The experience I had was phenomenal! I was very nervous and anxious for my shoot. I am a bigger girl and was worried about how it would look on film but wanted the experience. As soon as I walked in the door they treated me like a friend and gave me all the love. They helped me pick out my outfits, helped with fits. The make up and hair team was personalized just for me. When we started shooting it was nothing but positive vibes and words. They hyped me up and made me feel like a goddess! The photos they took I feel I look amazing in! I felt beautiful, desirable for the day! It was the best experience to have. I think k everyone should have a boudoir shoot! read more

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Love the studio space, many settings and backgrounds to choose from. The session went seamlessly. Sarah did an awesome job, our pictures came out amazing. read more

Full disclosure, I am not a client, but I wish their pricing was more transparent...only after coughing up my phone number and email address did I learn that their pricing STARTS at $2,600 for just 5 digital photos (currently at a discounted rate of $2,100). Right off the bat, it was obvious they didn't bother to read any of the information I wrote in the website form. Then, even after stating that my budget is on the very low end, they kept trying to upsell me and talking about payment plans instead of just telling me what I could get for my budget. Once I said $2,100 was pretty much the extent of what I'm willing to spend, they ghosted me lol. Apparently most of their clients invest between $5,500-$8,000 per photoshoot, so if this isn't you, I wouldn't expect red carpet treatment based on my experience. I added their pricing info in the photos so you can actually see whether you can afford their services BEFORE giving them your contact information. :) (Note: The $2,100 for 5 photos also includes a small album and metal desk print, which honestly can't be that expensive to do yourself.) read more

Sarah McDaniel Studio - Boudoir Photography Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I have been struggling to find the words to actually write this review. I don't normally write reviews, but with the disappointment I received out of this, I felt like it needed to be shared. I had been following/researching Sarah McDaniel Studio for quite some time before actually booking. I had done multiple boudoir sessions previously, and wanted a different feel to the images. When I saw her consistency for what I consider to be a modern gothic romanticism, I knew I had to have a session with her. I had my session, and as many propose had that boost of self confidence and "post session high." The session itself was phenomenal. Then I got to see and choose my photos on the same day. I did not have enough good things to say about my experience. That was until I tried to book a second session. I waited for a special and jumped right back into it and paid the session fee. I scheduled the phone consultation to go over and discuss the session and what ideas I had in my head. The day of the phone consult, I woke up so excited. I went to work in a great mood because I thought that I was going to be booking another amazing experience. When I got off work, I checked my phone to see that I received a text from the studio cell. It was informing me that I was being accused of writing a post on a website I have never been on specifically mentioning the studio and bashing one of their employees. I was told that I because of the post (which conveniently had been deleted as well as the profile that posted it), I would not be welcomed back in the studio and that they would be refunding my session fee. Confused and upset by this, I asked if I could still speak with someone over the phone. I received a call, and explained that I did not make the post in question, and that though I could understand why they may assume it was me, they were looking at the wrong person. The employee on the other end of the line was very professional and I appreciated her taking the time to discuss this with me. She informed me that Sarah herself refused to photograph me at this point, and that I could book, but it would be with the associate photographer and I would only be allowed to use a certain studio. I informed the employee that I would be more than happy with the associate photographer, as I felt that she was fantastic, but I really was not interested in using that particular studio. The employee told me that she would reach out to Sarah and discuss this with her, and that hopefully some sort of solution could be made. After hanging up, I just couldn't shake the gut wrenching feeling. I was being falsely accused and being held responsible for something I didn't do. As much as I wanted a solution and to come back to Sarah McDaniel studio, I felt like not being welcome there will intervene with how the whole experience is supposed to make you feel. I decided to reach back out and accept the refund for the session fee because the reality is, I am so beyond hurt by having the finger pointed at me and feeling like I am being punished. My first experience was unimaginably great, but the thought that I was built up so high just to be torn back down has been heartbreaking. read more

