alyssa hennessy photography

boudoir photography FAQs:

What is Boudoir Photography?
Boudoir ("bood-WA") photography is an intimate form of portraiture that captures an individual’s beauty and sensuality. I offer three types of boudoir sessions: personal sessions, boudoir marathon, boudoir parties, and sweetheart sessions.

BOUDOIR SESSIONS ARE FOR CLIENTS 18 YEARS AND OLDER! NO EXCEPTIONS!

Why take Boudoir Portraits?
Boudoir portraits are the perfect gift for your loved one - an anniversary, a birthday, or just to spice things up! For those ladies with deployed husbands, boudoir portraits can be a different and interesting way to stay connected during your time apart. They can also be a great way to benchmark reaching a weight loss goal, a self-image confidence booster, or a way to spoil you!

I'm too fat (or too skinny, or too flat-chested, or too shy) to take these kinds of photos!

BAH! Let's face it, we're not all size 4 with perfect assets. And I've seen it all - from stretch marks to cellulite and everything in between. And every single woman I've photographed is gorgeous in her own way. Fortunately, there are ways that I can pose you to minimize your negative areas and maximize your positives. Each image taken is thoroughly edited and enhanced to help you be the best you can be. My goal is to make you feel beautiful - because every woman, no matter age, size, or color deserves to feel like a goddess for a day.

How can I present my boudoir photos?
There are several ways to present your boudoir photos. A slideshow on CD, a "For your eyes only" album, or a calendar are just a few ideas. Keep your honey's personality in mind. A client of mine did a calendar for her husband and he wasn't comfortable hanging it in his garage, so it sat in a drawer. She might have been ahead to make a "magazine" album for him.

What's the difference in your types of boudoir sessions?
You can read about package pricing on the boudoir investment page. But here are the main differences between the sessions:

personal session:
This session is 3-4 hours of just you. That includes time for make-up and hair styling (if you choose) and outfit changes. You get as many outfits and settings as we can fit into that time
frame. My attention for the day is focused entirely on you. If you are the type of person who might be a little shy, then it may take you a while to warm up to the camera, this is the session for you! We can shoot wherever you are most comfortable, either at my in home studio, your home, or at another location of your choice (hotel, rural outdoor location, etc). Professional hair and make-up are offered (and highly recommended) for an extra fee.

boudoir marathon:
I schedule these sessions periodically throughout the year. These sessions are shot in a classy, photogenic hotel suite with ample lighting and setting ideas. I book about 10 sessions over a weekend. These sessions are also private, last one hour and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Boudoir Marathons are wonderful! You don't have to worry about the location, or the lighting. I bring my studio lighting and always use a location that lends itself to beautiful photos. I usually work with a make-up and hair stylist for these sessions (optional, but highly recommended and quite popular!).

boudoir parties:
These sessions are great for bachelorette parties, a girl’s night in party, or a great way to save on your sessions. Space is limited to 4-8 women. The session takes place at a location of your choice (your home, a hotel, etc). Depending on location, the portraits can be private or not. These type of sessions are perfect for girls who are looking to do something along the same style (i.e. 1930's pin ups, punk-rock mommies, are just a few of the ideas I've received). Parties can include hair and make-up. Each attendee receives 30 minutes of session time with as many outfit changes and poses as we can fit into that time frame. I suggest bringing music, munchies, and drinks to make the party even more fun! Boudoir Parties can be split among those attending, or can be paid for by one person. These parties can make great gifts for bridesmaids and sisters. Since you're all dressed up, head out on the town after your party and live it up!

sweetheart sessions:
These sessions are private sessions for brave couples who want more than your traditional portraits. Capture your love story in a classy tasteful way during a one hour session at the location of your choice. During these sessions I do very little posing and really let you express yourself however you feel comfortable. If the client is interested, I will snap a couple shots of each of you separately, but the majority of the shoot is the couple. However, while I want you to feel free to be intimate with one another, I must make it clear that in NO WAY am I a pornographer! Contact me for some example portraits and for more information.

