Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer pre-payment plans?

Yes! I offer flexible pre-payment plans for up to 12 months before your session!

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! I offer gift certificates! Email me at sam@reverenceintimateportraits.com for more details!

Why is boudoir + empowerment photography so expensive?

I’m glad you asked! Click here to read more about why boudoir photography is more expensive than your average portrait session.

Are high-resolution digital images included in the session fee?

Each collection I offer includes 20 high-resolution digital image downloads, and additional digital images can be purchased for $50 per image. If you would like to purchase all of the high-resolution digital images from your session, I offer a discounted price on my a la carte menu! For reference, most galleries for full length sessions have about 100 or so images to choose from.

Where do boudoir sessions take place?

Sessions will take place in my accessible studio space on Madison’s East side, though occasionally I offer session outdoors as well, weather permitting! If you’re not sure, we can talk through the type of session you’re looking for, and I am happy to make recommendations on which location would work best!

Is hair & makeup included?

Hair & makeup is not included, but I would be happy to recommend some local makeup artists and coordinate with their schedules if you’d like to have your hair & makeup done! If you’re a person who doesn’t normally wear makeup, there’s no obligation to wear any at all!

I have no idea what to wear. Help!

I got you! Before your session, I’ll send you a super helpful Client Prep Guide that will give you loads of ideas for what to wear, and recommendations on where to shop, including size and gender-inclusive options! I also have lots of fun robes, dresses, and accessories at the studio for you to use, and clients that choose the Phoenix Collection will have exclusive access to my collection of handmade, size-inclusive body jewelry from Tailored Body Jewelry!

Will you offer posing advice?

Absolutely! I’ll be providing posing guidance and prompts during your session to help you feel comfortable and confident!

Is your studio space accessible?

The studio is wheelchair accessible, and I will work with you ahead of your session to identify any additional accessibility needs, so that I can be mindful of them while posing, recommending outfits etc.! Both restrooms in the studio are gender-neutral and wheelchair accessible.

Can my partner come with me even if they’re not going to be in the photos?

Yes, but with a little caveat. If you’d like to have someone with you for comfort, I absolutely support that. However, I’d normally recommend a bestie versus a partner, because most of us, even if we’ve been together for years, are still a little worried about looking “silly” in front of a partner. I’d rather have you focused on the session, than what your partner is thinking about how you look, so if you need to bring someone, consider making it a friend instead.

Do you offer couples sessions?

Sure do! I love partner sessions! Any session option can include up to 2 people (let me know if you have more than one partner you’d like in your session, and I can provide you a custom quote). Partner sessions are an amazing way to feel connected to your partner or partners.

Do you offer gender-affirming sessions?

Yes!!!! Whatever your gender (or agender) identity, I want you to be your truest self in your photos, and I’m honored to help you capture that. Leading up to the session, we’ll work together to determine what a gender-affirming session looks like for you specifically, so that we can create the best experience possible for you!

What kind of retouching will you do on my images?

I do minimal retouching on images. I adjust exposure, saturation, etc. for aesthetic style, and I will remove temporary blemishes (for instance if you wake up with a giant pimple on your forehead the day of your session, no worries!), but I will not retouch folks to change the shape or size of their bodies, and I will not remove normal, human realities like stretch marks, scars, cellulite, wrinkles, etc. These things are part of us, and I feel ethically that removing these normal human phenomena (notice I didn’t say “flaws” or “imperfections”) holds up an unrealistic beauty ideal that is the antithesis of what I’m working towards. I understand that not everyone is there on their body image journey yet, and if you’re looking for something different, I’d be happy to refer you to a boudoir photographer who does do that kind of retouching.

When will my images be ready?

Your final images will be ready within 2 weeks from your session date! Once your images are ready, I’ll work with you to schedule your image reveal where you’ll get to see your images for the first time!

How does the Image Reveal work?

During your image reveal, we’ll review your photos together, you’ll select your favorite images, and if your collection or a la carte artwork selections include an album, we’ll review the album layout together as well! If you need additional time to select your favorite images, please let me know and I’ll send you a link to your online gallery to review. In that instance, you will have 48 hours to pick your favorite images, however, your image reveal will be the last opportunity to select any additional artwork (albums, prints, etc.) that you may want to add.

How quickly will I receive prints, albums, or wall art after my session?

From the time you approve your artwork (the images you want prints of, the album layout, etc.), the time to receive your artwork depends on which type of artwork. Prints and Wall Art pieces are typically available within 1-2 weeks. Albums are typically available within 3-4 weeks, as they are handmade one-of-a-kind pieces. To ensure you have your artwork when you want or need it, I recommend booking sessions no less than eight weeks prior to special dates or deadlines, and if you’re looking to have your order in time for the winter holiday season, I’d recommend booking your session no less than 10 weeks prior to the holidays.

Will I love my images?

No one can guarantee that you will love your images, not even me. I know that you will look amazing in them, but you have to be in a place on your body image journey that you can see your own value and worth when you look at images of yourself. I’m here to provide support and coaching along the way to help you get there, but ultimately, you need to be open to viewing yourself (including your body) as reverently worthy. If you don’t love your images because you’re still struggling with viewing your own body with compassion, that’s okay. The experience and the growth you can get out of the experience is ultimately more important than whether you love your photos or not.

Will I have control over which photos you share from my session?

I will never share your photos on the internet or anywhere else without your permission. Your photos, and your trust, are safe with me. Once your session is complete, I will send you an image release agreement, where you can choose your preferred image release option, which can range from “I look amazing, share ‘em all!” to “I’d prefer not to have any of my photos shared”, and anywhere in between. And should you provide an image release and later change your mind, I will take your photos down from my website and social media immediately, no questions asked.