FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is Beyond Boudoir Photo different from ordinary Boudoir photographers?
Style- This is not your mother's boudoir photography! If you browse the websites of traditional Boudoir photographers, you'll see that they all follow the same rigid style, it looks a lot like wedding photography, but with lingerie! There is little nudity and nothing too sexual. American-style, commercial Boudoir photography is soft and subtle. The goal is to create safe images that won't shock anyone. That's fine for ordinary folks, but if you wish to celebrate your unique sexuality, why stay inside that box? What if you want something more revealing and provocative? What if you desire erotic photos with your lover? Most commercial photographers are not comfortable with that, but with Beyond Boudoir Photo, your imagination is the only limit.
Privacy- Commercial photographers traditionally and legally retain the rights to the photos that they create. This allows them to sell you more copies of your images in the future, more or less forever. They can also be used in the photographer's portfolio. Beyond Boudoir Photo uses a different business model to protect your privacy. Read more about my unique privacy policy here.
Locations- Your photoshoot can take place wherever you wish! Some are done in my clean, cozy home studio, near Portland, Oregon, which has natural daylight, a lovely bamboo floor, a professional soft lighting system and various fabric backdrops. But if you don't want the formal, studio look, there are other options. I've done many successful shoots in private homes and upscale hotel rooms. Some of my best shoots have been in Airbnb type vacation rentals. Each option gives your shoot a unique look.
Rates- My rates are simpler than typical photographers. I do not require you to buy prints or packages. You receive digital image files, which you may use any way you like. To see my rates, you can go here, but please come back when you have more time and read through the whole FAQ. It really is very helpful.
Guarantee- Your satisfaction is guaranteed. See details here.
Is this the real, original, "Beyond Boudoir Photo?"
Yes, I created this website around 2009. At the time, a web search showed no one else using that name or anything close. If you check my Model Mayhem profile page, it shows I joined that site in March of 2010. Since then, many other photographers have used variations on the name. or even the same name. Usually they disappear after a short time. Making this concept work is a lot more complex than you might think.
Will you travel to my city to do a private photoshoot for me?
Yes, you can read more here.
How many "looks" or costume changes can I do?
You can change your look as many times as you wish, but I'd recommend no more than 3-4 changes in a typical two hour photoshoot for the best results.
Do you photograph men?
Yes, contact me and describe what you have in mind.
Do you offer video?
No. Creating video that meets my standards requires more than one person and a different set of lighting equipment. More people and gear tend to spoil the intimate feel of a private shoot.
Why do you need a deposit in advance?
In order to give you all of my attention and give you the best, most relaxed photoshoot experience, I schedule only one photoshoot per day. Because reserving your date requires me to turn away another client, I must ask for a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time your appointment is booked. If you need to reschedule and can do so at least 24 hours in advance, your deposit will be retained and applied to another date. This can only be done once!
Another reason I require a deposit is the fact that I get a huge number of inquiries from people who are not serious about purchasing a private photoshoot. Mostly they want to fantasize about what it would be like in front of my camera. As you can imagine, I've wasted a lot of time trading messages with folks who never actually purchase a photoshoot.
How do I get my images after the photoshoot?
After the shoot, I will sort through all the images and select those that I think are worth your consideration. After basic editing, such as exposure adjustment and cropping, these will be sent to you as digital files attached to a private email or uploaded to a private folder on Google Drive. This typically takes about three days. These images will not be retouched. You may keep these images and use them any way you like. They are medium-resolution, perfectly suitable for viewing on your phone or tablet and they can easily be shared with friends by email. Retouching is available as an optional service.
What kind of retouching can you do to my photos and what does that cost?
If you choose to have some images retouched, send me the file numbers of your choices. They will then undergo a detailed professional, retouching process that can take up to an hour each. I try to keep it subtle, but effective. The charge for retouching is $100.00 per image.
Can I just get all the raw images?
Yes, but they won't have my distinct look. I recommend this option only for clients who have good photoshop skills and need images for their website or similar project.
Will anyone else be present at my photoshoot?
That's up to you. If you are doing a solo photo session, you may bring one friend. Just make sure they are mature, truly supportive of your decision and willing to sit quietly for an hour or two while we do your photoshoot.
Will you photograph me with my friend who is under 18?
Absolutely not! I will not photograph anyone under 18 and I will ask for ID if you look under 30..
Can you provide a model to get naughty with me or my wife?
I get asked that a lot! Unfortunately, it really isn't practical. For one thing, there are legal issues related to prostitution. There is also a distinct possibility that you might not like the model I provided. Then there is a good chance the model won't show up for the shoot. Just too many complications! Your best option is to advertise on Fetlife for someone to pose with you. I'm happy to photograph whatever you like, as long as all parties consent to be photographed.
I would love to have sexy photos, but I'm too scared to pose!
This is entirely natural. We have been trained not to expose our inner sexuality and most of us have a poor body image. Remember that it is the photographer's job to make you look beautiful and sexy. You will receive a list of things that you can do to prepare for the photoshoot. Just concentrate on that list and try to relax. I do not recommend using alcohol before your photoshoot, it causes more problems than it solves. Pot smoking is now legal here and if you feel that would help you relax, you are welcome to use the smoking porch.
If you are nervous and afraid you can't go through with your photoshoot, ask a trusted friend to come along with you. You must choose the friend carefully.
For some more thoughts on how easy and fun it is to work with Beyond Boudoir Photo, please see the review page here.
I'd like to do something really intimate, nasty or kinky during my photoshoot, but I'm too shy to describe it!
This is a very common problem. It's difficult to tell a stranger about your sexual preferences and that makes it hard for you to get the photos you really want. You need to find some way to communicate your desires. One way is to find a photo depicting what you'd like to do and email me a copy. You can also just come right out and say what you have in mind. It can be a liberating experience!
There really is nothing that will shock me, I love showing all sides of our sexuality. I do have a password protected gallery of more explicit photos that you can view on request. Contact me for the password. One thing that I get asked frequently is if you can use your toys in front of the camera and bring yourself to a climax - the answer is yes, no problem! And anything you wish to do with your partner is cool, as long as there is enough space in the room for the photographer and enough light to make good images.
How do I keep control of my pictures? Will they be posted on the internet?
You will be the only one to receive copies of your photos. I do not post your photos on my website. Please read more about my strict privacy policy here.
Can we meet in advance?
Yes, I'd love to meet with you before you schedule your photoshoot. If you wish to have a studio shoot, I suggest that you drop by my place to see my studio. That way you'll be more comfortable here on the day of your shoot. That's also a good time to pay the fee to reserve your time. If you are planning a location shoot, I'd like to meet you there to check it out and plan what equipment to bring.
How do I prepare for my photoshoot?
You will find instructions here - opens in a new window.
How do I contact you?
Email is best! Feel free to request my phone number if you'd like to talk directly.