At TaraLyn Photography, it is our mission to be a driving force in our clients path to an increased self worth and confidence. We are all worthy of body positivity and have the right to feel empowered and desirable in our own skin. It is with pride that we focus on embracing the bits and pieces that make each and everyone of us unique. It is only through celebrating our differences that we can truly begin to be unapologetically ourselves.
Boudoir in the past had this dirty feeling, but just because it was taboo in the past doesn't mean that is the current reality. Boudoir is so much more than an average photoshoot, and it certainly isn't one size fits all. Each session is an experience that is designed to fit the individual(s) involved. Within TaraLyn Photography boudoir isn't limited to on gender or individuals, it is an experience that can be curated for all genders and couples alike. It is my goal to help you celebrate who you are and to be unapologetically you!
The very first step in planning and getting ready for your boudoir experience is exploring your reason why. It can be anything from celebrating a milestone all the way to because "I deserve it". And trust me you do deserve it! There doesn't have to be some big grand reason behind you wanting to do something for you, the important part is that you are here, and I'm here to help you learn more about what a shoot will do for you!
My "WHY"
When I think about my "why", I have a similarity ideology as other body positive boudoir photographers. Which is that everyone is worthy of feeling sexy, empowered, and confident. There is far too much pressure on everyone to feel and look like someone else's definition of "perfect", so much so that we as a society can't see others for what makes them special and worthy. The journey to body positivity is worth fighting for because everyone should have the opportunity to truly love themselves for not only who they are but for how they look.
One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is seeing the boost in confidence experienced by my clients. Being part of my clients journey to an increase in self worth is a big part of why I do what I do.
But there is more to my "why". It is because I want to help my clients find a voice inside them that they may have lost along the way. Similar to the voice I found when I came back to photography. For a while I had lost who I was, I focused all my attention on being a good military wife and new mom. I allowed everything about me to revolve around someone else's needs. Then one day I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize the shell of who I used to be. It was at the point I picked up my camera with the sole purpose of helping others regain their voice.
That is my why, because I want to help people the way my clients help me.
I've developed this planning guide to get you started on your boudoir journey and I've included some answers to frequently asked questions, some insight on the client closet and how it works, tips on what to wear and what not to wear, information about the products available as well as my investment guide. At any point you are welcome to set up your completely FREE consultation appointment and we can talk over anything you see here or I can answer any additional questions you might have. I know there is a lot of information here, but I promise it is worth reading through.
Frequently Asked Questions & the Answers
Q: What if I'm not as skinny as I used to be?
Everyone has an ideal number they wish they saw on the scale, but that silly number shouldn't be a deciding factor when it comes to boudoir. Boudoir isn't about being in the best shape of your life, (yeah it is great if you are, but it's okay if you aren't). It is about celebrating you, the way you are. Who cares what that jerk face scale has to say!
But if that is still on your mind, rest assured, as a photographer I have all sorts of posing and lighting tricks that can help anyones insecure areas become areas you'll love. I have poses that highlight any part of your body and help you see it appear longer, thinner, shorter, and/or thicker. Even if you don't currently love what you see in the mirror you can still rock your photoshoot.
Q: I've never done anything like this, is that okay?
Absolutely! I hear this from majority of my clients. You aren't expected to walk into your shoot and know exactly what to do, that is my job. From this planning guide to phone consultations, during the shoot, during the image reveal, and even beyond receiving your images and products, I am here with you every step of the way.
During the phone consultation is when we get to know each other a little bit more, and I used that opportunity to learn about your personality and preferences so I can design an experience that truly fits you.
Following that phone call if we are good fit and you move onto booking a shoot I then send you a client questionnaire which gets into even more detail. Each step allows me to really customize your experience so you get the most out of your session.
During this entire process you have my number to call and text any questions or concerns that might arise. Then right before your shoot I send you an email with even more information so that you arrive for your shoot prepared.
Day of your session we finalize your outfit choices, I give you some insider tips and tricks, and we get to shooting. I have a posing routine which I choreograph specifically for you. I walk you through each pose often doing the pose first, because let's face it, sometimes it is easier to see something first. Throughout the shoot we might go back to previous poses with new outfits, or try variations of some of them. There is often a lot of laughter and just relaxed talking at this point in the process.
Then after the shoot and all the editing is complete we go over them together in either an in person or digital reveal. Where we talk through your favorite images and what comes next.
To put it simply I am here to assist you from this second on (well from a few seconds ago when you started this but potato potato).
Q: How much editing will you do?
Short answer: Not as much as you think.
Long answer: I start out with a slight retouching. I focus on editing for mood first. Then I focus on small things like removing blemishes, fly away hair, clothing tags, ever so light skin smoothing. I'm not going to make you look plastic. I'm a firm believer in showcasing the best you, but it still being you. Now if during the reveal if there is something you really wanted edited differently we can take a second look.
A boudoir session isn't about editing you, it is about highlighting you!
Q: Do I have to be naked? Can I get naked? How much clothing is too much/too little?
