FAQ

Frequently asked questions, answered by the photographer

Q: How is your studio set up? Where will my pictures be taken?

A: My studio is an in-home studio location, meaning I run my business from my home. My studio is separate from the rest of my home, and you enter through the studio entrance - not my main home entrance. I assure you my studio is professional, comfortable, and most importantly, a safe location. The studio has two rooms: the "studio room", where all the photography takes place and the "prep room", where everything else takes place. You can take a tour through pictures of our studio by clicking here.

Q: I'm afraid to come to a home studio, are you really who you say you are?

A: Yes! I am a real woman, named Crystal, with a fully registered, licensed and insured business. You can rest assured my studio is operated in a professional manner. Due to home business laws in my county, all visits to the studio are by appointment only. I kindly ask that you respect the local laws, my home life, and my privacy by making an appointment if you'd like to check out the studio prior to booking your photoshoot. If you have any doubts about myself or my studio's credibility, I'm more than happy to provide references from past clients and make-up artists I've worked with.

Q: Can you come to my location?

A: No. I only provide photography services at the studio.

Q: Can anyone do this?

A: I provide photography services to women ages 18 and over. No minors (not even with parental permission) are allowed. I take the proper measures to check and document your legal age. No men allowed. I no longer offer couples photography.

Q: Why do I have to be 18 or older?

A: Due to the style of photography we offer, we only allow adults. A legal age form must be filled out by every client that has a photoshoot with us, and a valid ID is required. I require the legal age form for my safety and protection, as well as yours. A legal age check is a standard procedure at my studio.

Q: What style of photography do you offer, and can you do other styles as well?

A: My studio specializes in glamour, boudoir,  and pin-up - which includes bridal boudoir and maternity boudoir. This is my specialty, what the studio is set up to support, and what I enjoy doing most. I even do erotic and alternative photography (although those examples are not posted on our samples page). I do not offer any other styles of photography. If you're looking for a traditional family portrait photographer, wedding photographer, fashion photographer or someone to take your headshots, then I am not the photographer for you. However, if you're looking for a professional female photographer to take your sexy boudoir style photos, then I am the perfect photographer for you!

Q: When do you book photoshoots?

A: Please visit the policies page for full booking information.

Q: Is there any nudity involved?

A: Only if you want there to be. You control how mild or wild you go! I prefer each client to make their own choices based on their comfort level and what they are trying to accomplish in their photoshoot. I find that clients who have their pre-photoshoot consultation in the studio are more comfortable in front of the camera on their photoshoot day. This is perfect for someone that wants to do nudes, but is nervous about doing so. Meeting me ahead of time will help you become comfortable with me as your photographer and allow you to take your photoshoot to the level you originally hoped for.

Q: How long does a typical photoshoot last?

A: It depends on how many looks your photo package includes, and if you selected a make-up artist. On average, a three look photoshoot with a make-up artist takes about 3 to 5 hours.

Q: How many photos do you take per photoshoot?

A: You need to refer to each photoshoot package to see the exact amount you'll receive. However, for regular photoshoot packages you'll receive 100 images per main look and usually 50 images whenever receiving a bonus look, or mini-look. For other photoshoot specials (like our Happy Hour Quickie's), there is a different amount of images that you'll receive. Again, please refer to each photoshoot package to see the exact amount you'll receive, as it does vary from package to package.

Q: What is a "look"?

A: One look equals one set-up. One set-up is your choice of photo set, and generally one wardrobe choice per look. Although if you'd like to change up your wardrobe in the middle of a look it's usually not a problem with me. Many photo sets can be created - and not all choices are shown on our website. Please contact us to discuss the photo set options that may work for your photoshoot!

Q: Do you provide clothes or should I bring my own?

A: Our studio has a nice selection of wardrobe, shoes, jewelry and other accessories available for you to use at your photoshoot. We mainly have sizes small through large, but will add as our studio grows. We currently do not carry any plus size or maternity items. You're also welcome to come to the studio for your pre-photoshoot consultation to try on the wardrobe we have so you know exactly what may or may not fit you and what you could bring to add to our pieces. Additionally, our website's shopping section will be opening soon and will feature lingerie, shoes, and jewelry - including some "photoshoot ready value sets".

Q: Should I arrive with my hair and make-up complete, or will you have someone there to do that?

A: If you plan to have a make-up artist for your photoshoot, you should arrive with a clean face and no product in your hair. However, if you do not plan to have a make-up artist for your photoshoot, you can arrive with your hair and make-up complete and "camera ready". You'll also be allowed to do your hair and make-up at the studio (except if you booked a Happy Hour Quickie session). Our make-up artists do both your make-up and your hair. They do a really great job, as they know what looks great on camera. I highly recommend using their services - especially  if you don't normally do your hair and make-up beyond a natural look, or if you plan to do a pin-up look.

Q: Will my photos remain private and confidential?

A: Yes, absolutely! I never use a client's photo for any reason without permission from the client themselves. Without permission, your photos are only viewed by myself and whoever you choose to share them with. This is the main reason we don't have hundreds of examples on the samples page. Most clients are having their photoshoot as a private gift for their significant other, and therefore do not want their images used for any other reason.

Q: How long will it take until I receive my completed photo package?

A: I like to tell my clients that their photo package will be complete in four to six weeks from the time I receive your image selections. However, most times I can have your completed photo package to you faster (sometimes in as little as two weeks). During the busy season (October through February), the 4 to 6 week timeline is a more realist idea of how long it will take - and sometimes it may be a little longer depending on our volume of photoshoots scheduled. If you need your photos by a certain date, it's ideal to tell me your time constraints when booking your photoshoot.

