PREPARATION GUIDE BOUDOIR
Welcome! I have spent over a decade dedicated to capturing beauty and empowering women. My privilege is to give you an unforgettable experience and create stunning images you’ll treasure. I will personally be there every step from answering questions to delivering your final product. This guide is an accumulation of my knowledge to help you get the most out of your boudoir session! ~ Cheryl Jones
OUR MISSION: to help women of any age, size, or shape feel confident and sexy by creating effortlessly beautiful images through an empowering, pampering and uplifting experience.
Makeup & Hair • Studio • Wardrobe • Posing & Lighting • Retouching • Handmade Bookmaking Overview Preparing Getting Ready (skin, hair, etc.) • Dos & Don'ts What to Bring • Packing Checklist • Seattle Shopping Lingerie 101 Corset • Waist Cincher • Bustier • Bra • Panty • Garter Belt Thigh Highs • Body Stocking • Babydoll • Teddy • Bodysuit Our Closet Chemises & Nighties • Corsets & Bustiers • Misc. & Casual Bras & Garter Belts • Jewelry & Accessories • PinUp & Vintage Styles Dramatic • Luminous • B&W • Playful, Vogue • Film Noir • PinUp • Fine Art Nude Pricing Boudoir Session • Finished Products • Digital Images All Inclusive Package • Payment Options • Studio For a Day WHAT’S INSIDE Timeline Itinerary • Pre-Session • Day of Session • Post-Session • Your Privacy • FAQs
Baby, You’ve Got it! All you need to do is enter our studio doors! We have everything required to create stunning boudoir photos. We include your makeup and hair, our large studio with countless options, and our vast wardrobe & accessories. We’ll guide you through easyto-follow posing directions as well as use expert lighting and retouching to make you look and feel your best. overview
The first step to beautiful photos is professional makeup, which is why it is included with every session! We only work with the most talented artists in Seattle. Their work is not simply about a lip color and eye shadow; these artists contour your cheekbones for a defined structure, shadow and highlight your eyes for fullness and sparkle, mask blemishes for flawless skin, and place false lashes for a dramatic lash line. You can choose any look from natural to a dramatic smoky eye. Additionally, we have a huge selection of real hair extensions that can be styled and clipped under your own hair to add volume, length and layers in your hair. Many people tell me they are nervous about the session, to which I reply that all nerves will immediately disappear the moment you see your makeup in the mirror! You’ll walk away from the makeup chair standing taller and more confident for your photo shoot. Makeup & Hair
Location! Location! Location! Our Studio Our 2000+ square foot studio in Ballard was designed specifically for boudoir with over 15 unique “sets” to match your individual style as well as create a wide variety in your images. On top of that we have, hands down, the most beautiful custom made furniture in the universe. Just saying!
We have three headboards/bed combos, a white seamless wall, a gray seamless wall, original brick walls, a staircase, several full length mirrors, two chandeliers, large windows, several sofas and chairs, and vast selection of vintage props. We can create everything from beautiful naturally lit photos to dramatic high fashion photos. The studio also has a bathroom on each floor, a dressing room with a vast wardrobe selection, a makeup station, a refreshments area where you can help yourself to coffee and tea, and a separate area with a large TV and comfortable couch where you will view and select your photos.
Wardrobe Our dressing room is packed full of lingerie for you to use during your session. We have corsets, bustiers, babydoll nighties, chemises, robes, garter belts, tank tops, sheer tops, pearls, jewelry, shoes, hats, vintage dresses, furs, and accessories. Each outfit is available in sizes small to large, and most of those are also available in sizes XL to 4XL. We have solid platform heels in black, red, bright pink, nude, and silver available in sizes 6 to 10. We also have thigh high stockings which are yours to keep after the session! You are welcome to bring your own wardrobe as well, but the only thing that you need to bring to the session are bras and panties. You’ll also find the steamer, scissors, snack bars, and water in the dressing room useful during your session. Styling click to see our entire collection!
Posing & Lighting Everyone tells me they’re the most nervous about posing and knowing what to do. You shouldn’t worry about this at all! I give super easy-to-follow instructions and coach you from your facial expression down to the placement of your hands. I WILL NOT say “look sexy” or “flirt with the camera” or any other vague directions like that! The women on my website felt the same nerves and anxiety about posing – but look at them! They look incredible, confident, and beautiful. In addition to large windows with beautiful natural light, I have all sorts of studio lighting equipment and light modifiers. Natural light is perfect for creating soft, ethereal photos as well as sexy silhouettes. Studio light is great for creating edgy photos with lots of shadow to define your shape. It’s also used to create fashion/ vogue, fine art nudes, and pinup inspired photos. You can trust that I will tell you exactly what to do and I will make sure you look stunning.
Pro Retouching The retouching process starts with enhancing the vibrance and contrast of your images to make them come to life. Next, your skin will be smoothed to minimize pores, fine lines, and blotches -- while at the same time maintaining your beautiful skin texture. The result is healthy skin that glows, hair that shines, and captivating eyes that sparkle. These touch-ups will be done before you see the pictures for the first time! Additionally, your selected photos will undergo advanced retouching. The removal of blemishes, scarring (if desired), stretch marks, veins, bruises, creases, and cellulite is all included in the price of our printed products, as is softening wrinkles and making slight nips & tucks to smooth the lines of your silhouette. Further, we remove distracting environmental elements like a spec of lint on your shoe or a power switch on the wall. You can give us your input on how minimal or how intense you would like the retouching to be -- it’s all up to you!
