Janet offers a VERY reasonable price for both the session and ordering prints. The other places I looked at were extremely expensive compared to Janet's prices, and for something I wasn't entirely sure of, this was helpful. I also appreciated that Janet only booked your session first, with no obligation to buy any products (but you will want to!)
Upon arriving, I was a bit put off by her children being around, but it's summer break so what can you do? Janet assured me her kids don't know about her "boudoir" photography. Once I was in the back room in her basement, I did not see them until I left. The hair & make-up woman that Janet provided, Lindsey, was very friendly and did a great (and quick!) job. I don't normally wear a ton of make-up so at first I felt kind of clownish, but after seeing the pictures, the make-up looked perfect and soft.
When it was time to get started, I was a bit nervous at first. Janet did a great job putting me at ease--she is very down to earth and tells you exactly how to pose, what to do with your face, etc. Once we got into it, I actually had a lot of fun and felt like a model for an afternoon! Her studio is small, but the photos come out looking like you're in a swanky hotel room. I also thought her little "goody bag" was cute and I ate the chips and M&M's on my drive back to Chicago, since I'd been on a bit of a diet leading up to the shoot!
Once I received my photos, I was very happy. I had intended on only purchasing a few prints, but all of them looked so good I ended up going with the 5x7 album, which is a good deal if you plan on buying at least 10 photos individually. Janet also did a rush job since my anniversary was fast approaching. My husband was very impressed with the quality, and he is a photographer himself. He said I looked hot and like a Playboy model in the album! Thanks Janet!
The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is this: for a business that is dealing with women who are trying to surprise their boyfriends or husbands (whom they presumably live with), there were a lot of phone calls. I had trouble finding time to talk with her without my husband hearing, and I feel the proceedings in general could have been easier if she dealt more in texts or emails. She even called one night and my husband saw the unknown number on my phone and tried to make me answer it! That is my only suggestion for improvement. read more