Your Boudoir Experience, From Beginning to End

Wondering what to expect at a boudoir shoot? From finding the photographic style that speaks to you to receiving your finished images, here is what happens every step of the way.

Explore the Portfolio
Find Your Style
Read Client Stories

Choose Your Experience
Select Your Date
Secure Your Booking

Your Consultation
What to Wear
What to Bring

Arrive at the Studio
Hair & Makeup
Guided Throughout

Choose Your Images
Retouching & Delivery
Finished Artwork

Photography is subjective. Every photographer has their own way of seeing, lighting and photographing people, so before choosing one, ask yourself a very simple question: are these the sort of photographs I would love to have of myself?

Explore the portfolio and see what appeals to you. It might be classic boudoir, something softer and more sensual, fine art nude, erotic photography, couples, bridal or maternity, or a combination of styles within the same shoot. You don’t need to know exactly what you want yet.

And if you’re feeling nervous, read what other women have said about their experience. Most were once standing exactly where you are now.

You don’t need to know exactly what your photographs should look like before you book. Start with the style of photography that appeals to you, then choose the experience that gives you the time and number of finished photographs you would like.

Your shoot can focus on one style or combine several. You might begin with classic boudoir, move into something more sensual, explore fine art nude or erotic photography, or create something completely personal to you.

Once you’ve chosen your experience, we simply find a suitable date. Your booking is confirmed once it has been secured.

Once you have an idea of the experience you would like, get in touch and we can find a suitable date. If you’re unsure which experience would suit you, that’s perfectly fine too. I can help you decide.

Before your shoot, we’ll talk about what you would like to create, the styles that appeal to you, wardrobe ideas and anything you’re particularly excited or nervous about.

For more intimate or erotic photography, we can arrange a private video or in person consultation beforehand. This gives us the opportunity to discuss what you have in mind and your boundaries, discreetly and without any awkward surprises on the day.

This removes an entire paragraph about the mechanics of securing the booking. That belongs on the pricing or booking material, not here.

Once your session is booked, we can start planning the details. You don’t need to arrive with everything worked out. From ideas and wardrobe to what to bring on the day, I’ll guide you through it.

Ideas, Styles & Inspiration

Wardrobe, Lingerie & Accessories

Outfits, Shoes & Personal Touches

Final Details & Getting Ready

What you wear can completely change the mood of a photograph, but preparing for a boudoir shoot certainly doesn’t mean buying an entirely new wardrobe.

Lingerie is an obvious choice, but it’s far from the only one. An oversized shirt, bodysuit, favourite dress, jacket, stockings, heels, jewellery or even something as simple as a white sheet can photograph beautifully. Often the least complicated choices produce some of the strongest photographs.

Bring some variety rather than trying to find the perfect outfit. Different textures, colours and styles give us more possibilities during the shoot, and we can decide together what works best once you’re in the studio.

For nude, fine art nude or more intimate photography, wardrobe can still play a role. A shirt slipping from a shoulder, a piece of fabric, stockings or jewellery can completely change the feeling of an image without necessarily covering very much at all.

If you’re unsure what will photograph well, send me a few photographs of what you already have before your shoot. I’m very happy to help you choose.

What you wear can completely change the mood of a photograph, but preparing for a boudoir shoot certainly does not mean buying an entirely new wardrobe.

Lingerie is an obvious choice, but it is far from the only one. An oversized shirt, bodysuit, favourite dress, jacket, stockings, heels, jewellery or even something as simple as a white sheet can photograph beautifully. Often the least complicated choices produce some of the strongest photographs.

Bring some variety rather than trying to find the perfect outfit. Different textures, colours and styles give us more possibilities during the shoot, and we can decide together what works best once you are in the studio.

For nude, fine art nude or more intimate photography, wardrobe can still play a role. A shirt slipping from a shoulder, a piece of fabric, stockings, jewellery or carefully chosen accessories can completely change the feeling of an image without necessarily covering very much at all.

If you are unsure what will photograph well, send me a few photographs of what you already have before your shoot. I am very happy to help you choose.

You certainly don’t need to arrive carrying half your wardrobe. Around three to five outfit options is usually plenty, together with shoes, accessories and anything personal you would particularly like to include.

If you’re unsure whether something will work, bring it. We can decide together at the studio.

