Don't hesitate, just do it…read more
I purchased a Groupon which led to Graciela (photographer of Indigo Love). I wanted to have a Boudoir session and give an album to my fiance on our wedding day. I initially contacted her via email and once the date of our session was set, she called. Immediately upon talking to her, my mind was put at ease. She is personable, outgoing, down-to-earth, and fun. She is easy to talk to and open to lots of ideas. She discussed her privacy policy, which I was most concerned about and it is very good. Prior to the shoot I took pictures of my outfits on my phone and she confirmed that I was on the right track and gave a few more ideas.
The day of the shoot I got to her house early and was greeted by her and the make-up artist Katie (we were the only ones in her house the whole day). Graciela went through my outfits while Katie started on my hair and make up.
Once I was ready to go, we went to the 'photography room' in her house. This is a room where everything, including the floor, is painted white. It's very vintage and she has a bunch of different settings/props (boudoir couch, old telephone, old radio, etc). She also has 2 backdrops available at the moment. Be sure to ask her about these ahead of time. She also has her own lighting, so don't worry about the day being cloudy instead of sunny.
The pictures turned out fantastic! Some of them I look at and can't believe it's me. They look like a cross between Maxim and classy boudoir. I was so proud that I showed some of my friends (who now know me a little 'too' well!).
Advice: I highly suggest at least getting the make up portion of the Boudoir session, because it really helps even out your skin tone in the bright lights of the photos. Don't expect fantastic hair, she's more of a makeup artist than a stylist, but it did the job for the 'bedhead look' I was wanting. And fair warning, Graciela is an artist with LOTS of ideas. You may have to keep her on track and be REALLY descriptive with your ideas. We had lots of plans at the beginning of the day, but in reality you only have a certain amount of time, so be sure to voice your thoughts because she will prioritize and not be offended. Lastly, if you're someone who needs a 'pristine' environment, you might talk to her about holding the session at a hotel room.
Price? I went all out. I got the longer session with makeup and hair onsite, 8'x8' album, four 8'x10's, and two 5x7's. (FYI the album includes the digital's). When all was said and done, minus the Groupon and plus tip and the new outfits I spent around $900-1000. When I priced other photographers in the area and in Philly, that's actually VERY reasonable for everything I got. I suppose I could've done it for cheaper if I hadn't gotten all the extras, but you're only young once!
