Welcome to Sharon T. Simpson - Boudoir
Provocative photography featuring women in their boudoirs has been a thing for nearly 100 years. Yep -- before quick film developing, before digital cameras, before women could vote and, get this: before it was even legal! I'll spare you all the historical details and just tell you that women have been posing for the camera in their sexiest lingerie (sometimes sans clothing at all!) since the early 20th century. And, as you've seen in art class, many have posed for the paint brush and painter even earlier than that, as well.
For that reason, we here at Sharon T. Simpson Photography consider boudoir photography a rite of passage; a gift to not just your significant other, but to yourself. It's a celebration of you, your womanhood, your beautiful body and your sense of spirit. Some may even think of it as an homage to the many women of all shapes and sizes who've posed before them.
I will try to cover all of the information and questions I get asked frequently, so you are well educated on the process of the boudoir session. If you still have questions once you have read the information please feel free to contact me.
The SESSION
The majority of my boudoir sessions take place in studio, in Manchester, NH. For those a little more adventurous or have a location that is private I am more that willing to go on-location. The session will be 75 minutes or longer should you choose, and we will take 10 minutes at the beginning of the session to look at wardrobe options and talk a little more about your vision. The final 5 minutes will allow time for you to change back into your street clothes.
What to WEAR
Prior to the session it is best to wear loose clothing, so your body does not have marks from tight clothing. Bras and socks are the worst culprits! You will provide your own wardrobe for the session and it can be lingerie, outfits that show off your womanly curves, tight jeans, or pretty much anything you feel sexy and womanly wearing.
Don't forget to bring heels and you may want to consider jewelry, although I do have a few options for you to work with as well.
If you purchase anything new, please ensure you remove labels, tags and stickers from the bottoms of shoes.
HAIR and MAKE-UP
Hair & make-up is not included in the session fee, but I highly recommend it. Having your hair and make up done makes you feel pampered, relaxed and all-woman. I have a few places I can recommend to you if you are looking for a referral, or to experience the luxury of boudoir at its best, consider the a la carte option of adding hair and/or make-up to any of my boudoir collections.
POST session
Either prior to your session or at the end of your session we will book your 'Reveal Session'. During this time I will show you your lightly edited images, all the product options and I will help you choose and decide on the products to best suit your needs. You should have all of your products within 3 weeks of ordering. Depending on what you order some may be available sooner and some may require additional time. I will notify you at the time of ordering if any particular product needs more production time.
Session FEES
Empowerment - $325 two and half hour sesson - 3-4 outfist
Check Me Out! - $250 75 minute Session - 2 outfits
Either of these sessions can be on-location or in-studio.
Boudoir F.A.Q.
How do I book my session?
You contact me via email or phone (603)674-6798. A 25% deposit is due at the time of booking your session. Once we have agreed on a date and time I will send you an invoice. Your appointment is not confirmed until payment in received. The balance is due on or before the day of the session.
How do I pay?
I take cash, check or credit cards. Checks must have time to clear the bank before products are ordered and released, and also have a $35 fee for returned checks.
What if I need to reschedule?
We are more than happy to reschedule your session, we understand that things happen. There is a re-scheduling fee of $50.
Wait! I'm not sure if I'm ready.........
Don't worry, most women are nervous. It is totally normal and expected. We'll start the session with the outfit that covers your body the most and we'll take it from there. We'll have fun! Your'll have a chance to relax.
I want to wear lingerie, but I have no idea what to get.
No worries. I have you covered. Once you have booked your session I will email you a wardrobe guide which includes lots of lingerie tips.
Can I bring a friend?
You can bring one female friend, as long as they are not disturbing the session. They may not bring any photographic equipment with them, including cell phones.
Can I bring my boyfriend/husband?
Unfortunately, no. Only females are allowed in the boudoir sessions unless you are doing a couple session.
Will there be anyone else there during my session?
Just me and my female assistant with no judgement. This is a great time to just be yourself. Show your personality! You will change in a private area. Please feel free to bring a robe if it will make it easier for you.
How will you know what type of look I want?
We will have a Concept Consultion a few weeks prior to your session or earlier, so you have chnace to think about what to wear. At this time we will discuss your ideas and my ideas. I will send out a short questionnaire a week before your session. Once those parts are complete I will have a good idea what vision you have for your session.
I've seen a great boudoir shot on your website/Pintrest. Can we copy it?
It is great that you have creative input for your session, but let's create imagery that is all YOU!I cannot wait to hear any ideas you have for your session.
Can I bring props to use?
Absolutely! Let me know what you plan to bring when you complete the questionnaire.
Can I do a Bridal Boudoir session for my husband to be?
Yes, this is a perfect wedding gift. Ensure you schedule your session at least six weeks before your wedding date, so you have his gift ready to go.
Can I do a boudoir session when I am pregnant?
Of course, the female body is so different when it is with child, but definitely think about doing it before 37 weeks. If you need more guidance or have direct questions please contact me. This is such a precious time in your life. Often a pivotal moment when life will never be the same again. This is the perfect time for a boudoir session.
How soon is the Reveal Session?
Usually within a week or two depending on our schedules.
What happens ar the reveal session?
Together we will go through your images and decide which ones you would like either in an album or wall art.
Albums are perfect if you want to keep your session a secret and have the album to look at every now and then. Bring it out to brag to your girlfriends! This also makes the perfect gift for your spouse/boyfriend/husband and is the perfect gift for your husband-to-be on your wedding day.
Wall Art if you are thinking of getting a large piece of artwork for the wall. I am probably thinking right now that you are saying "no way", wait til you see how beautiful you look. Use that anonymous shot on your bedroom wall. We have classic framed fine art prints, along with canvas gallery wraps and fine art metal prints. You can also add-on a 'Timeless Portrait' to your session so you can show off your beauty (with no snide comments from your mother-in-law :))
Do I have to purchase product?
No, the Reveal is all about showing you how great your look. But once you see them, you know you will want to! No hard sale....EVER! During the concept consultation we will discuss products you may want to purchase so we plan for that during your session.
I see you have a blog and Facebook page for your business. Will I see my pictures on there?
No. Not unless this is something you agree to. All of my clients are asked to sign a model release and at this point you can decline any online use of images, so don't worry; your images are totally safe, not shared with anyone or posted on any social media sites unless agreed upon.
A boudoir session is something every woman should experience at least once in their life.
Don't leave it on the bucket list.....contact me now and book your session!
"Aways be barefoot and beautiful" - Sharon