Bra and knicker sets
Bralettes or bodysuits
Stockings or hosiery
Corsets or bustiers
A sheer or silk robe
An oversized shirt or sweater
A favourite dress or fitted top
A jacket or something with texture
Something you would never normally dare to wear

Heels or boots
Jewellery
Hair accessories
Bridal veil or garter, if relevant
Personal or sentimental items
Any props we have discussed beforehand

Water and a light snack
Gown or robe
Slippers or flip flops
Hairbrush or comb
Lipstick or makeup for touch ups
Personal toiletries if required
Phone and charger

A SMALL TIP ABOUT FIT

Choose pieces that fit comfortably now rather than something you hope will fit on the day. Lingerie that fits well will almost always photograph better than something beautiful that you spend the entire shoot adjusting.

Black, white and red are classics for good reason, but don’t feel restricted to them. Emerald, burgundy, navy, blush and deeper tones can photograph beautifully too.

Most importantly, bring colours that suit you and that you actually enjoy wearing.

Elegant · Dramatic · Timeless

Bold · Sensual · Striking

Soft · Romantic · Understated

Feminine · Playful · Delicate

Rich · Sophisticated · Unexpected

Moody · Luxurious · Artistic

There is very little you need to do before your shoot, but a few simple things can make the day more comfortable.

Get a good night’s sleep if you can, eat something before you arrive and give yourself enough time so you’re not rushing through the studio door wondering where you left your other shoe.

Drink plenty of water
Avoid excessive alcohol
Get a good night’s sleep
Pack your outfits, shoes and accessories
Remove price tags and labels
Check that everything fits comfortably
Steam anything that creases easily

Moisturise as you normally would
Avoid trying new skincare treatments
Attend to shaving or waxing beforehand, if you wish
Keep nails neat and tidy
Avoid fake tan immediately before your shoot
Avoid picking or squeezing spots
Do not worry about small marks or blemishes

Hands, Feet & Nails
Keep fingernails and toenails clean and neatly groomed
Remove or refresh chipped nail polish
A manicure or pedicure is entirely optional
Please arrive with clean feet

Have something to eat
Drink some water
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Avoid tight socks, bras or underwear where possible
Avoid anything that may leave pressure marks on your skin
Allow yourself plenty of travelling time
Bring your gown or robe and slippers

If professional hair and makeup is included or booked, arrive with clean, dry hair unless advised otherwise, and a clean, moisturised face.

Before your shoot, have a think about the look you would like. You don’t need to know the technical terms. Soft and natural, classic and polished, smoky and sultry or something more dramatic is enough to give us a direction. If you have a reference image you love, bring it along.

The makeup artist can advise you on what will photograph beautifully and adapt the look to your features, outfits and the style of your shoot.

If hair and makeup isn’t included in your experience, arrive with both already done and ready for your shoot.

Bring any lipstick or makeup you may want for touch ups, together with any hair accessories you would like to use.

You don’t need perfect skin, perfect hair, a fresh manicure or an elaborate beauty routine before your shoot. Come as you are.

Small blemishes, bruises and temporary marks are part of being human and can be dealt with sensitively when your photographs are edited.

Don’t panic. Very few things are indispensable.

Bring yourself, bring some options, and if something has been forgotten, we’ll work with what we have. Some of the most memorable photographs come from keeping things simple.

There is no need to arrive knowing what to do. When you get to the studio, we’ll take a little time to settle in, look through what you have brought and talk about what we are going to create.

If professional hair and makeup is part of your experience, we’ll begin there. Otherwise, we’ll look through your wardrobe and plan the first set.

Nothing needs to be decided all at once. We build the shoot as we go.

Take a moment to get comfortable. There is no rush to walk through the door and immediately step in front of the camera.

We will go through what you have brought and choose the outfits, shoes and accessories that will work particularly well for the photographs we are creating.

If professional hair and makeup is included or booked, this becomes part of the experience rather than something you need to worry about beforehand.

We begin gently. I will guide you through posing, expression and movement from the first photograph onwards. You are never expected to know what to do.

Almost nobody arrives knowing exactly what to do in front of a camera, and you are certainly not expected to.

Throughout your shoot I will guide you through the posing, from where to place your hands to the smallest changes in posture, expression and movement. Sometimes an adjustment of only a few centimetres can completely change a photograph.

