Booking a boudoir session comes with a lot of questions and you deserve direct answers before you commit to anything. Consider this your full list of questions to ask before booking a boudoir photographer, specifically when it comes to choosing me as your photographer. This DFW boudoir photographer FAQ covers pricing, the booking process, privacy, wardrobe, what’s included, and questions I am most commonly asked. If something here doesn’t cover your situation, you can ask me directly and I will answer all your questions!

What Is Boudoir Photography and How Is It Different From Erotica? | DFW Boudoir Photographer FAQ

In it’s purest definition, a “boudoir” is a woman’s private bedroom, dressing room, or private sitting room. The word comes from a French term meaning “a place to withdraw” to. In simple terms, boudoir has been a reference to a feminine and intimate setting. With this in mind, modern boudoir photography is most commonly known as intimate portrait photography. Boudoir photography is a spectrum, ranging from being in a silk nightgown, to lingerie, and  even nudity.

What makes boudoir different from erotica comes down to the definitions themselves. Erotic photography is centered on “sexual pleasure”. So, while boudoir photography is often sensual, it is often more “candid” in nature. The intention of boudoir is documenting a person without the primary purpose of desire. My sessions draw inspiration from Renaissance, Pre-Raphaelite, and Art Nouveau art styles through using light, shadow, and composition, much like a painter approaches a canvas.

What’s the Investment for a Session with Royal Lune Photo? | Boudoir Session Cost DFW

If you’re comparing boudoir session cost DFW options across different studios, here’s how mine works. I have collections that is priced according to what is most important to you with your boudoir experience. Inclusions such as time, styling, concept, editing, and final products are the primary factors for pricing differences within my collections. During your inquiry, I’ll walk you through the full pricing structure so you know exactly what you’re paying for before you book anything. The majority of my clients invest $1,500 + per session, but as mentioned previously, I do offer a range of collections as well as payment plans to ensure you can bring your vision to life.

What if I Don’t Feel Confident in My Body Right Now?

No one is 100% confident all the time. Everyone has insecurities and that is completely human. Oftentimes, a boudoir session can actually be a part of what creates more confidence. Most people have never seen themselves through my lens unless you have already been photographed by me. I don’t believe in photogenic or non-photogenetic people. I don’t believe in “flattering” poses, because that upholds the belief that “thin is beautiful”.

Don’t get me wrong, I always take my clients insecurities and preferences into account. I never want to trigger someone or have them feel disempowered during their shoot. The journey of self love is not linear. It’s very human to not always feel comfortable in our own skin.

What I am specifically speaking on is intentionally posing my clients to prioritize what society deems “the beauty standard”. Art is created through composition. In my boudoir sessions, I prioritize light, contrast, balance, texture – because my intention is to create art, not perpetuate corrupt standards.

Your body is a vessel. It has housed you through your life, through your highs and lows. It’s the body your loved ones love and it deserves to be celebrated. You deserve to take up space. You are art just the way you are

 

What Do You Retouch? Will You Change My Body?

I retouch temporary things such as blemishes, stray hairs, and small distractions that pull focus from you. This being said, there is nuance in what I feel is “not against” my brands ethos. For example, I am willing to edit out scars, beauty marks, or small tattoos (large tattoos at a cost) at my client’s desire. For some, scars are a part of them they want to celebrate or accept, while for others it’s empowering to see themselves without them.

Something I am consistently asked is “can you make sure I don’t have a skin bulge from my bra”. I always prioritize posing  my clients in ways that represents them and this includes ensuring that a wardrobe malfunction isn’t creating a feature that is not naturally occurring. In short, yes, I will always edit out moments when your bra or dress is specifically creating a shape that is not necessarily an accurate representation of you. So, never fear, I got you!

What I don’t do, however, is reshape your body or pose you specifically to chase a single beauty standard. I compose every image around light, contrast, and balance instead of trying to make you look smaller or different than you are. Your body has carried you through hard years and good ones. That’s what I’m photographing. If retouching one specific insecurity would help you feel comfortable opening your gallery, say so during your consultation and we can discuss what that looks like for you.

What to Expect at a Boudoir Photoshoot: Do I Need Modeling Experience or Know How to Pose?

No experience is necessary and most of my clients have never had any modeling experience or even professional photos taken. Knowing what to expect at a boudoir photoshoot matters more than having posed for a camera before. I direct every pose throughout the session so you won’t ever have to ask “what do I do with my hands?” again.

While no experience is expected of you, I always encourage my clients to experiment with some poses ahead of time so that poses feel more “natural”. Before your session, you will be sent an extensive boudoir posing guide that I have specifically crafted for my own style so that you can practice in front of a mirror at home or experiment with some selfies. For now, check out my “Painterly Boudoir Posing Guide” blog post for some general tips to pose like a Pre-Raphaelite muse.

What Should I Wear to My Boudoir Session?

Deciding what to wear for your session can vary greatly depending on what “vibe” you are hoping to embody. During your inquiry process with me, we go over what you are envisioning and I help you figure out wardrobe ideas from there. For some of my clients, they want to embody the Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic my work often embodies. Others want a more “modern” approach with lingerie or clothing items like an over-sized button down. So, in short, what you wear is up to you!

I also keep a client closet stocked with vintage nightgowns, robes, lingerie, and accessories to help with your styling needs. We’ll talk through wardrobe options during your consultation so we can accurately bring your vision to life!

If your goal is to embody your inner Renaissance muse, take a look at my “Painterly Boudoir Style Guide“ so you can start envisioning your session with me!

Who Sees My Photos? How Private Is My Session?

