FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where are you located?

Simply Boudoir's main base is in a home studio in Dovercourt, Essex. However, we also shoot in London, and are available to travel in Europe.

What's your photography style like?

Simply Boudoir is timeless, intimate and tasteful, combining modern boudoir with beauty portraiture. Stylistically, we offer both light and dark boudoir, which explores different moods and energies in our sessions.

Who will photograph my sessions?

All sessions are exclusively hosted and photographed by Simply Boudoir founder, Tracey Hill. We operate on a closed set; nobody else is present unless you wish to bring someone. They will be able to join you for hair and make-up, though we politely ask that, if you arrive with a guest, they are not present during the shoot itself as this can spoil the connection between you and Tracey, something which is vital in order to achieve the best images.

Is anyone else there on the day of my session?

We only offer one session a day, meaning that our client gets our full focus from the moment she steps into the Simply Boudoir studio. We have an incredible all-female team, each of whom have had boudoir sessions before and know exactly what it's like. For sessions booked with hair and make-up, one of our make-up artists will be on set to get you ready for your shoot, and for those without, our photographer Tracey will be the only one at the studio on the day of your session.

How much does a Boudoir session cost?

We offer a wide range of packages to suit different budgets, with Simply Boudoir sessions starting from £300.

Do you offer Payment Plans?

We offer flexible payment plans that allow clients to pay for their session and additional products in monthly instalments. Three and six month options are available, with a minimum monthly payments of £50, to be paid via standing order.

Once a payment plan has been agreed, clients can only upgrade their session package or add additional products to their order. Sessions paid for via payment plans cannot take place until after the balance has been paid in full.

All payments are non-transferable and non-refundable; if a client ceases to make payments according to the agreed payment schedule at any time, all monies paid until that point will not be refunded and the client will not receive any products.

I feel so nervous and completely out of my comfort zone. Any words of advice?

There isn't a single woman who has walked through Simply Boudoir's doors that hasn't felt nervous – it's completely normal! Tracey will steer you through everything from beginning to end, helping you with poses and relaxing you throughout your session – her guidance will make it a fun and empowering experience that you will absolutely love!

Do you offer hair styling and make-up?

Yes, we have a wonderful group of friendly make-up artists who provide hair and make-up before your shoot. It's common practice for all make-up artists who work with us to have their own session too – this way they have a good understanding of how you may be feeling before your session, and can offer words of advice from their own experiences.

What if I’m not happy with my figure?

Probably our most frequently asked question of all! Body hang-ups are so common amongst us, especially as women with the pressures we face from magazines and social media. We all look different and that's what makes us unique – and it's our uniqueness that should be celebrated! We at Simply Boudoir are strong advocates for women being proud of the skin they're in.

With over a decade of working with women under her belt, Tracey's experience and expertise will leave you looking – and more importantly, feeling – amazing.

If my Boudoir session images are a gift, how long do I need to book in advance?

If you're looking to give images from your session as a gift, we usually recommend allowing at least four to six weeks to be on the safe side. That being said, the odd cancellation may offer a swifter time frame, so it's always worth asking.

Do you shoot curvy women?

At Simply Boudoir, we champion body diversity and stress the importance of self love. It doesn't matter what size label is in the back of your dress, or how many candles you blew out on your last birthday – you are worthy of feeling beautiful and embracing your body. So to answer the question: absolutely! All ages, all shapes, all sizes, all bodies .

How will I know how to pose?

Tracey will be working with you throughout your session and showing you the poses that will work specifically for you and your body. Some poses that may work for one person, but won't for another, but leave that to Tracey and her expert knowledge!

Will my images be displayed on your website?

Simply Boudoir operates a strict privacy policy that protects our clients. If you wish for your images to remain private, only you will have access to them. Images will only be displayed with consent from the client.

Are the women on your website models?

No! Each of the women pictured across our website or social media accounts are clients and non-models; most of whom have never had a shoot before.

Do I have to be nude?

Absolutely not. Your session is entirely driven by you and what you feel comfortable with. If you decide that you would like nude shots (which can be discussed in your initial consultation), they will remain tasteful.

Can I use fake tan?

Our preference is that you don't, to avoid that horrid orange look that some tans can give. When it comes to post production, it's very hard to edit images with unsightly patches on ankles and elbows! If you insist on using fake tan, we suggest you opt for a brown-based tan, and apply it in good time prior to your session (at least a few days is recommended), in addition to exfoliating very well. We are not responsible for editing uneven tan.

What will I gain from having a Boudoir session?

Lots of women are nervous when we hold our initial consultation, yet they're the same women who are heard afterwards saying, "That is one of the best things I have ever done!"

Some of our clients have Boudoir sessions for the partner in their lives, other clients have them purely for themselves. As women we are so hard on ourselves; the self confidence and self-esteem that can be gained from a boudoir shoot is incredible.

One of our favourite parts of the Simply Boudoir experience is post-session, when clients have viewed their images and they realise that, actually, yes, I can feel sexy again! There's nothing better than giving women that boost, and offering them something that they can look back on with pride in years to come.

Do you retouch the images?

This is something that is entirely down to the preference of a client. As standard, images are retouched; spots and blemishes are removed, unless stated otherwise. Your body is not manipulated in any way in post-production, although on the occasion that a client's body is edited, it is only to make it flow better within the image itself. You will never look at your final images and not see yourself, just a glamorous, sexy version – even if that's someone you might not have seen in a while! The integrity of our clients – and the celebration of their body as it is – is paramount for us.

I have spots and cellulite – will they show in my images?

First things first: spots and cellulite are both completely normal and everybody has them! That being said, we understand if you may prefer to remove them from your images, so as standard, we remove spots and cellulite, unless requested otherwise (be sure to read our answer regarding retouching above). We also use skin-smoothing and colour correction in post-production.

What should I bring to my session?

First and foremost, bring what works for you. We usually suggest around four outfits for a full shoot. The home studio also hosts an impressive lingerie closet, if you wish to borrow any pieces. Upon booking your session, you will gain access to our Client Portal, which features useful resources to help you prepare.

What are your COVID-19 protocols?

In order to keep both our clients and team safe, we follow the government guidelines with regards to Coronavirus. As a team we are extremely stringent on adhering to the regulations and advice in place. As of July 19th 2021, all clients will have their temperature taken upon arrival, and a lateral flow test prior to your session is required. Our hair and make-up artists wear a mask for the duration of their time with clients; our photographer, Tracey, does not wear a mask whilst shooting, but takes regular lateral flow tests before sessions to ensure maximum client safety. Antibacterial gel is also widely available throughout the session.