also, why would you want to sit there and worry about your foundation being blended correctly or burning yourself with a curling iron?This is supposed to be a day of pampering not you rushing! The licensed cosmetologists will contact you before the shoot(usually a week) to discuss your specific makeup look.
To shave or not to shave…?
I know Hamlet was thinking this very thing when launching into his speech. The answer is quite simple. Don’t do anything you normally wouldn’t like to see or do. Grooming trends will change with the wind. Be you. If you normally shave, shave. If you normally wax, wax*. If you normally do nothing, do nothing.
*A modest tip. If considering waxing for the first time absolutely don’t try and do it the day before your shoot. Waxing should be done a week or so prior to minimize any redness or bumps that might appear.
Wardrobe
Wardrobe doesn’t have to be lingerie. It can be a piece of fabric or even tin foil. There’s a story for another day but we take time to discuss the different “pieces” you’ll be wearing during the shoot. I want to make sure it matches the motif of what you’re going for. Picking items that make you feel good will shine through. You can always bring more options and we can decide the day of the shoot.
The Photoshoot
“My core and legs were sore for days after the shoot. It’s the most fun workout you can do in your underwear!”
-Chaya M.
You’ll receive a handy guide prior to the shoot to tell you what you can do to be kind to yourself in the days before your shoot. Hint, it involves water and sleep. I’ll always ask that you come dressed in sweats and please do not wear any undergarments with underwire. Underwire is the devil. My photoshopping skills are great but we don’t need to waste time on that. We will chat a little bit, form a game plan, get you into hair and makeup, and get the music pumping!
Did someone say cocktail?
Every deluxe boudoir experience comes with your choice of 1 mocktail, cocktail, or complimentary champagne. Yes, that’s random, a mixologist at your boudoir shoot. I did say my experience was different.
Stretching is important
As you can see boudoir sessions are a workout and most of them start out like this. Thanks for stretching with me Mary!
Mike and a client stretching before a photoshoot with music playing in the background.
Behind and in front of the camera
After a quick stretch and dance we get right into the session. I reserve the first 50 of our shots as “warm up shot.” Generally, we are just getting the vibe and flow of the shoot and I am usually yelling at my Spotify playlist because it’s playing the wrong song. Though I may be goofy everything is meticulously mapped out so we can maximize our session together. I let you review some of the images on the back of the camera so you can understand what you look like and how I’m photographing you.
Trust the process
Remember, your comfort is my comfort. I tend to use longer lenses so I’m not in your personal space. If I have to get closer, I will let you know verbally before I do. Have a hair in the way? I generally ask the makeup artist if it’s okay to touch you. Clients should never be touched by anyone.
Mandatory Fun
More dancing and posing will happen. You’ll be able to take a break to refuel whenever you need. I’ll be your biggest cheerleader and get so excited about the images we create.
All my makeup artists generally stick around for the entire shoot for touch ups and to help with any wardrobe issues. You’re always in the company of a team that is rooting for you. We are always asking, how are you doing and feeling? By the end of the shoot you have a sore core(a common statement) and a happy heart knowing that you’ve made incredible images that will last you a lifetime.
I know you have more questions and that’s okay!
Please don’t hesitate to send me a message here or visit the FAQ down below. The investments tabs will bring you to my base service pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You are required to buy nothing for your boudoir session. New clothes or garments can feel funny and possibly uncomfortable if you haven’t worn them a lot.
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Your privacy and comfort is my first concern. I am aware of the sensitive nature of boudoir and can understand the need for privacy.
I do ask every client if they are interested in allowing me to use some of their images for marketing/social media. This is always in writing and nothing will be shared unless I am given your written consent. Your photos are safely backed up on my home server and encrypted in a hidden gallery that you only have access to. Once you download the photos they are deleted from that server.
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Many photographers have different ways of going about revealing your photos. Here is what I do. A couple days(up to 5) after the shoot you will receive a proof gallery. This gallery has images from the shoot that have been color corrected and sharpened. From that batch you will pick the amount in your package and I will retouch them. This process generally takes two weeks. Expedited services are available for additional fees and if you are creating a physical album an additional two weeks will be needed.
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The short answer is, yes. The long answer is that I want you to be comfortable and if you have someone that makes you comfortable I want them there too. I only suggest that they do not interfere with the actual shoot. They can be your cheerleader but that’s where their influence should stop.
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To an extent, yes. I have been testing out video footage from various boudoir sessions over the last couple of years. My video is a bit less polished so think of it more as a BTS video than a fully cinematic experience. Though my cameras do capture you in all your 4k glory.