Does the session take place in studio or on location?

We’re happy to accommodate either!  Most often, the session takes place in the Belle Cirene studio, but if you feel more comfortable in your own home, we can do that, as well.

What should I bring with me?

Please plan on bringing at least 4 outfit changes and—can’t forget the fun part!—high heels. Consider bringing a range for your clothing choices; most clients prefer to start off in a more understated outfit, and as they get more comfortable, change into their sexiest outfit toward the end.

You will always have the option to do nudes if and when you feel comfortable; however, this is wholly your decision, and we will never pressure you into wearing (or not wearing!) anything other than that in which you are comfortable.

What should I arrive wearing?

We strongly encourage you to arrive to our studios in your most comfortable clothing: the looser, the better! If possible, we suggest not wearing a bra or socks, as they can leave marks on the skin. Please come with clean (but not styled) hair and bare skin.

Do you offer professional hair and makeup?

Yes! While most people feel comfortable applying makeup on an every day basis, boudoir makeup is different. As part of your pampering, we will apply false eyelashes and sometimes hair extensions. Because there is a 40% saturation loss between makeup application and camera, it is essential to get a correct balance of foundation, eye shadow etc. Take a deep breath…you’ll be in the most capable hands with the Belle Cirene professional hair and makeup artists.

How long is a Belle Cirene session?

Our boudoir sessions generally take 2.5 hours. For the first hour, you’ll be pampered by our hair and makeup team, and then we allow approximately 20 minutes to photograph you in each outfit. 

Do you provide lingerie or do i bring my own?

We do not provide any lingerie or props of any kind. We want our clients to choose what they feel most comfortable in and what fits. Wear what makes you feel strong, confident…sexy! (Besides, what better excuse than to go buy something special?)

Do you retouch the images?

Yes. We know that we’re our own worst critics, and we want you to see yourself the way we see you: beautiful! Our team of professional editors will retouch stretch marks, wrinkles, cellulite or pimples. Plus, we’ll make sure that during the shoot, we only photograph your most flattering angles.  Which leads us to ...

Will you help me pose? I have no idea how to act in front of a camera.

Absolutely! It is our job to make you comfortable and help you look the best you possibly can in front of the lens.  We will offer suggestions and give you as little or as much encouragement as you need/want.

I’m not sure how much skin I want to show. How does that work?

Suggested nudity is always present in our work, but it is your decision if you are comfortable showing nipple and/or doing full nudes. We will never push you to do anything you do not want to do. This decision is deeply personal and completely yours.  About 95% of people who are photographed by Belle Cirene do choose to do nudes, and these always end up being their favorite images, but the choice is always up to you.

Are my images published and will they be online?

Only if you give us permission to post them. Privacy is crucial to us, so if you want to keep the images for your eyes only, not another living soul will see them. If you want to give us permission, we’d LOVE to share them so other women/men/couples can get an idea of what the experience looks like.

Do you photograph couples?

Yes! A Belle Cirene boudoir session is a meaningful way to share an intimate experience and create a unique connection between the two of you.

Do you shoot same sex couples?

Absolutely! Sexuality comes in all different forms and we welcome them all.

How long before I receive my boudoir images/album?

The final images are delivered 3-5 weeks after the session, and album creation usually takes another 2 weeks. If this is a gift for someone special, we recommend planning a couple months out.

Do clients ever book a session as a gift to themselves?

All the time. And what an amazing, empowering gift it is to give yourself!

Should I tan before hand?

Tanning is a personal decision (beware of tan lines!), but please DO NOT SPRAY TAN. It does NOT photograph well, it comes off on lingerie and furniture, and makes post-production extremely difficult. Please leave any color adjustment up to us. We promise…we’ll make you look better than any spray ever could.

I’m feeling very nervous. Is this normal?

Trust us, everyone is a bit nervous before the shoot, but as you get your hair and makeup done and sip champagne, you’ll begin to relax. Once we start shooting, you'll get into your groove in no time. We’ve seen it time and time again!

How do I book a Belle Cirene session?

You can email us, call us or use the contact form on this site.  A $250 retainer and signed contract are required to reserve your session.

I want to book a session as a gift. Can I purchase a gift card?

Yes! And you’ll be thanked forever for the coolest gift on the planet

I want to present my photos in a special way. What do you offer?

We carry a beautiful line of albums and can help you choose which is the best fit for you. We also offer canvasses, prints and digital options. Albums are our most popular option, because people love the idea of having a tangible product to cherish and reflect on.