What type of women do it?
The women who come to me are usually mid twenties to late thirties and all have a great sense of fun! I am increasing asked to do shoots with intimate groups of friends, to celebrate a birthday or as a very different hen party. These shoots are great fun, but should be limited to four or so people. At a recent boudoir shoot my client wanted a very special box of prints to give to her husband for his 40th birthday, but chose to share the shoot with two close friends. There was a bit of a party atmosphere, and each of them were able to choose some great images of themselves afterward.

What skills do you need to do boudoir photography?
Apart from the obvious technical and lighting knowledge, I think to do boudoir photography you need to be able to put other people at ease. I make sure that I find our as much as i con before the shoot and then I am able to tailor the shoot to them personally. You need to be calm and understanding and have a good sense of fun, as taking one's clothes off with a camera present is, after all, out of most peoples comfort zone.

What happens?
Pictures are taken in a calm, all female environment. On arrival that client is welcomed and introduced to myself , Jo (my second in command) and the make-up artist. The first hour is about being pampered and relaxing with a drink, and once the make-up is done, the shoot begins.
I usually like to have two hours or a little more to make the images, so the whole thing lasts around three and a half hours. I encourage my clients to bring accessories, shoes, clothing, beautiful underwear, etc, and we use as many as possible in the shots. I work in a gentle unhurried way and there is no fixed format or use of formulaic poses, as each person I photograph is so different and each will want something different out of the shoot.

How much does it cost?
The shoot itself costs £125, which includes the services of a make-up artist. Most clients choose to have a collection in a beautiful printed book or a box of mounted images to give as a gift, but often at least one image is framed to hang in a more private room in the house.

For details visit www.documentaryimage.com or call 0117 9720834