Information - Bella Boudoir Photography

The Studio

The Bella Boudoir studio is located in Victoria BC.

Flattering natural light, plush decor with a chic vibe gives this studio an inviting and relaxing ambience. This private boutique studio is ideal for making your session a fun and uplifting experience. Our Client Experience video above gives you an idea of what to expect during your Boudoir session.

Sessions are available Wednesdays and Sundays, and visiting our studio is by appointment only. Should you wish to reach us, please send us an email info@bellaboudoir.com for an appointment time.

Covid-19 policies and precautions: At Bella Boudoir, we are doing our best to keep clients and our staff as safe as we can while still being committed to delivering images our clients love.

Clients and staff will all sanitize our hands upon arrival at the studio. Your hair and makeup stylist will wear a mask and/or face shield for your styling if you wish, and use disposable styling products when possible. All non-disposable items are cleaned and sanitized after every use. Stylists are trained in best practices and are committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved. There will be no blow dry services available, so please come with your hair completely dry or we will not be able to style your hair for your session.
Your photographer will wear a mask during your entire session if you wish, and will wash and sanitize hands frequently.

All sheets, bedding, and client closet items are washed between sessions and are fresh for each client.

Due to the nature of in-studio Boudoir photography, I will not be able to stay 6ft away from you, but I will try my best to give you as much space as I can as often as I can. There is some minimal consensual touching when I am not able to direct you with my words (ie. fixing a back bra strap that is twisted, minimal hair adjustment, help with stockings/garters, for example), but I do my best to talk you through most adjustments that need to be made.

Clients should note that the studio is located in my home. The house, bathroom, studio, and all door handles will be sanitized as much as possible prior to your session with your safety and comfort in mind.

We will always do our best to maintain a clean, safe, comfortable and consensual environment for clients and staff. That means that there is now a possibility that your session will be rescheduled last-minute if the client or one of our staff members is feeling unwell. If you are feeling unwell, or are living with someone who is feeling unwell, please contact us as soon as possible to reschedule. If you have travelled outside the country within the past 2 weeks, we ask that you contact us to reschedule so you can observe an appropriate self-isolation period.

While we will take every reasonable precaution to minimize the risk of spreading any diseases, we remind you that sessions are booked at the clients’ discretion. Due to the uncertain nature of Covid-19 and other communicable diseases, there is no way to know you are infected until you present symptoms. If you are immunocompromised, or live/regularly interact with someone who is immunocompromised, we gently recommend holding off on booking a session for the time being, or consider booking an Outdoor Boudoir Session instead.
If you have any additional questions, please let us know.

Session frequently asked questions

We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about your session with us. Below find some of the most common as well as some useful information to plan for your session.

Services FAQ

What is discussed in the “portrait design consultation”?: We will discuss what you are looking for from the session and how you plan to display the photos, whether as a wall collage, a large print on canvas, or an album. This way we can tailor the shoot to meet your needs and offer suggestions about outfits, locations & anything else for your Bella shoot. Consults are about 30 - 45 mins and is a great first step to making you feel comfortable before your session.
How long does the actual shoot last?: A typical session is 1- 2 hours. However with hair and makeup the process is up to 3.5 - 4 hours long.
How long until I can see my images?: Your ordering session will be scheduled within two weeks of your session.
What products are available?: • Gift Prints • Fine Art Prints • Portrait Folios • Canvas wrapped prints – either framed or unframed • Albums • Digital Files
How much are your products?: Prints, products and digital files are purchased a la carte at your ordering session. Most clients invest between $1500-$2000 in their final product. You only buy what you love. A complete price menu is available upon request. * A printable digital file of any ordered print is provided with any print sized 8x10 and over, and all albums come with the printable digital files of the photos in the album. ** Payment plans are available for shoot booked with at least 6 weeks notice from time needed. Please inquire.
What is required to book?: The $350+tax session fee is required to reserve your session. A contract will also need to be signed, as well as a date & time chosen for your session. If you are sick on the day of your session, you may reschedule without penalty.
** What if I have to cancel or move my session date/time?: We take health and safety seriously. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, our booking procedures have become more flexible. You are required to rebook your session if you are sick. If you show up to your session feeling unwell, you will forfeit your booking fee and be asked to leave. If you need to cancel or reschedule, we will do our best to accommodate your request in a timely fashion.
How long do you keep the files from my shoot for, if I wish to order more?: We keep the files for 12 months from the session date.
How far in advance should I book my session?: March thru November are the busiest months for our team. In order to accommodate your images and products are ready in time for when you need them, we suggest you book your photo session date with a minimum of 6 weeks between shoot and deadline date. Of course we can try to accommodate shorter notice, but it depends on the advance books we have for that month. To give you an idea, these are some time lines for booking for certain times of year; Valentine's Day - suggested booking for December or first week of January. Spring Weddings & Anniversary Gifts - suggested booking for January thru February June - July Weddings & Anniversary Gifts - suggested booking in March thru May August - September Weddings & Anniversary Gifts - suggested booking in June thru July Christmas Gifts - suggested booking in September thru second to last week of November. {please inquire for Christmas shoot cut off dates}