Bookmaking DID YOU KNOW WE MAKE OUR BOOKS? We proudly hand-make all of our custom art books and photo boxes right here in the studio. What can we say, we’re perfectionists, and want to provide the highest quality product possible! This also ensures we can protect your privacy and provide much faster delivery! Handmade
timeline What to Expect You and I will start with a phone consultation so I can get to know you and your vision before your session. When you arrive at the studio, you will get full makeup and hair styling. The photo shoot lasts 2 hours with up to 6 outfit/background changes and unlimited poses during that time. I will give you easy-to-follow direction on posing and facial expressions. We’ll create the images you dream of and then you get to see your pictures the same day as your session!
Itinerary MAKEUP & HAIR: 1.5 hours PHOTO SHOOT: 2 hours LUNCH BREAK: 1 hour CHOOSE PHOTOS: 1 hour CONSULTATION: 2+ weeks before PHOTO DELIVERY: 3-4 weeks after BEFORE AFTER DAY OF SESSION
What types of photos are your favorite? Putting together photos that you like helps me know what look you are drawn to so I can produce similar images for you. If you like more than one style (or all of them), that’s OK too, as I can create a mix of styles during the shoot! What final product(s) do you want? Having an idea of what you want for the finished product doesn't just make it easier for you to choose once you see the pictures, but also helps shape what we shoot. CONSULTATION PHONE After you schedule your session, I will reach out to you to set up a time for our phone consultation. Chatting ahead of time lets me answer any of your questions, go over what to expect, and makes it a customized experience. I'll also send you a questionnaire to fill out with questions like those you see on the next page. What do you envision for makeup and hair? We can do everything from a purely natural look to a dramatic smoky eye to anything in-between including PinUp and old Hollywood styles. What types of wardrobe do you want to wear? There are so my choices for clothing. Tell us what types of clothing you are interested in wearing. You can see our Lingerie 101 section for more information. Pre-Session create a pinterest board of your favorite photos!
Arrive with clean, dry hair, a clean face, and wear loose fitting clothes to prevent lines on your body. Your makeup artist will ask if you want a natural look, a dramatic look with a smoky eye, a retro look, or anything in between. Think about what you want before the session. You can even bring pictures to illustrate your vision. She'll make sure it's exactly what you want and she can give you suggestions if you want help knowing what will look best on you. Day Of You’re invited to get comfortable and unpack in the dressing room. We will spend ample time just picking outfits and deciding on the photo style you want with each one. You can select up to six outfit changes to use during the session. We will also choose jewelry, shoes and props to pair with each outfit so we don’t forget anything. You can browse a portfolio book and point to what you like (or don’t like) so I can better understand what you want from the session. You can also bring your favorite images to show me which can guide the outfit choices.. WARDROBE CHOOSING HAIR MAKEUP &
The studio has a stereo system loaded with music perfect for boudoir or you can bring your own music player to set the mood you want. Since we will have just talked in detail about the styles of photos you like best, I will go into the session armed with that as inspiration and with a game plan for creating images you will love. We typically start with the most comfortable clothing and simplest poses. The session is two hours in length so be prepared to tighten your stomach, arch your back, and just have fun and laugh! I will give you super easy-to-follow posing directions from your facial expressions to what to do with your body -- as well as make sure your hair and clothing is all in perfect order. I promise that you will love the experience just as much as you love the photos! After the photo session is over, you’re invited to take a one hour coffee/lunch break in Ballard. There are dozens of coffee shops and restaurants just steps away! When you return your images will be edited and ready to view. I’ll play a slideshow of all the pictures and then together we’ll narrow them down to your favorites. It might seem daunting since you WILL love them all but we will use a process of elimination to make it easier. Since the "all inclusive" package is most popular, we are typically choosing 50 photos for the art book, a canvas for the wall (or one of the other options available), and a 4x6 print to take home with PHOTO SHOOT THE VIEWING SAME-DAY
DELIVERY PRINTING & Personal recommendations for boudoir are very important when searching for a photographer. We love when you leave your experience on Yelp or our Facebook page. We also love adding your testimonial to our website! The product(s) you order will undergo additional retouching, design work, and then move to printing. Albums are printed and hand bound by us for the utmost quality and complete privacy. We use genuine leather, thick museum grade art matte paper, and vivid archival inks. After all the effort we take in creating stunning images of you, we expect nothing less than perfect workmanship and quality in our albums. We also make our print boxes and mat the prints ourselves. Canvases are made at a professional lab we have used and trusted for the last decade. You can anticipate delivery 3-4 weeks after your session (or 7-8 business days with a $100 rush fee). spread the love! Post-Session
We exercise new skills and stretch ourselves creatively with every session, so if you love your photos and you're excited about us using your images online, we would LOVE to show them off! Our team works hard to make each session portfolio worthy, We give a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who has permitted us to share images. It is extremely helpful to new clients to see our current work of women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. So, thank you! As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or if there is a specific concern that you would like to talk about. It's our mission to make you comfortable and happy! Privacy is a concern to many of my clients. I have photographed many women who want to protect their identity. Thus, we’ve built in several safeguards to ensure that your privacy will be protected at all times, and you will have complete control over which images (if any) are released and where they appear. First of all, other than e-mail correspondence, your full name will never be associated with your photos. All images are processed by me and my assistant. We create all albums in house so your images never leave our facility. Canvases are sent to a professional lab that adheres to a strict privacy policy as well. All of the images that you see on our website are used with permission. After your session, you will have the opportunity to grant us permission to use any images, specific images, or no images. You may also let us know how and where they may be used. For example, you may opt to allow your images to be used on our website and blog, but not on our Facebook page. We will NEVER use an image from your session without your consent. Your Privacy
