minimalistic · Classic · Poetic
I'm so glad to be working with you! Here in my welcome guide, you'll find information for your upcoming session, ranging from what to expect, how to prepare, and even find links to my favorite lingerie shops! I hope you will find this useful in preparations for your session - I want you to feel as ready-to-go as possible. Per usual, always feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you have at any point through this process.
It is so incredibly fulfilling to see the process a woman undertakes with a boudoir session; finding beauty and comfort in your own beautiful skin. My hope is that when you walk away from this experience, you will see yourself truly as a thing of beauty - every part of you.
Hi, beautiful
ethereal boudoir
THE
before...
consultation
Once booked, I will send out a questionnaire to start the planning process. Once I get a sense of the type of session you are wanting, we will schedule our video consultation (about a month prior to your session) to go over everything in more detail to ensure we are both on the same page. This is an important first step so I can make sure we plan your session as best as possible!
scheduling
Within the questionnaire gives you an option of which studio location you are wanting. Once we figure this out, we can decide on when. I will send out a calendar with available dates and times (synced with the studio's availability) and you can simply email me which date/time work best for you. I recommend sending your top two or three dates as studio available changes constantly. Once confirmed, I will send out a subcontract to make the date official!
If you are planning your boudoir photoshoot around your wedding or want to gift a photo album to your significant other, it is best to schedule the session around 3-4 months prior. This will help ensure that I have enough time to edit your photos and get your products made and delivered.
Preparing
While I do have how to prepare tips later on in this guide, I will sync up with you throughout the planning stages to ensure everything is going smoothly. Like I've mentioned previously, I love having open communication with my clients. Found a cute lingerie set you want to have me check out? Text it to me! I would love to help you through any stage of the prepping process!
Please note: If there is a large window between booking and your session (3+ months), there may be times where you don't hear from me for weeks. This is normal due to the long planning process we will have.
Finalizing
About a week before your session, I will send you an email outlining the logistics of our session. This will cover the time, place, directions, and one last reminder on tips to prepare.
Almost show time. :)
THE
during...
arrival
When you arrive, you will be greeted with a glass of champagne (you may opt out, of course!) and settle in while I finalize the set. We will look through all the wardrobe pieces and finalize your looks for the session. I'll have you change, slip into a robe (provided for you to use), and then sit down for one final chat before starting!
If you opted for hair and makeup, my hair and makeup artist will be waiting for you on site, ready to go.
session
The session will take up to two hours long. I will direct you to the set, do a few test shots, and then we will get started! I usually start off simple to get everyone warmed up, but I will direct you the entire time.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable or need a break, please let me know.
I do occasionally change the sets in the middle of the session - when this occurs, you're free to relax (and grab another glass of champagne :)).
departure
When we have finished up our session, I will have you change out of your clothing (if you used any of my pieces, I'll have you put them in the provided garment bag) and ask me any final questions you may have! We'll make sure you didn't leave anything behind, but you're free to leave and reflect on our amazing session together!
THE
after...
Photo Reveal/Proofing gallery
I will reach out a few days after your session to schedule your photo reveal. The photo reveal takes place in person, located at The Perky Lady's shop in downtown Apex. This is where I will show you your proofing gallery. Please note this is a lightly edited gallery and the final image may look slightly different. This is where you will take a look at your images and select which products you would like to purchase. You may choose a collection, or go straight to ala carte items. All products will be purchased and customized at this appointment.
Once payment has been received, I will continue to finalize your selected images to deliver a final gallery.
Click here to see examples of a proofing gallery photo vs. it's final image
Final gallery
About 3 weeks after your session date, I will deliver you a final digital gallery of the images you have selected (if purchased). You may download these digital images immediately! Any physical products (albums, frames, etc.) will be confirmed during this time for final approval before being printed. Physical products may take up for four weeks for delivery.
Products
Physical items will be delivered right to your home! Feel free to take an unwrapping video and send me your reaction because I absolutely love watching the excitement of clients seeing their beautiful works of art!
