Picture perfect timing: When to book your boudoir photoshoot so everything goes off without a hitch
When timing your boudoir photoshoot it’s important to take into account your event date (or the date you want to present your images/ album as a gift), your boudoir session date, photo reveal session date, album and image printing, time of year/ seasonal availability and photoshoot prep.
To help with picture perfect timing, I’ve created a reference guide for when you should reach out to your boudoir photographer, based on your event or occasion.
| Event | When to contact your boudoir photographer |
|---|---|
| Weddings and Engagement | 6-9 months beforehand |
| Special events and Birthdays | 4-5 months beforehand |
| Valentines Day | November the year before |
| Christmas-themed photoshoots | May or June (July at the very latest) the year of |
| Anniversaries | 4-5 months |
| Maternity Boudoir | Trimester 1 or your pregnancy to secure a 28-34 week photoshoot |
| Springtime/Floral photoshoots | May or June the year of |
💋 Read On, Darling: Why book a wedding boudoir shoot? To gift your boudoir bridal photos, my darling
Common boudoir photoshoot delays and mistiming
While your boudoir experience itself is always an unhurried and embodied experience – there’s plenty happening behind the scenes to ensure you receive your final album and images perfectly on time.
Life happens (and so does period bloating)
Between children, pets and getting your period a week early, it’s not uncommon for women to reschedule their photoshoot date once (and while we try to avoid it, sometimes even twice!). Depending on the season and other photoshoots I have booked, this can add an extra 3-4 weeks to our original timeline, so reaching out 6 months prior to your event/ occasion offers peace of mind.
Photo editing and printing
I encourage women to book their photo reveal session shortly after your experience so that I can begin editing and finessing your album and images. However, even if all goes to plan, I always allow 5-6 weeks for album printing and delivery.
I rely on a local, Australian printer who has specialised in high quality artistic albums for over 70 years. This kind of archival quality print ensures you receive photos that last forever (and look gorgeous while doing it!) – but being a small, local team means there’s no corner-cutting or rush jobs. Quality takes time and while always worth it, it means I add a buffer to timelines that include album printing.
Boudoir booking and timing FAQs
How far in advance should I book a boudoir photoshoot session?
For weddings and engagement, reach out to book your boudoir photoshoot 6-9 months in advance. For birthdays, special occasions and anniversaries, reach out to book your boudoir photoshoot 4-5 months in advance. For Valentine's Day, reach out to book your boudoir photoshoot by November the year before (at the latest). For Christmas-themed boudoir photoshoots, reach out to your photographer in May or June the year of. For maternity boudoir, reach out to your photographer during your first trimester, with the view of booking a photoshoot between 28-34 weeks pregnant. Finally, for springtime and floral photoshoots, reach out to your boudoir photographer by May or June the year of.
💋 Read On, Darling: What really goes into boudoir photography cost?
How to book a professional boudoir photographer near me with flexible timing?
As a boudoir photographer working in Maitland and the Hunter Valley, NSW, I offer flexible timing where I can. Life happens and I’ll always try and accommodate your booking, even if it’s inside the 4-6 month mark. To explore my after-hours, weekend and last-minute professional boudoir photography, please reach out and I’ll respond within 24 hours.
When should I schedule hair and makeup artists for my boudoir shoot?
If you book The Full Boudoir Suite Experience, hair and makeup artistry is included in your boudoir package – this means I will take care of scheduling and timing to ensure your experience is seamless, easy and oh-so flawless. However, if you’d like to organise your own hair and makeup artist for your boudoir shoot, I recommend reaching out 2-3 months prior to your photoshoot date (and even longer during wedding season).
Ready to schedule your boudoir photoshoot with Maru Collective? 📸
I’m Marie-Ann, a Maitland-based boudoir photographer curating empowering, women-centric experiences. From beach boudoir and sensual boudoir photoshoots through to intimate couples sessions, I promise an uplifting and fun-as-heck experience – whatever stage of life you’re at.