The hair and makeup services and photography time.

I recommend you plan for three hours.

Four.

The first hour is hair and makeup and the next 1–2 hours is photographing time.

I have a storefront studio in downtown Lemont. No creepy basements or hotel rooms.

Nope, just you, me, and the makeup artist. The doors are locked and no one else comes in during your shoot. Unless of course you’ve opted to bring a friend.

No, the session fee does not include products or digital images. You can choose what you’d like to purchase when you see your images. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to buy it.

Probably what you’d spend on a nice sofa or piece of furniture. But unlike something in your home that you’ll be replacing in a few years, you will treasure your portraits more every year.

No, I offer à la carte and packages, so you control how much you spend.

About a week after your shoot you come back for your reveal.

Yes, about half my clients choose to bring a friend for moral support. Just one though—too many in the studio can be distracting.

No, having a romantic partner at your shoot will make you more self-conscious and we won’t get the expressions we’re looking for.

Yes, if we have extra time we might be able to fit in a fifth outfit, or if you’re unsure what the best outfits are bring extras and we can decide when you get there.

Luckily creative lighting and posing are what I specialize in. I am 90% sure we can take care of it in camera, but I won’t hesitate to Photoshop out anything you’re self-conscious about.

I have had women from nudist colonies who have walked around nude for most of the shoot, and I have women who wear a robe until the last second, drop it to their feet then put it on immediately after shooting. Whatever you’re comfortable with.

The age you are now! I photograph women 20–90. Everyone wishes they had done this in their twenties, but the ones in their sixties also wish they had done it in their forties.

Not usually. If requested I prefer a faux nude where you’re actually wearing a nude thong and/or a sticky bra and then I Photoshop out the line for the illusion of a nude shot. If you’re looking for a fine art nude portrait we can have a conversation about that before your shoot. Everything I shoot is very tasteful. A fine art nude can be done tastefully if planned properly.

Yes, I offer two shoots on most Saturdays, but they book up fast. I recommend taking a half day or cheat day from work and booking a weekday shoot.

Boudoir is lingerie and glamour is dresses or casual clothing. You can do either/or, or both.

Girl, this is your swan song! I have women in their 70s come in for glamour and boudoir. Do it; you’ll be glad you did!

I do a basic retouch on all your photos. This means bumpy skin (cellulite), pinched skin (when straps or underwear pinch and make a bulge), bags under eyes, and blemishes. Upon request I can remove wrinkles and do Photoshop slimming. There is no fee for additional Photoshop work; I want you to love your photos.

Hell no! The most empowering experiences are women doing this just for themselves.

I recommend you bring a friend. Men are not very good at this; they usually end up feeling trapped and will say they love everything.

Yes! Down to the last fingertip detail! I don’t expect you to know how to look or move like a model. Posing you and making sure you feel comfortable is literally my entire job.

Yes!

Your cosmetologist will never expect a tip, but it is always appreciated.

Yes!

It’s in the expressions. It took the first 12 years of my career to perfect the expressions I can get out of everyday regular women, and I can do the same for you. When you have a photo where the subject is looking at the camera, and it’s not a smile, not rbf, but when it’s an expression where you see into the soul—that is someone who is comfortable in front of the camera. It’s not your job to be comfortable in front of the camera; that’s my job.

Just yourself and your outfits. We will provide all the makeup and anything else you might need.

Yes, if you have clip-in extensions I highly recommend you bring them.

Only if you spray tan on a regular basis. If you’ve never or rarely had a spray tan, this is not the time to start.

It’s recommended, but not required. Try to stay with something neutral you’ll love years from now. A classic French tip is always my go-to for photos.

Yes, the parking just outside the studio is almost always available. If not you can find additional parking on the next block.

Great! If it’s a girl who would also love this experience I can book you for a double shoot where we alternate; while you’re in hair and makeup I’ll photograph her and vice versa. If it’s someone else like your kids, boyfriend, or family, then have them come the last twenty minutes of the session and I’ll photograph you together.

Yes.

Yes, you will receive a credit for every friend you refer.

No problem with 24-hour notice. If there are several reschedules you forfeit the session fee.

You don’t have to buy any of them.

• You need to see if you have any sexy left after having babies
• You’re getting married
• You’re hitting a milestone birthday: 30, 40, 50, 60
• You’ve never seen your true beauty and you’re wondering if you have it
• You had a breakup
• You want a spicy anniversary