There are always questions that need answering when you’re conducting business, but photography brings a whole new line of them, especially boudoir photography.
Here are 5 things to ask your boudoir photographer that I think are must know before you agree to, or sign anything.
1) Image Release
As soon as a photographer takes a picture, they own it. So if you’ve agreed to have your picture taken and there hasn’t been a discussion about what can be done with it, or who owns it, the picture is theirs.
Most photographers will ask if they can use your photos or even have an image release form where you can give your permission. In boudoir particularly you need to know what is going to be done with your images. Being such an intimate and personal art form a lot of people don’t feel comfortable sharing their photos and will choose to keep them private or anonymous, and the worst thing that can happen is suddenly seeing them used for promotion without your consent.
So make sure you and the photographer both know what can and can’t be done.
2) What’s included in the price
What is expected of you as a customer and what are you expecting to be provided.
Some photographers may include the cost of a hair and make-up artist, have a wardrobe of outfits and props to choose from, and provide unlimited edits with an album. Others may expect you to pay for your own styling if desired and only provide a set number of shots and edits.
This will change depending on who you’re dealing with so make sure you find out what’s included, and what you’re both expecting from each other.
3) What is your comfort level
Not only knowing what your comfort level is, but making sure the photographer knows, and how they will stick to it.
There is no option other than to talk about this. Set boundaries and stick to them. If you don’t feel comfortable doing something, make it very clear and don’t back down. You can even give examples from other photos to illustrate your limits.
Photographers will normally suggest progressions and should ask if you’re okay with them. You may be feeling yourself at the moment and want to try more, that’s fine. But if they keep pressing for something you’ve said no to, don’t give in. Stand your ground. If you’re not sure going into the shoot, ask for clarification, and if you can, bring a friend along.
4) Timescale on returns
When will you see the digital proofs, how long should you expect your edits to take?
Deadlines should be set before the shoot itself, and if the photographer hasn’t said anything and you don’t know what’s happening, don’t be afraid to ask. They should communicate with you throughout the process to let you know what’s happening. This information is important for everyone to know, so they can be held accountable.
You have paid for a service, so you should know what you’re getting.
5) Location location location
Above the obvious of needing to know where you’re going, it can add a layer of comfort for customers.
Knowing where you’re heading, what you’re going into, and the surroundings to expect can make the whole experience less daunting. Even knowing what the studio looks like and learning the amenities available can help paint a picture of the experience.
Not only this but being able to tell a friend where you’re going or meeting them nearby before or after the shoot can provide excellent support for anyone feeling nervous or anxious about the experience. If you’re unsure, ask if you can bring a friend along, if they say no, run.
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