PSA: This is a long read but worth it!! Please don't skim over this!!!…read more
First let me start off by saying that 10/10 recommend everyone and anyone to do a boudoir photo shoot! Doing it as a gift? Getting married? Getting divorced? Pregnant? Turning 50?? DO IT!!! Second, I did tons and tons or research trying to find a boudoir photographer and came across Joe's website on Facebook and I did some digging and decided I wanted more information. Joe (the photographer) and Cassidy (his make up artist) are so fun! If you are feeling any sort of hesitation Cassidy will warm you right up. I was able to have a phone conversation with Joe the same night I inquired and he worked around my schedule and answered any and all questions I had! To be clear, I was in no way nervous or anxious, so having a male photographer didn't bother me but I can understand that it might make someone uncomfortable. Joe does everything in his power to make you fully comfortable, just ask the questions! After finally deciding to take the plunge, I made an appointment for my shoot, and leading up to the date Joe was nothing but communicative. I was able to meet him, and even tour the studio before my photo shoot which was so comforting for me! He was constantly checking in (even though I always usually beat him to the punch by asking all the questions!) making sure that I was totally informed. I was doing this shoot for my boyfriends birthday (I got a photo book made) and made sure to do my own research along with Joe's recommendations on homework (posing and ideas) and made sure that Joe and I were in the same page. I am a plus size girl and doing the research really helps. I let Joe know what I was looking for, and what I was not wanting in the photos (problem areas) and he was so encouraging and helpful! He sent me posing ideas, outfit ideas, and answered any unusual questions I may have had! A few days before the shoot Cassidy contacted me to get a natural photo of my hair and face so she had an idea of what I looked like, but also asked what my ideal look was so it's totally up to you!
The day of the shoot Cassidy started with hair and make up and it totally helps ease any nerves you might have! Once the photo shoot started it was the most amazing experience. First couple of shots were awkward only because you feel like you don't know what you are doing but after a few shots you just get into a groove! I was able to voice my opinion, have Joe give me his advice and input, and we looked at what worked and what didn't! You choose how exposed you want to be, how sexy, or clothed...it's all up to YOU! No one make you feel you need to do anything you don't want to do! Next thing I know it's been 5 hours!!
After the shoot was over we discussed what was to come next and went about our lives until the product came in! And let me tell you.....literally the quickest turnover of product ever! I mean, he had the edited pictures on the website in 2 days!!! 2 DAYS!!! I was able to favorite my photos, and then picked which ones I wanted in my book (40 pictures), and the book was in my hands in TWO WEEKS!! Crazy!!!
My boyfriend LOVED the book, and the retro view finder (if you can get it do it!) I still keep in touch with Joe and have been actively trying to get all my friends and family to do it! If you've been wanting a sign this is it! Would do it again in a heart beat!