Why do boudoir sessions cost more that regular photography sessions?
I get this question a lot. It's simple really - boudoir sessions take a lot more thought, technique and skill than your typical portrait. Regular portraits are often shot in a very photojournalistic manner - you can't do that with boudoir portraits! Every angle, every light and every shadow has to be carefully calculated during the session. After your session I edit each photo to make it as awesome as it can be. I also do this with regular portraits, but boudoir portraits take almost 3 times longer to edit than regular portraits. And lastly, the actual time frame of a boudoir session is longer.

How can I save money on my photo session?

Active duty military receive 40% off of their sitting fee
I offer LARGE discounts to clients willing to sign a FULL model release
I offer discounts on products when purchased the same day as your sitting
Repeat clients receive special discounts throughout the year

Will you show other people my photos?
No! Not unless I have a signed model release form. I offer discounts on sitting fees for clients will to sign a model release form.

Do I have to be naked?
No. Sometimes implied nudity can be just as sexy as actual nudity. You can bare as little or as much as you wish. I’ve photographed clients in everything from a t-shirt and panties to nothing but high-heeled shoes! Every client is different!

Can I take more erotic boudoir portraits?
If you require a more risqué style to your images, that is no problem at all. I cover all of this information in your Cheat Sheet packet.

Can I bring a friend to my private session?
If you would like to have a friend be present during your shoot, please bring a female. I operate a "NO MEN ALLOWED" studio (except for sweetheart session). Unfortunately, men (great as they are) can be a bit of a distraction. In my experience, it's much more relaxing for the client, me and the make-up artist if it's an all female environment. I also feel that when other people are present at the sessions, regardless of gender, there is more tension and the client cannot fully relax. Naturally, the client wants to make sure their chaperone is not bored, which then distracts them from the reason they are here. Out of all the sessions with and without chaperones, the results are FAR better when the client has been on their own. They are more relaxed and able to give their full concentration to the posing and situation.

Who will be in the room during my portrait session?
You and me – with the exception of the Boudoir Parties. Boudoir Parties depend entirely on the location you choose. If you choose to do the party at your home, you can set up a private room for the photos, and have the rest of party in an other room. If you choose to do the photos in a suite, then it might be a little less private because of a space issue. Also, for all the sessions - if you choose a packet that includes hair and make-up, the stylist may remain for your session as well to do any touch ups - but that’s entirely up to you option.

What do I need to bring?
This information is available in your Boudoir Packet that you get after booking.

What do I need to do to prepare for my session?
This information is available in your Boudoir Packet that you get after booking.

Will you retouch my images? Is that included in the price?
From Cellulite to stretch marks to spider veins – we get it all, right ladies? It is natural! But if you don't
want it there I can banish it! Please keep in mind that while I can “enhance” your images… I'm NOT a miracle worker. Retouching is a very touchy subject and people either love it or hate it. Your Boudoir Packet will include a questionnaire of areas that you want fixed and I will do my best to achieve that goal. I only retouch images to each client's specifications - whether it's the removal or this lump or bump, enhance that curve, tuck that in, smooth that out etc. Retouching (to a certain extent) is included in your package.

How many photos will I get?
I take an unlimited number of photos during your session. The actually number of photos taken totally depends on the length of your session, how long it takes for you to change clothes, and how quickly you to warm up to the camera. I can take hundreds of photographs in an hour, but in my experience, it can be a bit overwhelming for a client to receive that many photographs. For this reason, I try to edit it down to about 80-100 images.

How long will it take to get my images?
Images will be online and ready for you to view up to 14 working days from the date of your session as
developing and retouching is a lengthy process.

Do you chose the images in my album or do I?
If you decide to purchase an album, the choice of what goes in it is totally your decision. I am there to
advise you on how many images will fit in your album, the orientation that will best suit your selection and help in the decision making process.

How long will it take to get my album?
Albums take 4-6 weeks from the time that you choose your images until you have the album in hand. I will be available to answer questions about the status of you album at anytime.

What are your hours?
I am available by appointment only, so that I can devote myself to one client at a time.

Where are you located?
My in-home studio is located off of State Route 180 in LaFargeville, NY – near the Canadian border.