The best way to say it is simply this, the most important part of a boudoir experience is your comfort level. What makes you feel good about yourself, what parts of your body do you want to share with whomever you plan on sharing these images with? Then go from there. There are no set rules of how little or how much clothing must be worn during your session. You can choose to be photographed topless and the images will still be classy and sophisticated. You can choose to stay fully clothed and still get images that are sultry and sexy. It is about making you feel confident and empowered, not uncomfortable. So long story short, you can be as exposed as you want, you can make it a game time decision, or have your mind made up before the experience. Your decision on wardrobe is yours alone. I am happy to provide advice and ideas, but it is always up to you!
Q: Who will see my images?
Short answer: You, me, and whoever you choose to share your images with...Actually that is the entire answer.
I never share any images without written consent from you, period.
The Client Closet
Every client has access to the client closet and you are welcome to borrow any of the pieces from the client closet for your shoot. I am constantly adding to the client closet, so it is always changing and evolving. I have everything from gowns, oversized sweaters, to bras. I have necklaces, harnesses, capes, crowns, you name it, I might just have it. I carry pieces from size XS-5X. During your phone consultation we can talk about what I have in the closet in your size.
You can also see majority of the closet here.
What to Wear & What not to Wear
- Something that fits your look: If you are looking for soft images avoid leather, if your wanting to go full badass I would maybe stay away from flowing chiffon.
- Be comfortable: Practice sitting down, laying down, standing, and a range of poses in the pieces you are considering. We don't often think about how an outfit will look once we start moving around. Does it cut in at the wrong places, does it smush your boobs down, does it flatten your booty? Knowing this will help you either avoid certain outfits or it will help with posing if it is an outfit you love. If you aren't comfortable in the outfit, you won't be as confident during the shoot, and it will show.
- Bring Something Personal: Some great examples are, a jersey of a favorite sports team, jewelry from your wedding (or upcoming wedding), an old work shirt, a favorite t-shirt to lay around in, a uniform. Just something that is personal to you and will showcase a different side of an everyday object.
- Don't Mix Reds: If you know you want a bold red lip, don't also choose a shade of red outfit, they won't match.
- Don't Forget the Accessories: Heels, earrings, necklaces, robes, a veil, headband, favorite piece of jewelry, tights, etc. The addition of little pieces like this can transform an outfit from good to amazing. We can always tone it down throughout the shoot, or amp it up depending. Never be worried about bringing too much to your shoot. You would rather have it, than wish you had it later!
Investing In Yourself
I have two separate pricing structures, you can either go the "All Inclusive" route or you can go completely "A'la Carte".
Both All Inclusive and A'la Carte have the same workflow. I always start with a risk free phone planning session, this is where we make sure we are on the same page. There is no pressure to book, it is simply a chance to talk it all through.
Once you've decided that you want to move forward I send a digital contract for you to sign and the invoice for your deposit, this secures your date and time.
Then comes the shoot itself, followed by your image reveal, which can either be done in person or online. During the image reveal we sit down and go over your images together. I like to book these appoints within 3 business days of the shoot, but it can be extended if needed.
Remember it is an experience, not just a photoshoot and go. We work together to find either the packages or a'la carte pieces that fit best for your wants and budget. Then once final choices are made you receive your final invoice. The pricing listed in the investment menu is a snapshot of what is the most popular options among my current clients. I am always happy to create custom packages ando work with you within your budget.
I am also aware that an experience like this is an investment, and because of that I offer payment plans to fit your budget.
Note About Products
I offer a wide range of products, but the most popular are the albums and wall art. They are a great way to keepsake your images. I have a range of samples for you to touch and feel either before or after your shoot. And you never have to decide on any of the products until you see your images. You aren't locked in ahead of time. So wait and make all of your product decisions once you get to see them and your images in person. It will make a big difference.
Congratulations you've made it this far, and hopefully are feeling more confident about taking the leap to book your session. As a thank you for taking the time to read all this mumble jumble I want to offer you a little reward, simply mention this little note during your phone consult and receive 5 bonus high resolution digital images with your collection.
Now that you've read over the information you are ready for the next step in the process...your FREE phone consultation!
Want to chat right away?
You can call or text me at 717-926-8730
Still on the Fence?
Visit the 7 Reasons to Book a Boudoir Shoot
#7 You Are Gorgeous
It makes me sad when I hear people say, I would love to do a Boudoir photoshoot but I don't love the way I look. First of all, you are stunning. Let me say that one more time, you are stunning!! Everyone, and I mean everyone, has aspects of their body they don't "love", and that's okay. Boudoir is one way to help you fall in love with all of those bits and pieces again. So often I here from clients during the photoshoot (when I show them the back of my camera) "wow, that's what I really look like". And their "wow" isn't a, eww yikes kind of "wow" but an honest to goodness shock of how gorgeous they are. So if you are thinking you're not "model" enough for boudoir, trust me when I say you are gorgeous and it would be my honor to show you just how stunning you are!
Let's Chat
Book Your Complimentary Pre-Planning Session Now
Email: tara@taralynphoto.com
Call/Text: 717-926-8730