Boudoir Shoot FAQs – Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Ask

Oct 21, 2020 | Boudoir

Got a burning question about boudoir shoots that you’d love to have answered? I’ve included a list of all of my most frequently asked boudoir photography related questions below, from how to book your shoot and what to bring, all the way through to image sharing permissions. Got a question I haven’t covered? Feel free to write me an email with your question and I’ll add it to my FAQs list!

GENERAL BOUDOIR FAQS

SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY?

Boudoir photography is the art of celebrating your incredible body by creating beautiful, sophisticated and timeless images that honour your lived experience, preserving those memories for years to come. Clothes on or clothes off, everyone has a different reason for wanting to be photographed; and the privilege for me is that it’s in my power to make you feel empowered, confident, strong and sexy as hell; whether you want to mark a life milestone, document a journey, reward a personal achievement or simply celebrate your fabulous self in all your glory. I want to leave you with images you’re going to obsess over and use as a constant reminder of exactly who you are, and why you are proud to be you.

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY?

Yes, you must be at least 18 to shoot with me AND of legal age in your country of residence. If you happen to look great for your age, please don’t be offended if I ask you for photo ID as proof (you lucky thing!)

WHO WILL BE MY PHOTOGRAPHER?

Me, Tigz Rice! Whenever you book a shoot through Tigz Rice Limited, know that you will always get me. I will never send a replacement (unless, of course, your shoot is date specific and it’s written into our contract).

HOW MANY PHOTOS DO YOU TAKE?

Each shoot is completely bespoke so I can’t give a definitive answer, but I always make sure I have around 50 great shots for you to choose from at the end of your session!

DO I HAVE TO BE NAKED?

Clothes on or clothes off, everyone has a different reason for wanting to be photographed. No two people are the same, and it’s really important to me that you’re offered a completely bespoke package to reflect your level of comfort. Whether you’re rocking a floor-length vintage ballgown, your birthday suit, or anything in-between, I’m here to make you look fabulous!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY SHOOT?

As a good starting point, I recommend two or three full outfit options, plus make sure to bring a pair of killer heels (or two), a comfy robe and some dazzling costume jewellery, as well as any sentimental props you might want to place within your shots on the day. There’s also an entire packing checklist in my free Prepare for Your Boudoir Shoot PDF guide that you can find on the home page of this website!

Sally Rand Tribute, Jolie Papillon at Fontaine's, London © Tigz Rice Studios 2016.

BOOKING & PAYMENT

Cora, The Lingerie Addict
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

I’m based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire (which is a 25-minute direct train journey from Kings Cross or Finsbury Park on National Rail) although I love to travel and will shoot pretty much anywhere as long as travel expenses are covered and the necessary licenses/visas/paperwork is arranged!

WHERE WILL MY BOUDOIR SHOOT TAKE PLACE?

A boudoir shoot can take place in a location of your choosing! This is one of my favourite features of my signature boudoir packages, giving you complete freedom to control where your shoot takes place and allowing us to create something completely bespoke. Some clients opt to shoot in their home, others choose a fancy hotel and plan a full night out on the town afterwards with their hair and makeup done looking super fancy. And yes, I have a Little Black Book of beautiful location recommendations to help you find the perfect setting for your moment in the spotlight!

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?

I always recommend booking 2-3 months in advance to make sure you get the date you would like. Generally speaking, my diary tends to book out about 6 weeks in advance, although occasionally last-minute sessions are available so it is definitely worth an ask!

HOW DO I BOOK MY BOUDOIR SHOOT?

You can pop me an email with your chosen boudoir shoot package and preferred shoot dates via my contact page here!

CAN I PAY BY CREDIT CARD?

Absolutely! You can pay securely via credit card, debit card or bank transfer.

DO YOU SELL GIFT VOUCHERS?

Absolutely! I offer ready-to-purchase gift vouchers – or if there’s a custom amount you’d like a voucher for, pop me an email via the contact page and I can create a bespoke one for you. The minimum bespoke gift voucher amount I can offer is £100. You can also find our gift voucher terms and conditions here.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVITY

I DON’T IDENTIFY AS FEMALE, WILL YOU PHOTOGRAPH ME?

