DIY BD Pfhotos??

[koolatta]

I really want to do a BD book, but am not sure if I have the funds. I was thinking of having my friend take the photos and making it a DIY project. What do you guys think? Has anyone done this and how did they turn out? Pics would be great for inspiration.

 

Thanks!!

[Jacilynda]

There are tons of pics out there to use for inspiration. I also don't have the funds to really do it and i don't have anyone in our area that is experienced in BD. I haven't officially decided, but may be doing a DIY BD book in a couple weeks. I'll get a hotel room, but have my friend do the photos.

 

I think if you want to do this don't expect a book like the other girls have had. I mean for those quality photos you need a good camera, good lense, lighting, someone who knows how to work it, and a good editing program.

 

I realize my book won't be amazing if i do it, but my best friend has been taking photog classes for a while and I have a nice camera and a couple good lenses for her to use and I have Adobe CS4 I'll use to edit but dont expect an amazing book. If i do it in a couple weeks Ill show you what i end up w/. My friend is only in town for the weekend and its so close to us leaving.

 

You may be able to find someone who could do a good deal for you. I've figured even if i don't buy outfits, do my own hair and makeup, get a room and the book I'm still looking at $300+ and alot of work doing my own book.

 

I'm sure someone who could give us alot of info would be Tammy, Trish or Morgan

[BlakleyBrideToBe]

I love this idea! Great advise Jacilynda!

[SunBride]

If you have a budget of even 100-200$ you should be able to find somebody. Just look for a less experienced photographer. Try searching in the online classified ads relevant to your area (kijiji?) for photographers that are looking to build up your portfolio. And you don't need somebody who has done boudoir before, as long as you have somebody who knows how to take regular portraits (lighting, etc) then just bring a bunch of inspiration pictures with you for the poses.

 

I have twice gotten photos taken by an amateur professional photographer. The first time was couples photos (like engagement photos but this was 2 years before we were engaged) which were free and the second time was photos with my new puppy (50$). Neither was as good as a professional photographer but still better than what I or a friend could have done.

 

For my boudoir photos, I found a professional photographer who had a really nice portfolio, but reasonable prices. She wanted 150$ for boudoir (including a set of 4x6 prints and low res CD, no book). Then I suggested I organize a marathon for her (i.e. using another wedding forum to find interested girls) and so she brought down the price to 75$ for each girl + 100$ for a photobook. Then since the marathon was so successful (and she ended up filling up 4 other marathon days this summer as a result!) she gave me a free photobook.

 

You can make your own photobook for under 50$ so just find a photographer who will give you a high resolution CD (which most will).

 

You don't have to spend 500$ for professional boudoir photos.

 

Finally, as per your original question, I think it coudl totally work to get a friend to do it, you could have a lot of fun.

[SunBride]

Also, you don't really need a hotel room if you want to save money. I really wanted mine at a hotel because I thought the background would be nicer. Well in the end you don't see much in the photos, just the bed. As long as you have a white sheet and/or duvet as well as preferably a nice headboard, that is pretty much all you need. You may also take a few photos against a wall, and maybe a couple on a couch/chair. If you don't like your couch just throw a black sheet over it. I ended up not being overly fond of the couch at my hotel room but you can hardly see it in the photo. In retrospect, a hotel room was totally unnecessary.

[JOSIE]

I'm actually MOH for my best friend, I'm heading to her house after work to take BD pics of her. She's doing it DIY (with me as photog) to save $$$. I'll let you know how it goes!

[Vikki]

I'm at work and I don't exactly want to go searching for this but if you google "boudoir photography" there are some great sites that have tips for making your pictures great and a couple of the pages I visited had a list of things to keep in mind when taking your own. Ideas about how to make the lighting better, tips for angles, ect.

 

I hope that helps!

[kpuckrin]

What a great idea! Thanks for the suggestions, I may look to do this as well.

[nolabride10]

Thanks vikki for the idea

[koolatta]

Wow...thanks for the advice/tips...you guys are awesome!! I am going to schedule a DIY BD session with my friend in the next few weeks. I will post the pics (well...if there any good, if not I'll just steer you the professionals way..lol)

 

Josie - Do let me know how it turned out!!

Vikki - thanks for the tip...I did find some great sites!!

Sunbride and Jacilynda - thanks for the info....I have to make sure I get some nice sheets..Im not to fond of mu coach either, I'm also going to ask the girls you reccommended...great idea