You've booked, now what?

You've booked, now what? ☆

The Boudoir experience

with Michael Jacobs

black and white photo of makeup artist in braids applying blush
close up of image of a bra from honey birdette lingerie company in cream

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.

woman in a blue bra resting her head on a velvet chair in a baroque music room with sunlight pouring in.
a studio in New York city with red gels and a model seated at a couch
a model standing with her back to the camera in a dining room with a wood floor
black and white image of a makeup artist applying makeup to a model
different makeup blushes in golden hour sunlight

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.

a razor with shaving cream sitting on the counter of a bathroom

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.

woman with bangs standing in a white lace dress
blond woman wearing a necklace in a straw chair
pregnant brunette woman holding a lace blanket in the bathroom

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.

Photographer pointing camera at model sitting in a chair

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.

woman lying in chair in blue lingerie

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.

Black and white image of a woman holding a polaroid camera toward herself

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