Are Boudoir Photos Expensive?

Sometimes people are surprised about the cost of a boudoir session, but I can assure you there are boudoir photographers for all pockets, I’d even go as far to say MOST boudoir photographers are very affordable and some that may even do it for free (heck I worked for free when I was beginning!)

But the reason you may think boudoir shoots are expensive is probably because the photographers you like are “expensive” right? You may also think that taking a photo is not that hard! Anyone can do it, technology these days can make the cameras in our phones look more and more like the fancy professional cameras photographers use, so why is that some boudoir photographers charge a premium for their work?

And you know what? That makes a lot of sense, so try this: ask a friend, or family member to take your boudoir photos and see how those turn out… I am going to guess you probably won’t be very happy with the results.

You soon will realize the boudoir photos taken by your friend will lack things you won’t be able to identify but are essential in a beautiful boudoir image. So contrary to popular believe, boudoir photos are not that easy to create. I have seen accomplished photographers failed miserably at boudoir, because a good boudoir photographer has developed a set of skills acquired over several years of practicing and shooting with hundreds of other women before you. This experience allows them to confidently provide you with, not only images that are beautiful, but above all a great experience that will leave you feeling like a rock star by the end of the shoot. (don’t believe me? Check some of my client’s reviews here)

A great boudoir photographer understands things like: composition, light, color, texture, contrast, body language, posing, facial expression, and then combines these to create photos you will love..this is definetly not easy.

Now, on top of all the experience needed to provide you with a great boudoir shoot consider professional photographers need equipment, not any equipment but reliable professional gear that can add up quickly as normally a single lens can go for several thousand dollars. But other than the camera, lenses, strobes, modifiers, laptops and software a photographer also needs a place to shoot, a studio, furniture, utilities, rent, a hair and makeup artist, insurance, education, etc

That is without counting advertising, marketing, album & wall art suppliers, and of course taxes!

So all these things, necessary to create a great service and exceptional photos, have a cost. However there are plenty of low cost options as well, you can find cheap boudoir photographers in the $0 to $500 range in websites such as Groupon.com or Craigslist.com. Experienced photographers with a private studio, quality products, and great reviews will be in the $3k-$6K range…at the end of the day just remember that in boudoir photography, like in any other service, you’ll get what you pay for.

If you are looking to book a boudoir session my humble advice for you is to hire a photographer you feel comfortable with, this is probably one of the most important things to consider during your search of these very special images. Price is definitely a factor but if you are solely basing your decision on price then your expectations in terms of quality should align accordingly.

Have a phone conversation with potential photographers, ask them lots of questions, and make sure you can deliver what you need. This is something you probably won’t be doing every year, so hire someone that’s worth it!

If you are in the market for a boudoir photographer you can contact me by clicking here, I will respond as soon as I can to schedule a call to answer all your questions. Good luck!!