Affordable to Premium Boudoir Photography

When searching “boudoir photographer near me” you’ll likely find that there are plenty of boudoir photographers in your area.

For starters, I’m super excited for you even if you’ve gotten this far. Because, for most women doing a boudoir shoot can be one of the most empowering experiences you’ll ever gift yourself! That’s right, for yourself! Let’s face it, this isn’t just a gift for him, babe — this is an investment in you, your confidence, your celebration of your feminine and everything that makes you uniquely beautiful!

And to be honest writing this blog post kind-of makes me cringe. But —

If you’re looking for a professional boudoir photographer that offers the empowering experience everyone keeps talking about, you’re likely wondering “how much does a boudoir shoot like this cost?” Knowing how much to save up and set aside for a boudoir shoot is kind of important, right? —The short answer …

the cost to do a boudoir shoot will vary from affordable to lavish. But for the most part boudoir photography is a luxury experience. The truth is, it is not unusual for a women to spend more on their boudoir photos than they did on their wedding photos. Now,

Before you get your panties in a bunch know that — there is a photographer for everyone.

And in some cases, even if you’re searching for a boudoir photographer on limited funds, it is still possible to hire a boudoir photographer you know you’ll love! I’ll share more on that at the end of this post!

“When hiring a photographer you have 3 choices —

Good.
Fast.
and Cheap.

As the saying goes, you can only pick two (and its true).

Do you want boudoir photos that are fast and cheap? Well, then they will likely not be good.

Do you want boudoir photos that are good and cheap? Well, they’ll probably not be fast.

Do you want boudoir photos that are good and fast? Well they will not be cheap.

So, how much does a boudoir photo shoot cost?

The cost of boudoir photos can range anywhere from $200 to over $3,000 with some premium photographers charging up to $10,000 or more. Let’s remember, what is considered affordable and what is considered expensive is relative. So, choosing whether or not to make this investment whether it’s $200 $3,000, or $10,000 will ultimately depend on what you value most.

For now, let’s consider a few different options you could choose for your boudoir photos — from DIY (do it yourself) boudoir at home to professional boudoir photos at a full-service boudoir studio like Bella Jade Boudoir.

Under $200

You can do it yourself at home with your phone and take your own boudoir photos for free.

Pros:
You won’t have to travel anywhere.

You have access to the photos immediately.

Cons:
You may fall short on posing ideas.

Setting up the shot with lighting and a self timer all while trying to pose on your own can be overwhelming and daunting.

They may not turn out as you’d imagined.

$200 to $500

You can find a boudoir photographer who is just starting out.

Every boudoir photographer has to start somewhere. Understand, that new does not necessarily mean bad. But, it can in some cases mean cheaper. In the beginning, many photographers like to practice and build up their portfolio prior to charging the full cost for their talent and services. Which means, you may be able to find a new boudoir photographer who is offering boudoir photo shoots at a lower price than their established and more experienced counterparts. You may also find a new photographer running what the industry refers to as “Model Calls”. A model call is when a photographer hosts photo shoots at a discounted price (could be as low as $200, sometimes no price at all) in exchange for use of your boudoir photos in their portfolio.

Pros:
It’s usually the less expensive alternative.
Can still result in photos that you like.

Cons:

Photographers just starting out are inexperienced in posing women for boudoir so you’ll likely feel more pressure to come in with your own posing ideas.

You may wait longer for your photos if this photographer is still not proficient with editing.

Some may even be inexperienced with photography in general, so you may encounter awkward moments where they are focused primarily on camera settings instead of posing you or helping you feel more comfortable.

Most new photographers do not have their own boudoir studios, so you may not know where the photoshoot will take place when you book the shoot. You may also be asked to cover the costs of a rented space.

If you participate in a model call, you will not have the option for your photos to remain private and you may also be asked to arrive with your hair and make up already professionally done (leaving you to find and hire your own hair and make up artists).

Due to the low cost, you’re not going to have access to tangible products like boudoir albums without going somewhere to have them made (requires permission from the photographer) or spending more later on.

Inexperience also leads to inconsistencies in their portfolio, therefore you are taking a gamble on whether or not your photos will be good.

$500 to $1000

You can find an established boudoir photographer that shoots high volume.