This section details the pricing for the photo shoot experience and the purchase of albums, prints and digital images. You can purchase a collection containing an album, digital files, and add on options such as wall art OR you can purchase items a la carte. No final decisions need to be made until once you see the photos. Payment options are at the end of this guide. pricing Our Pricing Guide
stilettos, nude heels, and platform shoes in multiple colors and sizes (6-10). We also have thigh high stockings which are yours to keep after the session! Everyone is nervous about posing but I will give you super easy-to-follow detailed instructions from what to do with your facial expression to your positioning to the placement of your hands. The shoot lasts 2 hours with up to 6 outfit/background changes and unlimited poses during that time. When we're finished, I'll prepare your photos while you take a lunch break. We'll return to the studio to view your pictures the same day. You will love them all - truly you will! You can select which products you'd like to buy and request touch-ups for each image you select. We will start with a phone consultation and questionnaire so I can get to know you and answer your questions. Once you arrive at our 2000+ sq ft Seattle studio, the first step is professional makeup and hair. Any nerves you feel will disappear the moment you see yourself in the mirror! You can unload your stuff into the dressing room and make yourself at home. We'll talk about what photos you like the most so that I can best create images to match your vision. We have 100s of outfits (XS-4XL) for you to borrow. We have black Louboutin BOUDOIR THE SESSION Phone Consult discuss your vision and answer questions Makeup + Hair incl. false lashes & clip-in hair extensions Wardrobe & Location our Seattle studio and vast wardrobe 2 Hr Photo Shoot 5-6 outfit changes & posing direction Same-Day Viewing view and purchase photos the same day! $495
The Finished Product With all of the care that goes into creating your boudoir images, an equal amount of care goes into creating the final product. Most people choose to put their photos in a Luxury Art Album which is the perfect way to showcase the images you love. Additionally, many people also purchase canvas prints to hang in their bedroom. It’s like commissioning artwork for yourself, of yourself! After your session you will have the opportunity to see samples of all the options and pick which ones you want. Delivery of the final product takes about 4 weeks depending on which items you purchase. Care instructions will be delivered with your product so that you can keep your products in perfect condition for years to come!
Collection A $5900 TWO PAYMENTS OF $2950 8x8 Luxury Art Album with 90 photos complete set of the digital images choose FOUR add ons Collection B $4500 TWO PAYMENTS OF $2250 8x8 Luxury Art Album with 70 photos the same 70 digital images choose THREE add ons Add Ons one 16×24 canvas wrap +$100 for 24x36 one 8×12 metal float +$100 for 16x24 five extra photos in album + the same 5 digital images 5×5 mini album identical copy of your main album increase album size from 8x8 to 16x8 Luxury Print Box * 10 4x6 prints (chosen from book images) * uses two add ons Collection C $3650 TWO PAYMENTS OF $1825 8x8 Luxury Art Album with 55 photos the same 55 digital images choose TWO add ons Collection D $2800 TWO PAYMENTS OF $1400 8x8 Luxury Art Album with 40 photos the same 40 digital images choose ONE add ons Collection E $1950 TWO PAYMENTS OF $975 8x8 Luxury Art Album with 25 photos the same 25 digital images Collection F $990 TWO PAYMENTS OF $495 5x7 Luxury Print Box with 10 matted 4x6 prints Collections
ART ALBUM A custom designed, handmade fine art book with rigid, smooth-to-the-touch lay flat pages of museum quality paper and archival ink. Albums are a standard 8x8 size and are only available by purchasing a Collection A-E. LUXURY Addl Options extra photos: $95/ea increase size to 16x8: $450 add an album box: $145 add a mini duplicate book: $450
PRINT BOX Individual prints are framed in a white mat board and laid in a handmade box with a ribbon enclosure. Prints can be stored inside the box or framed on the wall. The print box is available in our most basic Collection F. The box is 5x7 inches with 10 matted 4x6 prints inside. THE Addl Options extra prints: $95/ea increase size to 8x10: $450 upgrade to luxe mats*: $22/ea
The Print Box and the Art Album both include a standard black leather cover. You can upgrade your cover to one of the following materials. OPTIONS COVER BLACK LEATHER [STANDARD] NATURAL LINEN [+$45] WALNUT CROCODILE [+$45] BLACK CROCODILE [+$45] SILVER JAPANESE SILK [+$45] RED SUEDE [+$45] FULL IMAGE WRAP [+$75] 3 QUARTERS WRAP [+$95] CUSTOM MATERIAL [+$75]
Canvas 11x16: $400 16x24: $450 24x36: $550 Metal 8x12: $450 11x16: $500 16x24: $550 WALL ART Canvas wraps and metal floats are modern pieces of art ready to hang on your bedroom wall. They can be purchased individually or in groups of 3 or more at a 20% discount. Or you can use the "add ons" in your Collection of choice towards canvas wraps or metal floats. (4) 20x20s (2) 16x24s, (1) 24x36 (3) 16x24s THE
USB Flash Drive 25 images: $1,800 45 images: $2,650 55 images: $3,500 85 images: $4,250 complete set: $5,500 High-resolution retouched digital images (not physical prints). DIGITAL IMAGES Digital images allow you to view images on a computer and other devices as well as print them on your own. Most of our collections include digital copies of the same retouched images that are in your book. For example, if you purchase Collection C, which includes 55 photos inside the book, you also get the same 55 digital images. Or you can purchase digital images by themselves at the following rates The digital images are delivered on a brown leather USB drive and come with a release allowing you to make reprints. The USB drive also contains a PDF with tips about archiving/storing and printing your images to get the best results. Digital Images
HOW DO PAYMENTS WORK? A $250 deposit holds the date and time. Then $200 is paid directly to the makeup artist on the day of. Those two payments, equaling $450, cover the cost of the session fee. After viewing the photos, you will choose the Collection and/or any additional options you want to purchase. Washington sales tax will be added and the total cost can be paid for via one of the following options. 2 3 4 Split Payment. One half payment the day of and then one half when it's ready, about 4 weeks after your session. Payment Plan. The cost is split into weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly automatic payments for up to six months. The finished product is delivered right after the last payment. Financing. You can choose Paypal credit as the payment method. There is no interest for six months. This allows us to deliver the finished product as soon as it's ready while you can take your time making payments. Apply here: https://creditapply.paypal.com 1 Full Payment. Make a full payment the day of. We accept credit card or cash. PAYMENT OPTIONS
“ Thank you so very sincerely for the whole experience. Walking down the hallways at work, looking in the mirror in the morning, every little thing feels slightly different with my little secret of empowerment tucked away. You helped me see a new side of me, and it’s sparked a confidence and self-assurance I had never found a way to tap into. You probably hear that a lot, but I’m kind of a stickler for expressing gratitude, so please allow me to tell you how much I appreciate your attitude, your generosity, and your beautiful art. ” - H.M.
