Why is Boudoir Photography So Expensive?
That’s a great question! Let me help explain why.
It’s one of the most asked questions regarding Boudoir – Why is Boudoir Photography so expensive? Boudoir Photography is a specialized genre of photography that involves capturing intimate and sensual images of a subject in a private setting. This type of photography has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and it is becoming increasingly common for people to commission boudoir photo shoots as a way of celebrating their bodies and boosting their self-confidence. Let me start off by first explaining that Boudoir photography is not just a photo session, it’s a complete experience. It’s the actual experience that you are paying for.
However, many people are surprised by the high cost of boudoir photography. Let’s explore some of the reasons why boudoir photography is so expensive.
Why is Boudoir Photography So Expensive?
Specialized skills and equipment
Boudoir photography requires specialized skills and equipment that many other types of photography do not. A good boudoir photographer must have an eye for composition, lighting, and posing. They must also have experience working with clients in a sensitive and empathetic manner, as boudoir photography can be a vulnerable and emotional experience for the subject. While most photographers who photography families or babies, they really have to just focus on the location and people being photographed. It usually lasts about 30-45 minutes each session, then you’ll receive your images a couple of weeks later.
Boudoir photographers often use specialized equipment to create the perfect lighting and atmosphere for their shoots. This can include high-quality cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and props. Each unique individual has a reason behind their booking. Did they just come out of a toxic relationship and want to feel refreshed and empowered? Is this a gift for a significant other for an anniversary, birthday, or wedding? Did they succeed with their self-love journey and lost some weight and want to document the hard work they put into themselves? Do they just want to learn to love their bodies and stop with the self hate? No matter what the reason is, Boudoir photography has a deeper meaning to it and A Boudoir session can heal you in more ways than you would think. Celebrating a milestone with a Boudoir Session is a great way to feel beautiful and sexy.
It then comes down to the next answer with why is boudoir photography so expensive. What do you value yourself at? Not the session itself, what do you value YOURSELF at? In reality, this is an investment in yourself. Looking at yourself from a different perspective and looking past your imperfections to see the real beauty within. I know you may think it’s a stretch. How can a photo session heal you and make you feel beautiful? You need to be told that you are beautiful by the person that sees beauty in everyone. Your boudoir photographer sees beauty in every single human being all of the time. No matter what your family or partner says about you or your body, you need to know that you ARE beautiful. You ARE sexy! Don’t let the people that have their own insecurities about themselves take it out on you.
Trust in your boudoir photographer to help guide you along the way with flattering angles, posing, and lighting to give you the best experience possible. Finding the right Boudoir photographer is vital in the process. An experience can either make you or break you so please do your homework and know where your money is being invested.
The wings above are a pretty penny. Can you believe they are $1500! All of this specialized equipment and expertise comes at a cost, and this is reflected in the prices that boudoir photographers charge because your photographer wants you to have the best experience possible.
Why is Boudoir Photography So Expensive?
Time and effort
Boudoir photography is not a quick and easy process. It typically involves several hours of preparation, including hair and makeup, selecting outfits and props, and setting up the shooting location. The photo shoot itself can take several hours, depending on the number of outfits and poses the client wants to incorporate. It also depends on the collection they have chosen and the reason for their booking. Some require more time or props than others, and that’s ok!
After the photo session, the photographer spends several more hours editing the photos to ensure they are of the highest quality. This includes retouching, color correction, and cropping, among other things. They want you to see yourself how they see you. You’ve already been excited seeing the back of the camera, now let’s look at them together on a larger screen.
All of this time and effort adds up, and it is reflected in the prices that boudoir photographers charge. Another reason as to why is boudoir photography so expensive, is that there is a setting up and taking down process. Preparing the studio for your special day takes a lot of time and preparation. Things need to be cleaned after each session such as doing laundry with the bed sheets, blankets, and disinfecting and washing each piece of lingerie that has been worn. There is a process in sanitation between each client as well. Cleaning your props and accessories, cleaning the mirror or other things that have been touched. If a photographer has a professional studio they need to pay rent for, that also is included in the cost as they have overhead costs to keep up to date on.
Why is boudoir photography so expensive? There are sample prints and albums that photographers need to purchase to show you what you are purchasing. To see the quality in the products you will be receiving. There is studio decor to incorporate into each session along with having multiple sizes in different lingerie styles sure adds up. Jewelry, accessories, and props are a factor as well.
Why is Boudoir Photography So Expensive?
Customization
Boudoir photography is a highly personalized experience that is tailored to each client’s individual needs and preferences. The photographer must work closely with the client to understand their vision for the shoot and create a customized plan that meets their needs. Is this for a particular theme such as a Valentine Boudoir session?
Is this session booked for a Bridal Boudoir session as a surprise gift for their groom on their wedding day? Different accessories such as a wedding veil, white lingerie, garters, and bouquets need to be considered as a part of their shoot.
Or is your reason for booking a Pregnancy Boudoir or Maternity session? This is a bit different from a traditional Maternity session with the long flowing gowns because you are showing a more intimate side of yourself and exposing more of that beautiful baby bump. Maternity lingerie and wear is separate from traditional lingerie styles.
Why is Boudoir Photography So Expensive?
Limited availability
Because boudoir photography is such a specialized genre, there are only a limited number of photographers who offer this service in each area. This means that there is often high demand for boudoir photographers, and they can charge a premium for their services. Boudoir photographers do seem to book up fast and most women need their albums or prints back by a certain date so things need to move quickly. It takes 1-2 weeks for final images to be edited and some professional printing services can take up to 3-4 weeks to have the album shipped and delivered. So if you need your album for a certain date you will be celebrating, you need to make sure that you book at least two months in advance to be on the safe side.
Additionally, boudoir photographers often limit the number of shoots they do each month to ensure that they can provide each client with the personalized attention they deserve. This means that they have to charge more to make up for the limited availability. Boudoir photography sessions can’t be done every single day. There would be no time for editing and to give you the quality time and services you deserve.
Why is Boudoir Photography So Expensive?
Value for money
Finally, it is important to consider the value for money that boudoir photography provides. For many people, a boudoir photo shoot is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows them to celebrate their bodies and boost their self-confidence. The high cost of boudoir photography reflects the value that it provides to clients in terms of the memories, emotions, and self-esteem boost that it can offer. Investing in yourself is a part of self care. You deserve to be pampered once in awhile. Heck, even therapists are recommending Boudoir sessions now as a way to promote self worth and love. They are important in more ways than one.
You deserve to look at your images for a lifetime to come as a constant reminder of how amazing you are. In return, that is PRICELESS. And the experience is truly unexplainable until you’ve actually had a session of your own. If you are worried about Who will see my boudoir images, know that this is another reason why you need to find the right boudoir photographer for you. Trust that they will keep your images safe and have them printed professionally for you and kept discreet.
So to break it down to answer your question of why is boudoir photography so expensive, it all depends on what you see the value as. And honestly, the photographer doesn’t get to keep all of that money in his or her pocket. It goes towards hair and makeup, professionally printed products, accessories, props, etc. I will tell you that with my business alone, I end up paying about $750 or so to other places or companies during an individual’s experience. It’s in order to provide an unforgettable and luxury experience for my clients. That is extremely important.
In conclusion, boudoir photography is expensive because it requires specialized skills and equipment, time and effort, customization, limited availability, and offers a high value for money. While the cost of a boudoir photo shoot may seem high at first glance, it is important to consider the quality and value that it provides, and the unique experience that it offers to clients.