Boudoir Photography~Guidance

CAphotos

I have some close friends that would like me to do a Boudoir shoot; therefore hard book printing, prints, and possibly calendars have been requested. Let me preface by telling you I do not do my own printing.

Questions:

1. Privacy for the client is my first and foremost concern and if I use blurb and/or smugmug to print these how are they handled? Any differently? This is my first time! Please share your experience, good or bad.

2. For those with experience in this type of Photography what do you offer your client, if any, reassurance of their privacy? (they photographs will be minimally exposed to strangers?)

3. Would you upload the images to an protected gallery?

Just looking for some insight on this subject.
Thanks in advance for your input.

Bodwick

Can I order a calendar in advance?

Bodwick

I was just asking about ordering a calendar on your new thread. Is the the place to order an advance copy. Maybe a book as well?

You better post a sample or two here so I can see what we're talking about. Just put 'private' in the heading and nobody else will look...

Bod.

Nikolai

Cassidy:

1. Privacy. It always the utmost concern for this type of shoots, esp. if you dealing with well-to-do clientelle. Three most typical ways to secure it:
a) their house (which is often the best place to conduct such a shoot since they would feel safe and secure)
b) your studio, provided you have a complete control over the entrances
c) rented hotel room

2. Uploading.
I have been using private SM galleries with disabled search/sharing options and then Sharegroups to allow my clients to view the drafts/finals. No complains thus far.

3. What to offer
It's totally up to client. They are all different, need different things.

HTH

Travis

Listen to Nik - he knows what he is talking about. I would add that while there is always some risk in these photos leaking, you are fairly safe with established reputable companies like Blurb and Smugmug (EZ Prints is the supporting lab). They value their reputation for confidentiality in this industry. If it got out that they let private photos slip, it would definitely impact their professional clientele business. The kid at the Walgreen's lab doesn't hav ethat concern.

With that said, you should look into getting liability insurance and signing a contract for the shoot. On the off-chance that a photo does get out and the client decides to sue you, you better cover your a$$. Even if they are friends, I've seen lawsuits happen for less.

CAphotos

Thank you Nikolai and Travis for your input and advise, I really appreciate it. I am definitely going to check into the insurance. I am very excited for these shoots!

Toodles!

Nikolai

And here's a horror story I found on another forum to prove the point that something CAN go wrong:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=586533
Thank goodness for my PPA membership:-)

jonh68

Nikolai wrote:

And here's a horror story I found on another forum to prove the point that something CAN go wrong:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=586533
Thank goodness for my PPA membership:-)

That read was an adventure!!

Nikolai

jonh68 wrote:

That read was an adventure!!

Indeedy... Makes you think twice before accepting a n00b. Thank goodness I mostly work with the pros who typically know better than to show up wasted... But a civiliian client...

CAphotos

Wow! That poor guy! Thanks for the link, it was very interesting. And Oh boy did it go wrong.