You probably have a million questions before wanting to book your shoot and this is totally normal (after all, most of you aren’t supermodels and the most experience you probably have had with photo shoots is by watching America’s Next Top Model….!) So here are some questions a lot of you often ask, hope it may help. If you have more, don’t worry, I’ll be able to answer them all when we’ll chat together 🙂
I am really stressed out for my session… Is it normal?
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Actually it is, all my clients tell me they were so nervous before the shoot! But don’t worry: it is not your job to take a good picture, it’s mine. I am going to coach you, guide you, and help you with posing the entire time. So just relax. The first few shots, you’ll be scared/shy/uncomfortable/all of the above, but you will be more and more at ease, and like all of my previous clients, you will totally enjoy yourself in the end and will not want to stop. Together, we will create extraordinary photos that will take your breath away, I promise.
How do I prepare for the shoot and choose my outfits?
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We are here to help. I am proud to offer you a complete boudoir and beauty experience, so don’t expect just to show up at the shoot and that’s it! We will have a skype/phone consultation together to discuss your looks, along with the stylist. If you already have a ton of outfits, she can help you choose what to bring, depending on the style you are looking for. Rule of thumb : bring whatever makes you feel sexy for a Boudoir shoot, or glamorous for a Beauty shoot. If you are due for a shopping spree, she will also tell you what to buy and if you want the ultimate experience, she can even go shop for you or come to your house to help you select clothes.
Do you provide the wardrobe for the shoot?
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I have accessories (jewels, hats, gloves, etc.) and a few non-intimate items (corsets, veils, etc.), but otherwise, all clothing/lingerie is provided by you, as there are so many women of different shapes, sizes and tastes that I would have to own a complete store to fit everyone’s needs. If you have opted for the Fashionista Experience, though, you will have your own personal wardrobe waiting for you at the studio.
What about hair and makeup, can I do it myself or skip it?
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Professional hair & makeup is included in all our photo sessions, and unless you are a makeup artist yourself, I would really recommend that you let our hair stylist and makeup artist take care of you. First, I want you to have the complete experience, and it wouldn’t be complete without the pampering part. It also really helps you relax before the shoot and the boost of confidence you will get when seeing your transformation will be priceless. Then, even though you might know how to do your makeup, everyday makeup and photography makeup are not the same. We usually need to add more for it to show in photos, and the makeup artist is a professional who knows what to emphasize so that it turns out well in photo and how to bring out your best features.
Can I bring a friend to my shoot?
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Absolutely. Sometimes an ‘audience’ can make you feel more self-conscious, but each person is different, and if you feel more comfortable bringing your best friend along, she is welcome! I do ask that she does not interfere with the shoot, though (directing you, “touch you up” in between shots, or taking pictures with her cell) and I do ask that boyfriends/husbands do not accompany you, as the studio is a no-man-zone and it might make it harder for you to loosen up in front of them. Better to show them the final result only… 😉
Can I do a photo shoot with a friend?
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Absolutely. We do offer same-day photo shoots for two friends, and you will both receive 25% off your session fee when you share your photo shoot with a friend. Just tell me about it when booking. You must book at the same time for the same date, although you will each have your individual session (we can do a few shots of you two together though, is you want).
Can I change my shoot date?
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We will do our best to accomodate you, although we require a minimum of 10 days notice to reschedule a shoot. Note that sometimes, the schedule is fully booked though, and we might not have any available dates to reschedule your photo shoot in the time frame required. If you reschedule less than 10 days before your shoot or reschedule more than twice, your deposit will not be transferable, as cancellations and rescheduling impact us significantly. When you book your date, the whole team (me, my assistant, the stylist, makeup artist and hair stylist) is reserved especially for you, therefore turning away all other income and people interested in shooting that day and time.
What if I’m late?
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Try to do your best to be on time, as I may not be able to accommodate you if you’re late. As I’m the only one to shoot, I may have another shoot / meeting after you and may have to cut your shooting time to respect my other engagements.
What is your refund policy?
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Due to the custom nature of photography, the shoot and any products ordered are non-refundable. However, we will have discussed the styles prior to the shoot to be sure it reflects who you are and what you want, and you will have approved every image regarding retouching before anything is sent to the lab.
Where do the shoots take place?
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In Montreal, shoots can take place at our beautiful, natural-light studio, in a hotel room or in your own house, if this is what you would like. In Los Angeles, they take place at FD Studios, downtown, where a variety of sets awaits you. They all include a makeup area where you will be pampered by our makeup artist, as well as many different decors/styles. All shoots and meetings are by appointments only. On-location shoot are available as well with additional fees.
I am not comfortable shooting with men around…
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No worries, my studio is “female-only zones”! My whole team (assistant, stylist, makeup artists and hair stylists) are all woman and we all strive to make your experience as unique and stress-free as possible, so no boys allowed. That way, you can feel really comfortable and be yourself. These kinds of shoots are usually a pretty intimate experience and one we like to keep to us, ladies. From our first email contact to the final reveal session, we’re all ladies!
