The Naturally You Boudoir session is refreshing to shoot because it allows women who just don’t identify with a full glam look to have a boudoir experience more tailored to their own personal styling and comfort level. Makeup and hair styling can be a lot of fun and for some women that’s how they feel sexiest but for those who align more closely with a natural look we offer this session type. No makeup, no fuss, just you, in your natural gorgeousness.

Tell us about you! 

Q: What was your motivation for doing a boudoir session?  
I’ve been plus sized my whole life. And as I crept closer to 40, it began to catch up with me; the beginnings of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It was time to do something about it. In June 2018 I underwent weight loss surgery. Over the course of the next 12 months, my body changed drastically. It’s a HUGE life change. Trying to relearn what and how to eat. Hormone releases from the fat loss. Saggy excess skin. Your body is foreign and strange and hard to love. I became depressed and generally unsure if I had made the right decision in having surgery (very common feelings after surgery). To get out of my funk, I promised myself that at my 100lb loss mark I would do something way out of my comfort zone and/or felt my obesity kept me from experiencing in the past. I narrowed my choices down to skydiving or boudoir session. Ginger won 😉 My shoot was almost exactly one year to the date from surgery and I was down over 100lbs since surgery, more than 135lbs from my heaviest. 

“Do. It. Run, don’t walk straight to that studio and work it, mama!”

Q:  What were you most nervous about before the session? 
I really wasn’t that nervous. Between all of Ginger’s emails and phone calls before the shoot, I felt prepared, at ease, and knew basically what to expect. Being semi-nude (and at times mostly nude!) around her didn’t feel awkward at all. She’s a professional and never once did I worry about what she was seeing. She knew my reservations about my excess skin from my weight loss and she provided suggestions on poses to help minimize it and even tucked my Bingo Wings in from time to time! 
I was a little nervous about choosing to do the Naturally You Boudoir session, where you’re not all professionally glammed up. I had to do my own hair and makeup. I think I probably wore more makeup than Ginger was expecting/desired for the shoot, but it was MY natural state. I’m one of those people who ALWAYS has some makeup on. Even when I sleep. Even after 16 hours on my feet at the hospital, makeup is always on point. So I’m far from bare faced, but what you see is my every day look. Nothing more, nothing less. 

Q: What helped to calm your nerves before we started? 
The minute you walk in and see her clean, shiny, private, professional space (and not some shady rented hotel room, etc) you are already relaxing. She locks the door so no one is going to walk in on you. But the biggest calming factor…Ginger!  She instantly radiates calm and confident vibes that just put you at ease. Laughing, joking, curse words! Just what I needed to break the ice! 

Q: What would you say to another woman who is considering doing a session? 
Do. It. Run, don’t walk straight to that studio and work it, mama! I am so very glad I chose this and not skydiving! 

Q: How did you feel when you left the studio the day of your session?
Like a vixen! I was floating as I left. She shows you the rough images right there and they were a million times better than I could have ever imagined. They made me feel confident, empowered, feminine, sexy. 

Q: What is the best thing you’ve taken away from working with Ginger? 
She helped me to learn to love myself again. No matter my weight, age, piercing, tattoos, scars, saggy skin, etc. I love them all and the stories my body tells.

Last are questions about the studio. 

Q: Why did you select Ginger at Richmond Boudoir to be your photographer?
I’ve always loved pin up style lingerie /photography. One of my coworkers did a pinup shoot with Ginger probably 10+ years ago, so I have followed 422 Studio and Ginger’s work since then. She did this same co-worker’s maternity shot, family photos with the birth of all her children. All of the photos were beautiful. And anyone that has ever worked with Ginger had nothing but rave reviews. 

Q: What did we do with/for you that was most helpful?
The emails and suggestions on how to prepare for the shoot were most helpful. From where to shop, to waxing/shaving, tanning, teeth whitening, etc she covers it all

Q: What could we have done better?
I am a firm believer in constructive criticism. “If you don’t tell me its broken, I can’t fix it” so I will be brutally honest to help someone improve. That being said, I truly, truly have NO suggestions on improvements. The whole process was pleasant, professional, fun! 

