FAQ
{Q:} The women on your website all look like models. I am not like them...can I do this??
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{A:} First of all, THANK YOU! I take that as a compliment of the highest degree...because...well....these women are not models. These women, just like you, at one point looked at the photos on my website and thought "Hmm..I know mine won't turn out THAT good since I don't look like a model, but I'm wondering how good she can make me look?" The answer is: Modelesque. I don't toot my horn about a whole lot, but I am VERY good at this. I know women. I know women SO well, that I know exactly what they will not like in photos. I know exactly how to pose all types of women to look their very very best. I know my camera equipment better than I know my freckles (seriously...where did THAT one come from!?!) and can use it to create beautiful and ultra flattering images of ANY WOMAN. You don't have to know what you are doing in the slightest. I will direct you every step of the way, from helping to you prepare for your photo shoot with wardrobe tips, to posing every inch of you, to coaching your breathing through the session. You just need to show up and TRUST ME.
{Q:} How far in advance should I book my session?
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{A:} I recommend that women have their shoot date scheduled for about 2 months prior to needing the finished product in-hand. Also, being a one-woman show, I tend to book up very quickly and relatively far in advance. For weekday availability, you should email me to schedule at least a month and a half in advance. Fridays tend to be the most popular time slots and book up the quickest. That said, DON'T WAIT to email me! It's never too early to get on my schedule. Your photo reveal appointment will be approximately 2-3 weeks after your photo session, and your finished product (depending on what you order) will arrive between 3 and 6 weeks after that.
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{Q:} When and how will I select my favourite images from my shoot?
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{A:} I'm proud to offer in-person (or remote for out-of-state clients) photo reveal and ordering appointments a few weeks after your photo session. We do this for a few reasons::: First, for your convenience. We've gotten REALLY good at our little system for helping clients decide between images, showing similar images side by side for easy selection, and assisting clients with getting great variety for albums and the perfect wall art pieces. Because we do show a LOT of killer images, it can be overwhelming to navigate on your own and we don't want our customer service to stop at the photo shoot. The in-person photo reveal is much appreciated by our clients and is our favourite part of the whole process!
Second, for security. While doing some sort of online proofing gallery is industry standard for lots of different types of photography, boudoir is a touch more sensitive. We don't want to store your images anywhere online, leaving them vulnerable to being hacked and exploited by anyone but you. We take your privacy seriously, so the in-person photo reveal takes care of this!
Many of our clients travel in from out of state for their sessions, and it just wouldn't be practical for them to come back in for their photo reveal appointment a few weeks later. We have a little work-around for this and can do a live photo reveal via Google Hangout screen-share. It's a bit less theatrical than our in-person viewings, but it is a great back-up option for those who cannot return without having to store any of your images online.
{Q:} I see that you offer both beauty *and* boudoir photography. What is the difference?
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{A:} Boudoir photography is our primary specialisation at Fernanda Bhutani Photography. This involves a certain level of undress (either lingerie, loungewear, other intimate apparel, or nothing at all. These images tend to be a little more raw, real, candid, unposed LOOKING (although we do pose you throughout the whole shoot). These are meant to embrace a woman's sexuality, independence, femininity, and badassness. Because of the posing and wardrobe, these images tend to be more intimate in nature. We do retouch all boudoir images for our clients with standard retouching. The finished product is typically a variety of about 100-200 images with a natural retouch (no special effects other than black and white on some images) that include "detail" shots such as legs, tush, breasts, back and shoulders, lips, as well as full body scapes and imagery that includes the face.
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Beauty portraiture is a bit more polished...with a finished "fine art" look and feel. Beauty portraiture is a great option for a woman who wants a smaller collection of absolutely breathtaking portraits of herself that are wall-worthy. This is a great option for women who may be a bit intimidated by the idea of baring all for a boudoir session. Wardrobe for a beauty session can be a ball gown, little black dress, a lace bodysuit, fabric draping, or even nudity. Our beauty portraits always contain the full face and at least the shoulders up.
{Q:} Where will my boudoir session take place? Do you have a studio?
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{A:} Your session can at a hotel room or Air BNB - prices are already included in the packages. I do not have a studio.
{Q:} I'm really not comfortable with being photographed nearly nude, but I really want you to photograph me. Is that a possibility?
{A:} YES YES YES! My specialty is photographing WOMEN--that's in ANY level of dress or undress. Women who shy away from being photographed nude, in lingerie, etc, might be more comfortable doing a studio portrait session with an off-shoulder blouse and jeans...that's totally fine! This would fall under the "BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHY" style that you can also see examples of on my site! You don't have to take off your clothes to be sexy.
{Q:} The images on your website are very tasteful and pretty, but what if I wanted to get a little more...um...risky?
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{A:} Get it, girl! On the scale from 1-10 on the "erotic" meter, my style is more of a 3.2. What you see on my website and on my social media feeds is a very accurate representation of what I offer in the "saucy" department. I will shoot an array of clothed, partially clothed, tasteful nudes, exposed breasts and bums. If you love what you see on the website, I'm your girl.
