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Best Boudoir Photography Studios in Cleveland Ohio: What to Look For

  • Writer: Andrea Witt
    Andrea Witt
  • 3 days ago
  • 5 min read
Ornate Boudoir Photography Studio with a black and gold chair, matching bed, and a chandelier. Dark walls, plush textures, candleholder, creating a luxurious vibe.



"Where Do I Even Start?!"


Feeling the urge to boost your confidence with a Boudoir Photoshoot but feeling overwhelmed with choosing the right photographer? You're not alone - and I'm here to help!


Boudoir Photography has become increasingly popular and far less "taboo" over the last decade (yay Women's Empowerment Movement!) Women are finally seeing the importance of reconnecting with themselves, setting aside the time and resources to pamper themselves and watch the benefits pour into their every-day-lives. The fact that it can also double as an epic gift to a significant other can be a major motivator - everybody wins!


If you're new to the idea of Boudoir photography, I realize how overwhelming it can be to sift through the hundreds - if not thousands - of creative options. The truth is, there isn't necessarily "good and bad", it's more about what is good for you and what you're looking for, or what maybe isn't the best fit for your needs.


There are several sites out there that have compiled "Best of" lists on the internet and they usually update them yearly. While I can link you to those to see what others have to say, I thought I'd address the important details that you can look for with each option to differentiate them based on your personal needs and desired outcome. As a professional Boudoir Photographer myself, I come to you from a neutral but informative perspective - helping you uncover what really matters so you can make the best decision for you!



Specialized Boudoir Studio vs Generalized Photographer


Let's start with the basic differentiation that might be the most prominent. There are several perks in going to a Specialized Boudoir Photographer compared to a Photographer who offers multiple genres (maybe they do family photos, newborn, weddings, & senior portraits). Here are some of the advantages to going with a specialized photographer:


  • Specialized Boudoir Photographers usually have dedicated studio spaces that are decorated and equipped for Boudoir Style Photos. Some may be neutral and can be used for both - I know personally my studio theme is designed to feel luxurious and romantic (gold ornate bed, satin sheets and a gold chandelier).


  • More experience and expertise on posing and retouching & editing skin - whether it's blemish removal, skin tone inconsistencies, etc. Focusing in on one genre allows us to get more practice on one thing. The prompts and poses I used during family sessions in my beginning years as a photographer are vastly different than what I'm using for Boudoir Photos.


  • Professional atmosphere ensuring comfort and privacy. There is an additional layer of skills that you acquire as an experienced Boudoir Photographer - at least you should. Understanding that Boudoir can be a very personal experience for clients requires us to hold a very high moral standard of privacy and respect, perhaps even more strongly than in other genres like family photos or wedding photography. We understand that, in some cases, the risk of these photos being freely shared among the general public can be very harmful to our clients. Many of us have practices and policies in place to honor and respect your privacy.


  • check out this video about the Privacy standards in my studio on YouTube


Best Boudoir Photography Studios: Narrowing Your Search


Personally, I think the best thing anyone can do is set out to look into 3-5 studios in your area to compare. Don't be afraid to broaden your search radius either - I'm located in Cleveland, Ohio but I've had many clients travel from other states to see me specifically because they felt I was the right fit for them and checked all of their boxes. I'm obviously honored when this happens, but I definitely believe in trusting your gut first with an experience like this - even more than simply following the price tag.


I'll list a couple of points to look at to get you started here but be sure to check out my free pdf download to use on your own research journey.

  • Check out Client Reviews & Testimonials

  • Check their portfolio to determine editing style and typical client (never be afraid to ask if you can review full sample galleries instead of their "top 10 highlight reel", or even ask directly to see more examples of women who look like you

  • What amenities are included? Do they provide professional hair and makeup, or are you responsible for coming prepared with that?

    a side by side image of a close up portrait of a woman before and after a hair and makeup transformation. a third photo showing that same woman during a boudoir photoshoot.
    example of a hair and makeup transformation in Boudoir by Andrea Witt Studio

  • Who is on their team? Do you want to be photographed by a female or male?

  • What kind of skin retouching do they offer?

  • What is their pricing structure? Do they offer flexible package options or payment plans?

  • How long have they been photographing Boudoir?

  • Do they have dedicated studio space? Wardrobe?

  • Bonus question: Ask them how they approach the posing styles in their photoshoots with each client. Do they adapt based on your comfort level?



Benefits of Booking with a Top Rated Studio


Simply searching for a top rated studio or Googling Best Boudoir Photography Studios in your area might be an easy way to find your own personal winner, but I feel confident that if you use these tips - your search might be even more productive in narrowing it down to find the best match for you! It can be really challenging to ask the right questions when you aren't sure what those right questions even are.


Finding the right Studio makes a world of a difference. When you feel comfortable AND confident in your photographer's ability to deliver - you undoubtedly will have a personalized experience that leads to stunning, timeless and unique photographs to capture your essence. You'll walk away with long-lasting confidence that will trickle into every area of your life and have the quality keepsakes to help you remember the experience - again and again.



A Free Comparison Chart to get you Started


As you start your own personal research, I thought it would be helpful to offer a fillable pdf comparison chart so you can start by asking the right questions and start narrowing down your options. You can use this to take notes on each photographer you speak with - I've used the first column to show an example of what you may want to include, but feel free to fill it out in a way that feels right for you.

boudoir photographer comparison chart pdf title clip



I'm Always Happy to Help

Andrea Witt pictured holding a camera while smiling - owner of Boudoir by Andrea Witt Photography
Andrea Witt - Boudoir by Andrea Witt in Cleveland, Ohio

Of course I would love nothing more than to be everyone's photographer, but more importantly - I want you to get everything you're looking for out of this experience. If I can check off all of your boxes- then, great! If not, I am always excited and happy to help answer any questions you have to help get you to the best choice for you. You deserve it!


XoXo

Andrea Witt

Boudoir by Andrea Witt

Cleveland, Ohio

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