5 Common Excuses I Hear from Potential Clients

“I Need to Lose Weight First.”

Nope.  Really.  I became a pin up and boudoir photographer after having my own pin up photos done.   While I had lost weight over the course of a year, I wasn’t at my smallest and actually went on to lose even more weight after the session.  But that’s not why I don’t feel you need to lose weight before booking a session. 

Remember that it’s the job of your photographer to put you in poses and lighting setups that will flatter you the most.  I’ve photographed women at all sizes, and at all stages in their life.  Not only do I know how to make you look good, I enjoy making you look and feel like a supermodel.

“I Need to Have a Boyfriend or Girlfriend to Gift These Portraits to.”

Says who? An artistic portrait session is all about celebrating you for YOU.  If someone else happens to be in the picture, that’s just a bonus.

Most of the time, my clients are celebrating a milestone of some sort, a birthday, anniversary, or even a divorce.  

For me, I booked my first session because I just wanted memories of me looking my best, so I could look back and say, “Damn, I was really hot.” Now, I just say “Damn, I AM hot. 

There’s something about seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes, or in this case, a lens.  That is transformative power of excellent photography; it can literally change how you see yourself. 

“It’s too Expensive, or I Can’t Afford It.”

How often do you spend money on things or experiences that are fleeting? That morning latte, the pedicures, the facials, dinners out…

I had a client book a shoot once before she went in to have a breast removed due to breast cancer.   It’s a powerful reminder about the importance of memories. 

Incidentally, this same client booked a session after her surgery too. 

“I Don’t Want to be Naked, and I Don’t Feel Comfortable in Lingerie.”

Ok.  You don’t have to be naked if you don’t want to, AND you don’t even have to wear lingerie. 

Button-down shirts, cardigans, oversize sweaters and sweatshirts, tank top and panties, or a beautiful silk robe all work in place of traditional lingerie.  

In fact, just see my post entitled “Boudoir Bodies”; those two gals rocked a tank top and sporty panties for their sessions.

“I Don’t Want Anyone to See Photos of my Session Online.”

That’s certainly understandable, and a completely valid concern.  I value my clients’ trust and privacy.  If you don’t wish to share your experience, that’s totally ok with me. 

I promise you’ll feel better about booking a session once we’ve had a chat. Contact me below:

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Renee & Donna's Boudoir Story

Here’s Renee in her own words on how doing a boudoir session helped her:

“This was my first ever Boudoir shoot. I was a nervous wreck. I have always been the girl with the beautiful smile but never felt "sexy" by any means. I was on a weight loss journey and lost almost 50lbs. The first shot captured my journey because I DID believe I COULD and I DID! I felt strong and was SO proud of my accomplishment. For the first time ever I felt beautiful and sexy. WHAT?!?! Yes it's TRUE! Working with Betty I walked in uncertain nervous and not knowing what to expect. She put me at ease and of course the bottle of wine helped . I couldn’t have been more thrilled with the outcome. Not too shabby for 51! This shoot was for no one but me and I am so thankful every day that I did it. AND...I cant wait to do another one for the special man in my life.”

Donna’s Experience and Her Dirty “30”:

“This was my first ever boudoir shoot and I had so much fun! I think I first heard about boudoir while mindlessly scrolling through Pinterest. I saw mostly bride boudoir, but after searching for photographers in Tampa Bay area, I saw that people do "just because" boudoir as well! I found Boudoir Betty around my 29th birthday and it was just obvious to me to have the shoot for my 30th birthday. At the time we did the session, I wasn't exactly at the right look weight-wise that I wanted (ridiculous thoughts, I know) ...but Bo Betty made me comfortable and just made the whole experience make me want to do more shoots in the future! All the pictures came out incredible and sometimes I can't believe that I did this haha. I think some of the pictures even brought out a sassy side to me. I look forward to getting more shoots done as I age and gain even more confidence, even if it's non-boudoir shoots. I also tell my friends to do this at least once. To those having their first shoot - have so much fun, you won't regret it!”

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Why Do I Do Boudoir Photography?

I'm often asked how I got into boudoir photography. I've had my own photos done several times, and I fell in love with the idea of bringing the experience to other women.

I feel that with Boudoir photography it really opens women up to who they are, how strong they are, and how brave they are. We’re often made to feel small and there is just soooo much pressure from the media to look and feel a certain way that it can be extremely overwhelming. And to see, even if it’s just for a moment, the curtain lifted when the women get to see their images for the first time. That realization and the proof that they are amazing is what pulls on my heartstrings.

You are confident. You have it in you. I know you do because I see it come out during my sessions. I pull it out of you! When you are confident, you are beautiful, stunning, fierce and unstoppable. You could have clothes on and still gain the same experience out of this photo session. What you wear (or don’t wear) doesn’t matter – it’s just the icing on top. What matters is finding it in yourself to feel like you are feminine and enough.

