Availability:

Now booking for sessions on Saturday, April 21 in Virginia Beach.

My home studio is also available for sessions on weekdays, so please let me know if you're interested in booking one of those. Just as the other sessions do, the home sessions also include hair and makeup. They will take place in Virginia Beach.

I can't wait to work with YOU in 2012!

Please email me at amy@amysandovalphotography.com to book your session today!

FAQ/About the Sessions

I'm so glad you're interested in a boudoir session
Take a few minutes to read through this information and learn more about what my sessions are like and what packages are offered. I'm available anytime to answer questions whether by email or phone. It's natural to be nervous - don't hesitate to email or call!

This is a Celebration of You
Your comfort is the most important part of your Curves session. Clients are treated with the utmost respect. I want you to feel beautiful. Prior to your session, we'll go over ideas and questions - and you'll tell me a little about what you think are your best features. You don't have to have the "perfect body" to look absolutely, positively sexy in your photos. Don't worry - my job is to bring our your flirty, beautiful side.

What a Session Includes
Every Curves Boudoir package includes an online viewing gallery for ordering that includes artistically crafted and fully retouched photos (not proofs) - so you can truly see what your final images look like. Packages also include hair/makeup by a professional stylist, a pre-session consultation and styling tips for the session itself. "Marathon" sessions take place at luxury hotels that provide modern settings and include complementary mimosas to get you in the mood! For more information on investment and packages, please see the "Investment" tab.

Is this private?
Sessions are absolutely private. Your photos will not be shared anywhere without your explicit permission. The only people present for your session are the hair/makeup artist, my assistant (at times) and myself. Your session is not visible from the hair/makeup area.

About Me
Several of my clients have shared with me their past boudoir experiences. They usually involved a dark studio and a somewhat sketchy guy giving them some interesting art direction! (And to be fair to that nice guy who emailed me to say that he photographs boudoir and isn't sketchy, I apologize!)

Seriously, one of the reasons my sessions are different (and I hope better) is because I'm probably a lot like you (or, okay, in some cases, you in a few years!). I'm a 30-something mom of an active 7-year-old girl. I love Starbucks and all things photography. I know that most of us thought we were "fat" in 1995 (or 2000 or 2005, on and on!) until we looked back at those photos and thought, "Oh my gosh, why did I not LOVE my body back then?!" I believe now is the time to embrace what you've got.

My Photographic Style
The key to my boudoir photos is what happens when they're taken AND when they're processed on the computer. First - what happens when they're taken: I am not a slave to a camera flash and external lighting. I love working with natural light and the beautiful tones and drama it creates. I bring the same usage of sunflare and bright pops that are in my portrait and wedding work to my boudoir sessions. That said, some boudoir sessions are day sessions and some are evening sessions - each has its benefits and evening sessions are also awesome. For evening sessions I add external lighting to some shots to re-create the shadows and flare that I love so much.

Secondly, my processing of the photos after your session makes a big difference. Processing is the term used to describe the creative license I take with the photos. They're already off to a great start, but I like to add a little something to them. I'm influenced by fashion magazine photography as well as vintage photography from the 50s and 60s. I read Vogue, Vanity Fair, W, on and on - and study what's going on in the world of fashion photography (much of which is represented in the ads as much as in the articles!). I love retro-faded tones, playing with contrast and customizing the process to each photo. Contrasty and dramatic black and whites are also one of my favorite ways to make a photo sexy and gorgeous. It seems like a black/white photo can instantly remove about 5 pounds, too!

I spend several hours minimum per session processing the photos to capture these styles. This is what sets them apart.

Retouching
Retouching is included with every session as it's such an important part of making these photos more than just another picture. All of the photos in your final gallery are retouched as needed to smooth skin on face and body where needed. During your client interview we will go over any blemishes, stretchmarks, scars, etc. you may want removed from final photos. Removing these things after they are in your final gallery may incur an additional cost, so be sure to let me know the day of your session. (Please note: Retouching does not include body sculpting or making you two sizes smaller!)