Absolutely! Since launching in 2009, it has been my mission to make the studio as inclusive a space as possible for clients. Whichever pronouns you prefer, if you’d like to be shot in my fierce, vintage femme fatale inspired style, my doors are wide open and I’d love to hear from you.

I HAVE A DISABILITY/INVISIBLE ILLNESS...

Of course! Since launching in 2009, it has been my mission to make boudoir shoots as inclusive and accessible an experience as possible for clients, which is also why we offer to travel to you*. I can also tailor poses to your comfort and energy levels and can offer suggestions for poses that require less spoons. If you have any condition/s that you think may impact your shoot experience, please feel free to mention this at time of booking so I can do everything I can to support you and make your shoot a positive experience. (*Travel costs may apply, please get in touch for more details.)

CAN I BRING SOMEONE FOR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT?

For private boudoir shoots, you are very welcome to bring a personal cheerleader with you on the day. Personal cheerleaders must be over 18 and we request that they are not someone you are romantically involved with to keep the energy in the room 100% focused on you. The only time we cannot accommodate chaperones is on makeover days because there would be too many humans in the room!

I’M NOT A MODEL, WILL YOU STILL PHOTOGRAPH ME?

Of course, whether it’s your first time in front of a camera or you’re a seasoned pro, I can’t wait to photograph you!

HOW DO I KNOW YOU’RE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR ME?

The absolute best thing I can recommend here is to check out my website & Instagram and delve into my portfolio…

  • Do you see your size/shape/age/ethnicity/gender represented in my images? (if not, please let me know!)
  • Do you connect with my style of photography?
  • How do you feel about my retouching – do you like my minimalist editorial style, or do you prefer a highly airbrushed finish?
  • Would you feel comfortable (emotionally) recreating the poses you see in my images? Do they sit within your definition of ‘sexy’?
  • Do you resonate with my content and captions?
  • What are my clients saying about their boudoir experience?

If you respond positively to each of these points, reach out and connect with me – you could always ask for a 1-2-1 call if you’re still not 100% sure.

Vintage pinup makeover shoots with Miss Victory Violet © Tigz Rice Studios 2018. https://www.tigzrice.com

BODY CONFIDENCE

Sally Rand Tribute, Jolie Papillon at Fontaine's, London © Tigz Rice Studios 2016.
I’M SUPER NERVOUS! IS THAT NORMAL?

That’s COMPLETELY normal – but that’s where I come in! You know that feeling you get when you’re all dressed up with your hair and make up done ready for a night out? Well, add in 60-90 minutes of me telling you how amazing and fabulous you are, and your self-confidence will skyrocket. Here’s a little quote from Mona, who came to one of my shoot days in Gothenburg… ‘I got very self conscious at first, being in front of [other] ladies in my underwear, but Tigz has wizard skills in making you relax and feel good about yourself. We did all kinds of [poses], in both lingerie and the dress and shot for about and hour. It was SO MUCH FUN!’

I DON’T KNOW HOW TO POSE, SHOULD I PRACTICE?

This is probably my most frequently asked question. A little body awareness does help but is 100% non-essential for you to spend time perfecting your poses before a shoot. We’ll use a selection of my favourite boudoir poses as inspiration, though I’m always secretly working with your natural body movements and nuances in between poses to make the shoot unique to you. There’s something so powerful in body language that when you do something naturally that looks incredible, I’ll say ‘freeze!’ and we’ll shoot it. It will be the most fun mannequin challenge you’ve ever experienced! After all, shoots are all about having fun; we’ll put on some of your favourite music, have a little boogie – this is about empowering you to feel confident and sexy in front of the camera so that you associate all those feelings with being happy. It’s really is going to be an experience to remember forever!

I FEEL REALLY SELF-CONSCIOUS ABOUT MY SCARS…

I always like to think of scars as body stories – they document our journey and how we reached this moment. They are perfect imperfections that make us unique individuals. If you need a little help connecting with your beautiful new reflection, I’m here to help gently guide that journey. Whether you’re proudly displaying your scars in every photo, or just giving us the tiniest peek to acknowledge their presence, we can work up to your comfort levels, wherever they may be.