I will follow up with you to make absolutely sure you are in love with your products. Nothing means more to me than you feeling happy about our session!
Click here to see examples of products you can order!
complimentary vip fitting sesh with
The Perky Lady
Are you interested in booking a VIP lingerie fitting session with one of the best local lingerie shops in town?
Would you like to be pampered while you shop for your lingerie? Then let us pamper you!
Imagine…sipping a bit of bubbly, noshing on a lovely local treat and watching a stunning array of beautiful bras and lingerie presented for your consideration. All while helping you fill out your lingerie wardrobe.
Paired with your own personal professional expert bra fitter, you have the opportunity to try on many different styles that meet your personal needs and desires.
What you get:
A 45 minute in-store private one-on-one bra/lingerie fit & shopping experience.
Unfettered, uninterrupted access to your own personal professional expert bra fitter.
You will be custom fit for amazing pieces unique for you.
A locally sourced treat and fizzy drink.
A delectable robe to wear during your experience.
Styling advice.
Assistance in curating a lingerie wardrobe.
From their website:
If this is something you are interested in, please select YES in your session questionnaire (under SIZING section) or by emailing me! I'll send you your coupon code and instructions on how to book it.
ramie@ethereal.photo
Located in downtown Apex
The levels of exposure is controlled by you and your comfort level. Are you open to full nude? Partial? Maybe full coverage in a slip dress? If you need extra encouragement (say you want to be X exposed, but you're just nervous), please reach out to me and we can talk more about it. You can also do multiple levels throughout your shoot, so adding variety is something that can be considered.
coverage
There are a large range of colors and ultimately it is up to you on what you lean towards. My recommendation for my style of photography is keeping it simple and almost neutral. Whites, creams, black, dark greens, navy blue, dark purples, light purple, soft pinks all work great. Examples of colors that may not work well with my style are "bright" colors, such as neon yellows, bright red, royal blues, etc.
Colors
We start with a online consultation using a client questionnaire and an optional mood board made by yourself. This allows me to get a sense of what speaks to you most about photographs. While my style is my style, getting a sense of you're most drawn to will help me with my process!
You will also receive my welcome guide, which includes a styling and a how-to-prep guide.
THE PREP WORK
Adding texture can really make your pieces pop. Lace, ruffles (although be careful with going overboard), sheer, netting, and silk all work well with photographs.
My fave? Lace.
Textures
When you arrive, I like to welcome my clients with a complimentary glass of champagne (you can opt out of this, of course!). I like to sit my clients down and go over what to expect and the overall plan for the session. This is where you may ask any other questions you have before getting started! After, I will have you change and will direct you to the set. I will guide you the entire time! I may take some time to change the set around, but that gives you a chance to relax and hydrate throughout the session.
THE PHOTO SESSION
There are so many different styles to choose from and can play well with different body types. One way to start is by finding areas you either want to "camouflage"* and/or accentuate and find pieces that play well with those areas.
Example, if you are most insecure about your stomach area, bodysuits, teddies, high-waisted panties, and corsets all work beautifully. If you want to accentuate your chest, try looking into a bustier!
Style/Fit
After about a week post-session, I will deliver what is called a proofing gallery. A proofing gallery is a lightly edited gallery where you choose your photographs from. This is where you determine which collection speaks to you the most and what you would like to purchase. Once you purchase your collection and choose your photographs, I will go back and do any additional editing (if needed) to deliver a final gallery within 2 weeks. Any physical products will be chosen from this final gallery.
CHOOSE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AND ARTWORK
(more details below)
*While I wholeheartedly believe you should have nothing to "hide" (because you're beautiful from head to toe), I know (most) everyone has some kind of insecurity about something, and that's okay and totally normal. Priority is always you = feeling amazing.
Adding accessories can really enhance your outfit. Pearl necklace, garter belts, sheer robes, florals, masks, and body jewelry are all great options.
Another thing to consider is fabric. Silk fabric is great for draping; sheer fabric is great if you want to go nude but not quite at a 100% level and giving a wispy feel to your photos; and velvet gives the most buttery richness as it drapes over your body.
