The Hidden Cost of “Free” Boudoir Sessions in Boston
The Hidden Cost
Been looking for a boudoir session? You’ve probably seen a dozen ads just like this claiming that you might have already won your free Boston boudoir photo-shoot. But what will it really cost?
When it comes to Boston boudoir photography, a giveaway can be the difference between a great experience and a bunch of stress, but not for the reason you might think.
Why A Boston Boudoir Session Is a Luxury Experience
The truth is that, for as much as photographers talk about everyone being able to celebrate their bodies, boudoir is a luxury product. There’s a lot of time and care that goes into a session and crafting the images that are birthed from it, and that can command a price that a lot of people aren’t prepared for if the last time they got photos it was at a JC Penney. There’s the price of the session fee and the cost of a location (if you don’t want to shoot in a studio or at home). Then you have hair and makeup so you’re looking fresh and fabulous, maybe a few self-care sessions at the spa to get read. Since you’re in for a penny, why not do a little wardrobe refresh so you’re not wearing the ratty panties you’ve had since college?
It all adds up and you wind up with a $5,000 transformation experience instead of just a $500 Boston boudoir photoshoot. That can lead to a lot of sticker shock for clients (doubly so for clients that were looking to make a wedding gift for their partner).
Enter the giveaway.
How Boston Boudoir Giveaways Actually Work
You’ve probably seen the ads on Instagram or following around if you’ve expressed an interest in booking a Boston boudoir session online – a stylized image of a woman looking more satisfied than any shampoo commercial and an enticing offer “enter to win a free boudoir session.”
So you click and put in your email. Why not? Of course you deserve to feel fabulous and indulge that sensual side of yourself, especially if it’s not going to cost you anything.
Within a couple of days an excited e-mail lands in your inbox. You’re a winner! All you have to do is set up your boudoir session after a quick consultation and you’re riding a wave of excitement as you pamper and prep for your shoot.
Naturally the session is amazing! Your photographer was fun and funny and make you feel like a million dollars. A couple of days later you get a teaser, a few spicy images with a watermark land in your email and they’re everything you were expecting and more. You can’t wait for the premiere where you get to pour over the rest of the set with your photographer so you can get your prints to make the perfect present.
A few weeks later you grab a glass of wine and jump on a zoom call. There’s a slideshow of you looking amazing and you feel electric, your partner is going to love these. Then you’re forced back down to Earth.
“Our deluxe album with 20 images is $3,000,” your photographer says, running her hand across a soft leather cover. “If you can’t narrow it down, it’s all right because we can always add more images.”
There’s a price sheet on the screen and you almost shoot wine out of your nose in shock.
“What about the giveaway?” you ask after a moment of silence.
“That was just for the session fee, which is normally $500, but don’t worry if you’re ready to purchase today you’ll get up to $500 off your album.”
The warm fuzzy feelings you had about your boudoir session suddenly get cold.
“We also have a few other packages…”
It’s a giveaway that’s gone wrong because what you really won was the opportunity to spend money. It’s a marketing gimmick designed to get you to stop thinking about prices and start thinking about pictures, then when the bill comes due, you’re so emotionally invested in the session you’ll toss money at the photographer, so it doesn’t all feel like a waste of time and effort. But an interaction like this can make you feel bummed and like it was more about celebrating your wallet than celebrating you.
It’s not to say that every sweepstakes or giveaway in space is shady, just that you need to be aware and unafraid to look at the fine print. You can also build your confidence in a giveaway by following photographers shooting work you love so you can see if they offer any opportunities, rather than just booking with someone because of a contest.
Stock Image - A free photoshoot can come with a pile of strings tied up around it. Try untangling them first before you book
What to look for in a Boston Boudoir Giveaway:
1. The photographer has a good reputation and good reviews. Once they’ve won a lot of clients will skip due diligence, even with something as sensitive as boudoir.
2. They’re transparent about what’s included (and not just in the fine print) and are willing to talk about prices up front.
3. What strings are attached? Some giveaways might require publicity. Some giveaways might have a lot of blackout dates and restrictions. The rules of a giveaway should be clear and accessible (and not just because state laws or the FTC require it).
Boudoir minis and marathons can also be a great way to dip your toe into the water and get some great photos with less of a barrier to entry. The downside is that the sessions tend to be a lot shorter and less personalized, but with a group of friends it can be a lot of fun for a bachelorette or Galentine’s.
There are a lot of paths to having a great boudoir session that leaves you feeling fucking fabulous about yourself and the experience. Send me a message or book a quick consultation today, and let’s plan something that feels as good as it looks.
Ryan Richardson is a wedding and engagement photographer serving Boston and beyond; including Cape Cod Weddings, New England Weddings, Massachusetts Weddings and Rhode Island Weddings
FAQS
Q: Are Boston boudoir giveaways really free?
A: Giveaways and sweepstakes are often more about marketing than giving back and they often come with strings attached. Often “winners” will have their session fee waived or hair and makeup included, but you’ll still have to buy any photos or prints from the session. While this is a real value (session fees and styling can often cost upwards of $1,000 in Boston), photographers that get most of their clientele through this kind of marketing often have higher prices on products.
Q: How much does a boudoir session in Boston cost?
A: Like anything else you’re going to encounter a range of prices when you’re booking a boudoir photography session. A typical client can look to spend at least $1,200 at the lower end and over $3,000 with a luxury studio. Some photographers will run “boudoir marathons” which are shorter sessions with a group of clients (it can be fun for a bachelorette), while you lose out on some of the experience if you have a clear idea of what you want it can be a great way to work with a photographer you love.
Q: What’s included in a Boston boudoir session?
A: One thing that makes booking a boudoir session tough is that there’s not a lot of standardization – some photographers will include everything under one fee (and they might even have a client wardrobe with accessories), others will break out their time, studio rental, and styling. My session fee includes my time and my studio, but hair and makeup is separate.