I’M WORRIED I SHOULD LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE THE SHOOT…

You absolutely do not need to lose/gain weight, change shape, tone up or wait until you’ve dropped a clothes size to take part in a boudoir shoot. You aren’t defined by any number; be that on the scales, in the labels of your clothes or how many years you’ve been in the world. You are perfect, right now, in this very moment. Life is too short to wait for perfection. You deserve good things right now. Besides, if you do find yourself sporting rock hard abs in six months time, you’ve got a killer set of images to document that journey!

I DON’T HAVE A ‘MODEL’ FIGURE – IS BOUDOIR FOR ME?

Abso-freakin-lutely! I LIVE for curves. Peachy butts, killer thighs, ample cleavage, soft tummies… I’m here for it all. I’ve photographed clients of all ages, shapes and sizes and they all have felt fearless and incredibly beautiful, both in front of the camera as well as in their images after.

BOUDOIR SESSIONS

WHICH BOUDOIR SHOOT PACKAGE IS MOST POPULAR?

The Short Story is my definitely most booked boudoir package, closely followed by my Virtual Boudoir Package. Both offer lots of variety, which makes them perfect for gifting as printed albums, as well as for those who like lots of content for their social channels.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY BOUDOIR SHOOT?

This is all included in my Prepare For Your Boudoir Shoot PDF, which you will be sent with your booking confirmation email – or alternatively, you can sign up to my mailing list in the sidebar of this page to receive a free copy right now!

DO YOU PROVIDE OUTFITS/LINGERIE?

For hygiene reasons, I do not provide any wardrobe or styling. However, I CAN recommend some incredible brands to suit all body shapes and sizes. This is all included in my Prepare For Your Boudoir Shoot PDF, which you will be sent with your booking confirmation email – or alternatively, you can sign up to my mailing list in the sidebar of this page to receive a free copy right now!

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL/RESCHEDULE?

If for any reason you decide to cancel your boudoir shoot with at least 29 days notice, your booking fee shall be forfeited. If for any reason you decide to cancel within 28 days of the shoot date, 50% of the total fee will be due as compensation for loss of earnings. If for any reason you decide to cancel the booking within 14 days of the shoot date, 100% of the total fee will be due as compensation for loss of earnings. If you need to re-schedule for any reason, these cancellation conditions will apply.

Sally Rand Tribute, Jolie Papillon at Fontaine's, London © Tigz Rice Studios 2016.

VIRTUAL SHOOTS

Sally Rand Tribute, Jolie Papillon at Fontaine's, London © Tigz Rice Studios 2016.
HOW DOES A VIRTUAL BOUDOIR SHOOT WORK?

All you will need is a decent internet connection, some room in your home, a connected device with a reasonably decent camera on it and some form of stand/tripod to hold your device in place during the shoot. A phone usually works best and we will connect using a program like FaceTime or Zoom. When you book your virtual boudoir shoot, I will ask you about the equipment you plan to use, and from there I will send you the details you need to connect with me when it’s time for your session. Once we’re connected, you will be able to see me, and I will see you. From then on, it will be much like a normal shoot, with me directing you into poses using the sultry tones of my voice as well as visual guidance where required. Working through a plethora of kickass poses to flaunt your greatest assets, I will be ‘shooting’ from my computer. The only thing you won’t be able to hear is the sound of the shutter clicking, so instead, I’ll be filling that silence with gorgeous compliments about how fabulous you are!

I DON'T LIVE IN THE UK – CAN YOU PHOTOGRAPH ME?

Absolutely, I’m a total night owl so I can pretty much accommodate all time zones with enough notice! So far, I’ve shot with virtual boudoir clients from the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand… the only reason I can’t shoot with you is if you are under the age of 18, or boudoir photography is illegal in your country

TELL ME ABOUT IMAGE QUALITY – WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Let’s be completely honest, we all know that phones cannot produce the high end, billboard-worthy quality boudoir images I pride myself in creating during a regular session – and the price point I’ve set for this package reflects that. That said, *most* devices are capable of capturing 10in x 8in print-worthy images, and the final web-resolution images are PERFECT for filling your social feeds, where images are viewed at a small size; as well as for sending something saucy to a long-distance lover you are missing right now.

