I didn’t have a boudoir studio space for many years. In fact it was the main thing stopping me from starting my own boudoir photography business. If you are in the same boat, there are many options available to you. All of which I have tried myself. And even better, most of these options are free!
Option 1 – Own bedroom
The first of which was shooting in my own bedroom. I lived in a small house and there was no room for a separate studio space. So this was not only my bedroom, but also my boudoir studio for many years. As you can see, my styling wasn’t the best back then!
There was no hiding it from clients. Sure it wasn’t the most professional setting, but you need to work with what you have! I find most clients will overlook some issues, so long as their final images look good.
Of course look into the legalities of working from your home in your particular city.
Option 2 – The client’s home
Shooting at a client’s home can be a great way to develop your creativity by forcing you to step out of the comfort zone of a set location. It challenges you to work with difference spaces and deal with a variety of lighting situations at every shoot.
The images on your website will look unique due to the different backgrounds available at each photo shoot.
Another positive is the client doesn’t have to pack up their clothing and travel to another location for the shoot.
Option 3 – Outdoors
I love the unique locations available when shooting in outdoor locations. Outdoor locations could include a park, the beach, or even your yard.
If you live in a warm climate, outdoor shoots make a great option. Keep in mind the shoot will be weather dependent reliant on dry and warm weather. If it is raining on the day of the shoot a reschedule may be required.
I also strongly recommend offering outdoor shoots even once you do have a studio space. Not man boudoir photographers offer both indoor and outdoor shoots and it will set you apart from other photographers.
Option 4 – Hotel shoots and Air BNBs
Offer hotel shoots to those clients who book their own hotel room. If you work with natural light, inform them of the requirement to source a hotel room with loads of natural light. I suggest clients ensure the hotel room has large windows, or alternatively a sliding door leading to the balcony. If you prefer, provide a list of preferred hotels for your client to choose from.
Alternatively, consider regularly booking a local hotel room for the weekend and fitting in at least 4 clients per day. Inform the clients that it will be a one-on-one shoot and ensure clients do not see each other on the day for privacy reasons.
Another option that has worked well for me, is booking a hotel room in a different city. Do you have family or friends in another city that you regularly visit? Organise a hotel shoot weekend while there! It will expand your marketbase and boost your income. List the city on your website and when you will next be returning to do shoots. Facebook Ads are also a great method for marketing to clients in different cities.
So what are you waiting for? Use some of these blog post ideas, get creative, and start shooting!
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