How long does it take to get photos back?
Processing your photos and retouching the final images that go into your gallery is an important and artistic step in the process. It takes about two weeks from the day of your session until photos are complete and shared via your online gallery. I may be able to rush your photos if needed – please ask before you book a session if this is needed.

Once you receive your online gallery, you have a week to complete your order. You can order photos from the gallery at this time, select the digital images you’d like to purchase and put in any orders for press-printed books. Digital files are provided via online download. Press-printed books take an additional week to design and another week to deliver from the printer.

What's It Like
Curves Boudoir sessions are relaxed, fun and feminine. It's just us girls, a little wine or champagne if you'd like, the tastefully decorated room and the camera. This is about you - only a little more bare and a lot sexy!

The focus is on turning your best features into art. Bare shoulders, smooth skin, your best features are highlighted with dramatic backlighting, artistic shadows and creatively-placed sheets and gorgeous lingerie. It's not always what's seen but sometimes what's hinted at! We will go over your session beforehand in detail to make sure I know what you want photographed and what you don't. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what a great angle can do to bring out your killer curves.

Do I need to be a skinny young thing?
Heck no. I enjoy making every body type look fabulous. And my clients range from early 20s to 50s. They are all a joy to photograph.

Where are the sessions photographed?
Sessions are photographed at tastefully decorated hotels, bed and breakfasts and inns. Clients are notified of the city that marathons will take place in and upon booking they receive all of the specific details and location information. I also photograph sessions in my home studio, which is full of natural light and creamy tones and textures to create a romantic, feminine and sexy backdrop.

What to Bring/Wear
You should bring up to 3 or 4 outfit changes (or 2 outfits for 30-minute sessions)- typically this is a mix of lingerie, special items of his (a favorite shirt or jersey) and any other options you'd like. Past clients have also brought beautiful coats, a significant other's uniform shirt, coat, hat or helmet, and bridal clients have brought their veil, corset or other fun bridal goods.

Here's my advice - pick tasteful pieces that really speak to your style (and if you want to go all out, do it!). Lace is good! Silk is beautiful! There's no one right way to do this, so don't try to do what you think you should - do what works for you! If you are modest, choose a strappy tank-top for part of your session. If you are comfortable going nude, I am happy to work with you to create some tasteful nude poses for part of your session - think: Marilyn Monroe nude classics. I don't do Playboy style shots. :)

Think beyond just bra/underwear sets - silk robes, negligees and one of his dressy button down shirts are just a few ideas to consider. Hit Victoria's Secret, Fredericks and similar stores to get an idea of what's out there. Another fantastic source is Etsy.com - do a search for retro lingerie or just lingerie - there are some wonderful things on that site that you won't find anywhere else.

Perhaps the most important thing to bring is a sense of who you are - and if you're doing the session for him as well - bring him into the session. Bring his favorite guitar if you can sneak it out! Bring the necklace he gave you or the reading glasses he says make you look like a sexy librarian. And don't forget to bring great shoes. Sexy heels, strappy sandals, fun evening shoes. One client even brought the heels she wore to work - she said her husband adored them! And finally...jewelry - larger, chunker jewelry usually photographs beautifully. Long strands of pearls or the more modern chunky necklaces can be a fun addition.

Other awesome lingerie sources:

There’s Help for That! The Miracle of the “Chicken Cutlet”

A common thing I hear during sessions, “Sorry, they’re kinda small.” Listen, ladies, first of all, they’re never as small as you think. Second, there’s help for that!  Do not be afraid – in fact, embrace! – the “chicken cutlet.” What’s that, you ask?

Also known as bra inserts, shapers or “helpers,” these are literally little cushiony lovelies that you tuck into your bra to give you some added oomph. Put these into a push-up bra and magic happens. Seriously. Check out Victoria’s Secret – www.victoriassecret.com - and click on “adhesive and solutions” and you’ll see them in the flesh.

I Don't Know How to Pose!

One of the other most common things I hear from clients is "I'm nervous," quickly followed by "I have no idea how to pose!" 

