A Comprehensive Look at Boudoir Photography Pricing
Curious and confused about boudoir photography pricing? This blog is designed to demystify boudoir costs (no matter who you choose to hire), and teach you how to approach the experience so that you can get the most out of your session.
What Is The Average Cost Of A Boudoir Photo Shoot?
The total cost of your boudoir session and photos can be anywhere from $150 to $10,000. On average most people choose to spend a few thousand dollars depending on a number of different factors.
Boudoir Photography Pricing Breakdown
This total cost is split between two different purchases you’ll make: the fee for your session, and the cost of your photos and products.
The Cost of Your Photoshoot
In most places in the US, boudoir photography sessions cost somewhere between $200 and $600. Here in New York City, your session might cost anywhere from $150 to $800.
This is just the cost of the photoshoot, and typically includes:
A one to three hour session
A location for your photoshoot to take place
Hair and makeup styling
Some level of support in regards to preparing for your photoshoot.
This payment is usually a non-refundable retainer, meaning that even if you cancel your session you’re still paying for the photographer to have reserved time for you.
Your photoshoot payment may sometimes - but not always - also serve as a deposit towards purchases of products or images . You’ll make those bigger buying decisions after your photoshoot at what’s called an “Ordering Appointment.”
Buying Products and Images
There are a number of different ways you might want to keep your images.
Some popular products at our studio are:
Albums: These are our most popular products by far, because they’re super discrete, hold plenty of images, and make really unforgettable gifts and keepsakes.
Albums at Earthly Venus start at $799.
Digitals: Full sized digital images are a must these days for most clients. They can be delivered online, or via a cute crystal USB flash drive.
Digitals at Earthly Venus start at $150.
Wall Art: These displays have the ultimate wow factor, and can often be far more subtle and anonymous than many clients realize. They’re the perfect addition to any private space, and serve as a constant reminder of your power and beauty.
Wall art at Earthly Venus starts at $500.
Differences Between A la Carte Prices and Packages
Products and images can be purchased individually (“a La Carte”), or in collections called “packages”.
A la Carte: If budget is the most important factor for you, you may want to purchase your images and gifts a la carte.
Lower Cost: You’ll often (but not always) spend less money when you choose to purchase images or products individually. This is a good option for client’s who, for example, know they just need one album and nothing more.
Packages: Most clients end up purchasing packages for their value.
Higher Value: While it’s true that you’ll spend more money on packages, you’ll also save a lot more money with them too. Items purchased together come with steep discounts.
Digitals + Albums: By bundling products together, you’ll be able to get both physical copies of your photos to cherish forever, and their corresponding digital files.
Be Aware of Studio Minimums
Many boudoir studios often have a minimum amount of money that you’ll have to spend in order to buy any images or products. In New York, this minimum is often somewhere between $500-$1,800.
Flexible Ways to Pay
Most photographers will offer some kind of payment plan option, such as Afterpay, so that you can avoid the stress of paying a large sum of money all at once. This allows you to split up your purchase into multiple smaller payments over time.
How much should you spend on your boudoir photographer?
While most people will spend a few thousand dollars on their boudoir photos, how much you choose to spend should depend on your personal budget and needs. A good photographer will guide you through options, be open to your concerns and desires, and offer recommendations on how you can get the most value out of your experience.
Step-by-Step: Find Your Boudoir Budget
Do Your Research: You can check your dream photographer’s website for this information, however it’s almost always best to contact the photographer and schedule a phone call. This is because most boudoir photographers won’t display their prices online, and even when they do it’s often a full picture of what you might expect to realistically spend.
Ask Questions: Here’s what you should ask to get an accurate perspective on how much you can expect to pay:
How much money does your average client spend?
What is the price range of your highest and lowest tier options?
Are there any minimum purchase requirements?
Do you offer payment plan options?
Consider Personal Expenses: You’ll likely want to spend money on other things as your shoot approaches, such as manicures, pedicures, lingerie, props, and self-care.
Over-budget (really): Prices and packages always feel confusing when you’re talking about hypothetical images. I often see clients fall in love with their images at their Ordering Appointment, and then stress out realizing they had completely under-budgeted for what they really want. Anticipating this and over-budgeting will help save you from heartbreak as you’re cutting down photos from your purchase later.
Boudoir Photography Pricing FAQ
Do I tip for a boudoir shoot?
You don’t have to tip your boudoir photographer if they own their own business. You may however want to tip your makeup artist, or a photographer who is an employee at a larger boudoir studio. But this isn’t an expectation.
How much does a photographer cost in NYC?
Photo sessions in NYC can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000 depending on the photographer. This is just the price for the photo shoot, and may or may not include additional images or products.
Is a boudoir photoshoot worth it?
Our client’s will tell you the experience is worth every penny – and it’s not just about the photos. No matter how much money you choose to spend, you will cherish these images for the rest of your life. They become a constant reminder of how beautiful and powerful you truly are. This is the kind of experience that you’ll never forget.
Have More Questions About Our Prices?
You can contact us for more information about our services, including our exact boudoir photography pricing. We’ll be so happy to help you, even if you’re not sure whether this experience is something you’re ready for just yet.
You can also download our FREE Ultimate Guide to learn exactly what your session will look like from start to finish.