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ask how you can save on your session...	boudoir photography FAQs: What is Boudoir Photography? Boudoir ("bood-WA") photography is an intimate form of portraiture that captures an individual’s beauty and sensuality. I offer three types of boudoir sessions: personal sessions, boudoir marathon, boudoir parties, and sweetheart sessions. BOUDOIR SESSIONS ARE FOR CLIENTS 18 YEARS AND OLDER! NO EXCEPTIONS! Why take Boudoir Portraits? Boudoir portraits are the perfect gift for your loved one - an anniversary, a birthday, or just to spice things up! For those ladies with deployed husbands, boudoir portraits can be a different and interesting way to stay connected during your time apart. They can also be a great way to benchmark reaching a weight loss goal, a self-image confidence booster, or a way to spoil you! I'm too fat (or too skinny, or too flat-chested, or too shy) to take these kinds of photos! BAH! Let's face it, we're not all size 4 with perfect assets. And I've seen it all - from stretch marks to cellulite and everything in between. And every single woman I've photographed is gorgeous in her own way. Fortunately, there are ways that I can pose you to minimize your negative areas and maximize your positives. Each image taken is thoroughly edited and enhanced to help you be the best you can be. My goal is to make you feel beautiful - because every woman, no matter age, size, or color deserves to feel like a goddess for a day. How can I present my boudoir photos? There are several ways to present your boudoir photos. A slideshow on CD, a "For your eyes only" album, or a calendar are just a few ideas. Keep your honey's personality in mind. A client of mine did a calendar for her husband and he wasn't comfortable hanging it in his garage, so it sat in a drawer. She might have been ahead to make a "magazine" album for him. What's the difference in your types of boudoir sessions? You can read about package pricing on the boudoir investment page. But here are the main differences between the sessions: personal session: This session is 3-4 hours of just you. That includes time for make-up and hair styling (if you choose) and outfit changes. You get as many outfits and settings as we can fit into that time frame. My attention for the day is focused entirely on you. If you are the type of person who might be a little shy, then it may take you a while to warm up to the camera, this is the session for you! We can shoot wherever you are most comfortable, either at my in home studio, your home, or at another location of your choice (hotel, rural outdoor location, etc). Professional hair and make-up are offered (and highly recommended) for an extra fee. boudoir marathon: I schedule these sessions periodically throughout the year. These sessions are shot in a classy, photogenic hotel suite with ample lighting and setting ideas. I book about 10 sessions over a weekend. These sessions are also private, last one hour and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Boudoir Marathons are wonderful! You don't have to worry about the location, or the lighting. I bring my studio lighting and always use a location that lends itself to beautiful photos. I usually work with a make-up and hair stylist for these sessions (optional, but highly recommended and quite popular!). boudoir parties: These sessions are great for bachelorette parties, a girl’s night in party, or a great way to save on your sessions. Space is limited to 4-8 women. The session takes place at a location of your choice (your home, a hotel, etc). Depending on location, the portraits can be private or not. These type of sessions are perfect for girls who are looking to do something along the same style (i.e. 1930's pin ups, punk-rock mommies, are just a few of the ideas I've received). Parties can include hair and make-up. Each attendee receives 30 minutes of session time with as many outfit changes and poses as we can fit into that time frame. I suggest bringing music, munchies, and drinks to make the party even more fun! Boudoir Parties can be split among those attending, or can be paid for by one person. These parties can make great gifts for bridesmaids and sisters. Since you're all dressed up, head out on the town after your party and live it up! sweetheart sessions: These sessions are private sessions for brave couples who want more than your traditional portraits. Capture your love story in a classy tasteful way during a one hour session at the location of your choice. During these sessions I do very little posing and really let you express yourself however you feel comfortable. If the client is interested, I will snap a couple shots of each of you separately, but the majority of the shoot is the couple. However, while I want you to feel free to be intimate with one another, I must make it clear that in NO WAY am I a pornographer! Contact me for some example portraits and for more information. Why do boudoir sessions cost more that regular photography sessions? I get this question a lot. It's simple really - boudoir sessions take a lot more thought, technique and skill than your typical portrait. Regular portraits are