Frequently Asked Questions

Before the actual photography begins I’ll give you an overview of how the shoot will transpire as well as answer any questions you may have. We’ll discuss your comfort level as well as overall goals for your shoot. We’ll then take a look at your outfits and decide together which options are best. Once your hair and make-up are ready we’ll begin the shoot.

Your session will progress much like a typical fashion shoot. As we move through each set I’ll photograph you in a variety of poses, at different angles, and with different lighting. How many images I capture will vary from set to set but I’ll shoot as much as necessary to assure we come away with quality photos.

Keep in mind sexiness can be communicated regardless of how much clothing you’re wearing. Fully or partially clothed, implied or explicit nudity; any are possible given your comfort level. What’s revealing to one client may be very tame to another. And how revealing you wish your images to be might be predicated by who will be viewing them. Whatever your limits, you will never be asked to do anything you’re uncomfortable with and every image will be taken to insure the final results are both beautiful and tasteful.

Unless you’re a professional model I assume you haven’t much experience with posing for a glamour shoot. Fortunately I’ve had a lot of experience with this genre of photography so I’ll guide you through all the classic poses as well as some that will prove unique to your particular look. Additionally throughout the shooting process you’ll be able to view your images either from the back of my camera or on my tethered laptop. This acts as a great learning aid providing you with immediately feedback to help you refine each pose. You’ll find helpful posing tips in the following blog posts:

• Posing Tips, From the Neck Down
• Posing Tips, From the Neck Up
• Posing Tips, Symmetry vs Asymmetry
• Posing Tips, Revealing the Hourglass
• Posing Tips, Master the Contrapposto

Though striking good poses may seem intimidating rest assured it’s quite easy and a bunch of fun as well.

The subject of copyright and consent is a lengthy topic but I’ve addressed it in detail with my blog post “Copyright, Consent and Licensing“.

All images will be archived on a secure password protected hard drive for 30 days, after which they will be deleted or destroyed.

All of your final images will be retouched to soften your skin, remove a wrinkle here and there, or hide the untimely bruise or blemish. Your initial proofs however will be without editing since the purpose of viewing proofs is to pick your favorite poses for inclusion to your finished portfolio.

Extensive retouching for such items as large tattoo removal, large scar removal, eye lash enhancement, significant body sculpting, hair coloring, or face blurring incurs a $50 per hour charge. Rest assured that whether your additional editing requests are subtle or extensive, my post-production editing experience and powerful Photoshop tools can give you the exact look you’re after.

For a more complete discussion of the hows and whys of photo editing please see my blog post entitled Photoshop & Post Production Editing. You may also visit my Before & After post for a visual understanding of the metamorphosis a typical image may undergo.

There are many fine wardrobe retail options, both brick and mortar as well as online. Visiting my Resources page is a great place to start.

Traditional brick and mortar locations are great because you can look at, feel, and try on the outfits before purchase. Returns are much easier at a physical location as well. The downside is they usually have fewer choices than an online retailer. Also they’re required to charge and collect sales tax while many online companies are not. One other consideration is how close you are to the session date. If you’ve procrastinated, and many of us do, you should consider a physical site as online purchases may incur delays due to shipping.

Here are a few tips and suggestions for your photo session preparation:
• You should begin shopping for your new clothes, shoes, etc several weeks in advance as this can often be more time consuming than you may imagine. This is especially true if you plan on purchasing anything from online retailers.
• As soon as possible send me any photographs you’ve seen that you’d like to try. I may not be able to do everything, but with proper lead time I’ll be able to accommodate some requests.
• Read my blog posts for posing tips, and if possible practice posing in front of a full length mirror.
• If you’re planning to tan, do it at least four days in advance.
• Be sure to have a pedicure and manicure the day before, use the same nail polish, and avoid anything too bold.
• Be sure to get plenty of rest the night before the shoot.
• The day of your shoot stay properly hydrated and have a light meal before your appointment. You’ll need your energy so please eat accordingly.
• Lastly be careful not to wear tight clothing prior to your session as doing so will likely leave pressure marks on your skin.

When people think of glamour photography, nudity and lingerie often come to mind. But beyond those options outfits for your shoot can be anything ranging from an over-sized T-shirt to a glamorous evening gown. Ask yourself first and foremost, what do you feel sexy in? Lingerie of course is the classic choice but we all have that one outfit that makes us feel like a million bucks, or that article of clothing our partner finds irresistible. These are great first options. For shopping ideas visit my Resources page for links to online retailers selling lingerie, shoes, etc.