Q: What is an online proof gallery?

A: Online proof galleries are for clients to view their photos from their photoshoot, mainly for the purpose of selecting images they want fully retouched or used in prints and other photo merchandise. Your proofs will be available online via a private web link in a password protected gallery. All proofs will be unretouched and smaller in size compared to the high-res files you will receive on your image CD's/DVD's. You're welcome to share your proof gallery with friends and family for up to thirty days. After thirty days we remove your online proof gallery from the web unless you request it to be left up longer.

Q: Do you require a deposit to hold my photoshoot date?

A: At my studio it's not called a deposit. Instead, it's called a booking fee. A booking fee is required to reserve your photoshoot date and time. Our booking fee is $50, no matter which photoshoot package you select. Your booking fee is non-refundable and applies towards your remaining balance. For Happy Hour Quickie photoshoots, you payment is due in full at time of booking. If you need to re-schedule your photoshoot, your booking fee may apply towards your re-scheduled photoshoot package. Please visit the Policies page for more information. There is also a non-refundable booking fee for booking a make-up artist for your photoshoot.

Q: Why do you charge a non-refundable booking fee?

A: I want you to be as committed to having your photoshoot as I am! By paying the booking fee, it shows your commitment to my studio and your seriousness to have your photoshoot. By reserving your photoshoot, I've lost an available date for other clients to book their photoshoot with my studio.

Q: When is my booking fee and remaining balance due?

A: Booking fees are due within 48 hours upon scheduling your photoshoot. Payment for the remaining balance is due in full on the day of your photoshoot, prior to the start of your photoshoot. You may also choose to pay in full upon booking your photoshoot. If you order any additional prints or photo merchandise, payment in full is due at time of your order. Occasionally we may run specials and promotions that may require payment in full. This stipulation is always listed on the promotion details.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?

A: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and PayPal (both online and at my studio). If paying by cash at my studio, you must have exact change as I do not keep any cash at the studio. Sorry, no checks.

Q: Can I bring someone with me to my photoshoot?

A: Yes! I understand your need to feel comfortable and encourage you to bring a guest to my studio. The guest must be female and are not allowed on set during your photoshoot. No male guests allowed - no exceptions!! Glamour/boudoir photography is very personal and is not a spectator sport. Guests should remain in the Prep Room for that very reason. They'll be able to watch TV, look through magazines, or they can bring a book to read while they wait. You are responsible for the actions of your guests.

Q: Myself and some of my friends want to book a photoshoot with you, do you have a group discount?

A: Sometimes throughout the year there may offer specials for clients that book with friends for the same date and time. I also offer Boudoir Parties, which are a really fun way to get together with a group of your friends for photoshoot fun! Please visit our Boudoir Parties page for more information on Boudoir Parties and Boudoir Party FAQ.

Q: I'm a stay-at-home mom and want to surprise my husband with a photoshoot. He works during the day and that's a great time to sneak off to do this sexy surprise for him, can I schedule an early photoshoot? Can I bring my child?

A: The earliest we can schedule a photoshoot is 2:00pm, so scheduling a photoshoot for a time any earlier is generally not possible. I am a stay-at-home mom as well, so daytime hours are reserved for my son whenever I am not working on client's orders or preparing for a photoshoot. I may be able to accommodate your request if I can arrange for childcare, but generally that answer is no. However, if you need to bring your child with you to a photoshoot scheduled during regular photoshoot hours, I am okay with that.

Q: I really want some sexy photos with my boyfriend/husband - you said no men allowed, can you make an exception?

A: Sorry, I no longer offer couple's photoshoots. This is a personal choice and a business choice. This studio is for women, by women - no men allowed!

Q: Do you offer a printing service?

A: Yes. While almost every photo package includes prints or photo merchandise, I give you the option to buy additional prints and photo merchandise.  You're not obligated to use my printing services. You'll be given a release that allows you to have prints made anywhere. I hold no responsibility for the outcome of prints or photo merchandise printed anywhere but through my professional photo lab.

Q: Why should I use your printing service over my local drug store or big box store?

A: By using my printing service I can assure the quality and outcome of every photo is top notch. I use a professional photo lab that is only available to professional photographers. They use the highest quality paper available and make sure every photo prints with great clarity and color. By having your photos printed at "consumer locations" (like in some big named chain stores) you run the risk of poor quality, incorrect color and even worse, chopped up photos (where they'll chop off a part of the photo - which could be an arm, leg or even your head). While you may have never noticed bad quality from where you normally purchase prints, you'll notice the difference the moment you receive prints and photo merchandise from my professional photo lab.

Q: Do you offer outdoor photos to be taken?

A: At this time all photos are taken in studio only. During the spring and summer we may offer an outdoor photo set or two that you can select from.

Q: Should I arrive early to my photoshoot?

A: No! If you arrive to the studio early, please go have coffee or wait in your car. We may have another client in the studio, or may not be available until your scheduled photoshoot time. Please only enter the studio at your scheduled photoshoot time.

Q: What if I can't make it to my photoshoot?

A: We understand that life has a way of interrupting fun and exciting events, like our photoshoots. Please visit the Policies page for more information.

Q: What if I'm late?

A: Call me! As soon as you know you're going to be late, give me a call. I understand things happen, like traffic, so just give me a call and tell me. Depending on how many clients we have scheduled that day, we may need to reschedule if you're going to be very late. Please visit the Policies page for more information.