They are also a great way to get creative without travel restrictions, opening the doors for many of you previously restricted by travel to have the opportunity to work with me. So, you know, I think they’re a win!

I HAVE A DSLR AT HOME, CAN WE USE THAT?

If you happen to have a Canon or Sony DSLR at home, we may be able to hook this up for remote shooting, which means I’ll be able to shoot full RAW quality image files! If you have access to a camera that might work, please mention this at time of booking and we’ll look into the options available to us.

DO I GET TO CHOOSE MY OWN IMAGES?

At the end of your session, I will choose my 10 favourite images from your session, lightly edit them to match my signature style and send you a link to an online gallery to share to your heart’s content! If you would prefer to choose your own images, check out my Boudoir Three, Six and Twelve packages instead.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL/RESCHEDULE?

Virtual Boudoir Shoots are non-refundable. If the shoot date needs to be rescheduled for any reason, these Cancellation conditions will apply.

HAIR & MAKE UP

SHOULD I GET MY HAIR AND MAKE-UP DONE?

There’s nothing better than a full pamper session in my opinion, which is why all of my in-person boudoir shoots include professional hair and makeup as standard. My resident stylists all have cruelty free (and vegan where possible) styling kits and can work to your skin’s individual care needs, as well as discussing any allergies you may have. That said, some clients prefer to visit their own tried and trusted stylists beforehand, or you might feel confident doing your own. Whichever option is right for you, make sure you give yourself a good pamper session before your moment in the spotlight. You deserve to feel amazing.

CAN I DO MY OWN HAIR AND MAKEUP?

Of course, if you’re comfortable doing your own hair and makeup to a professional standard, please mention this at time of booking and I can remove this from your package.

CAN I BRING A WIG, HAIRPIECE OR EXTENSIONS?

If you plan on bringing a wig, hairpieces or extensions to your shoot, please let me know at the time of booking so that we can discuss your requirements with one of our resident stylists. Installing and/or styling additional hair may require extra time with the stylist, which could result in an additional fee needing to be charged. This will be discussed with you before you commit to any booking.

WHAT’S YOUR POLICY ON BODY HAIR?

Your body, your rules baby! Whether you’re rocking a full bush or hairless from the nose down, you are welcome in front of my camera.

SHOULD I GET A SPRAY TAN?

Please, please do NOT get a spray tan! Whilst it may be tempting to add a little sun-kissed glow to your skin before a boudoir shoot, more often than not your spray tan will appear streaky, patchy or orange/green (yes, green) on camera, I guarantee it. Since fixing fake tan is not something I include in my signature retouching – and you’ll also need to sign a form that says you are personally responsible for covering the cleaning costs of any fittings and fixtures stained with any fake tan during your shoot – I personally recommend ditching the fake tan – and sunbeds too whilst we’re on the subject – and rocking bare skin, or maybe treating yourself some shimmer body lotion to give your skin that dewy glow and offer a touch of contouring.

Dominatrix & Online Content Creator The Siren talks about her virtual boudoir shoot with Tigz Rice

RETOUCHING

Sally Rand Tribute, Jolie Papillon at Fontaine's, London © Tigz Rice Studios 2016.
DO I GET TO CHOOSE THE IMAGES I WANT?

For Signature Boudoir shoots? Yes! After your shoot, you’ll receive access to your very own private, password-protected gallery, which will include proof images of the best shots from your boudoir photoshoot. There’s usually a choice of about 50 images in a wide range of poses, from which you’ll be able to choose your favourite images to be edited in my signature style and sent to you in high resolution via your very own private online gallery. You will have 28 days to make your selection!

For Virtual Boudoir Shoots? No. At the end of your session, I will choose my 10 favourite images from your session, lightly edit them to match my signature style and send you a link to an online gallery to share to your heart’s content! If you would prefer to choose your own images, please check out my Boudoir Three, Six and Twelve packages instead.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT MORE IMAGES?