Book the Studio for a Day The studio, our wardrobe, the photographer, and the makeup artist are yours for up to eight hours. Snacks or a light meal is provided. The best 200 digital images (photographer's choice) from the day will be retouched and delivered 10-15 days afterward. You can split the day with a group of friends or soak it all up just for you. This is a digital-only option and products can not be added. 9am makeup+hair 10:30am photo shoot 12:30pm makeup+hair change 1pm photo shoot 2:30pm makeup+hair change 3pm photo shoot 3 makeup & hair looks, 4-5 hour shoot, 10-15 outfits, and 200 digital images 9am 1st person makeup+hair 10:15am 1st person photo shoot / 2nd person makeup+hair 11:30am 2nd person photo shoot / 3rd person makeup+hair 12:45pm 3rd person photo shoot / 4th person makeup+hair 2pm 4th person photo shoot / 5th person makeup+hair 3:15pm 5th person photo shoot $1300/ea, hair & makeup, 1 hour shoot, 1-3 outfits, and 40 digital images for example... INDIVIDUAL PARTY OF 5
Treating yourself well before your photo shoot will help you feel confident and sexy. Moisturizing, exfoliating, hydrating, avoiding the sun, and getting your beauty rest all can help. It’s a good excuse to go shopping too! We can give you suggestions on what to bring with you for the best results. Don't over sweat though. We've got everything you need and all the skills to make you look amazing. This section only contains tips and suggestions -- they are not requirements for your photo shoot. preparing Getting Ready
Hydration is important for fresh, smooth skin. Drink plenty of water in the days and weeks leading up to your session. Skip alcohol at least 1-3 days before as it can dehydrate your skin as well as cause puffiness and redness. Exfoliate 1-3 times per week leading up to your shoot date. Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells that are clinging to the outer layer of your skin. This will reveal the fresher, smoother, and more vibrant skin beneath. Use plenty of moisturizer in the week prior to your shoot and load up your skin the morning of your appointment. Avoid trying new products within one week of your session. This includes everything from face wash and serums to shampoo and body wash. Many of us have sensitivities and/or allergies to ingredients we aren’t yet aware of and the day before your session is not a great time to find out!. If you want to get a wax (optional), allow several days for your skin to calm before your shoot date. Waxing can cause varying levels of redness and irritation that you want to be rid of prior to your appointment. Your esthetician can recommend a topical treatment to help speed up the healing process. If you haven’t had a wax before, just continue with your normal routine. Avoid getting too much sun that will SKIN & BODY result in tan lines and use sun screen if you’ll be outside, particularly on your face, chest, and arms. If tan lines are unavoidable, I can blend the lines. After nearly 15 years of retouching, I am very capable of removing/minimizing sun exposure. Don’t go tanning before your session. It will cause your skin to look red and risk a lot of potential problems such as tan lines, burning, blotchiness, peeling, and uneven skin tones. I don’t recommend spray tanning or self tanner either as it can have an unnatural color, or it can peel, or it can be uneven. However, if you feel you need a professional spray tan, do a practice run long before your session. If you’re satisfied with how it looks, do it again a few days before your session so that it fades a bit.