often shot in a very photojournalistic manner - you can't do that with boudoir portraits! Every angle, every light and every shadow has to be carefully calculated during the session. After your session I edit each photo to make it as awesome as it can be. I also do this with regular portraits, but boudoir portraits take almost 3 times longer to edit than regular portraits. And lastly, the actual time frame of a boudoir session is longer. How can I save money on my photo session? Active duty military receive 40% off of their sitting fee I offer LARGE discounts to clients willing to sign a FULL model release I offer discounts on products when purchased the same day as your sitting Repeat clients receive special discounts throughout the year Will you show other people my photos? No! Not unless I have a signed model release form. I offer discounts on sitting fees for clients will to sign a model release form. Do I have to be naked? No. Sometimes implied nudity can be just as sexy as actual nudity. You can bare as little or as much as you wish. I’ve photographed clients in everything from a t-shirt and panties to nothing but high-heeled shoes! Every client is different! Can I take more erotic boudoir portraits? If you require a more risqué style to your images, that is no problem at all. I cover all of this information in your Cheat Sheet packet. Can I bring a friend to my private session? If you would like to have a friend be present during your shoot, please bring a female. I operate a "NO MEN ALLOWED" studio (except for sweetheart session). Unfortunately, men (great as they are) can be a bit of a distraction. In my experience, it's much more relaxing for the client, me and the make-up artist if it's an all female environment. I also feel that when other people are present at the sessions, regardless of gender, there is more tension and the client cannot fully relax. Naturally, the client wants to make sure their chaperone is not bored, which then distracts them from the reason they are here. Out of all the sessions with and without chaperones, the results are FAR better when the client has been on their own. They are more relaxed and able to give their full concentration to the posing and situation. Who will be in the room during my portrait session? You and me – with the exception of the Boudoir Parties. Boudoir Parties depend entirely on the location you choose. If you choose to do the party at your home, you can set up a private room for the photos, and have the rest of party in an other room. If you choose to do the photos in a suite, then it might be a little less private because of a space issue. Also, for all the sessions - if you choose a packet that includes hair and make-up, the stylist may remain for your session as well to do any touch ups - but that’s entirely up to you option. What do I need to bring? This information is available in your Boudoir Packet that you get after booking. What do I need to do to prepare for my session? This information is available in your Boudoir Packet that you get after booking. Will you retouch my images? Is that included in the price? From Cellulite to stretch marks to spider veins – we get it all, right ladies? It is natural! But if you don't want it there I can banish it! Please keep in mind that while I can “enhance” your images… I'm NOT a miracle worker. Retouching is a very touchy subject and people either love it or hate it. Your Boudoir Packet will include a questionnaire of areas that you want fixed and I will do my best to achieve that goal. I only retouch images to each client's specifications - whether it's the removal or this lump or bump, enhance that curve, tuck that in, smooth that out etc. Retouching (to a certain extent) is included in your package. How many photos will I get? I take an unlimited number of photos during your session. The actually number of photos taken totally depends on the length of your session, how long it takes for you to change clothes, and how quickly you to warm up to the camera. I can take hundreds of photographs in an hour, but in my experience, it can be a bit overwhelming for a client to receive that many photographs. For this reason, I try to edit it down to about 80-100 images. How long will it take to get my images? Images will be online and ready for you to view up to 14 working days from the date of your session as developing and retouching is a lengthy process. Do you chose the images in my album or do I? If you decide to purchase an album, the choice of what goes in it is totally your decision. I am there to advise you on how many images will fit in your album, the orientation that will best suit your selection and help in the decision making process. How long will it take to get my album? Albums take 4-6 weeks from the time that you choose your images until you have the album in hand. I will be available to answer questions about the status of you album at anytime. What are your hours? I am available by appointment only, so that I can devote myself to one client at a time. Where are you located? My in-home studio is located off of State Route 180 in LaFargeville, NY – near the Canadian border.

all images ©2008 Alyssa Hennessy