A boudoir session is a life-changing event. It will alter the way you see yourself in the best way possible.

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Why Do a Boudoir Session?

Many women think a boudoir session is just not for them, that boudoir is for soon-to-be-brides or gorgeous young women who can pose and strut their stuff like models. But boudoir is so much more than lingerie and sexy posing. Boudoir is about seeing yourself from a different perspective and finding power and strength in who you are.

There are many different reasons:  birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, but some reasons are much more emotional. 

For example, I had a client schedule a session for her boyfriend and then nearly cancel because she found out he was cheating on her.  I told her to come in anyway because looking good is always the best revenge. 

By the time she came in, they were back together again.  She was choosing to stay as an expression of love and commitment to work on the relationship. 

It was a much needed reminder that she is truly worthy and beautiful.

A boudoir session can be a reminder that the things you believe you "lack" have nothing to do with your spouse or significant other’s actions.

Other women in the same situation come to me because they’re going through a divorce or leave their significant other. Their boudoir session serves as a way to reconnect with themselves and their sexuality.

I've had women come in who have lost a significant amount of weight, but still identify with the "before" weight-loss version of themselves. They still find themselves gravitating to plus-sized clothing and rejecting styles that are body-conscious because they don't feel they can pull them off, but seeing photos of themselves in their new body helps them get comfortable with the idea of being a smaller size.

Still others may come in after they’ve had surgery of some kind .  The boudoir session helps empower them to feel beautiful and whole again.

In a way, a boudoir session is a kind of therapy.  You can funnel your fears and pain into something positive, and more importantly, ART! 

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Have you ever wanted to try something you’ve never done before or maybe be someone else for the day? Many women feel boudoir is way outside their comfort zone, but that’s what is so freeing about it! Take a chance and let your guard down. You’ll be so glad you did.

Embrace your age

Boudoir isn’t just for the very young. You deserve to celebrate your beauty at any age, whether it’s 30 or 50. A boudoir session can help you see just how uniquely gorgeous you are.

Boost your confidence

There are plenty of times in your life when you could use a little more confidence, whether it’s moving to a new city or starting a new job. Boudoir photos can be something you can look back on years later to remind yourself of a moment when you were brave and bold. That confidence will definitely come in handy.

It is my firm belief that every woman deserves to feel beautiful, sexy, and stunning. And I would love to help make that happen!

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How To Choose Your Boudoir Photographer

While boudoir has been around for years, it seems to have really exploded over the last few years. With so many photographers to choose from, clients can be overwhelmed with how to select one.

There are several things to look for that will help make the search easier.

First is style. Take a look at the photographer’s body of work. See what I did there? 😉 Would you describe the style as dark with a lot of shadows, lots of black and white shots, or light, airy, and feminine? I do a bit of light and airy as well as dark myself.

Take note of the amount of retouching as well. Some photographers don’t Photoshop at all, while others take a heavier-handed approach. My editing style is to stay true to you, but remove a client’s “perceived flaws”. We discuss the level of retouching you desire when you view your photos.

Second is experience. Your photographer should really specialize in the genre and not just offer it in addition to weddings, or lifestyle portraits. There’s a different approach with boudoir photography and the photos require a certain eye for detail. Also, note if there are a range of body types represented. I’ve been photographing ladies since 2009 so I’ve photographed nearly every body type there is.

What types of products does your photographer offer? You should be doing something with your images besides letting them sit on your hard drive. First of all, you’ll appreciate them more if you display them, and secondly, they can be subject to file corruption or outright lost on a hard drive. Your photographer should offer heirloom quality products printed at a professional lab. After all, you probably don’t want a teenage boy at your local drugstore printing your intimate photos.

How is their customer service? Do they respond within one business day, or text you back right away? I usually respond to most inquiries within 24 hours or less, and try to respond ASAP if I get a text from a booked client. Additionally, I make every effort to inform clients on turnaround time on their products.

Make sure you’ve at least done a phone consult with your photographer. You should make sure they are easy to talk to. After all, you’re going to be getting naked, or nearly naked in front of this person. You want to make sure that he /she understands your vision, if you have one, and feel confident this photographer can capture it for you. These are things that you won’t know if you converse solely through text or an email.

Lastly, is price. It’s not the least important but should be last in priority of consideration because the investment with boudoir is almost a case of “You-get-what-you-pay-for.” For many women, a boudoir session may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s not something that should be scrimped on. There’s a lot of work and preparation that goes into a boudoir session, along with post-production. I offer clients a range of payment plans to make it more affordable.

I’d love to chat with you over the phone for a few minutes if you think, we’d be a good fit.

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