Your images stay between us unless you tell me otherwise. I never post your photos publicly, on social media, or in my portfolio without your written permission first. During editing, only I have access to your files (I edit all my work). My photo galleries are encrypted and password protected. To access a photo gallery through a link, users must provide an email (even me) which means I see every user to view and and download the images.  If you want to share your gallery with a partner or keep it entirely private, that choice is yours from the start.

Is Royal Lune Photo LGBTQ+ and Trans Inclusive? | LGBTQ Boudoir Photographer Dallas

Absolutely! In fact, many of my clients (and myself) are a part of the queer community. If you’re looking for an LGBTQ boudoir photographer Dallas clients can trust, I’ve photographed trans clients, queer couples, and clients across the full spectrum of gender identity and sexual orientation. Inclusive boudoir photography isn’t a line I added to my website. It shapes who I hire, brands I work with, and my artistic style. Creating a safe space for all humans to feel empowered is my top priority.

How Does Royal Lune Photo Stand Politically?

I’ll be direct about where I stand, because I think you deserve to know before you trust me with a session like this. I support immigrants, Palestine, the Black Lives Matter movement, a woman’s right to body autonomy, LGBTQ+ rights, and the protection of our planet. I’ve spoken out publicly against ICE’s treatment of vulnerable communities, the genocide(s) taking place, systemic racism, etc. I believe creating art and always been a form of resistance and in times like these we need it more than ever. If you’re part of a targeted or vulnerable community, my studio is a place where you’re safe, seen, and validated.

Do You Only Shoot Boudoir Photography or Do You Take on Wedding Clients Too?

Boudoir is my specialty, but it isn’t the only work I do. I also shoot weddings as well as portraits with a thread that carries that same romantic, painterly style into different settings.

What Other Photography Services Do You Provide?

Beyond boudoir and weddings, I offer portrait sessions for beauty and editorial work, personal branding, maternity, engagements, along with custom art commissions for commercial projects. A lot of clients choose to blend boudoir styling into a portrait session, which means the final images are more modest and family friendly while still carrying a touch of my romantic, painterly aesthetic. I can also bring in fantasy elements stylistically if that fits what you’re picturing. Every session is custom to you, your boundaries, and vision!

Do You Offer Couples Boudoir Sessions? | Couples Boudoir Photographer Dallas

Yes! As a couples boudoir photographer in Dallas, I photograph couples across every configuration, including poly and queer couples. Sessions follow the same guided, painterly approach as individual boudoir, just built around your dynamic as a pair instead of solo posing. While I don’t offer erotica photography services, we go over the “spice level” you are your partner are looking for. These are all things we go over during your booking process.

Does Your Pricing Include Shooting at Royal Lune Studio?

Yes,! As my personal boudoir studio, Royal Lune Studio is included in every collection without any additional fees. Royal Lune Studio is a small, fine art space I built from the ground up and is filled with vintage furnishings, olive textured walls, botanical installations, dreamy fabrics, and a 10 foot moss wall installation I constructed myself. You can also expect an array of painterly props such as vintage handheld mirrors, silk florals, candles, and other dreamy trinkets to bring everything together.

Does My Session Include Access to Your Client Closet?

Yes and no. All of my collections include access to my standard props and fabrics, but access to my entire closet will depend on the collection you book. Due to the cost of the items themselves, fabric care, and extra allotted try-on time needed, my client closet is only included for my middle and upper packages, with my fantasy closet (wings, headdresses, etc.) only being included in my top package. This being said, however, you can add on access to my closet and/or fantasy at an additional cost.

Does My Session Include Hair and Makeup?

Just like my client closet, included hair and makeup services will depend on. Some clients would rather do their own makeup, so I have always made this an optional service when booking with me. If you decide to opt for professional beauty services, you’ll be styled by a professional artist at my studio so you can arrive and have everything done in one place.

Who Will Be Doing My Hair and Makeup?

LaDonna is the primary main hair and makeup artist I work with on a regular basis. When she isn’t available or when a concept calls for a different skill set or style, I also work with the equally talented Elizabeth Rist and  Charlene Ivette. For SFX and body paint session, I work with Applications by Abby. This being said, there are many incredible hair and makeup artists in the Dallas area so if you have something specific in mind, I’m sure I will find the perfect stylist to match your vision.

Do Your Makeup Artists Know How to Style Textured Hair Types and Deeper Skin Tones? 

Absolutely! My hair and makeup artists are experienced across all hair textures and skin tones. I specifically prioritize inclusivity when choosing who I will work with. Every HMUA I work with is an expert at color matching for any skin-tone and creating any look you desire, regardless of your skin tone or hair texture.

This being said, if you would feel more comfortable being styled specifically by an artist of color, that is completely fine with me and a valid concern. Just tell me during your consultation and we can discuss looks you are hoping to achieve, and I can provide you with stylist options you will feel completely confident working with.

Do You Travel for Destination Weddings?

Yes, I travel for destination weddings outside the DFW area. Reach out with your location and date and I’ll let you know what travel involves for your specific wedding.

Do You Travel for Boudoir Sessions?

I do travel for boudoir sessions, too. I’ve traveled to New York City, Tampa, and Portland for boudoir clients, and I’d welcome the chance to travel again for your dream session! Travel costs will apply.

Do You Offer Mentoring?

Not yet, though it’s something I get asked about often. I’m currently working on in depth guides that will be available for purchase through my website, and I plan to offer in person mentoring and shadowing opportunities down the line. If mentoring is something you’re interested in, keep an eye on my site and socials for updates.

What Else Should I Know Before I Book? | Questions to Ask Before Booking a Boudoir Photographer

That covers what I hear most, but if this DFW boudoir photographer FAQ missed something specific to you, reach out to me directly and I’ll answer all your questions! Booking a boudoir session is venerable and an investment. My hope is that this post provided you with information to make an informed decision as you move forward with the booking process. I look forward to working with you!