How far in advance should I book my session?
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I book a limited number of sessions per week, so typically, try booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance for weekdays, and 6-8 weeks for Saturdays. Also, please allow a good 4 weeks after the shoot for delivery of your products.
You offer different styles, Glamour, Beauty and boudoir photography. What is the difference?
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You can check all the different styles in the Styles section (check out Styles in the menu), and view samples of images to give you ideas. Boudoir is honestly my primary specialization, which usually involves a certain level of undress (often lingerie, loungewear, intimate apparel, or nothing at all, depending on your degree of comfort – and you do not have to decide in advance how far you go.) This style is meant to embrace a woman’s charm, femininity, and sensuality. It can be innocent, romantic, or more edgy, naughty, even slightly erotic. You decide which styles fits you best.
If the undress part is not for you, a Beauty / Glamour shoot might be more appropriate. Bring out the diva in you and be ready to shine. You absolutely don’t have to take off your clothes to be sexy or show your extraordinary side. Wardrobe can be a ball gown, little black dress, a lace bodysuit, whatever you fancy and that will make you feel beautiful.
I like the romantic boudoir, but I would like something more… suggestive…
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No problem! Although you can’t see much examples of those on my site (as most of my clients prefer that these kinds of photos remain private and not be shown on my website), I can definitely shoot more erotic / provocative / suggestive images. Don’t be shy to ask me when we will discuss your styles (even if you are in the adult industry, I have some options for you too).
I do NOT look like a model / I am too fat, too old, etc. and I have never done this… Is this really for me?!
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Boudoir & Glamour photography is for every woman, whatever you shape, size or age. I will guide you the whole way to help you with poses, and I will work closely with you to bring out your favorite features and hide away what you consider like flaws. The stylist will help you with clothes, while the makeup artist will help with the looks. You don’t have to have modelled before, to be a fashion-expert or a supermodel, just enjoy being treated like one for a day.
How much should I expect to spend?
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Depending on the products you select, the total price may vary, but on average, clients tend to spend between $1500-3,00$ for their session and photo products.
I don’t have the money right now…
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Truth is, you probably won’t have more in a month or a year. I don’t know why, but bills tend to accumulate…. View this experience as in investment, an investment in yourself. The pride and confidence boost you will get when seeing how extraordinary you really look will be priceless.
What can you photoshop?
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Basically everything, I am a confirmed PSA (Photoshop-Addict-Anonymous). However, I do not recommend the plastic-Barbie-look for this kind of shoot. In the end, it is a shoot about you, not a fashion magazine where the idea of beauty may not always be realistic (or even beautiful…) . You want to be able to recognize yourself and not look fake, and in the end, embrace your own and real beauty. Of course I will play down “problems” (which will already have been greatly attenuated with the use of lightning and posing), use some skin filters and edit out blemishes, skin flaws, scars, etc. and you always have the final say on the end result.
I want these photos to be a gift for my better-half… What photo products should I select?
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Definitely an album. It’s discreet, absolutely stunning, allows you to select a good selection of images, and fits perfectly into a nightstand. You can select different sizes and models (view some examples here) and I can show you real samples when you come at the studio. However, if an album is not your style, we have a variety of other products, from wall art to ice blocks.
Will my images be shown on your website or on social media?
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Your images will never (EVER!) be posted online without your written approval. When i send you your gallery, I will let you know which shots I would be interested in using, and you can say yes or no. Totally up to you. There will never be any pressure to share your personal images anywhere. If you do agree, you can also decide if your real name (or part of it) is used or not, if you want to be tagged on social media or not. If I use the image and it was not part of your own selection, I will also give you the digital version, as a special thank-you.
I am a… very “high-profile person”, and this could ruin my reputation…. is it safe to shoot with you?
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Your secret is safe with me. As soon as your session is complete, I am the only one to retouch your images in-house. I never send your images off to an outsourced editing company that could steal / publish them anywhere. For prints and products, I work with a professional lab that has been in business for years and only does jobs for professional photographers. The Iphone gallery I offer is password-protected and shared only with you (and you can decide not to have one if you’d rather not) and finally, once your products are delivered, you can tell me to delete any copies I may have (otherwise they will be archived on a password-protected hard-drive for 3 months, in case you decide to reorder more products). I am also always happy to sign a NDA, should you need one because of your profession or public visibility.
Do you photograph men?
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Not in a Boudoir or artistic style, no. I just can’t pose you the way I do women….! Sorry!
Can I purchase just the digital images?
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Every digital image is included with the purchase of any product, but I do not sell the digital version alone, as I believe you should be able to display those extraordinary images. You can be proud of yourself and you should be able to view them often as a reminder of how truly extraordinary you really are.
I’m ready to book… now what?
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Just email me! I will get in touch with your shortly to schedule our first phone/zoom/chat consultation to discuss your ideas. A 250$ deposit will be required to reserve your date and all major credit cards and email transfers are accepted.q