In addition to your body, also exfoliate your face 1-3 times per week prior to your shoot. Ex-foliating will allow serums and moisturizers to work more deeply and evenly into your skin and help makeup glide on more smoothly. Keep your face and particularly your lips moisturized leading up to your session. Do not use self tanner on your face as it can turn your hair line and brows an orange color. We will ensure you are a consistent color head to chest. FACE Do not get lash extensions for your session. They can criss-cross or have gaps whereas false strip lashes have a defined, continuous lash line which looks better in the photos-- and strip lashes are included as a part of your session! If you already have lash extensions - no worries! We can still apply falsies over the top if needed. Whitening teeth is not necessary, we can easily whiten your teeth. Lastly, avoid Botox injections prior to your session as it can affect your facial expressions. I can very easily remove/smooth wrinkles and minimize undereyes in the photos! DO: exfoliate skin & face DO: drink plenty of water DO: moisturize body, face, and lips DO: clean the bottoms of your feet DO: practice stretching or do yoga DO: wear loose clothes to your session DO: arrive w/ clean, dry, product-free hair DO: arrive with clean, moisturized face DON’T: try new products right before DON’T: drink alcohol 1-3 days before DON’T: spray tan, self-tan, or sun tan DON’T: wear bright or bold nail colors DON’T: forget your beauty rest! DON’T: skip meals the day of DOs and DON’Ts If you color your hair, do it several days in advance so your roots are fresh. Don’t cut your hair right before the shoot (unless you have a short hairstyle). We will add curl and volume to your hair which will shorten it slightly. Deep condition your hair the night before your session which will add moisture and shine while increasing strength and manageability. If you have naturally curly hair, we still recommend no product in your hair. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to discuss it with me during our phone consultation. We have lots of experience working with naturally curly hair and helpful information just for you! HAIR
HANDS & FEET BEAUTY REST Get plenty of sleep the week of your session. Getting a solid eight hours every night does more than make you feel rested, it also helps you look better. While you sleep your body produces more cells, stimulates collagen production, and increases your cell turnover rate. Your skin is literally renewing and rejuvenating while you sleep. Getting enough sleep also temporarily reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face and neck. You’ll also be refreshed and energized for all the fun at your session! But, if you don't get good sleep before your session, we can always soften undereyes or remove lines. STRETCHING Add yoga and stretches into your daily routine leading up to the shoot. Increased flexibility will help you move into the poses more easily during the session. There is also the added benefit of toning up! However, avoid strenuous workouts a few days in advance of your session to prevent being sore or getting bruises, scratches, or blisters. But again, I can always touch-up this stuff, so it’s ok if you get a ding here and there. Paint your finger nails a clear or soft color. French tips, light pinks, and neutral colors look really nice. Avoid bright or bold colors because they will steal the focus of the photo away from your eyes and lips -- the exception to this is if bright/bold nails are something you normally do and it's part of your personal style. Toenails can be any color you want, but matching the color of your finger nail polish is preferred. It is important to wash, scrub, and moisturize the bottoms of your feet. I can also touch up problem areas if needed!
Make sure you eat breakfast! You want to have energy and feel great during the session, right? Seriously, a little bit of food won’t change your appearance at all and will prevent dizziness and headaches. Hair should be washed & dried prior to the shoot and should be product free. Part your hair the way you want it and leave it down and ready for styling. Arrive at the session with a clean, moisturized face ready for the application of makeup! Wear loose fitting clothes to avoid red marks and indentations in your skin. Jeans can leave creases on your thighs and tummy, bras can leave red lines on your shoulders and back, watches can leave marks on your wrists, and thick socks can leave indentations on your ankles. Avoid flip flops which can get your feet dirty. Plan an extra 20-30 minutes of buffer time on your way to the studio in case you hit heavy traffic and to allow enough time to find the building and parking. I will send you more detailed directions and parking information right before your shoot. There is a space in front of the studio you can park or if it's unavailable, there is a parking garage close by. Gather and pack all of your items. Double check to make sure you’ve got everything including all matching bottoms. Bring your clothing and lingerie on hangers with a garment bag over the top. This will reduce wrinkles and fold lines. However, don’t worry if they do occur, as we have a steamer on hand. Clean the bottoms of your shoes just in case they appear in a photo. Remove retail tags and security devices from new purchases and cut fabric tags inside sheer or lacy lingerie in case they show through. We have scissors if you forget. And rest peacefully during the night knowing we'll make you look perfect! DAY BEFORE DAY OF
WHAT SHOULD I BRING? 1 If you bring only one thing, bring a bra and panty set. Start with basic black and then add a white set, then bright/bold/pastel colors and then patterns/prints. The only color to avoid is anything that blends with your skin (i,e, beige or tan). Bras photograph amazingly well on all bodies. Yes, even you! If you have tummy concerns, we can add garter belts, waist cinchers, robes, or use positioning or sheets to cover. Taking flattering pictures is our MO. We won't let you down! Bra & Panties 2Lingerie Lingerie is the most obvious wardrobe for a boudoir session and encompasses everything from babydoll nighties to fully boned corsets to fishnet body stockings. If you feel completely lost about what is what, check out our in-depth Lingerie 101 section in this guide. If the prospect of shopping for lingerie sounds intimidating or you don't want the added expense, don’t worry, because we have hundreds of pieces of lingerie in the studio in sizes XS - 3/4XL that you can borrow for your photo shoot. We've got you covered, literally!
PACKING CHECKLIST z Music player with your favorite tunes Optional z Favorite non-perishable snacks Optional z Photos as inspiration for what you like Recommended z Lip Gloss for touch-ups Optional z 1-3 matching bra & panty sets Recommended z Panties: Black, white, and assorted Recommended z Corset or bustier Optional z Fitted chemise or slip Optional z Babydoll nighty or sheer robe Optional z Teddy or body suit Optional z White tank top, sports jersey, or t-shirt Optional z Lace, sheer, or off-shoulder top Optional z If this is a gift, something of his Optional z Any props you think might be fun Optional z Jewelry and other accessories Optional z High heel shoes and/or boots Optional z A supportive friend Optional z Clothes to wear home Recommended z A good cover story if this is a surprise gift Optional Casual Attire 3 4 5 Accessories Something Fun Everyday clothing such as lacy or sheer tops, loose knit sweaters, cutoff shorts, stretch t-shirts, camis, and swim suits can be a fun addition to lingerie and super sexy. White or light colors are preferred because they capture contrast better than dark or black clothing. A popular casual look is a plain white tank top soaked in water. Bring something off-beat, different and sentimental. Perhaps something that represents a hobby or passion of yours such as recreational gear, sportswear, a musical instrument, uniform or work clothes. If this is a gift for someone, you can bring something of theirs such as a neck tie, a button down shirt, favorite tee, or a sports jersey, If this is for a special occasion like a wedding, bring your veil, shoes, jewelry, and even your dress. Accessory ideas include your favorite jewelry, hair pieces, scarves, fresh flowers, high heels, boots, hats, knee high socks, gloves, leg warmers, fishnets, etc. Our studio has most of this stuff too and we've also got multiple long strands of pearls. We even have brand new thigh high stockings that are yours to keep after the session!
