How Much Should I Expect to Spend on Boudoir Photos?

Deciphering the cost of a boudoir photo shoot can feel like unraveling a mystery. Most boudoir photographers refrain from displaying their complete pricing online, opting instead to share a starting price to encourage potential clients to reach out.

Now, let’s address the burning question.

What’s the Average Cost of a Boudoir Photo Shoot?

Let’s start with the session fee which typically ranges between $200 and $500. The session fee primarily covers the session itself—the time spent capturing images. However, this figure typically excludes additional elements like albums, wall art, or digital files. Stick with me as I unravel the intricacies of boudoir photographers’ pricing, helping you crack the code.

What is a Session Fee?

Most boudoir photographers usually impose a “session fee” or “sitting fee,” specifically for the photo shoot itself, lasting one to two hours on average. Essentially, the session fee covers the cost of having boudoir photos taken. Some photographers include professional hair and makeup, some do not.

Different Boudoir Pricing Structures

Boudoir photographers generally fall into one of three categories when it comes to structuring their pricing: offering a separate session fee and additional collections, presenting an all-inclusive package with everything bundled, or requiring an initial buy-in fee followed by à la carte pricing.

The most popular option involves an upfront session fee (typically between $200 and $500) acting as a non-refundable retainer, coupled with the choice of three collections (sometimes four). Each collection includes specific products, such as a small album with a limited number of images/pages. As the collection size increases, so does the price, but it often represents a better overall value since the higher collections often include digitals and/or wall art. While the cost is higher, you receive more value for your money.

Another common pricing model is the all-inclusive offering, where the photographer presents several packages, each with a single inclusive price. Instead of a separate session fee, a retainer fee is charged upfront, deducted from the chosen collections’s total.

The least popular model is the à la carte system, where no collections are offered. You pay a buy-in fee upfront, and when you’re ready to purchase, you choose individual products. However, this model may be challenging for clients unfamiliar with various products and sizes unless the photographer provides physical samples for you to see and touch. For those considering the à la carte system, it’s important to note that there is usually a minimum spending requirement, payable upfront.

It’s not a matter of one method being better than the other; each has its merits. However, in general, you’re more likely to encounter boudoir photographers who offer session fee/collections or all-inclusive packages rather than those who operate on an à la carte basis.

Price Ranges of Boudoir Photographers

Boudoir photographers typically operate within three price ranges: low-end, mid-level, and high-end, solely in terms of pricing and not indicative of quality.

In the low-end category, the cost ranges from $500 to $2000, mid-level falls between $2000 and $4500, and high-end spans from $4500 to $8000+. Yes – there are clients who will spend $10k on boudoir pictures.

If the photographer doesn’t display their packages on their website, which is common, you’ll need to reach out to them for details. They may provide a PDF, a web address to their private pricing page, or other means to disclose their pricing structure. This allows you to determine the total cost of your boudoir experience by adding the package price to the session fee.

Can You Afford a Shoot?

Research local photographers whose work resonates with you. Determine the cost for a shoot and any additional products you may want.

If the preferred photographer’s rates are beyond your budget but you are determined to work with them, ask if they offer payment plans.

In the end, this is an investment in YOU. Women tend to put themselves last on the list. Maybe it’s time to put yourself first. I would say you can’t afford to NOT have a shoot. For my clients, they day of their shoot is the day everything changes.