Outfits, everyone always wants to know this info. 

Q: Where were each of your outfits from? 
Green high neck lace gown $17 on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074PN8LTH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0CZNDbVBB3ED3
Zip up Lace Chemise $40 La Senzahttps://www.lasenza.com/us/us/pd/lace-chemise-11146457s.html
Black bodysuit with roses…$9! from Shein (one of those Chinese clothing sites from Facebook) https://m.shein.com/us/Criss-Cross-Scalloped-Trim-Appliques-Teddy-Bodysuit-p-603855-cat-1862.html
Q:Which one was your favorite and why? 
I feel like the green high neck, long gown was made for my body! I hugged my curves perfectly and I love the peek-a-boo of the lace. And that neckline was different. To be honest, I wasn’t in love with the green, but I wanted something that wasn’t black like my other outfits. And I’m not bold enough for red. But the moment I put it on, I fell for it.  

Ready to book your own Naturally You Boudoir session? Or Glam! We’ve got you covered either way. Email me today!

Tried and True photography for women. This is an unspoken goal with each boudoir session I do. When you are told you’re “tried and true” that’s a huge compliment. After 12+ years of serving Richmond, VA women I’m honored that my clients feel this way. This year I have had the pleasure of photographing several of my kickass clients for a second, or third, time. I LOVE when clients come back for more. We get to have all the fun without all the nerves. Miss A was coming back for session number 2 and this time I get to share!!! I’ll let her do the talking though since she was willing to answer a handful of questions for y’all.

First up! Outfits, everyone always wants to know this info. 

Q: Where were each of your outfits from? The pieces I brought like the feather cape, long lace robe, etc were actually from the Wish App & I had some surprisingly good luck with some fun things. All the panties were from Victoria’s Secret. I loved the strappy ones. Not functional,  but cute. The fresh water pearls came from a local jeweler named Sandy Miller.

Q:Which one was your favorite and why? The black iridescent rooster feather cape 100% at first I felt silly in it but the pictures came out great. 

Next is all about you! 

Q: What was your motivation for doing a boudoir session?  We all age, fact of life, I plan on doing these periodically till I’m old and gray to remember  these days. 
Q:  What were you most nervous about before the session? I was concerned about not knowing how to pose, stand etc but Ginger basically takes charge and guides you 100% of the way so there’s really nothing to worry about at all. It’s fun, and the pictures come out amazing. 

Q: What helped to calm your nerves before we started? This time I wasn’t  so worried & was very excited.  The first one I was afraid that because my body isn’t perfect I was going to hate them but I loved them.
Q: What would you say to another woman who is considering doing a session? DO IT NOW!  It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself I thing & i always feel GREAT for days afterwards. 

Q: How did you feel when you left the studio the day of your session? So amazing,  after both my sessions i was so excited about how my hair and makeup turned out i went out with girlfriends afterwards. 
Q: What is the best thing you’ve taken away from working with Ginger? It was the first time I’ve LOVED photos of myself so I’ve taken away kind of an evangelism for her work and I ALWAYS tell my guy friends “can’t decide on a gift? Buy this for your wife/girlfriend/etc” it’s a blast and my man loved the end results. 

Last are questions about the studio. 

Q: Why did you select Ginger at Richmond Boudoir to be your photographer?  Tried and true, from examining others in the area I think she’s probably one of the best and most experienced.  I also wanted my photographer to be a woman & it made me much more comfortable. 

Q: What did we do with/for you that was most helpful? Moving me around to get the best shots in the end. Some poses felt ultra awkward and weird but the results were incredible. Extra wardrobe choices at the studio were a bonus too.
Q: What could we have done better? Nothing on the studio end. I wish I would have had a clear schedule.  I would suggest taking the day off to yourself so you can relax and enjoy the whole session and have fun.🖤🖤🖤

Are you ready to have your own tried and true photography for women, experience? Reach out to me today. Richmond Boudoir is located in Richmond VA.