These photographers are able to keep their costs relatively affordable by keeping their own business costs low, and taking on a much higher volume of clients. In order to stay in business, it is likely that this photographer also shoots every day and multiple genres. In photography, studio owners typically wear many hats above and beyond taking photos. Therefore, shooting every day multiple times a day can lead to burn out. To avoid that and stay in business at this price point, these photographers generally only provide the bare essentials for a boudoir photoshoot. They are more likely NOT to offer things like pre-session consultations, hair and make up services, or have access to high end finished artwork options like custom boudoir albums. With a higher volume of clients, these photographers often will just deliver images in the form of a click to download online gallery.

Pros

It may cost less than a full service boudoir photographer.

Typically, the photo shoot and digital images are all included in the price.

The photoshoots are short and sweet.

Cons

You only get the bare minimum, which means you likely receive little to no guidance before your shoot on how to prepare.

They may not have their own studio — which means you might not know where the shoot will take place (sometimes may even be asked to cover the additional costs to rent one)

You may need to look elsewhere or schedule a separate appointment with an additional fee for having your hair and make up professionally done.

There’s usually no option for tangible products and gifts like albums.

Edits like removing bruises, acne, or smoothing tan lines may not be offered or may require an additional fee.

You may have to wait longer to get your photos back.

The photographer more than likely is choosing which images you’ll receive instead of you being able to choose.

The sessions are generally shorter, which means less/no time for multiple outfits.
Also, could mean less time for you to warm up in front of the camera.

$1000 to $3000+

You can find a premium photographer that is well established, experienced, and highly skilled at what they do. We all know the saying “you get what you pay for” wasn’t made up for no reason. Even still, do your research! A premium price tag should be in alignment with what you are receiving. Read their reviews, follow their social media, and browse their website for full sessions. Make sure their quality of work is consistent. These photographers should have a track record of happy clients, extensive high quality portfolios, a dedicated studio space, and offer a full service experience. Full service can include professional hair and make up, consultations to go over what to expect, what to wear & get advise how to prepare for your shoot. In most cases, the cost for the session and the cost for the images and products are separate so that clients can choose there own package.

Pros

Your photographer will be an expert at their craft.

They’ve worked with plenty of women of different body types, and know how to pose you so that you actually look good!

You’ll go into it knowing that you’re going to love your photos.

They’ll give you the guidance you need to be prepared.

They’ll know what to do to help you feel more comfortable during your session.

You will not have to wait months to get your photos back.

You’ll likely be able to choose your own photos.

And have access to a range of high quality products - some examples include albums, canvases, prints, and digital thumb drives.

Cons

You’ll likely want to do research before you book it (read reviews, know what to expect, and make sure they can walk the walk)

You might need to save up for what you really want.

You’ll likely want to book in advance.

How much does a boudoir shoot with Bella Jade Boudoir cost?

At Bella Jade Boudoir we offer a full service premium boudoir experience for our clients and have two studios to choose from, both located in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. Our session fee is $400 and includes —

a consultation,
private studio location,
hair and make up pampering,
multiple outfit changes,
expert photo-shoot coaching & posing direction,
professional editing & retouching of your photos,
and a boutique ordering experience.

All digitals, prints, and products are purchased separately on the day of your ordering appointment, so only the session fee is due at booking.

With portrait packages starting at $900 we have packages to suit almost everyone. Typically most our clients invest $1400 or more on their finished artwork while some spend over $3000. It’s entirely up to you. Having the reveal and ordering appointment after your boudoir session allows you to pick your own photos and only purchase what you love. Which means, you do not need to choose or pay for your final package until you’ve already seen your images.

Can Someone on budget afford premium boudoir photography?

Yes!

If you are dead set on having a premium boudoir experience but working with limited funds, know that you do not have to settle.

There are ways to go about hiring the photographer that you really want! Here’s are just a few:

You can ask about payment plans or any other payment options that might be available to you.

Our studio offers 3, 6 and 9 month payment plans. We also accept all major credit cards, PayPal Credit and PayPal’s Buy Now, Pay Later.

You can also sign up for newsletters to receive notifications on promotions.

Almost all photographers at least have a Black Friday Sale. Take advantage of them and act fast! Most premium photographers will put a limit on how many Black Friday Deals they will offer, so plan ahead, see if they have a pre-sale list and don’t hesitate when they release their sales!

If you’re considering a boudoir session with Bella Jade Boudoir in Scottsdale AZ, are interested in payment plans, or would like more information on our boudoir pricing and packages, feel free to reach out to us here.