I'm so incredibly saddened and disappointed. I booked a photo shoot for Monday, 3/2. My baby's coming Monday, 3/9. Sarah just cancelled my session last minute. Both my husband and I took the day off work today just for the photoshoot & have no time to reschedule. So now our dreams of having my difficult, hard fought and long awaited journey to motherhood documented in photos will never come to fruition. I had a flat tire this morning on my way through the Portsmouth tunnel to Sarah's studio in Norfolk for my makeup (10 AM) & photoshoot (11:30 AM) appointments. Despite me promptly (9:45 AM) alerting Sarah/her team of this unexpected glitch AND taking quick steps to grab a rental car to rush over, Sarah instead chose to cancel our session. I arrived at 10:45. Mind you, my hair and makeup was set for 10:00 - 11:30 and the actual photoshoot session wasn't scheduled to start until 11:30 AM. I have locs, which I'd had done professionally, so I didn't need hairstyling - only makeup. I asked for light natural makeup, so pray tell - why we couldn't have been ready for a 11:30 AM photoshoot in time? I'm no mathematician nor a professional photographer, but I have do have a masters degree and yet I still can't seem to figure out the insurmountable discrepancy here. It appears to me that Sarah seems to think it's perfectly okay to overbook and bump clients she deems "won't invest as much money" in prints as another client. The sheer hypocrisy of it being "ok" for Sarah to inconvenience me and my husband by CANCELLING our "meet and greet" (which we'd taken off work to attend Wed., 2/19) on the actual morning of our appointment because she had been "up all night" on another photoshoot is unbelievable. That's okay? However, per Sarah, my husband and I being "more than half hour late as per the contract" led to her canceling my one and only possible photo session opportunity. Additionally, after Sarah abruptly canceled our original (2/19) "meet and greet" session for her convenience, we rescheduled a "Meet & Greet/Fitting" session for Monday, 2/24, but when we were halfway through the meet and greet portion of the combo session, I was told it was only a meet and greet and I had to make yet another appointment to have my fitting. Sarah seems to think that only her time is valuable. Sarah is undeniably talented. The photos I saw were stunning. Too bad my long, ONE and ONLY possible journey into motherhood now can't be documented by AT ALL because of Sarah's inflexibility, perceived inequitable focus on high roller clients, and the priority she seemingly places on ensuring that only she is not inconvenienced. We're devastated and expected much more from Sarah - especially given the great reviews. Oh and in case you're wondering, yes Sarah did refund my session fee - as she should have. Still, that refund in no way quells the heartache of my thwarted mission to have this/our once in a lifetime, amazing and hard won pregnancy journey documented in pictures that was taken away from from me when Sarah unduly cancelled our appointment. Shameful and unfair. read more

Sarah is not only a talented and dedicated photographer, but she is also a wonderful human. She lifts and empowers others, is inclusive of all walks of life, and produces the most beautiful photographs I've ever encountered. Her ability to comfort and inspire those with esteem issues, is nothing less than amazing. Her creative mind is evident in the sets and backgrounds she designs. Being photographed by her unleashed a confidence in myself that I didn't know I had. She reminded me of how awesome I am, as I am. You won't regret booking with her! read more

Sarah McDaniel Studio - Boudoir Photography Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Sarah is a phenomenal photographer! From the moment you step inside the studio you've walked into a tranquil space you can truly be yourself. She and her team were all so welcoming, making me feel like family. There was no discomfort or awkwardness. Sarah helped me feel confident and beautiful. She is truly one of the best photographers! You can't pick someone better, whether it's an event, boudoir shoot, family shoot, or anything else. Sarah will make your vision come alive! read more

Sarah is such a talented photographer and you will not regret booking a session. The best confidence boost I've ever had, and this was supposed to be a wedding gift to my fiancé! It turned out to be a gift for myself as well!! Amazing quality photos and super easy to talk to. I never once felt uncomfortable. You will want all of your friends to book a session after leaving yours! read more

Shocking to read these bad reviews about Sarah McDaniel Studio! She's a fabulous artist and photographer - quite skilled in her craft. Super professional - I've worked with her more than a year and would totally recommend her to anyone considering boudoir photography. read more

My wife won a free session after sharing and contacting over 100 friends to follow Sarah's page, thus marketing and advertising for her business. Date was set and details were provided via messenger with contract signed. Wife asked a clarifying question as session got closer, Sarah then changed what the details were of the shoot, another question as to why it changed (from Wife), then Sarah claimed she feels bullied and called off the entire photo session, cut all contact, and acted as the victim in Facebook responses (later deleted). Many people came out of woodwork upon hearing about this altercation and shared their own bad experiences. Prior employees even provided details of security camera placement within the studio, appalling behavior revolving around money, and who edits the photos. Sarah may be a decent photographer but her ethics and treatment of people make her high prices not worth it at all. read more

Very unprofessional service, make up artist was very nice and professional but wow. As soon as she get your payment your nothing, had a few issues with my pics and instead of rectifying the situation she blasted my concerns. Was rushed and ignored due to her pregnancy. Not a professional atmosphere at all. read more

