Don’t book a New York boudoir session without reading this! I’ll teach you the basics, walk you through the experience, and show you how to get started.

What is New York Boudoir Photography?

Boudoir photography celebrates the person being photographed with glamorous, intimate portraits, empowering them to feel more confident in their own skin. It’s a personal and evocative experience that highlights a the subject’s elegance, beauty and sensuality, often in the comfort of lingerie or tasteful semi-nudity.

Why Women Do Boudoir

Women choose to engage in boudoir photography for many deeply personal and empowering reasons. The motivations are as diverse and dynamic as the women themselves.

• Create an Intimate Gift: These photos can be given as private gifts exchanged by lovers. Boudoir albums are especially popular gifts for weddings, birthdays, Christmas, or anniversaries.

• Celebrate Personal Milestones: Many come to my studio looking to celebrate a personal milestone, such as turning a new age, reaching fitness goals, or embracing the changes of their body as they enter motherhood.

• Reclaim Sensuality: Many things in life can cause us to lose sight of how beautiful and sexy we truly are. A boudoir session can allow you to reclaim your sensuality, and bounce back after undergoing significant life changes.

• Self-Expression and Celebration: Boudoir allows women to see themselves in a new light, to appreciate their bodies regardless of societal standards, and to document their journey in a way that feels authentic and uplifting.

The rise of boudoir in the modern era reflects a broader shift towards greater self-acceptance and feminism, where women are increasingly asserting control over their own images and stories.

How Boudoir is Changing Our Culture

The Empowerment Factor

Boudoir photos have the power to transform your relationship with your body forever. Here’s how:

• Boosting Self Confidence: Boudoir photography is a profound tool for enhancing self-confidence. It allows women to see themselves in a new and positive light, to feel proud and powerful in their own skin. The transformation often begins the moment they step in front of the camera and continues to resonate long after the session ends.

• Promoting Body Positivity: One of the most significant aspects of boudoir photography is its role in promoting body positivity. Each session is designed to highlight the beauty in diversity and the strength in every body type, challenging the conventional standards set by society. By celebrating all bodies, we foster a more inclusive and accepting view of beauty.

• Allowing Self-Expression: Boudoir sessions provide a unique platform for women to express their personalities and explore their sensuality in a safe, supportive environment. It's about capturing their true selves, whether that's bold and fierce, soft and serene, or anywhere in between. This form of self-expression is liberating, allowing women to own their narratives and celebrate their individuality.

Reclaiming Female Sexuality

It’s hard for many of us to imagine what empowered female sensuality looks like underneath patriarchy. Which is one reason why boudoir is so important! Here’s how our photos are changing the status quo.

• Rewriting the Narrative: Sensual images of women have often been viewed through the lens of the male gaze, but I'm here to shift that perspective. My boudoir sessions are not about catering to onlookers; they're about empowering the women in front of the lens. This is about taking back control and celebrating female sensuality on our own terms.

• Empowerment Through Every Shot: In my studio, empowerment is at the core of everything we do. I am dedicated to helping women of all backgrounds and body types to not only embrace but celebrate their individuality and sensuality. Each session is crafted as a personal celebration, a revelation of each woman’s inner strength and beauty. These aren't just photos; they are affirmations of self-love and powerful testaments to personal beauty.

• A Personalized Artistic Collaboration: Getting to know each client personally is crucial—it fuels my creativity and helps me to tailor every session to reflect the unique spirit of the individual. This personalized approach ensures that each session is not only a photographic experience but a sophisticated collaboration that captures the essence of each woman’s unique personality and style.

The Experience of a New York Boudoir Session

Each phase of the boudoir session — from the initial consultation to receiving your final, beautifully crafted images — is designed to celebrate and empower you, ensuring an experience that is as memorable as it is transformative.

Pre-Session Consultation

Every transformative boudoir experience begins with a pre-session consultation. This initial meeting is our opportunity to discuss what outcomes you want to see from your boudoir session. We’ll get to know each other better, and I’ll walk you through the whole process so that you know exactly what to expect in terms of both experience and investment. This conversation is pivotal as it helps us build a rapport and allows you to vibe check me, your photographer, before being thrown into the process. People tell me all the time that after speaking with me on the phone, they’re relieved to discover I’m a normal girl’s girl and not at all scary.

Session Preparation

Proper preparation is key to a successful boudoir session. This stage involves several important steps:

• Style Consultation: We'll meet over the phone to discuss the overall look and feel of your photos, including lighting, color schemes, and photographic styles that resonate with your personality. We’ll also talk about what makes you feel the most beautiful and where your boundaries are.

• Choosing Your Wardrobe: Selecting the right outfits can totally change how comfortable you feel on set, and how you see you body. We'll talk about what types of clothing and accessories look amazing on camera and fit your style preferences. I’ll recommend places you might want to shop based on your desires, and you’ll be able to contact me at any time if you’re needing extra support or advice.

• Self-Care: Leading up to the session, focusing on self-care is essential. I recommend getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and considering any beauty regimens that make you feel your best, such as a good skin care routine or a manicure and pedicure. This not only enhances your appearance but also boosts your confidence during the shoot.

During the Session

The boudoir shoot is all about you embracing your beauty and strength. I'll guide you through poses that flatter and feel natural to you, ensuring a comfortable pace throughout.

• Professional Hair & Makeup: We'll have a professional hair and makeup artist on hand to help you look and feel your absolute best. If you’ve never had your hair and makeup done before, it is so fun. You won’t want to wash it off afterward so be sure to plan a girls night out or a date night for after your photoshoot day!

