Frequently Asked Questions
I’m not comfortable sharing my images online. Is that required to work with Boudoir by Irene?
Sessions are 100% private and images are NEVER shared anywhere without your permission. There’s NO requirement to share images in order to book a session. Read more about my Privacy Policy.
I’m worried about acne/cellulite/stretchmarks. Do you offer retouching?
Retouching is included with every session. I remove scars as requested, acne, blemishes, stretchmarks and cellulite in addition to bruises and other random marks you may have on the day of your session!
I don’t “take off 20 kilograms” or do “body reshaping.” I work with clients to find the most flattering poses and lighting to highlight their best features. If there’s something you feel particularly self-conscious about, let me know. Or I will send you an questionnaire to fill out so I can read it and get to know you better and what you suspect from this shoot beforehand.
I’m older than (not as thin as, etc.) the women on your website. Do you think I can still have a good shoot?
Absolutely! I don’t work with models! (Some other boudoir photographers have a lot of models on their websites – true story!)
I regularly work with women over 40 and up. As you can understand, not everyone I work with wants their photo on my website, so you may not see someone who looks like you. But I photograph women of all ages and sizes. The women on my website are real women just like you who went through makeup and hair, put together thoughtful wardrobes and trusted us to help them create sexy, beautiful images. We can do the same for you. Boudoir photography is for EVERY woman.
Where does the session take place?
Your session will take place in my home studio in Vredendal on the west coast or it can be at your own home. We also do express shoots where we shoot more than 3 people on one day at a discounted price. These are normally organized to take place outdoors or at a beautiful guesthouse or hotel. Exact location will be provided to you once you’ve confirmed your session with payment and client information form.
Can I bring someone with me to my shoot?
I prefer to work with clients individually so they have my full attention. Sometimes having someone with you – even a best friend – can be distracting because the attention isn’t completely on you. If you do decide to bring someone, please give me a heads up before your session and limit guests to one person. While I’m photographing your session there are no other folks in the room – your friend can relax in my home or grab coffee and shop just a couple of minutes away.
If your friend, partner or husband wants to meet me to ensure I am not an ax murderer, they are welcome to come and meet me as you’re arriving! But they do need to leave there after and come and pick you up again.
Are makeup and hair included? Can I just do my own and save money?
Every session includes full makeup. Getting your makeup done sets the tone for your session. It gives you time to relax, get to know us better and feel pampered. But more importantly, having a professional do your makeup means they know how to do camera-ready makeup that will truly make you feel and look boudoir sexy! Honestly, you will want to have a professional makeup artist go with you everywhere once you experience this luxury!
If you have a very specific hair style in mind, or ethnic hair or simply want to come with your hair fully styled, that is fine. But other than that I will style your hair as required. Remember you will flick your hair, lay on it etc. So it will be a waist to come with a whole do!! But it is still your choice.
The makeup artist just handed me a mirror – I feel like I have A LOT of makeup on. Am I going to look like myself?
Don’t worry! It looks like a lot of makeup in person but it will look just right in-camera. Keep the mirror at least at arms length away from you when you look at your makeup – the camera will never be closer than that. Remember that some of the makeup naturally “falls away” in the natural light, the processing and retouching of your images.
However, we want you to be happy, so speak up if you want to make an adjustment. The makeup artist is happy to talk with you about making any adjustments to the makeup after you’ve had some time to get used to it. Your happiness with your look is really important to me.
How long will the session take?
Makeup take an hour to an hour and a half on average. The photographic session also takes an hour to an hour and a half depending on the type of package you booked.
I will provide you with suggestions on things to bring to your session in an email “tip sheet” you’ll receive upon reserving your session.
In general here are some things you’ll want to bring:
– 3 to 4 outfit changes like a mix of lingerie, special items (like a favorite shirt of his or jersey) and any other options you’d like
– Accessories – jewelry and other items like a hat, helmet, veil etc.
– Sexy shoes!
– The address of your Pinterest idea board or printed inspiration pages for poses if you’d like! Or any other pictures you might have to try out for poses. I will also have a slideshow running for pose examples.
How many outfits can I wear?
You will have time for 3 outfits and a selection of “white sheet” poses. Some clients can get 4 outfits if they have one or two “simple” outfits that don’t take too much time to change into. If you’d prefer to do 4 outfits and no white sheet photos we can do that. We normally work on 3 outfits for every 30 minutes. Just give you a guide.
Do I bring my own lingerie? Do you have some I can use?
You will need to bring your own lingerie because I want to be sure you’ve picked items that fit you perfectly and that you absolutely LOVE! Select outfits that
match your body type and suit your session goals. I also have a selection of necklaces, accessories and props you can try.
I don’t know how to pose. I’m not a model. Help!
This is by far the biggest concern for my clients! Don’t worry – as I’ve said before, I work with clients through every pose during their session. Note that posing will NOT feel like just another afternoon of lounging around on your bed. I tell my clients that if the pose feels a little weird, they’re probably doing it right!
There are classic poses that most clients want to incorporate and new poses that clients wants to try. And I try to find several new poses for each session.
When will I see my session images? How long does it take to get everything back?
About 2 to 4 weeks after your shoot, I will send you a link to your online password-protected gallery to view your final images.
If you purchased digital files, they will be made available upon payment via instant download by online gallery.
If you’ve purchased other items like an album, canvas or prints, we’ll go over your order together and you will see a proof of the item before it goes out to be created and delivered to you. About a week later your gorgeous purchases will arrive at your doorstep.
Need something sooner? Let me know when you contact me – I may be able to rush your session images.
Do you offer a payment plan?
In a way, my packages include a built-in payment plan and this works for most clients. I take payment for your session fee and package over the course of several weeks to months depending on how far in advance you book your session. Half the session fee is taken at the time of booking and your remaining session fee balance isn’t due until two weeks before your session.
The full session fee is applied to packages, so you have a great start when it’s time to purchase a package.
I do offer a payment plan that extends the payment window to 6 months. Please talk with me about a payment plan if you’re interested in setting it up. I do not do the shoot until full payment has been made.
I’m traveling from out of town for my session. Where should I stay?
Many of my clients travel in for their sessions from out of the area. Please let me know if you’re interested in booking a place to stay while you’re in town.
I don’t see any semi nude photos on your website. I’m a little embarrassed to ask, but do you offer that type of photography?
Yes, I do offer semi nude options during sessions. I just choose not to display this on the web. Keep in mind that I will only photograph tasteful nudes – if it’s outside my comfort zone I will let you know. It’s my goal that you look back on the photos and feel good about them years from now. And not that you look back on them and feel weird about having shown something you wish you hadn’t!
What is your refund policy? Can I reschedule?
Life happens! However, if you contact me to reschedule with less than 14 days notice, you forget about your appointment or you reschedule more than once, the portion of the session fee that you’ve already paid is not transferable. When you sign the contract, I’m blocking that day and paying a makeup artist to block their calendar. I’m also turning away people interested in shooting that day. (Yes, I make exceptions occasionally! Unfortunately due to past experiences, I’ve had to put this policy in place.)
If you provide more than 14 days notice, you may transfer the portion of the session fee you’ve already paid to a future date within 60 days of your original session date.
Due to the custom nature of photography, the session fee and anything you purchase is non-refundable. I am committed to working with you to ensure you love your photos. You’ll have final say on all retouching and you’ll see all album layouts before they go to print.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you got any further questions. I will be glad to be of assistance to you!