Let’s talk about it

How do I know my photos will be flattering and make me look good?

My training in portraiture included posing and lighting larger and curvier bodies. I’m a fat woman myself, so I’m also familiar with how a plus-size body feels from the inside. Here are lots of examples of previous work I’ve done, so you can see my style and the types of poses I use.

But also, think about this: When we say “flattering” we usually mean “as thin as possible.” As you’ll see on the rest of my site, I’m not into minimizing bodies through posing or lighting or retouching. I will guide you in posing so that we can capture the aesthetic you want (particularly for boudoir), but your body will remain whole and in its unique shape and a representation of the housing of your unique soul.

But I don’t feel beautiful.

Take a look at the sessions here on the site. With very few exceptions, these folks are just like you: in other words, they’re not models and (beyond some inspiration from Tyra) have no modeling experience. You and your body are worthy, just as they are.

One of the reasons I’ll ask you to fill out a short questionnaire when you book is so that I can get to know you as a person before your session. I’ll get a sense of your personality and appearance, and use that to plan a session specifically for you.

I’ve never done any modeling. I don’t even like being in front of the camera. How will I know what to do?

At your session, I’ll give you a quick posing lesson and then guide you through each pose. My sessions are planned specifically so that you have time to relax and enjoy your session.

I have major fat rolls, ashy skin, acne, stretch marks, self-harm scars and/or other “flaws.” Are you going to be weird about that?

All of those things are part of your story, and there’s nothing more shameful to them than there would be to having eyes or ears. I won’t remove any of those things in Photoshop, but if you’re truly uncomfortable having them as part of your visual story, we’ll minimize them a bit through posing.

Being in front of the camera makes me nervous. What if I’m too scared to have my picture taken?

My sessions are built around making you feel comfortable, safe and worthy. That means you’re supported from the moment your session is scheduled:

• I’m available by email (and, for business sessions, by phone) to support you in the days leading up to your session. Ask me anything!
• When you arrive for the session, we’ll spend a few minutes chatting so you can get used to me and my camera with no pressure. I’ll also have supplies on hand like makeup blotting paper, a comb and tissues.
• You can take a break any time — for water, a snack, the bathroom, to rest, or just because you want a break — without offending or frustrating me. Your experience matters.

What do I need to know about nude photos? Am I going to be pressured to do them?

Depending on our conversations beforehand, I give clients the option to do implied nudes if they want. That’s where you look like you’re nude, but there’s actually a sheet or fabric or ostrich feathers or a prop covering your private bits.

(Often, clients are also wearing a bra or panties underneath, too, but you can’t see it from the angle of the photo.)

Often, I do have a client request full-on nudes, which I’m happy to do, and I always do those from a fine art nude perspective.

The upshot is that, while you’ll always have the option to do implied or full nudes — and I may ask during your session if you want to do those — there is absolutely no obligation or pressure to do so. “No” is a complete sentence and a perfectly acceptable answer at any time in my studio.

Is it normal for a boudoir photographer to touch a client at all?

It comes down to what you’re comfortable with, but in general, yes — read more about touching here.

What kind of privacy options do I have for my photos?

Clients always get to choose what kind of privacy they’d like for their images, from public use (always anonymous unless you specifically ask to be tagged) all the way to “completely private and no one ever sees them but me (Lindley) and you (the client).”

When you book your session and fill out your pre-session forms, you’ll be able to check the box for the privacy level you want. Easy peasy.

I’m going to be half dressed for my session, and you’ll be all clothed and pointing a camera at me. That’s super intimidating. How do I know you even understand what it feels like to be vulnerable?

That is a great question, and I’m glad you asked. Since my sessions are pretty laid back, and I’m kind of a doofus in person, people find it pretty hard to be nervous around me. That said, I’ve been known to strip down to my own undies while working to even out the vulnerability situation.

How well do you work with people of color, non-binary people, transgender people and other members of the LGBTQIAP+ community?

I’m honored to serve as a safer place (as much as possible as a cisgender white woman — I’m always learning, growing, and happy to receive feedback for improvement) and a respectful way for folks from all these communities to view themselves and their bodies.

I’m recovering from an eating disorder. What do I need to know?

Quite a few of my clients use their images as tools in their healing from eating disorders or poor body image. Though people often use their photos for a little informal exposure therapy, I encourage you to take them to any mental healthcare providers you’re working with, especially if you have an eating disorder. They’ll be able to give you tools to process and sit with your images in addition to the gentle work you and I do together at your photo session and reveal session.

My session is coming up and I just can’t seem to relax!

Check out some ways to destress before your session.