Maternity WHAT ABOUT FOR MATERNITY? In most ways a boudoir shoot and a maternity shoot are pretty much the same. Just like with boudoir, we're celebrating your body by capturing gorgeous photos of you. However, below are some tips & suggestions unique to maternity sessions Timing Schedule your session to land around 34 weeks, give or take a week or two. Your style Just like boudoir, there are a lot of different directions we can go with your maternity session. Think about whether you are drawn to glamorous images, casual images, or artistic images. Building a pinterest board will help. We can do a mix of styles or stick with just one. What You Want Think about who will see these photos. Are they meant to be something private you share with your significant other? Or are they meant to be shared publicly with family and friends? Or some of both? This will also help us know what type of images to create. In addition, think about if you want a book, a wall portrait, digital images, small prints, etc. This can also guide us to know what types of photos you want. Basically, we want to create photos that match your personal style and will work perfectly for the purpose behind your session. What To Bring If you want to wear a gown, maternity dress, or maternity clothes we recommend bringing those with you. You can also bring a stretchy lace panty and a bra. If you want to do bathtub photos with fresh flowers, bring the flowers you want to use. We have the powdered milk bath. We also have sheer robes, draping material, off-the-shoulder sweaters, tank tops, t-shirts, and nighties which are all popular.
SEATTLE SHOPPING Bellefleur Lingerie | Fremont | 3504 Fremont Place N | www.bellefleurlingerie.com $$$ - A sophisticated selection of designer teddies, nighties, corsets and a huge assortment of bras and panties. They are perfect for small-middle sizes. They do not carry plus sizes. Diva Dollz | Pioneer Square | 624 1st Ave | www.dollzanddames.com $$ - PinUp inspired clothing, lingerie, and seriously to-die-for retro shoes. Lane Bryant | Northgate | 401 Northeast Northgate Way | www.lanebryant.com $ - Beautiful lingerie and bras for plus sizes. Also check out their cute shapewear which is a surprisingly sexy boudoir outift. Lovers | Tukwilla | 5301 Southcenter Blvd | www.loverspackage.com $ - Lovers is an adult store with locations across the northwest. They have a good selection of lingerie if you're on a budget. They do not carry bras and panties. Nordstrom | Downtown | 500 Pine Street | www.nordstrom.com $$ - Nordstrom carries designer brands like boutique stores. They are a great choice for classic styles. But if you're looking for something racy or off-beat, a boutique store is a better bet. Pretty Parlor | Capital Hill | 119 Summit Ave E | www.prettyparlor.com $$$ - Authentic vintage clothing and lingerie perfect for a PinUp or old Hollywood glamour photo shoot. Salua Lingerie | Madrona | 1406 34th Ave | www.salualingerie.com $$ - Salua designs and manufactures their own line of handmade elegant sleepware, swimware, bras, and undies. Soma Intimates | Downtown | 600 Pine Street, Ste 315 | www.soma.com $ - Bras and panties in all sizes with a specialization for plus sizes. Victoria’s Secret | Downtown | 600 Pine Street | www.victoriassecret.com $ - This lingerie icon has everything from their famous push-up bras to gorgeous lingerie that changes with every season. They are best suited for middle sizes. Zovo | U district | 4612 26th Avenue NE | www.zovoLingerie.com $$ - Designer lingerie and bras in ALL SIZES! If you have difficultly finding designer bras in your size, Zovo will have it or they can order it for you.
