How much does boudoir photography cost? The average of boudoir photography pricing is $100 – $300 /hour. A boudoir photographer costs $150 an hour. You can expect to pay between $100 and $300 an hour for boudoir photoshoot. Prices for boudoir photography vary by location and even by zip code. Below is a detailed explanation of why the cost is so expensive.
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Why Is Boudoir Photography So Expensive?
You might be considering boudoir photography as a gift to yourself or for someone you know. However, you may be surprised at the price of a boudoir session. There are many ways to price boudoir photos. But, the cost of boudoir photography generally depends on the location, package, total of images, and time.
Boudoir Photography Packages
Boudoir photography is generally sold as a package. A boudoir session fee covers the cost of the photoshoot, as well as an agreed-upon amount of digital and retouched images. Additional elements like wardrobe changes, set changes or hair and makeup, are also included in the package. Tiered pricing is a common feature for boudoir photographers. It reflects the time and effort required to deliver the services and the final photos. The photographer’s reputation and the location where they work are also factors that can affect the package pricing. Below are some examples of the average for boudoir packages pricing:
Boudoir Photography Franklin, Indiana
- A total of one and a quarter hours, with ten high-resolution, retouched photos. $475
- Two hours, 15 high-resolution photos retouched and a female assistant. $625
- Three hours of retouched photos in high resolution, 20 photos with a female set assistant and hair and makeup services for $950
- All packages include a photo reveal session and selection session (to choose which photos you want to be retouched) and photo copyright release.
Digital Merit Photography In Astoria, New York
- Two hours, five photos retouched one hairstyle and one makeup look. One outfit change, two sets, and a six-page album. $275
- Three hours, eight photos retouched, one hairstyle and two makeup look. Two outfit changes.
- Four hours, 12 photos retouched, two hairstyles, two makeup looks, three outfit changes and a 12-page album. $625
- Additional looks available for $125 with Digital Merit Photography
Couple Boudoir Photography
Sometimes, you need racy photos of your honey as well as of you. For Your Eyes, Boudoir Photography suggests taking intimate photos of you and your sweetheart as a Valentine’s Day gift, anniversary treat, or just for a memorable keepsake. Prices will vary depending upon how long your couples shoot is, how many edited images you require at the end and any additional services that you have requested. For Your Eyes Boudoir Photography charges couples sessions an average of $575. The package includes a photoshoot lasting two hours and ten high-resolution, retouched photos.
Boudoir Photography (Photoshoot) Time
The length of the session influences the cost of boudoir photography. The fee will go up if the shoot is longer.
Boudoir Photography Setups
Your boudoir photos will have a huge impact on the final look. Many photographers, particularly those who specialize in boudoir photography, have props in their studio for creating the perfect mood. Props for boudoir include vintage couches, velvet curtains, fur rugs and candles. Many boudoir photographers include props and setups in their packages. Clients are welcome to bring their mounts to the studio to help create the mood that they desire. The overall cost of a scene is generally higher if more scenes and more workers are involved in changing them.
Boudoir Photography Outfit changes
The best part of a photoshoot is all the outfit changes. Each outfit can represent a different mood or persona. You may want to wear a black tuxedo jacket and black fishnet tights for one set of photos and then switch into your favorite silky red negligee for the second set. Outfit changes can require a change in lighting and are often accompanied by a change of backdrop, all of which take more time and require more work from the professional. Some photographers limit the number of outfit changes permitted per photoshoot. Other boudoir photographers may have an additional charge for each outfit change beyond what is outlined in the package. For example, Digital Merit Photography charges an extra $125 for each outfit change if the client wants more than is included in the package.
Hair and makeup
Of course, you will want to look gorgeous for your boudoir photos. Some people prefer to let their natural beauty shine, and others wish to professional makeup and hairstyling. When your makeup is done, it allows your features to best shine when you are photographed. Contouring and strategically painted lips and eyes, let your features pop. Pro makeup and hair also provide an additional boost of courage for what might be (for some) an act of bravery to bare themselves in this way. If you don’t have a hair and makeup pro that you already love to work with, many boudoir photographers partner with pros to offer this service.
To determine whether you will like the aesthetic of the makeup artist or hairstylist, ask to see publicly available boudoir photos your photographer has shot that feature the makeup artist and/or hairstylist’s work. If you are doing your own hair and makeup, remember to practice your look before the photo shoot day so you know what you want to achieve and how you will execute it. The cost of hair and makeup is typically rolled into the price of higher-end boudoir photography packages, but if you are booking it separately, the cost for hair and makeup together could average between $100 and $200.
Modifications to your outfit
A photoshoot’s best feature is the variety of outfit choices. Every outfit can reflect a different mood. For example, you might wear a black tuxedo jacket with black fishnet tights and switch to your favorite silky red negligee in the second set. Changes in outfits can be difficult and time-consuming. Photographers may limit the number and types of outfits that can be changed per shoot. Additional charges may apply for any outfit changes beyond the ones allowed in the package. Digital Merit Photography may charge an additional $125 per outfit change if the client wants more than what is included in the package.
Numerous photos
While more photos can be fun, they can also lead to higher costs. Of all the factors that influence overall cost, the most important is the number of photos to be retouched. Retouching photos is a skill. It involves editing for color, trimming edges and tone, and adjusting tonal values. The cost of editing photos will go up the longer they spend or how many you need. The photographer will often spend more time editing photos and perfecting them than in the actual photoshoot.
Photo Delivery
You will need to wait for your final images anywhere from a few days up to a couple of weeks because every photographer will do some retouching on your boudoir photos. You can view the final images in person or have them sent to you by the photographers.
Depending on the number of images you sign up for, you have the option to choose your favorite prints and get them in digital downloads (in the sizes indicated), or as an album.
All images are subject to the full copyright of your photographer. They may also be used on websites and printed books. As he or she chooses. It’s unusual for a photographer to do this due to the private nature the images are. However, it’s important that you mention it if you’re uncomfortable with it.
A boudoir photographer usually deliver the photos in many ways, based on their average cost:
- Download digital
- Photos on USB/thumb drives are available for download to your computer and TV
- Order photos from the cloud storage of a photographer
- Prints
- Albums usually included in a package deal
NOTE: A boudoir photographer entitled entitled to image copyright, just as author copyrights a book. You will not find many willing to include copyright without paying a significant additional fee.
Pro tip:
Read client reviews and follow up with references to make sure you’re choosing the right boudoir photographer for your project.