Boudoir FAQ

Do you supply any of the outfits?: No clothing is not supplied for your session. We want you to feel comfortable in what you are wearing and ensure a perfect fit.
I’m little nervous for my session…. What can I expect?: Nerves are normal. Our sessions are designed with your comfort in mind, so we create a relaxing, professional environment. We find that most of our clients lose those nerves following their make-over, and always tell us how much fun they had after their experience! We will guide you step by step through the process. When it comes time to the photo session portion, our photographers will coach you 100%.
How should I prep for my session?: We recommend you come to the session wearing clothes that fit loosely to your body. Keep it casual and comfortable. This will ensure that you don’t have any red marks on the skin left by garments. Iron any items that tend to wrinkle easily, and bring them on hangers. Arrive with a clean fresh face (make-up free), and dry washed hair. Waxing is recommended at least one week before your session to avoid visible irritation. Avoid sun exposure that will leave tan lines, which is hard to edit out. We will provide some retouching, however editing of tan lines may not be included.
Should I tan before my session?: We don't actually recommend any artificial colour, since it can actually highlight skin imperfections. However, if you must tan, plan on doing two sessions (base and touchup) starting 3-4 weeks before your session, ensuring you exfoliate your skin for an even tan. Please do not attempt to add colour artificially for the first time 2-3 days before your session. Results can be undesirable.
How many outfits should I bring?: We recommend 3-4 outfits. Your photographer will review items with you before the session, and assist in making selections. Items such as simple bras and underwear can be “dressed up” using various styles of stockings and high heels. Bring jewelry (chunky & large works best), heels (the highest you have), we also love rompers and body suits. The more items you bring, the more options! Bring more than you think you need and your photographer will go over them with you before your shoot. Outfits that will be used should fit you and be in good condition.
Will others be able to see me in my underwear?: NO! Most photo sessions are held in a private studio with just you and your photographer present. If you choose to have your session in an outdoor location, there is a chance that someone will see you, but we always try to shoot in unpopulated areas.
Can I bring a friend?: We provide a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, and ask that you do not bring friends with you to the session. However, friends are more than welcome to book a coinciding photo session with yours, so you can share the experience together.
Will you post any of my images on the Internet?: Your privacy is very important to us! From time to time we use client images for ads and on our website, with our clients’ approval of course! Your personal gallery is password protected and it is up to you if you would like to share photos from your experience.
Do you do nudes?: We do offer nudes, illusion of nude, and a between the sheets option. Nudity is up to the client. We usually ask you during your consultation, and during your session. It's generally the last thing we do together as we are "warmed up" and comfortable with each other by the end of the session.

Maternity FAQ

Can I do half boudoir in the studio & half with the father and be outdoors?: Yes, you can. The first half will be in studio, with a 2 outfit look, and the second half can be outdoors (clothed) with your partner joining you. Limited locations, please inquire.
What do I wear?: Select clothes that hug the belly more, and avoid large printed patterns or all black. We have a few in studio materials that we use to wrap with, to provide simple, and a clean look. For this, we suggest clients bring a nude, strapless (seamless) undergarments. If the other parent is coming along to be a part of the outdoor images, we suggest they dress in more neutral tones and textures, but in co-ordination with your clothing.

Pricing

Boudoir Portraits (in studio and outdoors) and Maternity sessions – $350
* all prices listed do not include applicable taxes, and are subject to change at any time.
* session fee does not include digital files

All Session fee’s include:

– A complimentary pre-session consultation
– Guided wardrobe selection
– Up to 5 different outfits during your session
– Complimentary Hair and Makeup styling (including lashes)
– A custom fun and empowering portrait session at the Bella Studio or outdoor location within the Greater Victoria Area
– Touch ups and attention to your favourite photos
– Posing and session coaching
– Post Session image presentation, consultation and ordering session
– Payment plan options for purchasing images from your session

***Please note that due to Covid 19, the BOGO offer is not always available***

Have you heard of our BOGO {Buy one, Get one} offer?

Your best friend, your mom, friend from work… if you have someone that would love to do a shoot as well, why not book a BOGO session. BOGO sessions are normally booked for the same date and same time. BOGO sessions must be paid for and reserved simultaneously. Enjoy this experience, and split the cost! Inquire for full details about this promotion.

Products

The Bella studio is located Victoria BC. Flattering natural light, plush decor with a rustic chic vibe, gives this studio an inviting and relaxing ambience.

Headshots

Either business or personal, your introduction and networking starts online. A professional, sharp looking image is your best first introduction.

Whether you need a quick headshot for online presence (such as LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter) or a complete stylized session, we offer it all.Sessions start at $299 for 30 minutes in the studio and one high resolution file, ready to upload. We also offer in-house hair and makeup styling for an additional cost. Please inquire for a full list of our services and packages offered.