"I've never done anything like this before!" What to expect. . .
Where are you located?
We are located in our new facility, Gallery Thirty5, 1752 W. 35th St. in the Bridgeport/McKinnley Park area of Chicago, IL. (Near White Sox Park)
How do I make an appointment or ask questions?
Scheduling can be done conveniently here on our website by clicking Schedule Now. Our operators are available Monday through Friday, 10:30 am until 4:30 pm for scheduling, or to ask questions that aren't answered here.
Unless your package is purchased in advance, you must make a non-refundable deposit of $100 toward your desired package when scheduling.
If for any reason you are unable to make your appointment, we require a 72 hour notice of cancellation or request to reschedule to avoid a $50 reschedule fee. Your package is forfeited if less than a 24 hour notice is given. You will be declared a no show if your arrival is more than 30 minutes after your scheduled appointment.
I have a 30 minute photo session, so I should be in and out in about an hour!
WRONG! Whether you purchase a 30 minute or one hour shoot, plan to be with us for AT LEAST 4 HOURS. We include a shopping credit and makeover in every package, along with same day image editing, viewing, selection and printing. So in addition to the photo shoot itself, we've got a lot of ground to cover. To avoid an excessive waiting time, we ask that you adhere to your arrival time. With multiple clients scheduled on any given day, an early arrival will mean that you may be asked to sit and wait until your scheduled time before we can get started. And skipping any part of the process will result in longer wait times because you can move no faster than the client ahead of you.
Here is an estimated timeline for any appointment with us. A full day of clients may increase these times slightly:
30 min - 45 min: wardrobe
30 min - 45 min: makeup
1.5 hour - 2 hours: photo shoot and editing
30 min - 1 hour: photo viewing and selection
I purchased a package, but I want more than what's included. Can I buy more photos?
Absolutely! You can purchase anything you like above and beyond your package inclusions. Just refer to our "Investment" tab for all of our current photo products offered and pricing. Unless you are a VIP Member with a 10% discount, your purchase will be at the published rates under the Investment tab. Click here for VIP Membership details.
Can I bring a friend to hold my hand?
YES! We want you to feel as comfortable as possible. If bringing a FEMALE friend will help to ease the jitters, by all means bring them along! However, we ask that you limit your guests to ONE. And if your guest is a guy, we only allow them to accompany you if there are no other clients present in the studio.
Do I have to purchase the lingerie in the boutique?
No, you are allowed to bring in outside outfits. However, if you don't use your lingerie credit that comes with ALL of our packages, they are non-transferrable and you will simply lose the credit. So our suggestion is, at the very least, select something to take home to get the full benefit of your package. And ladies, we all know a large part of the fun of the entire experience is the shopping!
On another note, although we find it shocking, some clients assume the boutique contains lingerie for loan! Yikes and ewww! We take great strides to make sure that all items are from the latest collections and are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Therefore, if you wear an item during your photoshoot, you will be charged for the item, minus any applicable lingerie shopping credit at checkout. There are no refunds on lingerie, and can only be exchanged within 7 days if unworn once purchased.
Can I come back later to purchase more images?
Generally, we retain your image files for approximately 2 weeks after selections before they are purged. If for any reason you are unable to pay the full amount for additional items, we offer flexible payment plans. So if there's something that you want to purchase at a later date, make your selections and a give us a small deposit while you're with us. We'll hang on to the images until your chosen pick up date. If those later images are not selected the day of your shoot, you must select using an online gallery. If not included in your package, or pre-paid, an online gallery must be purchased for additional vieiwng and selection. Refer to the Investment tab for the cost. Online galleries take 24-72 hours to be made available for viewing.
Will my pictures end up on this Website and Facebook?
Upon completion of your session, all clients are asked to complete a model release form. This is the legally binding document that give us the thumbs up, or thumbs down to use your images for marketing purposes. As always, privacy is of the utmost importance. At no time will your pictures be viewed by anyone except Belle Boudoir employees, its contract photographers, and their assistants, without consent of the client. No distribution or publication of photos will be allowed without written authorization by the client.
If I purchase a package, can I apply unused credits towards other items or services?
​
Sorry, but NO! One of the things that distinguishes us from other photographers is that we include lingerie, makeup and photos in every package. That's what makes us different, and probably one of the reasons why you chose us. If you fail to utilize any features of your package, they are merely forefeited and cannot be applied toward any other product or service. No substitutions are allowed.