I look forward to chatting with you,

Ginger

Holiday boudoir mini sessions are now open for booking! November 15th is the date
BOOKING ENDS NOVEMBER 6.

This is the only mini session date that will be held this fall. There are limited spaces in these sessions so check your calendar and then email me to request a product guide and to reserve your space. ginger@422studio.com

What’s included?

$199 Session Fee

• 30 minute mini session in our holiday set
• Time for 1 outfit
• Makeup styling included
• Images sold separately
• $100 product credit
  Reserve your spot today
  ginger@422studio.com

FAQ:

Q: Will you be doing another sale before Christmas?
A: NO! This mini sessions is it. So grab your spot!!

Q: Is makeup and hair included?
A:Makeup is! Arrive with your hair styled how you’d like to wear it.

Q: Do you supply my outfit?
A. Not for mini sessions. No time to launder between clients = no one wants that. We will do a style consultation prior to the session to give you ideas of what to wear.

Q: I wasn’t planning for this but it’s such a good deal. Do you do payment plans?
A: Always! I offer interest free payments on product orders over $800 after your session. Email me and let’s chat.

Q: Will anyone else be present during my session?
A: Kind of. While you’re being photographed someone else will be in the makeup room with the lovely Emily Steele glamming you up! The rooms are separated but it is very likely you will see other ladies in the studio during the mini dates.

Q: What’s a product credit?
A: Think of it as credit to spend in my “store”. Products like digital files and albums are not included in the session fee. The $100 credit gets applied to those for you so you have some “free money” to put toward your image order at your image reveal. (disclaimer- $100 credit can not be redeemed for cash)

Q: Sign me up!! How do I book?
A: That’s easy! Email me at ginger@422studio.com and I’ll send you the product guide and we’ll set up a call time so I can answer your questions and collect your session fee ($199) and get your time all locked in.

No I’m not suggesting we do a boudoir session at the DMV while you renew your licence. Though honestly that’s what I think of when I see the DMV abbreviation. What it actually means is that I work with wonderful women throughout Virginia, Maryland and DC too. Today’s blog features Miss K, one of my lovely DMV boudoir session clients.

Miss K made the trek down to see me from Maryland. I love when people travel to me because they want to work with me specifically. It’s not like there are no other DMV boudoir photographers out there. When someone travels for your work it’s a real honor to work with them. I got to spend the day learning about her life and her journey to where she is today.

I have to admit I love how a leather jacket can change up a lingerie look. This one was perfect with the body stocking she brought. I really felt like it hit the style mark for her badass self.

Miss K has been through a rough few years physically. Even having to learn to walk again! She has managed to find a way to loving her self through it all. She could have easily turned and hated her body for “all it was doing TO her” but rather she chose to love and nurture her body in it’s time of need. I love seeing her Friday selfies in my Facebook group where she is hitting the gym and improving her strength. Getting the rest she needs when she needs it and being kind to herself. Her self care game is strong. I don’t know how you weather so many physical trials if it’s not. Learning about her journey has been inspirational for sure. I’m so glad I had the chance to work with her.

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If you’re ready to get more information about doing your own boudoir session simply fill out my contact form here and we’ll get up a time to chat.

Not quite ready for a session obut want to join my group of kickass ladies who are supporting each other on our journey to self love? Head over to Facebook and request to join the VIP group.

Last Summer Mini-Session! The Shower Set!

Oh hello ladies! Summer is in full force and we’re celebrating all this hotness by cooling off with our last summer mini-session, the shower set.

I’m done with all the goofy heat references so let’s get serious. The shower set is one of the hottest, most intimate, sets in the studio. This is my last mini-session of the summer! Therefore, I’m inviting you to take a test run of a boudoir session via this set. Mini-sessions are a fantastic way to dip your toes into the boudoir photography session experience. A sweetened condensed version of a full boudoir session if you will. They are also a good way for clients who’ve done a session to come back in and experience a set they have shot in or update their existing images with another look. Whether you’re a returning client or a new face to the studio you will have a unique experience in our shower set.