If you decide at any point you want to upgrade your package to include more images, you are absolutely welcome to! Information on package upgrades and extra images will be emailed to you along with the link to your proof gallery.

HOW MUCH RETOUCHING WILL YOU DO?

One of the main reasons people come to me for boudoir photography is for my signature style of realistic editing. Drawing on my years of expertise as both a photographer AND professional retoucher, I want you to look and feel like you on your very best day; because let’s be honest, no one else does a better a job of being you than you! No over-edited skin or photoshop surgery goes on over here, we’ll focus on getting it right in camera, with comfortable lingerie/clothing that suits your figure and perfect posing to accentuate your best bits, combined with flawless lighting skills and lots of attention to detail. When you look at the unedited proofs to choose your favourites for editing, you’ll feel amazing knowing that’s really YOU in that photo. Then I’ll work my magic in Photoshop, including removing any non-permanent blemishes, marks or indentations to give you a that freshly retouched glow!

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR SIGNATURE RETOUCHING?

My non-exhaustive list currently includes; fake tan and tan lines, holes in fishnet tights, ill-fitting lingerie, grown out nail extensions, hair roots, body hair, the soles of shoes, excessive bruising, tattoo removal, extensive body re-shaping…

CAN YOU PHOTOSHOP OUT MY SCARS?

I won’t retouch your scars unless you specifically ask me to. If they’re small and easy to remove, then this will be covered as part of my signature retouching. Extensive scar removal may incur an additional retouching fee, which will be discussed and agreed with you in advance.

WHAT’S YOUR POLICY ON BODY RE-SHAPING?

All bodies are beautiful and therefore I stay away from any extensive re-shaping. Pulling out an elastic indentation from lingerie is no issue – perhaps I might add a little more volume to your hair – but anything more than that would make me uncomfortable. Let me show you the natural beauty I see in you.

IMAGE SHARING

WHO WILL SEE MY PHOTOS?

You can dare to bare as much or as little as you like in the knowledge that you are in complete control of your images. Due to the personal nature of boudoir photography, I will not sell, license, or otherwise distribute your images or personal information to any third party without your express written permission.

CAN I PUT THE IMAGES ON MY WEBSITE & SOCIALS?

Yes of course! Please do not put any filters over the images and make sure to include a credit line – you can find me on FacebookTwitter & Instagram.

For websites, please include a URL link to https://www.tigzrice.com.

CAN I USE THE IMAGES FOR NEWS/MAGAZINE ARTICLES?

Yes! Please make sure the publication includes a credit line for Tigz Rice.

CAN I USE THE IMAGES FOR EVENT POSTERS?

Yes, please make sure all media usage by the event include a credit line for Tigz Rice.

CAN I USE THE IMAGES FOR MY PATREON/ONLY FANS?

Yes of course! Please include a credit line linking to https://www.tigzrice.com

CAN I SELL THE IMAGES?

No. Copyright remains with Tigz Rice. Please do not sell prints, create calendars or sell usage rights to any third parties.

Sally Rand Tribute, Jolie Papillon at Fontaine's, London © Tigz Rice Studios 2016.

WORKING WITH TIGZ

Penny Heartbleed with hair and Make Up by Miss Victory Violet at Hotel Pigalle Gothenburg © Tigz Rice Ltd 2019
DO YOU OFFER TF OR COLLABORATION SHOOTS?

Honestly, it very rare that I say yes to TF or collaborative work these days unless you’re offering me the opportunity to shoot something EPIC. For example, if you’re offering me the chance to shoot with Dita Von Teese, guaranteed publication, or granting me access to a location that would otherwise be impossible to shoot in. If you think you’ve got something that falls into the EPIC category though, please feel free to ask. Here’s a blog post I wrote all about how to approach me for a collaboration.

CAN I BE YOUR ASSISTANT?

Every so often I do need an assistant for a larger shoot. If you would like to register your interest, please pop me an email via the contact page with a covering letter and a CV with references.

DO YOU OFFER WORK EXPERIENCE?

No. However, I do offer one to one training and mentorship if you are looking to get a jump start in the world of boudoir photography. Pop me an email via the contact page with more details and I can send you my training and mentor packages.

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