Boudoir Photos - how many images is enough?

MarieSam · September 18, 2008

I'm hoping some of the talented BDW photographers and some of you lovely ladies who have done a BD session can help me out on this one.

I'm currently trying to choose a BD photographer in LA/OC Cali area, but unlike the great packages and prices other brides have gotten, the options out here are so expensive! So basically it's coming down to what photog offers the best package.

I definitely want makeup and hair to be included, and a digital copy of the images so I can make a photobook for FI, or if a photog includes an album in the package even better!

So how many images is enough for a nice book? And what's a good size for a book ~ I've seen some 5 X 5 album offers, but isn't that crazy small ??

rodent · September 18, 2008

8x8 is big enough. 5x5 is too small. that's like a pocket brag book.

you need a minimum of 20 images to make a book. more like 40 would be better.

MissyR · September 18, 2008

The package that I negotiated was 12 printed pictures. In lieu of an album - each will be matted and framed and will sit in a silk memory box - from the outside it looks like nothing with a surprise inside!

foxytv · September 18, 2008

Mine is 5X5 and I love it. It's 20 pages, I think, and has about 30 images.

I did my own hair and make-up, and didn't get digital images, but the book was included and I got a fabulous deal!

Bryan Morris · September 18, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarieSam

So basically it's coming down to what photog offers the best package.[/b]

First of all I'm so happy to could address this. I've seen this too many times.

MarieSam, your approach is not the best approach. Yes you can get a good cheap photographer, probably one building their portfolio or photography might be their hobby and not their livelihood. From experience you get what you pay for in most cases and almost always you end up regretting your decision.

So what you do is see what you would really like to have and go for it even if it means cutting back on something else. Your pictures go for a lifetime. Your cake, band, venue, food are just for one night.

Get the point

??

And now to answer your question...
I would say between 20-40 images should get you a great 20 page book. In my opinion more pages is overkill.
And yes an 8x8 is my preference a 5x5 just seem to small.

Regards,

Bryan Morris

MarieSam · September 19, 2008

Thanks ladies ~ I knew your insight would help!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissyR

The package that I negotiated was 12 printed pictures. In lieu of an album - each will be matted and framed and will sit in a silk memory box - from the outside it looks like nothing with a surprise inside!

Missy that sounds like a great gift idea, your FI is gonna love it!! I will have to keep that in mind as a alternative ~ thank you!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan Morris

First of all I'm so happy to could address this. I've seen this too many times.

MarieSam, your approach is not the best approach. Yes you can get a good cheap photographer, probably one building their portfolio or photography might be their hobby and not their livelihood. From experience you get what you pay for in most cases and almost always you end up regretting your decision.

So what you do is see what you would really like to have and go for it even if it means cutting back on something else. Your pictures go for a lifetime. Your cake, band, venue, food are just for one night.

Bryan Morris

Bryan, I can totally see your point ~ but while I do want my boudoir photos to be great because it's such a personal gift, I also need to spend my money wisely according to my budget. So looking for the best package is how I will accomplish that. And rest assured, I've been very careful to choose from a group of photogs who are experienced and have stellar examples of previous work. None of them are cheap (nothing less than $450 for an hour or 2 of boudoir work) and all have established portfolios.

Now I think your spot on when it comes to choosing a photog for the actualy ceremony, reception and trash the dress session ~ cutting corners on that aspect of photography is not an option for me. Afterall, like you said, after the big day is over the memories and images are all that you'll have left to recollect the day Luckily, I'm in the process of securing of a wonderful photogtapher who at the same time is offering me a great deal!!!

monogram.pdf

Bryan Morris · September 19, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarieSam

Bryan, I can totally see your point ~ but while I do want my boudoir photos to be great because it's such a personal gift, I also need to spend my money wisely according to my budget. So looking for the best package is how I will accomplish that. And rest assured, I've been very careful to choose from a group of photogs who are experienced and have stellar examples of previous work. None of them are cheap (nothing less than $450 for an hour or 2 of boudoir work) and all have established portfolios.

Now I think your spot on when it comes to choosing a photog for the actualy ceremony, reception and trash the dress session ~ cutting corners on that aspect of photography is not an option for me. Afterall, like you said, after the big day is over the memories and images are all that you'll have left to recollect the day

Luckily, I'm in the process of securing of a wonderful photogtapher who at the same time is offering me a great deal!!!

OK, I can see that you have it covered. Too many times I've had brides come to me after the fact that they thought they were getting a deal and it end up costing them more.

Regards,

Bryan Morris

DLyteful · September 21, 2008

Hey Marie,

My cousin lives in LA and she is an amazing photographer. She has been taking pictures of me for years, and of course did my wedding and TTD photoâ€™s. Below are a couple of my TTD pics. She would really offer a more unique and creative approach as opposed to the standard boudoir shoot, and you would be getting way more for the money.

I think she is the perfect solution. And you would be very happy with her work.