You did it. You walked into the studio nervous, you walked out glowing, and now you are home in your sweats replaying the whole day in your head going “wait, when do I get to SEE them?”
This is the part nobody explains very well, so let me walk you through exactly what happens after your boudoir photoshoot at my Chicago studio. No mystery, no surprise emails, no wondering if we forgot about you (we did not).
TL;DR:
- About 1 week after your shoot, you have your reveal session, a private online viewing of your images.
- Plan 1 to 2 hours and watch on an iPad, tablet, or computer, not your phone.
- At your reveal you pick your favorites, your collection, and any album or wall art.
- No extra edits requested? Your finished gallery is delivered the same day as your reveal.
- Edits requested? Up to 2 weeks, sent to your private online gallery.
- Albums and prints are ordered within 1 week of your reveal and arrive 6 to 8 weeks after the order is placed.
Right After Your Shoot: Rest and Let It Sink In
Most of my clients leave the studio on a total high. Some cry in the car (happy tears, we promise). Some go straight to brunch with their glam still on. Both are correct.
Here is what is happening behind the scenes while you celebrate: I am going through every single frame from your session, pulling the strongest images, and our team is getting your gallery ready for the big moment.
Your only job this week is to book your reveal if you have not already. The link is in your booking texts and emails, and we will remind you.
About 1 Week Later: Your Reveal Session
This is my favorite part of the whole experience, and I am not exaggerating.
Your reveal is a private online viewing, usually about one week after your shoot. You get a link by email, you settle in somewhere cozy, and we show you your images for the very first time in a full slideshow.
A few things that make it better:
- Use a big screen. An iPad, tablet, or computer. Your phone does not do these images justice.
- Give yourself 1 to 2 hours. You will want to look at everything twice. Trust me.
- Get comfortable. Wine, coffee, a blanket, your best friend on the couch if you want a hype squad. This is your moment.
The reaction we see most? Silence, then “wait, that is ME?” That is the boudoir effect, and it never gets old.
Picking Your Favorites
After the slideshow, we go back through your gallery together and build your favorites list. This is where you start falling in love with specific images, the ones that make you feel powerful, soft, bold, or just plain hot.
You do not have to decide alone. We will tell you which images are showstoppers, which ones work beautifully together in an album, and which ones belong on a wall.
Choosing Your Collection
Next, we walk through your collection and what is included. If you have fallen in love with more images than you planned (it happens to almost everyone), we will show you your options for upgrading.
Not sure how payment works? We offer payment plans so you never have to choose between the images you love and your budget. You can see our full Collections any time.
Albums, Wall Art, and Keepsakes
This is where your images go from your phone to your real life. At your reveal, we help you pick:
- Albums. We go over cover options and add ons, then you choose which favorites go inside.
- Wall art and prints. Metal prints in different sizes, and statement pieces for the bedroom (or the closet, or wherever you want them).
- Keepsakes. Pieces made to be held, gifted, or kept just for you.
If you are thinking about giving your photos as a gift, my guide on how to gift boudoir photos has ideas for every kind of reveal.
Edits and Retouching
Want something adjusted? Tell us at your reveal. We write down every edit request so nothing gets lost.
Our retouching is natural. We clean up things that come and go, like a stray hair or a temporary blemish. We do not turn you into someone else. The whole point is that you see yourself, on your best day.
When You Get Your Gallery
Here is the official timeline, so you always know what to expect:
- No extra edits requested: your finished gallery is delivered through our online gallery the same day as your reveal.
- Edits requested: up to 2 weeks, delivered to your private online gallery at the email on file.
Your gallery is private. Nobody sees your images unless you share them. And we never post client photos without your written permission.
When Your Album and Prints Arrive
Physical products are ordered within 1 week of your reveal on our ordering days. They arrive 6 to 8 weeks after the order is placed.
I know, waiting is hard. But the day that box shows up and you hold your album for the first time? Worth every single day.
What to Do With Your Photos
- Keep them just for you. A lot of my clients never show anyone. That is completely valid.
- Gift them. Anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, Valentine’s Day.
- Put one where you will see it. A small print in your closet or on your nightstand is a daily reminder of how you felt that day.
- Come back. So many of my clients book again for a new season of life, a milestone birthday, or just because.
Haven’t Booked Yet?
If you are reading this before your shoot, start with how to prepare for a boudoir photoshoot. Still shopping around? Here is how to choose a boudoir photographer in Chicago and what a boudoir photoshoot costs in Chicago.
When you are ready, book a free phone consult and we will walk you through the whole experience, start to finish.
FAQ
How long after a boudoir shoot do you get your photos?
At my studio, your reveal session is about 1 week after your shoot. If you do not request extra edits, your finished gallery is delivered the same day as your reveal. If you request edits, allow up to 2 weeks.
What is a boudoir reveal session?
A private online viewing where you see your images for the first time, pick your favorites, and choose your collection, album, and any wall art.
How should I watch my reveal?
On an iPad, tablet, or computer, with 1 to 2 hours set aside. Your phone screen is too small to really see your images.
How long do boudoir albums take?
Albums and prints are ordered within 1 week of your reveal and arrive 6 to 8 weeks after the order is placed.
Will my boudoir photos be posted online?
Never without your written permission. Your gallery is private, and you decide who sees your images.
Can I make changes to my photos?
Yes. Tell us your edit requests at your reveal and we will note every one. Edited galleries are delivered within 2 weeks.
