When I moved to California earlier this year, I knew that a boudoir shoot was on top of my list of all things to try. I am, after all, on a journey of doing things for me- and that includes taking time for myself to do things both exhilarating and scary.
I'll start with the fact that I did my research when looking for the perfect boudoir photographer. I did what most people do, and started with price shopping. Then, I realized, this is a seriously intimate experience, and the price should not be the only determining factor when booking my photographer. Sure, sometimes pricing feels like the only way to immediately compare photographers, but for the person looking to book this sort of session, I encourage you to ask yourself, what is your end goal? What is important to you? For me, it came down to the photographer's work and beliefs. This is what ultimately led me to Carrie Anne. She truly embraces all body types/ages/abilities. Some photographer's preach inclusivity, but you only see a certain demographic on their websites or social pages. Some preach body positivity, but all of their clients are totally airbrushed- yuck. I really felt like I saw every woman when looking through Carrie Anne's work. Real women. With wrinkles in their skin. Stretch marks. Scars. I was blown away. Most of the other local boudoir photographers price roughly the same as her, and I am just going to tell you right now. Invest in this. Don't cheapen the experience by going with a lower budget photographer. Save up or take advantage of a payment plan, and go with your dream photographer.
I reached out to a few photographers in the beginning of my search, and Carrie Anne got back to me within an hour, which ultimately settled a lot of my nerves. I'll admit, I was hesitant to reach out to anyone!
Carrie Anne is extremely thorough in her process and what you can expect, and is also extremely up front on what you can expect to spend with her. She offers really flexible payment plan options and a wide array of products so that there is something for everyone. Once I decided to book, it was super easy to select a date and time. She was then in contact with information on what to expect, her boudoir prep guide, and always offered to hop on a call if I had any questions.
She doesn't offer makeup, which I actually find refreshing because it really aligns with her brand and the sort of "come as you are" vibe. She does give great recommendations for hair and makeup, if you're someone wanting to go all out.
The day of the shoot came, and I arrived and was greeted by a personal sign at the front door (so I knew I was at the right place) and she was at the front door waiting for me with a hug. When we got started, I showed her everything I brought and we walked through the outfits, my ideas, and the order in which we'd shoot everything. She then gave me a super helpful little spiel on how she would instruct me on how to pose- where to put my hands, where to look, etc. She assured me that she would "guide me 100% of the way" and that this was "not a guessing game".
We shot for 1.5 hours and it was the most relaxing, exhilarating 1.5 hours of my life. Really. I never felt like she was hiding my body or posing me to "flatter" my body type, but HOT DAMN if I don't look incredible in these images. She pushes you out of your comfort zone (if that's what youre comfortable with) to try sexier poses- she makes you work, and the pay off is seeing a side of yourself you never have seen. You are the super model in her studio- just as you are.
Then, comes the best part. Seeing your UNEDITED images right after you shoot. I have never heard of anyone else doing this, and to be honest, I was a little nervous. But holy heck, I had nothing to be nervous about. When you are booking with a professional, that truly understands a womans body, lighting, posing, and just how to make you feel good, THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR. I loved every single image.
Carrie Anne allows you time after the shoot to secure your product purchase in person with her. When you do that, you gain access to view your images online the SAME DAY. Her process is so efficient it really just made everything so easy on me. I walked away with an album and digitals, and never thought I would allow myself to spurlge on a gift like this. Every woman deserves to see themselves as a work of art- printed.
It is so evident that Carrie Anne has a passion for her business and her career and making women feel incredible. The entire experience start to finish deserves more than 10 stars. My biggest piece of advice is this- regardless of who you book your boudoir shoot with, BOOK YOUR DREAM PHOTOGRAPHER. This is something that can make or break you. There are a lot of people out there, in this line of photography, who don't care quite as much. Make sure you invest in someone who truly wants to invest in you. read more