{Q:} What should I wear?
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{A:} This is probably the most popular question I get….and the answer is simple…whatever you feel sexy in! My signature style is the "effortless cool girl" look, which, lucky for you, involves things you likely already have in your closet. A bodysuit, an oversized sweater, cropped sweatshirt and high waist panties, a robe, sleep shirt...you get the drift. Other clients opt for lingerie. And many clients choose to do a nude set during their session. In a 1.5 hour photo session, you will typically have time for up to 3 “looks” or outfits (yes, "nude" counts as an outfit)! Don't stress to much about wardrobe. I could (and have!) spend an entire hour shooting a client with no other wardrobe than the bed sheets and completely rock it out. Once you've completed the booking process with me, you will also receive a detailed shoot guide that will help you with preparations and wardrobe considerations! Have a look here for more inspiration - password is boudoir!
{Q:} Can I have someone with me at my session?
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{A:} Sometimes your best friend is exactly what you need to calm your nerves and give you the reassurance you need to get started with your session! I don’t mind at all if there is one friend with you! I DO ask that the friend not interfere with the shoot (running in to “touch you up” in between every shot, directing your posing, etc) as I will handle anything along those lines that needs done. I do not allow any more than 1 friend in the room with you. Want to do one better than having a friend there for moral support??? Why don't you book your shoots back to back so you can both enjoy the experience together?! Availability, pending, of course. You can also book a session with your spouse/boyfriend/husband.
{Q:} On which days of the week can I have my photo session?
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{A:} I am available any day of the week for a photo session. Sometimes in the mornings and sometimes in the afternoons, so just drop me an email to check my availability.
{Q:} What should I do to prepare?
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{A:} Please see all the details of what you should do and how your should prepare for your session under the Get Ready section on the menu.
{Q:} How much can you “edit out”?
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{A:} This is a touchy subject, but I stick to my gut (no pun intended) on this one. While we make the skin look it's best, we keep the "Photoshop" action minimal. I rely on my strategic poses and angles to play down "problem" areas. We WILL edit out minor blemishes/skin flaws as well as simple things like under-eye circles and small scars (IF you request the scar-removal). My main rule of thumb is, if it’s permanent, it stays. Tattoos included. As far as stretch marks go, most women have them—and most of the time, my skin-smoothing editing technique will buff out most average stretch marks. If you would like to request extensive editing, we can quote that on a per-image basis at your photo reveal appointment after you've seen your images with our standard retouch on them. Bottom line–I will work with what you’ve got and prove to you that you ARE BEAUTIFUL and these will be the best set of photos you have of yourself! My post-processing techniques are more focused on colour, contrast, skin perfecting, sharpening, etc, rather than body morphing.
{Q:} These photos are intended as a gift for my significant other…what photo products make the best gift?
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{A:} ALBUMS and WALL ART. Albums are the obvious choice for displaying a good number of images on your coffee table or night stand (or tucked inSIDE the night stand if you're wanting to keep them hidden). In addition to that, most clients find themselves with at least one big statement piece of wall art for their master bedroom, master bathroom, master walk in closet.
{Q:} I am a school teacher/pastor's wife/high profile actress/religious person/part of a very strict family and if these photos were leaked it would destroy my reputation...is this secret safe with you???
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{A:} You can rest absolutely assured that your images will never be shared without your permission. As soon as your session is complete, we retouch your images in-house. We do NOT send your images off to an outsourced editing company leaving them vulnerable to being stolen. THEN, you will see them directly during your in-person photo viewing!! If you are coming in from out of town to shoot with me and an in-person viewing is not possible, we will make other accommodations for you for a long distance viewing that is still secure.
In the event that you are super awesome and proud of your images and do permit me to use them on my blog and website, your real name will NEVER be used and I will NEVER tag you on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram. Anyhow, your secret is safe with me.
I have a contract that I sign with all my clients.
{Q:} Do you photograph men?
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{A:} Yes I do. I have photographed a few man and couples as well.
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{Q:} Will you use my images on your website/blog/portfolio?
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{A:} I, of course, would LOVE to use images from our session together to show other women your amazing photos! HOWEVER, I also completely understand if you or your significant other might be uncomfortable to share them. That said, I will not share unless you grant permission. The bottom line is: I will honour whatever level of privacy you would like. Many clients are so proud of their images that they give me full discretion to choose images for my portfolio, some clients prefer that only their faceless images be put in my gallery, some clients prefer to choose the images that are posted, and other clients are comfortable with anything being posted, as long as it’s after a certain date (after they gift the images). Just let me know where you stand on the topic and I will honour your wishes!
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See what some of my previous clients have to say about a session with me.
If you have ANY other questions that I did not address here, please ask below and I will get back to you ASAP!