Navigating the vast selection of lingerie out there can be overwhelming, to say the least, so we are here to help you! Lingerie encompasses everything from modern push-up bras to vintage corsets. The following pages contain photos and a description of each type of lingerie. We'll also tell you if we have it in the studio or if you should bring it along with you. Our hope is that you won't have a single question about lingerie after reading this. What to Wear lingerie 101
The Corset This 19th century fashion icon is a heavily boned or structured piece of wardrobe that laces in the back with hooks or a zipper in the front or on the side. Some corsets have built in cups and/or shoulder straps, but the traditional style does not. You’ll need our help to tie up the laces in the back and “squeeze” you in. Corsets push your bust upwards and cinch in your waist creating the ultimate hourglass shape! They typically have garter straps or can be worn with a garter belt that attaches to thigh high stockings. AVAILABLE TO BORROW
Waist Cincher Waist cinchers are a favorite of mine! They are very similar to corsets except they don’t cover your bust which means they pair great with a bra and panty set. If you want to enjoy the wide selection and perfect fit of a bra, but also want to cover your tummy, this is a compelling choice. Most have garter straps to attach to stockings. Some cover your entire tummy, from bra to panty, and others cover just the lower half your waist which looks similar to a high waisted garter belt but with added structure. AVAILABLE TO BORROW
Pronounced “boo-stee-ay” this piece of lingerie is similar to a corset, however, instead of heavyweight material squeezing you, bustiers are lightweight and designed to fit and hug your body perfectly. Think of it as a bra that continues down to your waist or hips. Bustiers generally have shoulder straps and garter straps and they always have built in cups. The back attaches with a series of eye hooks. If you want the shape of a corset but with a modern look and more mobility, a bustier is a great choice! Bustier AVAILABLE TO BORROW
Bras paired with a matching panty are a boudoir must-have! They allow your body to move freely (so your movements are not restricted like they are in a corset, for example) and bras do not cover your mid-section which allows us to capture your beautiful body lines, such as the light and shadow on the arch of your back. They are also idea for silhouettes. We can also pair them with a number of other types of lingerie. I definitely recommend bringing at least one perfectly fitted bra with you to your session! Bras
Balconette. Covers only the lower half of breasts. The cups usually have lining and cut in a straight line across. Demi Cup. Covers the lower three-quarters of breasts and is great for pushing up and creating cleavage. It can be lined with padding or unlined and sheer, usually covered in pretty lace. Simone Perele makes absolutely beautiful demi cup bras. T-Shirt. Smooth molded cups so it appears invisible under t-shirts or other thin tops, A strapless version can work well under oversized clothing at your shoot. Pushup. Heavily padded bra designed to create a fuller appearance. The key to making this bra picture-worthy is selecting the correct size so that breasts are in fact pushed upwards, not just hidden inside the padding (this can create a gap between the bra and your skin). Baggy, gaping, or wrinkly cups. Solution: You need a smaller band size or cup size. Your bra should follow your movement. Shoulder straps digging in. Solution: Adjust straps. You may need a larger band size or cup size. The support of your breasts should come from underneath the bra -- not from the shoulder straps. Underwire isn’t sitting under breasts. Solution: You need a larger cup size. The underwire between & underneath breasts should sit flush on your ribs. Your breasts balloons out of the bra Solution: You need a larger cup size or fuller coverage bra. The band rides up in back Solution: You need a tighter band. The band should sit level with the front, but not so tight as to dig into your back. Get your bra professionally fitted before your session STYLES BRA
Panties are essential to a boudoir session. They are needed to go with the majority of our outfits, but we don't reuse panties for hygienic reasons so you can either bring a few with you or purchase panties from our limited selection. Cheeky panties are our favorite and we also love thongs, high-waisted panties, and boy shorts. The only panties I would avoid are g-string panties or a plain brief. Panties can be solid, patterned, lacy, or have straps. Let your own personal tastes be your guide! Panties LIMITED SELECTION TO BUY
High Waist. Full coverage with the waist at your belly button. Perfect for a vintage hourglass look. Cheeky. Full coverage in the front and a little cheeky in the back for a very flattering round shape. I recommend stretch lace cheeky panties without a tight waistband. Thong or G-string. A thong with a wider band around the hips makes this style more flattering. But a single string or thin band around is not the best choice -- unless it's going to be worn underneath clothing. Brief or bikini. Full coverage on the front and back side. Low rise can give the appearance of a muffin top, so look for mid rise or hipster styles. A vertical rouched seam in the back center will round your bum and avoid sagging/wrinkling. STYLES PANTY CAN'T DECIDE WHICH PANTY? If you can't pick between two panties, choose the one that looks the best in the back! cheeky butt comfortable fit doesn't shift or roll when you move band sits at your hip or higher wedgies are good (it's true!) thong with a wide band solid, patterned, lacy, or strappy! narrow, thin band around hips. multiple straps that dig into skin tight, thin elastic band at waist saggy on the butt super low-rise full breifs without a rouched seam g-strings GOOD BAD
Garter Belt Back in the day, when wearing hosiery was common, women held up their hose with a garter or garter belt. Garters are decorative elastic bands around each thigh to hold up stockings (you'll recognize these as the bridal garters). Garter belts are worn around the waist and have straps that attach to thigh high stockings on each leg. We have several styles of garter belts in black, red, and white. We'll help you attach them so don't worry about knowing how to do that! AVAILABLE TO BORROW
Thigh Highs There is nothing more iconic of sexy attire than a pair of thigh high stockings. They exude a distinctly feminine allure and seduction. We carry thigh high stockings in black, nude, and white with solid or lacy bands and one pair is included with your session. Thigh highs are a sophisticated addition to any look. Avoid thigh highs with a "stay-up" tacky liner on the top as they can squeeze and roll. 99% of the time you'll wear thigh highs with garters to hold them up so falling isn't an issue. A PAIR ARE YOURS TO KEEP!
