10 Questions To Ask On Your Boudoir Consult Call (If You’re Not Sure What To Ask) | Oceanside, California, Boudoir Photographer

Chances are, if you’re reading this, it’s because you’re about to book your first boudoir session and we may or may not have a consult call set up. I want you to get the most time out of our call, and so, I’ve put together a list of questions to ask me (or the photographer you are booking with)!

This is why I have put together a list of the best + most useful questions to ask on your consult call. Most people don’t know what to expect from a boudoir session much less what questions to ask. It is important to have an understanding of how your boudoir photographer will show up for you and how they will help you feel like your best self during your session.

01/ Why do your clients choose you over other boudoir photographers?

It’s important to know what qualities in a photographer are important to other people, so you can identify your own. Do you just want someone who can take pretty photos and that is it? Or is it important that you have a photographer who is equipped and happy to go the extra mile to make sure you have an unforgettable shoot experience? You get to choose, but its always good to know why other people are booking photographers.

02/ What is your experience as a boudoir photographer? 

Believe it or not, a lot of “boudoir photographers” just pick up a camera one day and decide to shoot boudoir and charge thousands of dollars for it. Some people are self-taught and really talented and have a wonderful online presence of testimonials and reviews to prove it. Others are just hobbyists. Make sure you have an understanding of how long someone has been shooting and look for their reviews online.

03/ Why did you want to be a boudoir photographer? 

This question is kind of similar to the last question in that, you’re trying to understand the depth behind someone’s career as a boudoir photographer. Are they tied to their “why” as a photographer? Does their passion to help you come from a place of having once been in the same shoes as the client?

04/ How do you handle someone who is extremely nervous and unsure about posing / their body / etc.?

You need to know (and deserve to know) how your potential photographer will handle you at your most reserved, most nervous self. How will they help you feel comfortable? And does their method feel good to you?

05/  Do you pose people differently based on their body type / size?

If your photographer says “yes” to this- please run. No photographer should be posing differently based on body type and size. They should be helping their clients understand their fears and insecurities around their bodies and helping them to see those things in a more beautiful way.

06/ Will my images be shared online?

A professional photographer will have you sign a model release stating your image sharing permissions. You get to decide whether you are okay with your images being shared online or not and the agreement will protect you in that.

07/ What is your turnaround time for finished product?

If you are booking for a special occasion or because you want to gift your product / images to someone and you have a deadline, be sure to ask your photographer what the turnaround time is and when you need to book in order to have that fulfilled.

08/ Do you offer payment plans? 

A good photographer will share their pricing up front with you either prior to the consult call or on the consult call. It is important to understand your payment options so you know what you are getting yourself into and how they can help support you in making this investment.

Most boudoir photographers charge in the $1500-$5000 range and this is based on studio location, time in the industry as a business owner / photographer, quality of work and the experience they offer.

09/ How do you guide / pose your clients?

It’s so important to know what to expect when you book a photographer - before you actually book them. You don’t want to end up working with someone who is ill-equipped at posing you and guiding you. This could lead to a traumatizing experience for you. Your photographer should be guiding you entirely with what to do from head to toe- including facial expressions and hand placement.

10/ What is your reschedule policy?

This is random but important to know. Most good and sought after boudoir photographers open their calendar 6+ months in advanced and this can make rescheduling your session tricky. Ask ahead of time what their policy is so when you book your date, you are confident in making it work and know your options in the event that you have an emergency pop up!

It’s great to come up with your own questions, too.

But these are a great place to start when planning for your consult call. Remember, a boudoir session is an intimate and vulnerable experience and you want to make sure that whoever you work with is someone you can see yourself wanting to spend a few hours with. Someone who gives you good energy and can make you laugh and have fun.

If you’re ready to start the process and book your consult call, click the link below!