10 Questions to Ask Before You Book Your First Boudoir Shoot
Not all boudoir studios are the same.
Some lift you up. Some just want your money.
And some are giving very weird energy in someone’s garage.
You want photos that make you feel good. You want someone you trust. Here's how to figure out who’s got the vibe and the skill.
You’re ready to do this.
You want photos that show how good you feel.
You want to feel sexy again. Not for anyone else. Just for you.
But here’s the truth:
Not every boudoir studio knows what they’re doing.
Some will waste your time.
Some will make you feel awkward.
Some are just flat-out not safe.
So before you book anything, ask these questions.
Trust me. They matter.
1. Do they shoot real people or just models?
Red flag if their portfolio only shows one body type.
Green flag if you see women who look like you.
Ask yourself:
Do I see bodies like mine?
Do the photos feel warm, not stiff?
Do I see joy or just perfect posing?
This isn’t about what they say. It’s about what they show.
Look at their photos. Do they show big bodies? Small ones? Old ones? Bodies like yours?If not, don’t book them.
You deserve someone who knows how to make your body look and feel amazing.
2. How do they make clients feel safe?
If this is your first shoot, you need someone who understands nerves.
Look for a studio that:
Sends prep info
Has a clear process
Respects boundaries
Uses consent-based posing
Feeling safe is sexy. Period. A good photographer knows this isn’t easy for most women.
They should tell you what to expect, how they’ll guide you, and how they keep it safe.
If they can’t explain that, find someone else.
3. What’s the studio vibe?
Ask:
Where is it?
What does it look like?
Is it private and clean?
Do they have sets or outfit options?
You don’t need a five-star spa, but it shouldn't feel like someone’s couch.
4. Do they guide you during the shoot?
You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s their job.
They should help you with:
Posing
Facial expressions
Body angles
Where to put your hands (we know that one’s awkward)
If they say, “Just be natural,” that’s not good enough.
Most women aren’t models. That’s normal.
Your photographer should guide you. Hands. Feet. Face.
They should help with all of it.
If they say “just be yourself,” and that’s it? Pass.
5. Can you see a full client session?
Instagram shows the best 1%. Ask to see a full set from one client.
You’ll spot:
Lighting consistency
Style
How many good photos you can expect
It’s easy to show one good photo. That doesn’t tell you much.
Ask to see a full shoot. From start to finish.You want to see what kind of photos you’ll get. Not just the best one they’ve ever taken.
6. What’s included in the session fee?
Not all sessions include the same stuff. Ask about:
Hair and makeup
Outfit access
Image count
Retouching
Payment plans
Know what you’re paying for before you hand over a card.
You should know what’s included. Hair? Makeup? Photos? Prints?
What’s the price? What’s extra? Is there a payment plan?
Don’t guess. Ask.
If they’re not clear, that’s a no.
7. Do they offer erotica sessions too?
Some do soft, flirty boudoir. Some lean into deeper, more sensual work.
Ask if they:
Shoot erotic sets (for solo or couples)
Offer kink-friendly options
Have comfort rules in place
Pick what matches your level and mood.
Not all studios shoot both. Some only do soft stuff. Others can get a little wild.
Be clear about what you want. Ask what they offer. Make sure they match your vibe.
At The Boudoir Studio, we do both. We don’t judge. We support your sexy side, whatever that looks like.
8. What kind of prep help do they give?
A good studio helps you get in the zone. Ask if they provide:
Lingerie tips
Confidence exercises
Posing prep
Mental prep (yes, this matters)
If they don’t help before the shoot, they’ll likely leave you hanging during it. You want to feel ready. That means more than just showing up.
Ask if they give you prep tips. Or help you get in the right headspace.
At our studio, we send guides and give simple tasks and have created a whole self-discovery course to help you feel more confident before the shoot.
9. Can you bring a friend?
Ask about guest rules. Some people feel better with someone there.
Some studios say yes. Some say no. Know ahead of time.You get to decide what feels right for you.
10. What makes them different?
If they can’t answer this well, don’t book.
At The Boudoir Studio, we:
Work with all bodies and genders
Offer erotic upgrades
Guide every pose
Give you prep tools to feel hot as hell
Keep it fun, safe, and real
You are giving them your time, trust, and money. They should be able to tell you why they’re worth it.If they say, “We take pretty pictures,” that’s not enough.
At The Boudoir Studio, we do more than take photos.
We help you see yourself in a new way.
We give you tools to feel better in your body.
We help you feel hot, proud, and free again.
Don't get swanked.
A bad shoot wastes your money and your confidence.This shoot is about you.
Your body. Your power. Your story.
So ask the real questions. Book with someone who gets it. And walk into that studio knowing you made the right call.
Ask these questions. Protect your vibe. Choose someone who sees your power and knows how to show it back to you.
Ready to feel amazing in your body again?
Book at The Boudoir Studio in North Carolina.
[Click here to schedule your shoot or ask your questions.]