For those opting to come to Velvet Sugar Studios my vision for empowerment boudoir is that these sessions are created in a calm, safe and comfortable space. Most sessions include what could be considered a traditional ‘boudoir’ set up, which incorporates some sort of bedroom setup. However, how much of this is included is entirely up to you. I love to dive into creative ideas that help my clients express themselves. We can use the studio space to play with lighting, fabrics, flowers, paints, your hobbies and interests. For me, this is one of the differences between boudoir and empowerment boudoir photography. There is added creativity and personalisation that can be brought to life to celebrate your unique story. It’s your chance to embrace your story, for you, without the distraction or pressure of creating images that are purely for the sexual gratification of another.

All clients get full access to my prep guides in the build up to their sessions. My carefully thought out steps help you plan for your session in the weeks, days and hours beforehand to ensure that when you step through the doors, you are ready to embrace the experience. In addition to this, I am always available to chat, answer questions, help create ideas, choose outfits, props etc. My WhatsApp is available when you need me. All questions are valid. Any wobbles can be talked through. Because I know that for many, this is the first time they will be stepping outside their comfort zone into a photoshoot like this. I am here for you!

Until I have my own studio space, you will need to bring all your outfits and personal props with you on the day. Of course if I have something that can be added, I will be bringing that along too. My dream is to one day have a beautiful client wardrobe that you can all dip into during your session. But we are not there, just yet.

This is always open to discussing, as your comfort is my priority. However, that person has to be your biggest cheerleader (other than me). The moment there is any side eye, unhelpful and unsupportive comments, direction that breaks the flow of the session or distractions, they will be out of the room, faster than my camera shutter. This is your session. Your moment to explore what brings you joy. Your judgement free space. Your time to focus on you and I don’t ever want anyone to take that from you.

In all honesty, I hope that by the time we get to your session, it won't feel like you're meeting some stranger with a camera, but a friend who thinks you are just the bees knees! I pride myself on creating a warm welcome for each and every client. We start with a drink or a cuppa, unpack all your goodies, turn up the music and ease into creating gorgeous moments of you! The session is relaxed and fun, we talk, sing, have a giggle and before you know it, those nerves will be gone.

Again, because of my current setup I am unable to offer onsite hair and makeup services. If this is something that you are interested in for your session, then please do let me know. I can give you some recommendations and we can make sure the session time booked works with your HMUA booking.

Within reason, YES! This is something that I ask all clients. If there is something specific that you have seen or want to try, let me know. With a bit of planning, it may well be something that we can create on the day. Also, I love pushing my creativity and what I offer my beautiful clients, so please do not be shy. Your ideas on what we create are just as valid as anything I can offer.

A standard session gives you two hours in the studio with me. Why so long, you ask? Well, I don’t see any point in rushing. This is not just a photoshoot. It is an experience. It is important to me that we have a comfortable pace, where you can eat, drink and change in comfort. That you are not a sweaty mess because everything is a manic hurry and we have a calm and relaxed atmosphere where we are not constantly clock watching. It allows you time to really enjoy the moment, find your power and grab it with both hands so you can take it with you when we are finished.

Firstly, nerves are totally normal, and secondly, I would never want you to ever feel uncomfortable. I am constantly checking in on you during the session. It is a safe space where you can say that you’re having a bit of a wobble, that a pose or portion of the shoot does not sit right or you have any worries or questions. I would much rather we stop the session to talk through the worries, so that we can take time to reset and continue with something that feels more authentic to you.

I totally understand the excitement to see images after your session, so I work to get you a set of sneak peek images within a week of your session. This is usually around two to three images, which will give you an idea of the magic we captured on the day. Then after around three to four weeks I will be in touch to arrange a face to face gallery reveal of all your final images. A final gallery is usually around thirty to forty images, and each final image is hand edited to perfection. And this all takes time. If you have a date in mind for when you would need final images and prints, please do let me know when we are booking you in. This will allow us to book your session in for a date that makes this comfortably achievable for everyone involved. By knowing ahead of time, I can work with you on a realistic timeline and what can be delivered by when.

If you have a specific date in mind for when you need prints and artwork, it is really important that you let me know when we have our initial call or meeting. I will then be able to give you a realistic date for when we need to have your session, to allow for editing, your gallery reveal and you selecting your favourites. This part of the process usually takes between 4-6 weeks. Once you’ve selected your artwork and the order has been placed, I allow around 3-4 weeks (depending on which items need to be handmade) for prints and albums to be delivered from my supplier. At which time I need to ensure all is as expected and then I need to arrange collection or delivery to you. So all in all, you need to be looking at booking a session 10 weeks or roughly two and a half months before your special day. There may be times when this whole process could be slightly shorter, however, I would always lean towards giving more time, so there is a buffer for any unforeseen events.

Clients can get a really good idea of my editing style from my website and social media content. I adore warm and moody editing, with delicate touches to elevate light across skin, details and your chosen outfits and props. I believe in authentic and dramatic edits that show your real beauty. You will not find white washed, soft focus and over edited bodies here. You are beautiful as you are and I refuse to turn anyone into a porcelain doll (unless of course we have a hair and make up artist on board and this is the concept we are going for!) If what you see on my website and social media is not the style of images you are after, then I am afraid I am not the photographer for you. And that is ok. I hope you find an artist that fits what you are after.

100% yes! Your trust is paramount. If you choose to keep your images private, this is a decision that will not be questioned. As much as I love sharing you beauts to inspire others, not everyone's session is for general consumption. Each person's reasons for doing an empowerment boudoir shoot are different, and each person's personal circumstances are unique. Privacy of images and your session, are as much a valid and respected choice, as those who would like to share. In addition, please know that no personal details of clients are ever given to third parties. I hate spam emails and phone calls as much as you, so I would never part with your information.

Of course. You can find the details of all these in my price list. The printer I trust with your gorgeous images, wall art and albums has been my preferred partner since 2017. Their products are exquisite and with their colour calibration service, I know that your prints will be an exact match to what you see on screen. Yes, it takes a little longer and yes, it requires a higher level of investment but your artwork is just as important as the hours of planning, the outfits you bought and the prep you put into your session. These are products that are going to last a lifetime and I expect high levels of quality, always. So in years to come when you look back at your empowerment session your images look as beautiful as the day you got them.

I am lucky enough to have amazing clients who have written wonderful testimonials after their experiences at Velvet Sugar Studios. You can find them on my Testimonials page on my website.

I believe in making these empowerment sessions as accessible as possible. I therefore offer all clients three different options when it comes to payment plans, so that you can choose the option that provides you with peace of mind and low stress. Option 1 - Full upfront payment and client contract Option 2 - £100 booking fee and client contract to secure studio date, with the balance due two weeks before the studio date. Option 3 - 3-Month Payment Plan: £100 booking fee and client contract to secure studio date. Balance split 50/50 over the following two months, taken on the 1st of each month and balance settled at least two weeks before studio date.