• Posing Instruction: I'll guide you through poses that flatter and feel natural to you, ensuring a comfortable pace throughout. You’ll never have to wonder what to do with your hands, or if you’re making a weird face.

Our goal is to make this experience enjoyable and empowering, allowing you to fully express your sensuality in a safe and supportive environment.

Ordering Appointment

The week after the session we'll review your images together and you’ll choose the ones that best capture your essence and make you feel amazing. We can then discuss creating beautiful albums and designing unique gifts from your favorite photos. Whether these are for personal keepsake or as gifts for a special someone, these final products will be a celebration of your journey and a testament to your empowerment. All of your photos will be professionally retouched upon ordering; we don’t air brush — instead we do proper, magazine grade retouching, that keeps your skin looking like skin while ensuring you look flawless. You can expect to receive all of your purchased items and images within four to six weeks.

Real Stories: Testimonials and Experiences

“IM OBSESSED WITH HALEY!! Used her for my wedding boudoir shoot and was in love with everything! From first contact with her, to the process leading to the shoot, to after purchasing my book - could not ask for anything else from her. She is also very flexible, got me in a month before my wedding and was able to get my book in as well. Also flexible with meetings, love her so much! Felt so comfortable from the shoot, which was also the funnest time ever. She makes you feel like you’re on the top of the world. And Hailey (hair and mua) was literally the bomb and made me look the sexiest ever. Thank you so much Ha(i)leys - love you both and would book again.”

Julissa

“Haley is absolutely amazing and I totally recommend trying a boudoir session! Before my session with Haley, I was always curious about trying boudoir but was very shy and didn't know where to start. Haley made the whole experience so comfortable and was always there to answer my many questions so on photoshoot day I was ready to go. The makeup artist did great, I loved the way I looked and they made sure I looked good between every set! All the pictures came out amazing and Haley was a great hype girl making me feel more confident with each picture. She's your girl if you want to do a boudoir shoot!”

Dasny

“I had an amazing experience working with Haley. I was a little nervous at first but she really made me feel comfortable. I walked out of my boudoir session feeling empowered and confident. I recommend this for every one it is liberating and fun. Haley's creative nature and care for detail really showed in her work. Her hair and make up artist Hailey did an outstanding job too. Thank you Haley for doing such a phenomenal job!”

Selena

How to Get Your Photoshoot Going

Booking a boudoir session in New York involves careful research and consideration but finding the right photographer can lead to an empowering and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re commemorating a life milestone or simply celebrating yourself, the investment can yield deeply personal and cherished artwork. Here’s everything you’ll need to know to get started.

Tips for Researching and Selecting a Photographer

Choosing the right boudoir photographer is crucial, as it ensures that your vision and comfort are prioritized. Here are some tips for finding the perfect match:

• Review Portfolios: Start by examining the portfolios of various photographers. Look for a style that resonates with you, whether it's romantic, edgy, or classic.

• Read Reviews and Testimonials: Client feedback can provide insight into the photographer's professionalism and the experience they offer. Platforms like Google, Yelp, and social media are good sources.

• Check Professional Credentials: Ensure the photographer is professional, with a legitimate business registration and a clear privacy policy for handling your images.

• Consultations: Don’t hesitate to use a photographers contact page and request to schedule a consultation, either in-person or virtually. This is a chance to see if you feel comfortable with the photographer’s personality and discuss your expectations.

Booking Process

Once you’ve selected your photographer, the next steps are straightforward

• Initial Contact: Reach out via their website or phone to express your interest and request more information.

• Consultation: Many photographers require a pre-booking consultation to discuss details. After you reach out, they’ll give you a call, answer any questions you might have, and walk you through their boudoir experience.

• Scheduling: Choose a date that suits you. Consider factors like personal preparation time, the photographer’s availability, and when you’ll want your photos by.

• Contract and Deposit: You will likely need to sign a contract and pay a deposit to secure your session. This contract should clearly state deliverables, cancellation policies, and privacy assurances.

How much should I expect to pay for boudoir photos?

Boudoir photography can vary widely in price, depending on the photographer’s experience, the session's length, and the included extras:

• Session Fees: These typically range from studio to studio between $300 to $1,500. Your session fee generally covers the photographer's time, use of the studio, and sometimes the services of a professional hair and makeup artist.

• Photo Packages: After the session, photographers usually offer a variety of packages for purchasing prints, digital images, or albums. These can range from $200 to over $2,000+ based on the number of photos and the style of presentation.

• A La Carte Options: Additional purchases may include extra prints, special editing requests, or custom merchandise like calendars and photo books.

• Special Offers: Some photographers offer themed packages or seasonal discounts, which can provide additional value or unique experiences.

Thinking About Taking the Leap?

Are you ready to embrace your beauty and confidence through the lens of New York Boudoir? I invite you to reach out to us to start your journey toward self-love and empowerment. Visit our contact page to schedule a session, or download our FREE Ultimate Guide to Boudoir for insider tips and more detailed information about what to expect. Let's celebrate your unique spirit and capture it in a way that will be cherished for years to come.

Reach Out to Us — I’d Love to Talk to You!

To book a session with Earthly Venus or to learn more about our offerings, please visit my contact page. I’m are here to guide you through every step of this exciting journey, ensuring a comfortable, empowering, and unforgettable boudoir experience. Join the many women who have found joy and confidence through their sessions with us. We look forward to celebrating you!