We start gently and build from there. As the session progresses, we can explore different outfits, lighting, sets and styles, always working at a pace that feels natural.

Whether we are creating classic boudoir, something soft and sensual, fine art nude or something more adventurous, you will never be left standing in front of the camera wondering what you are supposed to do next.

Every photoshoot is different, and how far we take it is entirely personal to you. Your photographs can be modest, sensual, intimate, artistic, adventurous or somewhere in between.

There is no expectation that you reveal a certain amount, wear something simply because you brought it or create a particular style of photograph.

If something doesn’t feel right, we change it. If you change your mind, we move on. Equally, if you become more comfortable during the shoot and would like to explore something different, we can discuss that too.

Your boundaries remain yours throughout the session.

About the Model Release

Your pre shoot questionnaire includes a section asking whether I may use selected photographs, sometimes referred to as a model release.

Please don’t be concerned when you see it. It is simply there so clients who are happy for me to share selected photographs can give me permission to do so.

Permission is entirely optional.

Your session is not a race through a predetermined list of poses. We work at a comfortable pace, changing outfits, lighting and sets and exploring ideas as the shoot develops.

Some photographs happen almost immediately. Others need a little more time while we refine the pose, expression or lighting. That is simply part of the process.

As the session progresses, most people become considerably more relaxed in front of the camera. What felt slightly unfamiliar during the first few photographs usually becomes surprisingly natural.

We work through the strongest options you have brought rather than trying to photograph everything in your bag. A new look doesn’t necessarily mean a completely new outfit either. Sometimes a small change in styling creates an entirely different photograph.

I would rather explore the strongest ideas properly than rush through everything simply to tick it off a list.

If we have more ideas than time, they are certainly not wasted. They can always become the starting point for another shoot.

Different studio sets, lighting, backgrounds and styling allow us to change the character of your photographs throughout the shoot.

The amount of time included in your experience naturally influences how many different looks we can explore. Longer sessions give us more opportunity to move between sets, change lighting and work with different outfits without rushing.

Sometimes, though, changing nothing more than the lighting can make the same space look completely different.

If you need a few minutes, some water, a snack or simply a breather, tell me.

Longer sessions can be surprisingly physical, and there is absolutely no prize for pretending you don’t need a break. The creative flow will still be there when we come back to it.

If an idea occurs to you during the shoot, tell me.

Some of the most interesting photographs happen when we try something neither of us planned beforehand. I also tend to work with the flow of a shoot. An expression, an outfit, the light or simply the way you move can suggest an idea worth exploring.

Quite often, that spontaneity is where something very personal begins to emerge.

The photoshoot may be finished, but the process of creating your final photographs is not.

Before you leave the studio, we’ll sit down together and choose the photographs you would like me to edit. This is also the first time you see everything we created during your shoot.

The photographs are shown unedited on a large screen, and I will guide you through a simple selection process until we have your final favourites.

Once we finish photographing, you can get changed while I download the photographs and carry out an initial technical cull. I remove lighting tests, misfires, unnecessary duplicates and anything obviously out of focus.

The remaining photographs are then shown to you, unedited, on a large screen in the studio.

We use a simple star rating system. On your first look through, you give one star to anything that catches your eye. We then look at those photographs again, gradually becoming more selective until we reach the number included in your experience.

At first I deliberately try not to influence you too much. They are your photographs, and the image you immediately love may not necessarily be the one I would choose as a photographer.

As the selection gets tighter, I become much more involved. I can help compare similar photographs, expressions, posing and composition so that your final collection has plenty of variety.

Quite a few clients have told me that choosing their photographs is the most difficult part of the entire shoot. Apparently being photographed was the easy bit. Who knew?

Sometimes we reach the number of photographs included in your experience and there are still more sitting on the screen that you really don’t want to leave behind.

That’s perfectly fine.

You can purchase additional professionally edited photographs over and above those included in your experience. You may also have the option of purchasing the complete collection of usable unedited photographs from your shoot as JPEG files. RAW files are never supplied.

There is absolutely no pressure to purchase anything beyond what is already included. The option is simply there if narrowing everything down proves considerably harder than expected.

And judging by previous experience, that isn’t an entirely unusual problem to have.

