Houston Boudoir Photographer | FAQ

Where are you located?

• The main studio is located in North, Houston. Zip code 77070. Once your session is booked I will send you the exact address. We also shoot in other locations around Houston, if this isn’t convenient for you please reach out and we can chat about options!

How many outfits can I wear? What do I wear?!

• During the photo shoot we will have time for 3 outfits! I suggest you plan to wear what you feel sexy in! Try it on, plan ahead. Make sure it fits well and isn’t cutting in. Think about variety – bra/panty set, bodysuit, fun t-shirt, sheer top with lacey panties, floral robe with nothing underneath, or nude! Artistic nudes paired with a simple white sheet, are always a favorite! We count “nude” as one look.
• We are happy to help give you advice or help you shop before the photo shoot! Don’t stress over outfits…I can do a lot with just a white sheet! We also have a small (but growing!) selection of lingerie in the studio you are welcome to borrow.
• If you would like to shoot more than 3 outfits, you can add additional outfit/time for an added fee. Please let us know BEFORE the day of your shoot if you want this add-on as we need to block off enough time.

I’ve never done this before, I’m not sure if this is for me? I’m so nervous!

• 95% of my clients have never done a boudoir shoot before either, so you are not alone! This is one time when I can pretty much guarantee you that pushing yourself outside your comfort zone will pay off! Nerves are totally normal! I promise they will melt away once we get started.
• While you are having your hair/makeup done we chat and get to know each other. By the time the stylist is done, you will be hyped and ready to get started! The atmosphere during the shoot is very laid back and fun.
• I will show you all of the poses by demonstrating first myself and will coach you throughout the whole process. During the shoot you will hear me say things like “Look out the window, eyes down a bit…” “Breathe through your mouth” “Point your toes and arch your back” With all of these things combined you will be able to sit back and just enjoy the process! Check out my testimonials page to hear from other women who have enjoyed the experience.

I’m looking for an all female staff boudoir photograph, is that you?

• Lighthouse Boudoir is in fact an ALL female staff. As a photographer and woman I know it takes a lot for you to allow yourself to be vulnerable in front of a camera. Your confidence and comfort are my #1 priority! My hair and make-up artists are all female and we will be the only one present during the shoot.

Is Hair & Make-up Included? 

• YES! Depending on which Session Fee package you choose. Option 1 includes makeup only and is $400. Option 2 includes both make-up & hair for $500. I work with an AMAZING professional artist and am fully confident that you will love your look. False eyelashes are included. Once your makeover is complete you will be confident and ready for your shoot! She knows exactly what kind of make-up to use for photo shoots and will come to our location! We want to make the experience stress free for you.

Do you shoot nudes?

• Yes. There are several levels of “undress” and we will discuss upfront what you are comfortable with. Depending on your comfort level you can wear lingerie the entire time or go topless at times and yes even nude. Implied nude is also an option. This is where you would be nude but we cover any areas you do not wish to expose with a sheet.  When shooting topless or nude I keep it very tasteful and artistic. I like to approach nude photography more like classic paintings you see in a museum.

What’s your privacy policy?

• Your privacy is held in the highest regard as I believe that the portraits we create are private by their very nature. Please be assured that I will not publish the images captured at your session for marketing or purposes of self-promotion without your written permission. Without consent, your images will only been seen by those necessary to produce your ordered products. Client-Photographer Confidentiality Agreements are available.

Can I bring a friend to the photo shoot?

• Please contact me beforehand to get any visitors approved. I will generally welcome female visitors. I do ask that significant others (regardless of gender) stay at home during the photo shoot. I want this day to be all about YOU! You are welcome to bring anyone to the Reveal Meeting!

What do I need to reserve a date?

• To book your photo session you will need to pay the session fee, which also serves as the retainer. The non-refundable retainer of $300 otherwise known as the session fee is due when you book your session date. This guarantees the time and date allotted for you. We do allow rescheduling, but please let me know at least 7 days before your session or you risk forfeiting the retainer fee.

Is there a minimum amount I must spend?

• Yes and no. Photos are not included in the session fee. All photos are purchased separately. My products start at $450, and on average clients budget to spend between $1,400-1,800. More details about my products can be found by clicking here.

Do you offer payment plans?

• We offer Pre-Payment Plans. Meaning, you can pay upfront for products you will eventually order. (Album, wall art, etc) Reach out to us if you are interested in setting this up and we can go over details! We would also suggest to book your shoot far in advance to give yourself time to spread out the payments.
• Receive 15% off by Pre-Paying towards your album!
• We do NOT off post-payment plans. All payments must be completed by the Reveal Meeting date.

How do I pay?

• We accept Venmo, Zelle, check, cash and all major debit/credit cards!

How long will it take to see my photos?

• Generally 1-2 weeks.

How do I receive the photos?

• After your session we will book your ordering appointment or as we like to call it, your Reveal Meeting. We provide in-person viewings as a courtesy to our clients to help with the image and product selection.  Orders and full payment must be made at this time. I will also bring samples of albums and other products so that you can see exactly what you will receive.

I need to reschedule, what do I do?

• If you are feeling ill, please call to reschedule.  If you must cancel, please do so at least 7 days before your session. The fee can be credited towards a future session if you reschedule the appointment by calling 7 days prior to the date of session and re-booking at an agreeable date and time.

Ok my session is over and it was a blast, how do I tell the world?

• Sharing is caring! Future clients look to your reviews to get an idea about what to except, so every review is valuable! Please check out Google, Yelp and Facebook if you feel inclined to leave a review about your experience. You can also email me at sontera@lighthousebodoir.com if you would like the review to be featured on my website!

Copyright Information (or things my lawyer makes me say):

• All images copyrighted by photographer, Sontera Mader. It is illegal and unlawful to scan, copy, or reproduce Sontera Mader’s work in any manner or medium. As an artist, Sontera Mader wishes to have complete control over the final look of her images, and scanning images or changing the digital files could damage her reputation as a photographer by distorting and devaluing the image quality.