Tip: I love body jewelry with exposed skin.
Accessories
Once a final online gallery has been delivered, you are welcome to download your photos in both web and high-res images.
If you have chosen physical products, those items will take up to three weeks to be processed and delivered straight to your home for you to look through and enjoy.
DELIVERY
Pushup Bras: They can create an artificial look as well as cause gapping - try an underwire bra instead!
Boyshorts: They tend to not be the most flattering being photographed - if you're looking for more coverage, try a regular bikini style panty! Best panties I recommend - high-waisted bottoms and cheeky thongs.
Things to avoid
Once a final online gallery has been delivered, you are welcome to download your photos in both web and high-res images.
If you have chosen physical products, those items will take up to three weeks to be processed and delivered straight to your home for you to look through and enjoy.
DELIVERY
where to shop
One of the biggest things to plan for is your wardrobe. While I do have a minor client closet, a lot of clients prefer to expand their own personal wardrobe and find pieces they will absolutely love.
I have pulled a list of my favorite places to shop, split between local stores and online.
local
x. close
downtown apex
village district, raleigh
southpoint, durham
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Replenish your skin to help give you your glowing skin, so start early and try to avoid alcohol and sugary food and drinks.
– Get your haircut and color. If you are having your hair cut or colored, give yourself a week or two to make sure you love it.
– Avoid spray tanning and tan lines! While I love a good tan, anything from streaks to the skin showing up much more orange in camera is just not a look you’re going to want to have in your images so it’s best to avoid spray tanning when possible as well as minimize tan lines, especially in the summer.
– Prep your outfits. Try on your outfits/lingerie one last time to make sure everything fits and remove all tags (including the inside labels.) If you don't have one already, I recommend getting a simple skin-toned thong just in case you want a "nude" look without going fully nude.
– Book a date night after your session. Whether it’s a great new restaurant or an old favorite, making a reservation for the night of your session for you and your significant other or girlfriends is a great way to treat yourself after your boudoir photo session. You are going to look amazing, so why not make the most of it?
prior
one-two weeks
– Get those nails done – any sooner than this and they may chip and we want them looking fresh.
– Exfoliate! Find a nice sugar or salt scrub and exfoliate that skin. We want that good glow going on for the photos.
– Waxing. If you decide to get a wax, make sure to have it done at least 48 hours in advance to avoid any redness or bumps that might be associated with it. This also includes your eyebrows.
– Shave (areas not getting waxed) and moisturize.
– Pack everything you will need to bring to the shoot (check out my packing list below!). Be sure to bring more outfit options than you think you will need. That way we can go over everything together before the session and decide what outfits will work the best.
– Double-check your travel time so you allow yourself plenty of time to get to the hotel /studio/location of your choice without stress.
- Stretch
– Get your beauty sleep. In all seriousness, make sure you get a good night’s rest so you feel and look refreshed and ready to go.
prior
one-two days
– Eat light throughout the day, but please make sure you are eating.
– Use only clear or no deodorant.
– Wear loose-fitting clothing and a top with a wide opening or button down. This allows us to avoid red marks (from tight fitting clothing) and ensure our hair and make up doesn't get smudged (when taking off your shirt). If you're comfortable going braless, this may help avoid any bra strap marks on your skin.
– Get glammed up. If you are adding hair and makeup to your package, a separate how to prepare guide will be sent to you. If you are opting to do your own, aim to have hair and makeup completed at least 1 hour prior to our session beginning. This will allow for extra time in case it takes longer than expected and will help you not feel stressed or rushed.
– Did I mention hydrating? ;)
– RELAX! It’s completely normal to be nervous in front of the camera. Give me 10 minutes and you’ll be laughing and be totally in the moment enjoying feeling amazing and having fun!
day of
Tips to prepare
quick reference packing list
I try to make things as easy for you as possible! Please download my pre-session checklist to ensure you're not missing anything the day of your session!
