deBoudoir Boudoir Photography - Los Angeles, California

Tiffany D.

i've done quite my share of boudoir shoots in hopes of capturing my younger, hotter self for when im in my 40-somethings, and deBoudour is hands down the BEST. I've shot with them three times now (once in Carlsbad, once at the old Beverly Hills studio with Kimber, and once with Kimber here at the new dtla studio). Each shoot produces better pictures than the last, because my comfort level with myself and in front of the camera increases exponentially. Their photographers and editors are also very talented, and make you feel and look like a sexpot (in a great way).

First of all, the entire process at deBoudoir is VERY professional. They do not allow men in any of their studios or for the viewing appointments, so you always feel like you are in a strong female zone. They also outsource their photos to a partner vendor who specializes in boudoir prints, so you get high quality and the added discreteness of not having the guy at walgreens see your photos if you choose to print them.

Check their pricing before you jump in, as it's quite money, but you really do get what you pay for. They circulate groupons regularly for $19 sitting fee (as opposed to $400), which is a steal for an hour shoot and 4 outfits. Image pricing is $159 for a single image, and $800 for 7. It goes up from there. I've never ever been able to leave deBoudoir without purchasing the 7-pack, as I'd really regret not having those pictures in the future.

The downtown studio is top knotch. It's chic and located in the poppin arts' district of DLTA, which is just booming. There's a great restaurant and wine bar around the corner for you to go out afterwards. The decor is all very... "naughty princess", which is perfect for a boudoir shoot. There's lace, gold, chains, diamonds, beads, everything.

Kimber, the photographer, is AMAZING. She tells you you look amazing, and she really makes you feel like you are the fierce tigress that you could be. It shows in her pictures. If you feel awkward, tell her and she will help you through being more comfortable in your own skin. At the end, you'll probably want to just hang out with her and be her friend because she makes you feel so awesome about yourself.

Tips:
-They offer hair and make-up if you aren't comfortable doing your own, but if you are, that's a great way to save some cash. Do your eyes up really dark for added sultry effect.
-False lashes are a MUST. they make your eyes really pop and add that bedroom-boudoir-seductive feel
-Corsets end up looking best, as they add that that boudoir/bedroom feel, boost up your girls, and suck in the rest. get ones with boning for that extra "hourglass" effect. if you don't have any, they sell them at the studio for anywhere between $80-150 each
-Bring black lace undies, black thigh highs with a lace top (that stay up well), and black heels. Bring jewelry and hair accessories. These all really enhance your photos and make them look high quality.
-Come with girlfriends, and make it a fun event together. You shoot separately, but if you book stacked appointments, you can help each other get ready and feel comfortable, and then go out on the town all made up!
-Parking is free on the streets, but read the signs.
-Studio is inside a converted loft, so go inside and check in with the guard, and get sent up to apt 311.
-To see your pics, you come back a few days later, because the editors (who are the best I have EVER seen) put in a good 4-6 hours on just your photos. You'll have about 100-150 great photos to view, and each one looks, feels, and will hit you differently. You'll have quite a hard time narrowing down, but the whole process will make you realize just how sexy or beautiful you can be and already are.
-Overall, just be free with yourself and have fun. It's an empowering, different, and very eye-opening experience!