Whatever your outfits turn out to be, bring more than you think you’ll need. When you arrive for your shoot we’ll look at your options together and choose the outfits most suitable to achieve the very best results. Whenever possible try to bring new clothing, or those lightly worn. Also make sure there are no visible tags keeping in mind they’re often visible through sheer clothing. Your apparel should be clean, neatly pressed and free of any holes, tears, etc. New shoes or boots are always preferred as scuffed soles are distracting and require much post-production editing to remove. For more tips on this subject check out my blog post discussing wardrobe considerations.

As your photographer I’ll shoot you with the best light, position you in the most flattering poses, offer you professional make-up services, and give you expert post-production editing; but naturally I can’t determine which outfits you bring to your session. For this reason please allow yourself the necessary time and attention the process requires. Let your imagination run wild and above all else have fun with it.

A “Look” is a glamour session term often used in place of “outfit ensemble”. For a more complete discussion on this subject refer to the blog post “Outfits vs Looks“.

While many women are good at doing their own hair and make up, there’s a big difference between normal everyday make-up, and that required for photo shoot. (For more specifics with this subject please refer to my blog post on make-up tips.) If you’re interested in a new look, a professional hair and make-up artist (MUA) can help you achieve any style you like; whether you’re going for the girl-next-door, or provocative temptress.

The cost of a hair and MUA is not included in the package price. Their rates range from $100 to $250 depending on such factors as length of their session and other options you may select. They require full payment at the time of the appointment, payable in cash. If you’re in the greater Houston area then visit my Resources page and scroll to the “Hair & Make-Up Artists” section for a list of suggested MUAs.

Here are two other options you might consider: “Brush & Blush Blow Dry Bar“; Houston’s premier blow dry and beauty bar, and “Priv“; the leading on-demand beauty service that delivers professional hairstylists and makeup artists straight to your door.

With all this said, if you’re not interested in a new look or if you intend to hide your facial identity, then a make-up artist isn’t necessary. Not choosing one will save you a little money and shave some time off the overall length of the photo shoot.

Most people aren’t blessed with the figure of a super model. And in fact most super models don’t look as glamorous off camera as on. We’ve all seen candid photographs from paparazzi capturing models looking less than perfect, albeit more like their daily selves. So what gives? The answer is that super models have access to professional make-up and hair styling, professional lighting, and expert posing instruction from their photographer. Additionally, in this day in age of Photoshop it’s become an acceptable and common practice to use digital post-production techniques to take an inch or two off a waist line, soften skin or remove blemishes. (If you’d like more information regarding post-production editing check out my blog post to learn of the many options available.)

The good news is you’ll have access to the same resources as any model during your glamour shoot. As your photographer I can help you find a professional hair and make-up artist, I’ll utilize state of the art camera, lighting and digital imaging equipment, and I’ll coach you every step of the way through your shoot. So don’t worry about that extra pound or which pose is most flattering, that’s my job. Just show up prepared to have fun; I’ll take care of the rest.

Whether or not to tan before a photo shoot is of course a personal decision. However if you’re considering a spray tan option then please do it no less than 4 days in advance. Applied improperly spray tanning can create blotchy and uneven color, as well as orange hued skin tones on hands, elbows, and feet. Obviously this is an undesirable result and unfortunately it’s extremely difficult to fix with post production editing. Putting a few days between the tanning and your shoot will help minimize these issues.

Photo sessions are typically shot on location to suit your special needs or tastes. Your office, home, or especially a luxury hotel suite can provide suitable substitutes to an in-studio shoot. Other possible locations can be rented by the day through such services as airbnb.com and vrbo.com, or by the hour through Peerspace.com. If you do have an alternate location in mind make sure it provides sufficient privacy, has an adequate source of natural light, enough physical space to accommodate photo strobes, and is clean as well as properly furnished. Additionally architectural elements with special character can prove especially photogenic; winding staircases, claw foot bathtubs, walk through showers or exposed brick walls are wonderful props to include in any boudoir shoot.

Yes, if you’re not located in the Houston metro area we can definitely set up a FMTY. For additional information visit the FMTY section of my Packages page.

Visit my Packages page for a complete view of the different options available and their included features.

How long your session lasts is determined by a number of things, most notably the number of images you desire and how many looks you’re utilizing. As a minimum you should plan on two hours and if you choose my maximum image package plan on 3-4 hours. Also if you’re purchasing a makeup artist you should add another hour or so for prep time. You’ll need a little time to get comfortable in front of the camera and each set and outfit change takes away from actual shooting time. Remember, this is not a portrait styled session and working quickly interferes with the creative process necessary to producing wonderful images. My experience has taught me there’s a direct correlation between the length of time spent shooting and the quality and quantity of the images created.