Be CAREFUL! Sarah stole my money and called it a nonrefundable fee. Between 730pm and 1033pm, 31 JULY 2019, as I'm writing this message I'm very appalled by her actions and her business. I see that fast words and misleading conversations are more important then satisfying her FUTURE/POTENTIAL customers. I've been in the Army 17 years and I am certain this is not the way you conduct business or treat people. I would advise you not pay her before reading her contract (she sent after I paid) and also ask questions in great detail before you sign the contract because WHAT YOU THOUGHT she meant would turn into her gain.....$200+ dollars is down the drain and all we did was talk on the phone. Never met in person., never used her service for anything. She only quoted me a price that I loved and then once I seen the actual photos were out of my budget she said well its too late....ITS NONREFUNDABLE.....I had to ask for her to send the list. Had she sent it first maybe i wouldn't be writing this, but she knew we was playing me. Remember, If it looks too good to be true.....IT IS! read more

Sarah is an amazing photographer! She has a way of making everyone feel comfortable during the shoot and the photos turn out even better than you see during the shoot. Couldn't ask for a better experience! read more

Sarah is one of the nicest people you'll meet and makes you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door! She makes you feel confident about yourself and feel empowered. She is a great photographer and a great person! I'm so glad that I met her. read more

I had an amazing experience. I scheduled my appointment back in August. It was liberating for me to see myself in a way that I have never perceived myself before. Sarah and Chelsea were amazing and uplifted me throughout the entire session. read more

For 66 digital edited photos it ran $6,570.00 and by the time I made  it home  from Norfolk to Newport News  (45min drive with traffic ) I realized I  had made a lapse in better judgment with the credit card purchase amount  I made in the studio , I felt awful about spending that kind of money. As soon as I parked my car  in my drive way I called to see if I could get a smaller package of 2k . I was told Sarah would get back  to me in the morning with a solution.  On Aug 6th she didn't call but sent an email with no resolution  allowing me to purchase a smaller package of 2k and said I've already spoke with the editor who edits the photos and your gallery is done and are being uploaded now.  Wait ...you mean to tell me the  Artist / photographer doesn't edit their own work ? Wowwww!  Also that's a 24 hour turn over!  Why was I supposed to wait  2 weeks for the 66 edits? That's right , I was told and then it was said again in the email , 2 weeks. Ahhh... I get it, the job is finished and will be loaded so there was no way she would work with me to purchase a smaller package and I was locked in at $6,570.00 . I received my photos on Aug 8th (2 days later from the time she said they were uploading to the site)  at 9:05pm, with a rushed turn over and lack of an editing job that skipped an essential part.  I'm the process of removing a tattoo that I didn't want in the photos and was told I could have that piece edited out . Within minutes of opening the gallery on my phone  I noticed 2 pictures that still had my tattoo. The editor fixed them immediately and uploaded the correction in minutes. In the morning (Aug9th) I  opened my $6,570.00 digital gallery on my phone again to look at the  photos and 3 more photos still had my tattoo and one photo that needed a touch up of the lipstick, it  was coming off by the time we shot in the pool. Makeup should have  been touched up in person. Anyway,  I'm expecting these photos to be bullet proof at $6,570.00,  I mean who wouldn't for that price ??? Sent photos to editor, editor fixed and loaded them. Found 2 more with the tattoo  sent those editor fixed and loaded. Finally had a chance to view these photos from my large screened IPAD so I could zoom in better than my phone and found 5 more with the tattoo and 2 more photos that needed my lips touch up from the pool shoot. Viewing this album again I found another unedited tattoo (Aug 11th ) sent and they edited it ...  Yall 15 photos is too many errors for the cost of this package . All I did was ask to purchase a smaller package of 2k and I received a rushed sloppy final product just because they were "already being edited and uploaded". What exactly was being  edited ?? Ladies if you have a session, please, please  choose wisely because  you will not be allowed to make any modifications to your photo package and will be locked in. I don't want what happened to me to happen to you. There was no compassion, sympathy or want to work with me to create total satisfaction  for my experience. She just took the money and ran and gave me photos that I had to send back for proper editing since it was rushed / not done. As a local business owner with 2 locations, I have always worked with  clients to make sure they were 100% comfortable and satisfied with their purchase/ experience and if they weren't I would make time to work any issue out to their satisfaction of their purchase either in person or verbally through a phone call. We also have an "All sales are final/ no refund policy "  but sometimes it's the right thing to do , to be flexible and make life long returning clients that create a wonderful word of mouth for your business and in this case work with another local business. So again be super positive you pick out the right things at the end of your shoot because there is no flexibility  for you to make a  mistake in the amount  of your purchase. It's unfortunate how my situation was handled. I now have a $6,570.00  digital gallery that reminds me  of the less than satisfying  experience   I had with this artist/ photographer on the sales end and with the photo editing that never happened til I had to bring it to their attention for correction. This digital gallery should have been bullet proof of all errors when it was uploaded but here we are. Yall choose wisely. read more