HoustonBoudoir

We're usually booked a month or two in advance. I recommend to prospective clients they they schedule about 4-6 weeks before you need your album. This way, the bride should be in the shape she wants to be in for the wedding, it allows plenty of time to select the pics for the album, and finally gives me time to airbrush and retouch them before sending everything to the printer. Also, it can get chaotic before a wedding and you want to make sure you are relaxed during your session and not thinking of all the things you need to be doing instead. Norma

About 20% of our clients (I went back and actually counted them) have said they wanted a female photographer for a variety of reasons but reactions by their husband/fiance if the photographer was a male was a common one. Other photographers may have different experiences. I'm only expressing my own personal insights gained from talking with the girls. Therefore, I like to bring up this factor so others can either dismiss it as a non-issue or not. My original statement of "use a female photographer for your boudoir bridal session if you think your fiance's reaction might be less than enthusiastic" is still valid. If you think it might be a problem, ask if you can have a female photographer when you make your initial contact with a photographer. If you don't think it will be a problem, then move on down your mental checklist to your next set of personal considerations! The other 80% of our clients don't care if my husband assists with the boudoir shoots or not. He's my 2nd shooter in the wedding and portrait side and works with me on the boudoir sessions. He's quite good with the posing and the girls get the benefit of a two different views. Visit our site for more info if anyone is confused as to why he's there.

I think my comment about a woman boudoir photographer was misunderstood. I was in no way implying that a female is the best choice. My point was for the woman to think about it when choosing a photographer. From my experience, I have had many clients that did not want my husband present during any portion of their session because they were unsure of how their husbands would feel later when presented with the pictures. So, that is a decision that only a client can make. My reference to sunbathing in the nude was meant that if a guy didn't have a problem with other men seeing their girl in the nude then he shouldn't have a problem with the gender of their photographer regardless of what is or isn't worn. FYI, the majority of my clients do wear lingerie during their entire session but it is often sheer and revealing. Norma

Quote: Originally Posted by Denise40 Welcome to the forum! What part of Houston are you in? I have thought about doing something like this for my dh of 25 years, but I feel like I would be too old to do this and definitely not in shape. LOL. I live north of Houston. We're on the southwest side of the Houston area about 10 minutes from the Beltway 8 and 59 South interchange, near Sugar Land. Send me an email or give me a call if you have more questions. And, FWIW, you're never to old to want to look good. Us older gals may not be able to pull off the same poses that some younger gals can, but there are still many ways to make one look great; and that would be my job. Norma

Things to Consider When Choosing a Boudoir Photographer The most important thing when choosing a boudoir photographer is to make sure you use a female photographer for your boudoir bridal session if you think your fiance's reaction might be less than enthusiastic if he finds out another man saw you in your undies or less. The last thing you want to happen is to have your grand surprise backfire. Some men can get territorial about this. If you think he'd be OK with you sunbathing in the nude without him, then he might not really mind. The next most important thing is to find someone who you really, really like their boudoir work. Ask to see examples if there are none on their wedding website. Not all wedding photographers will feel comfortable or know how to pose a woman to show off her curves in a soft and feminine way while keeping it classy and elegant. Some of my male wedding photographer friends say they don't do this kind of work because their wives would not like it. So, please don't automatically assume your wedding photographer can do your BD pics. Also, the post-processing of boudoir portraits is (or should be) quite different than an ordinary photo. Not all photographers are equal in their retouching and airbrushing skills. The last thing to consider before you schedule that session is do they make you feel comfortable and do they give you good vibes. If something doesn't feel right when you talk to them, move on. They may be a total professional but they may not be right for you. Ask them if you can bring a friend along to your session. Your friend may not be allowed in the camera room with you but at least they will be in the studio when you're there. I hope this helps. I do this kind of work and these are some of the things I tell my prospective clients when they call wanting more information. I don't care if you book with me or someone else, I just want you to please do your homework before you book with someone. Norma (trying to raise the boudoir photography bar)

Quote: Originally Posted by cdc0427 Hello and Welcome. Do you know any Boudoir Photographers in Pittsburgh? I don't know any personally in Pittsburgh but you might start with a search on the Boudoir Photographers Network. Then, do your homework to find one with the style you like that you feel comfortable with. If you have any questions during your search for your boudoir photographer, please give me a call. I'd love to chat with anyone who wants some honest woman-to-woman talk no matter what area you're looking in. I have a real passion for what I do. I feel very strongly about making sure the women who come in for these very personal sessions are properly taken care of as most of them are doing something completely out of their comfort zone. Norma 281-969-8257

Hi everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm the principal photographer in both my wedding and portrait photography business (Norma Schutt Photography) as well as my boudoir photography business (Houston Boudoir Photography) in the Houston, Texas area. I majored in art way back in school but never took very many formal photography classes. Mostly, I'm self-taught when it comes to cameras and love to go to workshops and hang out on various forums to pick up new ideas and tips and tricks. Because of my love of art, I've always enjoyed manipulating my photos and making them appear as paintings. Now, I'm finally getting to do it for others and I couldn't be happier. My work has been keeping me so busy lately I sometimes struggle to balance work and family life. This is my first weekend I've had off in several weeks and I loved hanging out with my hubby of 10 years and catching up on my Tivo'd TV shows. Norma