Don't worry - it's normal to be nervous. And it's normal not to know exactly what to do with your body. I have some "warm up" poses I usually start with that are very easy - you get to lay there looking gorgeous! I also have a posing guide with photos from previous clients who have given me permission to share their photos. You'll be able to flip through the posing guide while you get your hair/makeup done and start thinking about what you'd like to try.

Bring Photos of Poses You’d Like to Try
Since I'm a big believer in "studying up" on anything new, I'd also suggest grabbing some magazines and looking at how people are posing in ads and fashion shoots. Sometimes that will give you an idea - remember that you don't have to use the exact pose - change an arm or a leg and it is completely different. Feel free to bring ideas with you - lots of clients do!

I regularly tear out pages from magazines and also have a magazine-inspired posing notebook that you can flip through for ideas. And guess what - I also have a posing guide written specifically for photographers that inspires me. I also love trying new ideas, so bring new poses. We can also play with the surroundings - beds, couches, chairs and bathroom mirrors are just a few of the things we can work with - in addition to either a bathtub or shower.

White Sheet Series
Each session ends with a series of photos of you in the sheets - what the pros called "implied" nude shots. These are always some of my client's favorites and are sexy and beautiful in their simple sensuality.

Are Hair and Make up Included?
Every session includes full makeup and simple hair styling. Getting your hair and makeup done sets the tone for your session. It gives you time to relax, get to know us better and get in the mindset. I do require that all clients take advantage of this included part of the package because a professional makeup artist can provide amazing skin coverage, cheekbone contouring and other wonderful ways of taking your beauty and truly making it come alive. Honestly, you will want to have a professional makeup artist go with you everywhere once you experience this luxury!

Hair/Makeup Tips

First tip – your makeup may seem heavier than usual. You will probably be a little unsure when you first look in the mirror. But trust us – it is going to photograph really well! Don't get closer than two feet to the mirror - the camera won't be right up in your face!

Arrive with a fresh, clean face (no makeup) that has been moisturized. If you want to do false eyelashes, the makeup artist will supply the type that you add on individually as they look the most realistic. Bring photos of makeup and/or hair styles you like if you feel that will help communicate the look.

Arrive with your hair ready to be styled - it should be dry and blowdried so it is smooth and ready to be curled or flat-ironed. (If you hair is damp, not smooth, etc. the extra time in the makeup chair will unfortunately take away from your shoot time.)

The stylist will have curling irons and a flat iron, hair spray and bobby pins. Hair is usually worn down for these sessions - think about soft waves and curls - or add a little more volume than usual. Remember the term "bed head?" Yeah, that's a good look for these sessions! Again, if you have a specific idea, bring a photo, it really helps!

I'm thrilled to tell you that many of the brides who've worked with me on boudoir shoots have actually hired my makeup artists for their wedding day.

Can I bring a friend?
After several not great experiences, I have changed my policy on this. I ask that you do not bring anyone with you. If you do, please ask them to wait in the hotel lobby. I’ve made this decision because no matter how long you’ve known one another, no matter how nice your friend is, no matter how fun you think it will be – it just ends up making the client more nervous. Really. I know it seems like you’d be more comfortable. But no matter how wonderful your friend is, having her watch your session is going to make you self conscious. Your session should just be myself (and at times my assistant) and you. If your friend has also booked a session, feel free to ask to book back to back and you can sit in on the first person’s makeup session together – and that’s where all the fun happens anyway!

What Else Should You Know?
There is nothing more important than your happiness with the experience and your photos. You will be treated with integrity, respect and sensitivity 100% of the time.

What about a boudoir party for my bridesmaids?
I offer a private “marathon” of sessions (back-to-back sessions) just for your group. It’s a great way to bond! Some girls like to have a boudoir party and then have the bachelorette party that night while they’re all glammed up with the included hair and makeup! And groups of 4 or more receive discounted session rates. (Please note that these types of parties are usually available outside the busy season, which is typically summer through fall.)