What you can do is upgrade. For instance, want another outfit change? No problem! There's a $100 fee for an additional outfit, if time permits. Want a 5x5 album, instead of the 3x3 album that comes with a package? Just pay the difference of the upgrade. Your lingerie selections costs more than your allowed credit? Just pay the difference.
What do I need to bring with me?
Most clients come with just their sexy heels, and select their outfits upon arrival when shopping in our lingerie boutique. Occassionally, we do have clients who will bring their own outfits. That's no problem! Just make sure to utilize your lingerie credit so you don't loose it! So take home a sexy surprise, along with your pictures! We've got lots of jewelry and props free to use for your shoot. And we even have cozy spa robes for cover up, and comfy slippers to navagate around our three story loft.
Makeup with boudoir is a must! That's why we include, at minimum, a basic makeover in all of our packages, which consists of eye, cheek and lip color. What may appear to look like too much makeup to the naked eye, will result in a virtually flawless finish in photos. Our certified makeup artist will consult with you regarding any special issues that may need to be addressed beyond the basic color makeover. Therefore, some additional services such as custom foundation, advanced color correction and/or contouring (up to $40) or eye lashes ($10) may be provided at additional cost if a basic makeover comes with your package. Or bring your own foundation to apply yourself. However, if your package includes a full face makeover, you get the whole kit and kaboodle!
Hair services are not available unless you have purchased a package where hair styling is included, or made arrangements to book studio styling in advance. The cost is $35, no up-dos. If the service is desired, let us know immediately so the stylist can be booked for your appointment. Otherwise, please come to your appointment with your hair already styled.
Any additional products and services outside of your package can be paid for with cash, debit or major credit card.
I have no idea what I'm doing in front of a camera! Will someone show me what to do?
Absolutely! Before your photo session begins, the photographer will consult with you. They will ask about your outfit colors and the reason for your session. We have many shooting areas, so this consultation helps the photographer determine the best settings for your session. This is the time where you can let the photographer know of any body parts you'd like to accentuate, or avoid. Or if you have a specific pose in mind that you'd like to try, feel free to bring a magazine or smart device to share the poses. Boudoir posing involves fluid movements, not a lot of stiff poses and "hold it"! So the photographer will explain, and often demonstrate, the position that they want you in and instruct you to move and adjust from there while taking images.
I want to get a spray tan or wax services prior to the shoot. How far in advance should I schedule my services?
It is advised that you complete any tanning or waxing services at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled photo shoot to avoid "technical difficulties" that may become apparent on the images!
Can I come in a day or two prior to my appointment to use my lingerie credit?
No. Our boutique's primary function is to service our appointments, and does not have regular hours. Your lingerie credit is part of your boudoir photo package, therefore must be use consecutively with your the rest of your package... the same day that you come in for your appointment.
There are so many deals (Groupon, Spring Package, Sexy Summer, Beach Body)! Which one do I choose?
I know a lot of us are Groupon lovers, but sometimes Groupon isn't your best deal if it doesn't give you everything that you're looking for. That is why we offer a variety of packages to accomodate the different needs of our clients. Many of you ask with the Groupon, "Can I get digitals instead of two 5x7 prints?" Unfortunately not because the features of the deals are not transferrable. Digitals would be an add-on. So take a close look at the packages on our "Specials/Events" tab, and the included features. If you want something more than something currently offered in a particular deal, go to our "Investment" tab and grab a calculator! See which one give you the most bang for your buck!
It's a female owned business. Will my photographer be a woman?
The owner of Belle Boudoir Fine Lingerie and Photography, LLC is a woman. And it is most likely that you will meet her during the process. However, this is not a one man (or woman) show. An entire team of professionals are staffed for each appointment to make certain that your boudoir experience is second to none. Our photographers have vast experience in fashion and lifestyle photography, including boudoir, that we believe will result in the most creativity and satisfaction with your photos. All of our photographers are well versed in posing, lighting and subject positioning to effectively guide our clients through a unforgettable boudoir shoot. Your photographer may be male or female, and we are unable to accomodate requests for specific photographers.
Will the included retouched photos reduce my size and eliminate all imperfections?
The basic retouch included in all package includes color adjustment and skin softening. This means that minor imperfections, such as minor blemishes and discoloration of the skin, may be minimized to a nearly flawless finish. However, tan lines, cellulite, bruising, dark spots will most likely require advance editing. Reduction of size or "enhancement" of body parts will also require advance editing. It is available for $25 per image. Much cheaper than any surgical procedure! :)
