How to get started with Bridal Boudoir photography?

[igcollection]

My wife and I agreed to jump in and offer Bridal Boudoir. But how do we get started? We've emailed our past brides and haven't had any luck. Do I need to show these kind of photos on our websites first? If so how would I do that? Catch 22 eh? I have an idea of how i want the photographs to be executed (mostly natural light and video light) but we don't want the typical glamour stuff if it's not wedding related.

If we wanted this type of photography to sell, I would imagine that the girl would have to wear wedding related stuff, right? Like a traditional veil or a vintage/modern mini veil (what do you call those?) Get my point? I know that Norma did a few glamour shoots first to get started, is something like this required?

Thanks in advance for all your input.

ivan + ana garcia

[AllenAyres]

Kind of like showing your first wedding You may have to attend a workshop where you are allowed to photograph and/or second-shoot for another photographer to get the initial portfolio images. Otherwise, it's finding friends, model mayem, etc to pay someone for their time.

[toverman]

Why do you want to only limit it to brides? Not all brides want it, not all brides are suited for it and it narrows your market quite a bit. Not that it's a bad idea at all, I'm just curious.

[JStrattonPhotography]

Agree with Toverman. Don't limit to just brides. If you are interested in boudoir, make it a standard offer.

[S-Man]

http://www.theboudoirdivas.com/
Go there and they have workshops and tours I think...They also have a book called "The Bad-Ass Boudoir Training Guide". It's $175, but I hear it's well worth it. They supposedly share their entire business plan/business model.
They would probably also offer advice on how to offer the Boudoir option to clients, present and future. Sounds fun...

[CaptainTom]

They list a Dallas workshop "details later" in March. I wonder if they are really doing one here?

[S-Man]

I don't see why not. Photogs always do awesome workshops in Dallas and skip Houston

[igcollection]

Thanks everyone for their responses, i'll check out boudoir divas and see if can purchase their training guide. Though a workshop would be better.

[HotHolly]

Mostly ditto to what was already said. You have to have photos. (photos show you arent amateur hour and will make them look great, as opposed to amateur porn). And some brides do not know what 'boudoir' is. OK, most brides dont know what it is. Our brides are under 24 yrs old, which may have something to do with it. Yesterday one asked me what is the difference b/t a baby doll and a teddy? The word 'Boudoir' holds no meaning to them.

We started offering 'Sexy Sessions' with our bridal line. They can be as tame as cute & flirty or more smoldering sexy. The bride gets an album from the session to give her man as a wedding gift.

Look at your verbiage and simplify it to say what you mean.

[MicWayWal]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

They list a Dallas workshop "details later" in March. I wonder if they are really doing one here?

They came to DPPA in November. They were very good and gave a lot of information on how they got started.