Body Stocking Body stockings are usually sold in a boxed package and are made of the same material as tights but cover your whole body. They are usually crotchless so this is one of the few times a g-string panty will come in handy. There are many, many patterns, styles, and cuts of body stockings. I recommend trying it on before your session to make sure it fits well since they are "one size fits all." Full body latex outfits have a similar look, just made of a different material. LIMITED SELECTION TO BUY
Teddies are most definitely a hot, trendy item right now! This is a one-piece garment that fastens between your legs. Some are loose fitting with tap-style shorts and a blousey camisole top while others are tight made with stretchy material and a bra-style top. Because the bottoms are part of the outfit, we don’t have this option available to borrow in the studio so pick up your own before the shoot if you want to wear this little number. Teddy
This outfit is pronounced “shuhmeez” and is similar to a slip, but made for pictures! It is made of stretchy and forgiving fabric with built-in cups. It fits nice and snug around your waist, hips, and thighs. Chemises always have shoulder straps and sometimes they have garter straps. Colors and styles can vary from soft and sweet to outright vixen. The shape is flattering and sexy. If you’re fuller figured, don’t shy away from a chemise. The fitted shape photographs beautifully! Chemise AVAILABLE TO BORROW
Babydoll nighties are a loose fitting piece of sleepwear with an empire waist that comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Some have an a-line top and use soft materials for comfort. Others have a built in cup or supportive underwire and are made with sheer or lace materials. The babydoll can range from flirty/playful to naughty/ seductive. All styles photograph well and the choice between them depends on your personal taste. Babydoll AVAILABLE TO BORROW
A close-fitting one-piece garment for the torso often with sleeves or plunging necklines. It is seemingly very similar to a leotard or a swimsuit, but is meant for casual wear. They are commonly sold at regular department stores like American Apparel or Forever 21. They are a good choice if your personal tastes favor casual wear but you like the close fit and cut of lingerie without all the lace and straps. Or you just want a simple statement piece. Bodysuit
Our Closet & Wardrobe Our “closet” is actually an entire room full of all types of lingerie, casual wear, PinUp dresses, and accessories/props to borrow for your photo shoot. The lingerie in this section is available in S, M, and L and in most instances are also available in XL, 1/2XL and 3/4XL as well. You can visit our Pinterest page to see larger photos and sizes. You can pin your favorites so you’ll already have an idea of what to wear! Bottoms are not available to borrow (for hygienic reasons) so if you wish to wear any of our items -- bring your own black, white, or color panty to match. Or we have a selection of panties that you can purchase. We also have some teddies and body stockings available to purchase as well. our closet Please note: The exact collection will vary slightly on your session date as some items will be out for cleaning or retired due to damage. We also add items at a faster rate than we are able to update here so there will be new items available to you that are not listed here.
Chemises & Nighties
Corsets & Bustiers
Misc & Casual
Bras & Garter Belts
Jewelry & Accessories
styles Pick Your Personal Style There are a lot of different directions you can go with your boudoir shoot. The following pages define each of the photo styles we can create. Choosing your favorite(s) is the most helpful way for us to create images to match your personal tastes. If you love several, we can create a mix of styles! If you love just one style we can dive deep into it.
striking light & shadow body focused provocative Dramatic
natural light radiant skin soft and sultry Luminous
artistic lighting strong contrast silhouettes Black & White
solid backdrop editorial celebrity inspired Vogue
gallery wall art slivers of light body form Art Nudes
“Just writing to let you know how it went last night. He was at a loss for words for sure. I think I heard a ‘WOW!’, a ‘Holy Shit!’, ‘Are you serious!?!’, ‘These are amazing….you look amazing!!’ It sure was fun to sit back and watch him as he turned each page. The smile on his face was like one I have never seen before. He says this is definitely the most special gift he has ever received. And he says, ‘You tell Cheryl that I said thank you for capturing my woman’s beauty the way she did.’ He is very happy. (And then he said, ‘I cant wait to show these off babe!’). Everything turned out so perfect, and I thank you again. I will definitely be spreading the word about you and showing off your art to others. And I will be back to do it again someday!” “I wanted to thank you for making my session on Sunday such a wonderful experience. I was really nervous going in not sure if I would feel comfortable doing this. But you made it so easy to feel comfortable. The pictures we reviewed were amazing I still am trying to figure out how you were able to make the photos of me look so good. I guess I didn’t see that person in me before these pics. Again thank you so much!” “He LOVES the photos! Thank you again. He was so surprised at how amazing they were. He loved how you took the pictures too. He woke me up in the middle of the night just to tell me how much he liked the pictures again. Lol!” “Holy mother, your pictures are amazing! I’ve never felt photogenic…well, ever. Thank you for a great photo shoot and making things so relaxed.” “Hey just shooting you an email so you know I got my photos and I can’t tell you how excited I am not to mention how excited my boyfriend is. I think they are perfectly flirty and fun just cute enough for a soon to be married couple. Just the simplest fact that he will have fun photos to look forward to has made the process of deploying a little easier. So I hope that every month you can think to yourself and know you had a hand in doing the good deed of cheering up a soldier across the world. Thank you for everything.” “Hi Cheryl, thank you so much for the beautiful pictures that you took yesterday, I love them. I had an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life, thank you for a beautiful MEMORY!!!” “There are not enough words to thank you for what you have done for me! Thank you for helping me finally see the beautiful woman I have become. Every woman should spend a day with you! I truly love you and I promise, you will be seeing us again for our wedding.” “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for making it such a wonderful experience. He absolutely loved it and he couldn’t stop smiling. He was super impressed that I was willing to even do something like that! I’ve caught him just staring at the picture on the wall too! It’s facing his side of the bed, so every time he gets out of bed, he sees me!” “I am still glowing from this week’s experience. I have told everyone I know what an amazing event this was. My friend and I both agree that a day with you is a lifetime of therapy in loving myself!” “I just wanted to say thank you for my session on Thursday!! I seriously never in a million years would think I would actually feel relaxed and comfortable doing a shoot like that. It was really fun getting to know you and hanging out for a while too! I will definitely be by to do another one maybe for an Anniversary or Christmas present. Anyways, just wanted to say THANKS!!!!” “Thank you, Cheryl! I couldn’t believe how beautiful the pictures were. I definitely don’t feel that beautiful, so it was nice to feel that way for the day. Thanks for capturing my good side and being so easy to work with. It was a much better experience than I thought it would be. You made me feel really comfortable and I actually had fun.” “I have to say, you really captured some great pictures of me. I love how you made my eyes shine! I can’t wait to show the photos to my fiancée. Thank you for making the shoot comfortable and fun. It was just wonderful and I would do it again in a heartbeat!”
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