Last Summer Mini-Session

As with past mini sessions your complete glam makeup styling is included. The lovely Miss Emily Steele will be on tap for makeup. Click here to see her work. You’ll also receive a custom mobile app of your purchased images. We’ll do all of the pre-session prep and planning that you get with a full session too. I don’t leave you hanging out there wondering what to bring or do. I’m open to answer any questions you have throughout this process.

$199 Session Fee

August 29th ONLY!!

FAQ:

Q: Is makeup and hair styling included?
A: Makeup styling is!! Arrive with your hair styled in your favorite style for this set. It may get a little wet!

Q. How many pictures are included in the session fee?
A. None! All images, digital files, prints etc are sold separately. Request a product guide PRIOR to booking. Products start at $525.

Q. What is the mobile app that’s included?
A. The mobile app is a custom image gallery app packed with the images you purchase at your image reveal. Whether you purchase 5 or 50 they’ll be in your app. It stores the images on your phone, separate from your camera roll, and is shareable. The app is normally only available in our complete collections.

Q: I wasn’t planning for this but it’s such a good deal. Do you do payment plans?
A: Always! I offer interest free payment plans on product orders over $800. Ask me for details when we talk.

Q: How many outfits will I have time for?
A: Mini-sessions give you time for 1 outfit.

Q: Do you supply my outfit?
A. Not for mini-sessions. No time to launder between clients = no one wants that. We will do a style consultation prior to the session to give you ideas of what to wear.

Q: Will anyone else be present during my session?
A: Yes! I will have Miss Emily Steele on makeup. Other ladies being photographed will come and go during your session.

Q: Can I do this with my partner? Is there a different date for couples to come do this?
A: Yes you can! Couples can book this special mini-session rate for August 28th.

Q: Sign me up!! How do I book?
A: That’s easy! Email me ginger@422studio.com, or fill out my contact form. Put Shower Mini-Session in the subject. I’ll send you the product guide. Then we’ll set up a call time so I can answer your questions and collect your session fee ($199+ tax) and get your time all locked in.

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What do we call my style of photography? Do we call it glamour? Is it in fact boudoir? Perhaps women’s portraiture? Well, these names are all perfectly good ways to find me. I have been creating some form of women’s portraiture in Richmond for over a decade now and I’ve heard each of these and more. In my opinion as long as it helps you find me I’m glad you used it. With the recent crack down on certain words on social media boudoir photographers are having to get more creative in how we describe what we do. And saying I help women see how gorgeous they are doesn’t fully express it.

Now for a visual example of what I do. The lovely Miss B here came in for her session earlier this year. Here I am slowly catching up on the beautiful sessions I have on my to blog list. I’ve got many more in store for you and I hope you see samples of what you’d like to do with your boudoir photo session too.

This necklace is a Vesper massager! LOVE IT! It added a totally unique and very personal touch to her styling.

Intimate connections are important to me.

Being able to intimately connect with your sensuality and femininity in a safe space is hugely important to me. I understand that a boudoir experience is deeply personal and unique to each clients needs and wishes. As a result offering women’s portraiture in Richmond has been such a positive experience for me as a photographer too. I get to be on this journey with each of these women as they take a big step (no baby steps in boudoir 😉 ) toward being more accepting of and loving toward themselves. It’s the most fulfilling work I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing.

Curious about how a photo session with me would work for you? Then Email me today and let’s get chatting. You can also join my Facebook VIP group and talk directly with other women who’ve done a session with me. It’s certainly nice to hear about other women’s experiences before you come in too.

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Richmond boudoir, 422 Studio, offers intimate portrait photography for women in Virginia. My clients come to my studio in Richmond from all over this great state from DC, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Norfolk and beyond.