From planning your wardrobe to choosing your favorite photographs, here's a look at what happens during a Lust + Love boudoir portrait experience.
If you've never had a professional boudoir portrait session before, chances are you have a few questions.
What should you wear? How do you prepare? What happens when you arrive? And when do you get to see your photographs?
These are some of the most common questions women ask me, and I think knowing what to expect makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable.
At Lust + Love, I offer two different ways to experience boudoir and beauty photography: a fully customized portrait session and a shorter mini session.
Both are professionally photographed and guided from beginning to end, but the experience and the amount of variety we create are quite different.
Here's what you can expect.
First, We Talk About What You Want to Create
Everything begins with a conversation.
I want to know what kind of photographs you're drawn to and what you'd love to see in your own portraits.
Perhaps you love soft, romantic images with beautiful natural light. Maybe you're drawn to something dramatic, glamorous, or fashion-inspired. Or perhaps you'd love a little of everything.
You don't need to arrive with a complete vision. Part of my job is helping you discover what works beautifully for you.
We'll also talk about the differences between a custom session and a mini session so you can choose the experience that best suits what you're looking for.
And because I understand that a portrait experience is an investment, I'm happy to create a personalized payment plan that suits your needs, whether you choose a custom session or a mini session.
Your Custom Session Begins Before You Arrive
Once you've booked a custom portrait experience, you'll receive my detailed Getting Ready Guide.
It covers everything from hair, makeup, and skincare to wardrobe, nails, and the little details that help you prepare for your appointment.
I've designed the guide to answer many of the questions that naturally come up before a professional portrait session.
You'll know what to think about, what to bring, and how to get ready without having to figure everything out yourself.
And if you have wardrobe questions or ideas you'd like to discuss, I'm always happy to help.
The Custom Experience: Hair, Makeup, and a Little Time to Be Pampered
One of the loveliest parts of a custom Lust + Love portrait experience happens before we even begin photographing.
Your session includes professional hair and makeup, with approximately an hour and a half dedicated to getting you camera-ready.
This isn't about rushing through the process. It's an opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy having someone take care of you.
While you're in the hair and makeup chair, I'm busy working behind the scenes.
I'll go through the wardrobe pieces you've brought, curate your looks, and begin planning how we'll photograph each one.
I consider the clothing, accessories, backgrounds, and lighting so that the different looks work beautifully together while offering plenty of variety.
By the time you're finished with hair and makeup, much of the creative planning is already in place.
And then the photography begins.
Five or Six Looks, Each Showing a Different Side of You
One of my favorite things about a custom portrait experience is the opportunity to create a collection of photographs that feels wonderfully varied.
We'll typically work with five to six different wardrobe looks, allowing me to capture different sides of your personality and style.
One look might feel soft and romantic.
Another might be elegant and timeless.
And another could be dramatic, glamorous, or a little more daring.
I also use a variety of sets and lighting styles throughout your session.
We might begin with beautiful daylight that feels light, natural, and airy, then move into more sculpted, dramatic lighting for photographs with an entirely different mood.
This is where my love of portraiture, fashion, and creative lighting really comes into play.
I don't want every photograph to look as though it was taken in the same corner of the studio with a different outfit.
I want you to have a collection of portraits with depth, variety, and personality.
What Actually Happens While I'm Photographing You?
You won't be left standing in front of the camera wondering what to do.
I'll guide you through each setup, from how to position your body and hands to the smallest adjustments in your expression.
Sometimes I'll demonstrate a pose. Other times, I'll simply make little adjustments as we go.
As we change outfits and move between sets, I'll adjust the lighting and direction to suit each look.
There's no need to memorize poses or practice beforehand.
You can also tell me if there's something you particularly love, a photograph you'd like to try, or a style that doesn't feel quite right for you.
I want the session to be collaborative, while leaving the technical and creative direction in my hands.
What Happens After a Custom Session?
With a custom portrait experience, you'll return for a separate View & Order Appointment.
This is when you'll see your photographs and choose your favorite images and portrait products.
Because we've created several different looks and worked with a variety of lighting styles and sets, you'll have the opportunity to review a collection of portraits that shows different sides of you.
Your View & Order Appointment is dedicated to making those selections, rather than trying to fit the decision-making into the photography session itself.
We'll go through the photographs and discuss the products you'd like to create with your chosen images.
What If You Prefer a Mini Session?
Not everyone is looking for an extended, fully customized portrait experience.
That's why I also offer Lust + Love mini sessions.
A mini session is a more streamlined experience, lasting approximately an hour and a half.
You'll have two wardrobe looks, and I'll guide you through the photography just as I do during my custom sessions.
Professional hair and makeup can also be added to your mini session, if you'd like to include that extra touch of pampering and professional styling.
With fewer wardrobe changes and a more focused approach, we can create a beautiful selection of portraits in a shorter amount of time.
One of the biggest differences is what happens afterward.
With a mini session, you can view your photographs and place your order while you're still here at the studio.
There's no need to schedule a separate View & Order Appointment.
It's a wonderful option if you'd like professional boudoir or beauty portraits but prefer a simpler, shorter experience.
Custom Session or Mini Session: Which Is Right for You?
Both experiences offer professional photography and my personal guidance, but they're designed for different needs.
Custom Portrait ExperienceMini SessionDetailed Getting Ready GuideStreamlined preparationProfessional hair and makeup includedProfessional hair and makeup available as an add-onApproximately 90 minutes of hair and makeupApproximately 90-minute sessionTypically 5–6 wardrobe looks2 wardrobe looksVariety of sets and lighting stylesMore focused photography experienceReturn for a separate View & Order AppointmentView and order the same dayPersonalized payment plans availablePersonalized payment plans available
If you're dreaming of a collection of portraits with several different moods, wardrobe changes, and lighting styles, a custom session gives us the creative freedom to explore all of that.
If you'd prefer something shorter and more straightforward, a mini session may be exactly what you're looking for.
What About Retouching and Finished Portraits?
Once you've selected your photographs, the finishing process begins.
Professional retouching is part of creating a polished portrait, but my goal is always to keep you looking like yourself.
I want the finished images to reflect the beautiful lighting, expressions, and details we created during your session, with the refinement that comes from professional editing.
Your chosen images and portrait products are then prepared according to your order.
Your First Step Is Simply Getting in Touch
You don't need to have your wardrobe planned, know which lighting style you prefer, or understand the difference between every type of portrait product before contacting me.
That's what our initial conversation is for.
We can talk about what you're envisioning, answer your questions, and decide whether a custom portrait experience or mini session makes the most sense.
From there, I'll help guide you through the process.
Whether we spend the day creating five or six different looks or keep things simple with a mini session, my goal is the same: to create photographs you'll love through an experience that's thoughtfully planned and professionally guided.
I'd love to hear what you're envisioning.
Stephanie C. Olsen
Lust + Love — A Portrait Experience