Once you have chosen your final photographs, the editing begins.

Every photograph selected as part of your experience is individually edited by me. This isn’t a filter dropped over the entire shoot or an automated process. I work through each image individually, considering the lighting, colour, contrast, skin tones and overall mood.

My approach to retouching is quite simple: I want you to look like you on a very good day, not somebody who happens to vaguely resemble you.

That same approach to lighting, posing and natural retouching runs through my wider work at Peter Driessel Photography.

Temporary blemishes, small bruises, scratches, clothing marks and other distractions can normally be removed or softened. Skin is refined where appropriate while retaining natural texture. Skin should still look like skin.

Scars, stretch marks, freckles, moles and other permanent features are different. I don’t automatically assume you want them removed.

If there is something you’re particularly conscious of, tell me. Equally, if there is something about yourself you absolutely do not want changed, tell me that too.

A beautifully finished photograph begins long before Photoshop.

Posing, camera angle, lens choice, lighting and wardrobe can make an enormous difference to how the body photographs. That is why I concentrate on getting those things right during the shoot rather than relying on editing afterwards.

I don’t routinely reshape bodies into something they are not.

There may occasionally be small refinements where clothing has pulled awkwardly or a pose has created an unnatural line, but the intention is always to create a beautifully finished photograph of you.

Not an imaginary version assembled afterwards on a computer.

Everybody sees themselves differently.

Something I barely notice may be the first thing your eye goes to in every photograph. If there is something you’re concerned about, tell me rather than spending the entire shoot quietly wondering whether I have noticed it.

Chances are I have, and I’m already thinking about lighting, posing and camera angles accordingly.

The more I understand about what you love, what you’re less comfortable with and how you would like to be photographed, the better I can tailor the experience to you.

Editing can do extraordinary things, but that doesn’t mean it should.

I’m not interested in removing every line, every curve, every pore and every characteristic that makes you look human. Nor do I want to create photographs where you look twenty years younger, three dress sizes smaller and suspiciously like somebody generated by a computer.

The purpose of retouching is to refine what we created in camera.

Beautiful lighting. Careful posing. Natural skin. Thoughtful colour. Attention to detail.

The finished photograph should still feel unmistakably yours.

Your photographs are individually edited, so delivery is not immediate.

Most collections are completed within 14 to 21 working days. During particularly busy periods, I will let you know if I expect your collection to take a little longer.

I would rather take the time required to finish your photographs properly than rush them simply to get them out of the door.

Once your photographs have been individually edited and your collection is complete, your finished high resolution JPEG files are delivered privately via WeTransfer.

Your photographs are supplied in colour as standard. If there are particular images you would also love in black and white, these can be requested separately.

Most collections are completed within 14 to 21 working days. If you need your photographs sooner for an anniversary, birthday, wedding or another special occasion, rush editing may be available by prior arrangement.

The high resolution JPEG files you receive are yours to keep, share privately and use for personal prints.

I recommend downloading them as soon as you receive your WeTransfer link and keeping at least one additional backup somewhere safe. WeTransfer is used for delivery rather than permanent storage.

Your privacy continues after delivery. Receiving your photographs does not give me permission to publish or share them.

Sometimes a photograph you didn’t select initially is the one you find yourself thinking about afterwards.

If the original photograph is still available in my archive, you are welcome to come back and order it. I can prepare it to the same finished standard as the rest of your collection.

Your collection is delivered in colour as standard, but some photographs take on an entirely different character in black and white.

If there are particular images you would love to see in monochrome, black and white versions can be requested separately.

Digital photographs are only one way to enjoy what we create.

If there is an image you particularly love, you can also order finished artwork, including photographic prints, framed pieces, wall art and albums.

There is no need to decide before your photoshoot. Quite often it makes considerably more sense once you have seen the finished photographs and know which image deserves something more permanent.

By now you should have a good idea of what to expect, but you certainly don’t need to have everything worked out before getting in touch.

You may know exactly what you would like to create, or you may simply know that you would like to do a photoshoot and need some help deciding where to begin. Either is perfectly fine.

We can talk through the photography that appeals to you, how subtle or daring you would like the shoot to be, and which experience would suit you.

You do not need to arrive with a plan. That is something we can create together.

Private Johannesburg studio · Guided throughout · Your photographs are only shared with your permission