Why should I choose a male photographer for my boudoir session?

This answer is subjective. Either you feel comfortable being vulnerable in front of a man or you don't. I can tell you that I have photographed countless women one-on-one and many of them come back for more but I can't tell you how to feel.  I love the challenge of perfecting lighting and posing while making the experience enjoyable for the client. Several women bring friends along for comfort and safety. I am not opposed to that as long as it is approved ahead of time. My "studio" is in the living room and bedrooms of my house in Interlochen. I want to know who is coming into my personal space. I do that for my own personal safety. My experience tells me that the private shoots with just the client seem to work better overall.  Your comfort and safety are my main priority. 

Is boudoir the only type of photography you do? 

I have done other types of photography but I LOVE shooting boudoir. I started out in life as an artist and viewed photography as a lesser art form. I had my eyes opened when I took a photojournalism course at Michigan State University in 2005.  (Even though I took photos long before that I trusted that my camera knew what to do when I pushed the button.) I learned a lot in that class and I got rave reviews from my fellow students. I was also made aware of the creative people in the field and that gave me a new respect for photography. Since then I've photographed weddings, commercial real-estate, families, seniors, events, you name it...but I've always come back to my first love. Model and boudoir photography. It's in my DNA. 

What is your experience posing and directing? 

I have been doing this since 1995. I am known among the local photographers because of my work with women. I have hosted modeling workshops in Traverse City that were attended by many. My goal during a session is to make you as comfortable as possible in front of the camera. This leads to your natural ability to be your beautiful self. I direct when needed and suggest poses that will show you at your best. 

How long will the session be and how many outfits?

The session normally lasts for up to 2 hours and three outfit changes. Also, bring accessories but nothing too big. Large earrings make bed posing difficult. Medium to smaller is better. I love fishnet or other fancy stockings with high heels. Those will give your shoot a glamourous feel. Bring lingerie but also bring shirts and other stylish loungewear that makes you feel comfortable. Be creative. 

Do you offer hair and makeup?

I recommend that you have your hair and makeup done before the session. It will help you relax. Wear makeup with a matte finish. Nothing shiny. The light will reflect and make hotspots. Your nails should be done with a lighter polish. Dark or brightly saturated nail polish will take the focus off you and be distracting in your images.  

Do I have to get naked? 

Absolutely not! Nudity is up to you not me. I will send you a questionnaire before the shoot asking about your comfort levels and I will stick to whatever you say in that questionnaire. You will be under no pressure from me to pose or dress in ways that feel uncomfortable to you. The questionnaire is not a ticket to make you do anything you don't feel comfortable doing. You might get cold feet during the shoot and decide at the moment that you don't want to show anything or you might be more comfortable with it once you meet me.  Your wishes will be respected 100% either way. 

Will you share my pictures on social media?

Not without your approval. You will receive a private gallery on my site. If you register on the site I can give you special gallery privileges. You will have a public password that you can share with people but you will also be able to hide photos from them that only you will be able to see.

How should I prepare for the session?

There is a HUGE amount of websites on the internet that tell you how to prepare. Google this phrase, "how to prep for a boudoir photoshoot​" and you will find plenty of tips and information on what to wear, etc... all of that is great advice. My focus on the shoot is to help you relax. There are hundreds of outfits to choose from but the most important thing you can do is to take a deep breath, meditate, and imagine yourself in the most wonderful place you can think of. Think about how your face feels. I'm serious. Are your mouth and cheeks feeling tense? Do you feel vulnerable and scared or do you feel confident and ready to soar over any obstacle in your path?  Tension often shows up in the mouth and hands. Imagine yourself relaxing those muscles. It's almost like acting. Project the person you want to be from within. If you could be an actress who would you be? How would you imagine her handling a photo session? Would she be fun, playful, and willing to let herself enjoy the experience? Be the star of your own world and let your light shine. 

See you soon! 

If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask. I would love to hear from you. 

Yours, 

Todd L Church

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