Frequently Asked Questions

The women on your website look fabulous and they look like models. I’m not a model can I do this?

Absolutely! Guess what... none of them are. I specialize in photographing as I call it “extraordinary everyday women”. After working with women of different backgrounds, ages and sizes, I can tell you that I know a woman’s curve like the back of my hand. I know exactly what women will like and not like in photos. Over the years I’ve mastered the art of posing, playing with light and shadows to photograph you in the most flattering way possible. I will direct you from how to soften your look to pointing your toe…no kidding! Just come with an open mind and excited and TRUST ME to do the rest.

Where will my boudoir session take place?

Our boudoir photography studio is located in Somerville, MA at Joy Street Artist Studios. It's a beautiful corner studio that has so much natural light. I’ve designed our studio in a comfortable and minimalist modern style with vintage accents to bring it all together. Take a sneak peak by clicking the link above.

Is there parking available at the studio?

Yes. There’s free parking in front of the building. Just let me know when you arrive and I’ll meet you at the yellow door to give you a parking pass and guide you through the maze of artist studios.

When should I book my session?

We recommend that women have their shoot date scheduled around 2 months prior to the date they need their printed product delivered. Rush processing is available, see details below. Your online photo reveal appointment will be 2-3 weeks after your photo session and your finished product will arrive around 4.5 weeks after you order, depending on what you order. Day and time slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. We are usually fully booked 2-3 months out at any given time, so be sure to reserve your session early.

What if I do not have 2 months and need my art immediately for a special date?

Good news, we offer rush processing for an additional fee of $250. This means your set will have priority editing and expedited shipping. Please keep in mind that we still need at least 1 month prior to your deadline in order to make magic happen.

How much do I need to pay when I book my session?

A non-refundable session fee of $450 is required to reserve your spot. Following your session, all products are purchased at your online viewing/ordering session. You’ll get the complete product list after our initial consultation call.

How much should I expect to spend on products?

Products are purchased in ADDITION to the session fee. This means that the total cost of your products will depend on what floats your boat. On average, our clients spend around $1,400 - $2,600 on their products. Clients are always surprised by how many photos they cannot live without. I’m ECSTATIC to deliver stunning photos, that’s why you hired yours truly. For more information on products visit the pricing page. We take all major credit cards, cash and checks. Interest-free payment plans are available.

Do you provide hair and makeup?

Absolutely, boudoir sessions include professional hair and make-up to get you glammed up for your shoot. I adore our badass professional make-up artists - Marlo, Samantha, Krisann and Alycia. They are truly the best in the Boston area. Hair extensions are at an additional $50 paid directly to the make-up artist the day of. Extensions are provided by the client. If you plan to bring your extensions, please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Do I need to bring any of my own makeup?

No, we have everything we will need here in the studio, including a lifetime supply of eyelashes!

I'm a wee bit nervous! What should I do?

Not to worry, you're going to rock this! A lot of women I photograph feel the same way in the first few minutes of the session. But how awesome do you feel when you’ve mastered a new skill, finished a daunting project, or exceeded a goal you've been working towards? Ahhhhmazing, I bet. The bigger the challenge, the more fulfilling it is. This is the same reason I tell my clients not to sweat the nerves. It makes the entire experience much more powerful. Just like bungee jumping, sky diving, or crushing a speech in front of an audience, it seems nerve wracking… but once you've done it you'll feel invincible!

Will there be anyone else present besides Melissa at my session?

It will be just you and me once you get your hair and makeup done. Our makeup artist leaves after she’s done glamming you up for your session. I want you to feel as comfortable as possible so rest assured you'll have all the privacy you want.

Can I bring a friend for the shoot?

Yes, HOWEVER your gal pal/buddy/partner can only hang out with us while you get your hair and makeup done. He/She will have to go somewhere when we start shooting unless you need special assistance from your companion. Based on my experience, the best photographs are taken when you have the space to really express yourself and fully let your guard down. *COVID UPDATE: For safety and to limit the number of people in the studio, we are requesting that our clients do not bring anyone with them to their appointment.

Will you be editing the photos?

Definitely, I'll retouch the images to look like your best self but I won’t change your beautiful shape. If it’s permanent it stays. We apply some gentle skin smoothing but scars remain untouched because they are a part of us and tell a bit about our life story. Celebrate the adventures of being a badass woman, marks and all. Any additional retouching requests will be additional cost. Most of my clients are happy with the images we show them from the get go.

Do you provide wardrobe? What should I bring? 

Clients are responsible for bringing their own wardrobe that accentuates their curves and style. While we don’t provide wardrobe, this is the perfect opportunity for you to choose items that express your individuality. We love lingerie, and the secret to a sexy lingerie is the perfect fit. But we also love taking non-lingerie clothing for a walk on the wild side. Our clients have looked sultry in sweaters, button-ups, leather jackets, even a tutu. Bring anything that you FEEL fabulous in... kimonos, jeans, bra and panty set, bodysuit, birthday suit… the sexy list goes on. A session allows for three outfit changes. Always bring an extra outfit or two, just in case.

What if I need to reschedule my session due to unforeseeable situations?

No sweat. Life happens. Just let me know at least 3 days before the shoot, when you'd like to reschedule, and we’ll work it out. Note that the session fee is not refunded/applied to future shoots if you CANCEL your session instead of rescheduling. No-shows, day-before, or day-of rescheduling are all considered cancellations as we incur studio and make-up artist cost for your session.

Which days can I book for a shoot?

Sessions are scheduled Monday - Friday. I’m currently not shooting on the weekends, oh I wish I could but I realized that in order for me to create the most stunning art is when I have a work life balance and get to spend time with my family. I have clients booking as far as 8 months in advance, so please don’t wait to reserve your spot.

When can I see my photos after the session and how do I select my images?

Gurrrrrrl I can’t wait for you to see your photos, either! I’m managing a very small team, so please bear with us. Your online photo reveal appointment will be approximately 2 weeks after your photo session. I’ll reach out once your set is ready for your reveal/ordering session so you choose your favorite images.

I want to keep my photos private and not to be seen by anyone online, will you put them on your site?

That’s a big, resounding NO! Personal privacy and discretion are VERY important to us. The only times I feature clients online are after they’ve given consent for us to share their images. Let me know if you're cool with sharing your badassery and gorgeousness to inspire other ladies wanting to do a session.

Do you shoot men or “dudoir” sessions?

Nope. My expertise lies in accentuating women’s curves, making their legs look 10 miles long and helping them achieve their most flattering angle. I’ll stick to what I’m good at, but I’m always happy to refer couples and men to other boudoir photographers in the area who do them.

If you have ANY other questions that I did not address here, please send us a note and we’d be happy to help!