Or why are you cheap? Or what it’s the difference between boudoir photographers packages? Or why should I pay a regular price when I can get a groupon?
So hey! I know people look around- google Boudoir Photography Toronto and get a ton of pages- some you have to email to get the price list- hmm–. I have it all out in the open.
I consider myself middle range. Not too cheap, not too expensive. But people have asked me how I price myself in a very competitive boudoir market. It seems all of the sudden there are 144,000 results when you google boudoir photographers to choose from – yeah- you have fun.
There are a couple of things to consider in the price.
– Location:
Portrait Studio: A lot of photographers have really nice studios. So if you prefer to have a clean background and professional lighting everywhere, go for it. The pin up shoots look great on a clean background as well. The disadvantages are that there is usually no bed, and it can be a little awkward just to stand there.
Hotel Room: And there are the photographers that offer Marathons. They rent a hotel room and shoot several appointments in one day to be cost effective or sometimes they ask the client to book it, adding to the actual package price.
Boudoir Set: Some actually have the hotel room thing going in their studio. Which makes sense. Less clutter, a bed, different backdrops.
I cheat here. I am saving you money by shooting out of my place. I rent my neighbours bedroom and have the backdrops- lighting- white sheets, hide all the clutter.
Yes, it is a bit weird you are coming into a stranger’s apartment to take your clothes off, but hey- at least it’s not a basement. And if you like to live on the edge I am pretty sure you’ve done it before eh? wink wink. oh, the slutty memories. ahem.
My place looks currently like this:
– The Make up options:
Do your own: so you are good at it, go for it. Do your make up like you are going out. Vamp it up. If you can add the false eyelashes. A neat trick is to just cut one in half. WAY easier to put on yourself.
Extra for makeup artist: usually makeup artists are in the range of 70-150 per application. A boudoir studio will have one that they recommend and can offer a discount on bookings
And there is me. Makeup junkie included in the package. Loved makeup so much I took a class after university. argh a long time ago. Learned a lot from my Glamour shot days. Boy did they pile it on. And I keep with it and justify my tall makeup case. It’s ok it has wheels.
– The Retouching and products:
Did you read the fine print? Yes, you get 30 images in your package but only one is retouched. gah. So you have 29 images that it’s great if you like the all- natural look and have something against Photoshop, but for me is not changing what you look like. For me is about making the white sheet, white not grey, and give an overall smoothness to the picture.
Or you have to pay extra- that is where they get you. Yes, $79 dollars is a deal for a boudoir session. But look closely what you are getting.
There is also now in person sales. You pay for the session, that covers only the photographers time for the session and the makeup artist. Then you come to see the final results and purchase your photos. Many people do not read the process and think it is only the session fee.
As a customer, I like knowing exactly how much I have to budget for, and exactly what I am getting.
I make it simple my package include 20 images and you can have me do your book and just take the images and do it yourself, or I do have other options and marathons available.
Also, take note, processing your images requires time, usually at least 48 hours, to take a raw file, download it, delete the funky ones, process the nice ones make it pretty and upload images for you to choose. (While the kids are in bed) And that is not including the time to retouch the chosen image. My job is only one third done after the session, the not-so-fun part starts right after. The average set up- session and processing is something close to 12 hours.
So here it is- a little rant about the boudoir industry- and a little justification on how much it costs to get your naked on. Yes, it’s a treat. But everybody should do it at least once.
Don’t forget to add to the cost of the package little extras like:
Manicure/pedicure
New lingerie (I tell people to get a nice teddy from winners for $20) no need to go crazy
The waxing
But all these things if you do not get them done regularly, then why not enjoy the whole experience. I am sure no one is going to complain you waxed the bush and stripped the rough skin from your feet that was getting caught in the sheets. yeah…
And the last thing I pride myself in- besides my awesome photoshoping and dorky personality is with experience. Holly crap I’ve been around the block. On my tenth year doing boudoir and about 16 in the biz- the weddings, the babies, and everything in between. And I will stop now before I feel old.
How bout cause there is no price for art?
and that too 🙂