Intimate Photography
for individuals or couples - boudoir, glamour, maternity, erotic, figure, art nude
Fine art photography is about creativity and emotion, not mass production, so expect a very different process than you may have experienced at other studios. If you choose to hire me, you will become both my muse and my patron. It will require more of your time than just popping into a department store studio, and it will be more expensive, but both the experience and your photographs will be of a vastly different caliber.
Privacy: One of the primary differences between intimate portraiture and standard portraiture is that I guarantee your privacy. I will not use your intimate portraits in my portfolio, web site, or promotional materials unless you provide specific, written permission to do so. I personally process and print all your images, so there is never a lab tech or assistant involved, and no chance of copies getting out through a third party. Also, unless you request otherwise, I always hand deliver prints to local clients so there's no chance of them being lost in the mail.
Pre-session consultation: Your pre-session consultation is an essential first step in producing your portraits. The consultation generally lasts about an hour. During that time, we will discuss your preferences for style, tone, and presentation, and we will discuss photographs in terms of the feeling they express and your vision for how you're portrayed.
Photography Session: I will plan a series of shots based on your pre-session consultation so we have a basic outline for the session. However it will be a guideline, not a fixed script. I will help with poses and direction and take care of all the technical aspects of producing high quality photographs, but I will ask you to participate in the creative process, not just be a "subject." I'll encourage you to communicate about each shot as we go. If you want to try variations on something we discussed in your pre-session, or if you come up with new ideas during the shoot that hadn't previously occurred to you at all, we'll follow where the imagination leads. We will experiment, shoot the same shots using different lighting and different angles, re-shoot the ones that just didn't feel right, and take some risks that would never be considered in a studio that operates on recipe lighting and three poses. Many shots will turn out exactly as we planned. Some will not turn out the way either of us envisioned. Sometimes that will mean it's a good thing we shot others, but often one of those unexpected shots will be the one you simply fall in love with.
It's important during your session that you be relaxed, that you not feel rushed, and that we have the opportunity to experiment and work with your ideas to get just the shot you want. Most sessions last around two hours, and there is no limit to the number of wardrobe changes. I always provide soft drinks and, if you're over 21, you're welcome to bring your own beverage and have one or two drinks if you like (but please note that I will not photograph anyone who I believe is intoxicated, both for liability reasons and because drunk people usually look silly in photographs). You're welcome to bring CDs of your favorite music. You're welcome to bring along a friend if that helps you feel more comfortable. You're welcome to ask questions about the process as we go along. In fact, you're welcome to do anything (within reason) that helps you have a more relaxed, enjoyable experience.
Scheduling: I work by appointment only. There’s a 4 to 6 week wait between booking and shooting. Your pre-session consultation will occur during that time. You will normally receive proof sheets within 14 days after your session. After you return the selection sheet it will take approximately 4 weeks to prepare and deliver your prints. At a minimum you should be planning 8 to 10 weeks out.
Location
I have a ratty little studio where I shoot my art work. I can make your portrait there if you like, but I can
shoot at any location you choose. Some clients have chosen to shoot at their home. Some have rented a nice hotel room.
Others have chosen a secluded outdoor location. The decision is entirely yours.