The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Boudoir Photographer

Deciding to do a boudoir session is a powerful first step. It’s a choice to celebrate your story, your strength, and the beautiful person you are right now. But the true magic of this experience hinges on one crucial decision: the artist you trust to capture it. The right photographer does more than take pretty pictures; they create a safe, affirming space where your confidence can truly shine. When you hire a boudoir photographer, you’re choosing a guide for a deeply personal journey. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect creative partner for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Define Your ‘Why’ Beyond the Photos: A boudoir session is an investment in your self-celebration journey. The confidence and empowerment you feel during the guided process are just as meaningful as the beautiful images you take home.
  • Your Photographer Is Your Guide—Choose Wisely: The connection you have with your photographer is key. Prioritize a specialist you genuinely trust, as their ability to create a safe, supportive space is what makes a truly transformative experience possible.
  • You Don’t Need to Be a Model, Just Yourself: It’s not your job to know how to pose. A professional will direct you through every step, from your expression to your fingertips, ensuring you feel comfortable and look incredible without any prior experience.

What is Boudoir Photography?

Let’s start with the basics. Boudoir photography is so much more than just pretty, intimate pictures. The word “boudoir” comes from the French term for a woman’s private dressing room—a space that was entirely her own. True to its origins, a boudoir session is a photography experience designed to celebrate you. It’s about capturing your strength, your vulnerability, and the unique beauty you hold in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

Forget any preconceived notions you might have. This isn’t about performing for the camera; it’s about connecting with yourself. The focus is on creating tasteful, artistic images that reflect your personality and confidence. For some, that means wearing beautiful lingerie, and for others, it could be an oversized sweater, a silk robe, or their partner’s button-down shirt. The choice is always yours. Many women come to us for a bridal boudoir shoot as a gift for their partner, but they almost always leave saying the experience was truly a gift for themselves.

Think of it as a journey of self-discovery. It’s a dedicated time and space for you to see yourself through a new lens—one that’s affirming, artistic, and focused on your story. Ultimately, a boudoir session is a deeply personal and collaborative process. It’s an opportunity to work with a photographer who guides you, makes you feel comfortable, and creates timeless portraits that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. The experience is designed to be as transformative as the final images.

Why a Professional Boudoir Experience Matters

You might be thinking you can just take some nice photos yourself or ask a friend for help. While that’s always an option, a professional boudoir session is something entirely different. It’s not just about getting beautiful images; it’s about the entire journey—a dedicated, transformative experience designed to celebrate you. A professional session is a powerful act of self-discovery, giving you the space to see yourself in a completely new and affirming light. It’s an opportunity to connect with your body, your story, and your strength in a way that daily life rarely allows.

The most critical element a professional brings is a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment. Boudoir is inherently vulnerable, and an experienced photographer knows how to build trust and make you feel completely at ease from the moment you walk in. They create a judgment-free zone where you can relax and be yourself. This carefully guided experience is what allows your genuine confidence to shine through. An expert handles everything with professionalism and grace, ensuring you feel respected and beautiful every step of the way.

Think of a boudoir session less as a purchase and more as an investment in your self-love journey. It’s a profound way to honor who you are right now. The right photographer acts as your guide, helping you feel supported and celebrated not just during the shoot, but long after. The confidence you feel in the studio doesn’t stay there; it follows you home. Your final images become a tangible, lasting reminder of your power and beauty—something you can look back on whenever you need to remember the incredible woman you are.

How to Find the Right Boudoir Photographer for You

Choosing a boudoir photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process. This isn’t just about hiring someone with a nice camera; it’s about finding an artist and a guide who you can trust completely. The right photographer will not only create stunning images but will also foster an environment where you feel safe, celebrated, and completely at ease. Your connection with them is the key to a truly transformative experience.

Think of your search as a series of steps designed to lead you to the perfect creative partner. You’re looking for a combination of proven skill, an artistic vision that aligns with yours, and a personality that makes you feel instantly comfortable. The quality of your photos is directly linked to how relaxed and confident you feel in front of the camera, and a great photographer knows how to bring that out in you. When you find that match, you’ll know you’re in the right hands. Let’s walk through exactly what to look for.

Look for Proven Experience

When it comes to something as personal as boudoir, experience is non-negotiable. You want a photographer who specializes in boudoir and has a long history of working with clients in such an intimate setting. An experienced professional knows how to do more than just operate a camera; they know how to direct you into flattering poses, listen to your concerns, and create a space where you feel confident enough to let your guard down. Their expertise is what turns a potentially nerve-wracking day into an empowering one. Don’t be afraid to ask about their background and how long they’ve been specializing in this genre. A true professional, like our own lead photographer Rachel, will be proud to share their journey with you.

Find an Artistic Style You Love

Every photographer has a unique artistic signature. Before you book, spend time looking through portfolios to find a style that speaks to you. Are you drawn to bright, airy, and romantic images? Or do you prefer a dark, moody, and dramatic feel? A photographer’s portfolio is their visual resume—it shows you their skill level, their approach to posing, and how they capture different body types. As you browse, pay attention to the overall mood of the images. If their work consistently makes you feel something positive and you can picture yourself in those photos, you’re on the right track. The goal is to find a style that feels like an authentic reflection of you and the story you want to tell through your boudoir experience.

Connect with Their Personality

This might be the most crucial step of all. You need to feel a genuine connection with your photographer. This is the person who will be guiding you through a deeply personal and vulnerable experience, so feeling comfortable with them is essential. Read their “About Me” page, watch any videos they’ve posted, and check out their social media to get a sense of who they are. Do they seem warm, professional, and supportive? The best way to gauge this is to schedule a consultation call. This gives you a chance to chat, ask questions, and see if your personalities click. A photographer should create a safe space where you can be yourself without judgment.

Review Their Portfolio for Diversity

A photographer’s portfolio should celebrate beauty in all its forms. As you review their work, look for a diverse range of clients. Do they showcase women of different ages, body types, and skin tones? Seeing this diversity is a great sign that the photographer is skilled at making everyone look and feel their best. It shows they have the technical skill and artistic eye to flatter any figure and capture each person’s unique essence. If you see women who look like you in their gallery, it can be incredibly reassuring. It confirms that the photographer has experience working with different bodies and knows how to highlight what makes each client beautiful, whether it’s for a classic session or a special bridal boudoir shoot.

See How They Master Light

Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in photography—it sets the mood, sculpts the body, and turns a simple photo into a work of art. As you look through a photographer’s portfolio, notice how they use light. Some photographers prefer soft, dreamy light that wraps around you for a romantic feel. Others use more dramatic lighting with strong shadows to create a bold, high-contrast look. There’s no right or wrong style, but you’ll likely have a preference. Thinking about whether you prefer a soft glow or a more dramatic, shadowy effect will help you narrow down your search and find an artist whose vision aligns perfectly with yours.

What to Look for in a Boudoir Photographer

Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few photographers whose artistic style you adore, it’s time to look a little deeper. Finding the right person is about so much more than their portfolio; it’s about finding a professional who will make you feel safe, celebrated, and completely at ease. A boudoir session is an investment in yourself, and the photographer you choose is your guide on this journey. They set the tone for the entire day, so you want to be sure you’re in the best possible hands. Think of it like finding a trusted friend—someone who sees your strength, honors your story, and knows exactly how to help you shine.

Prioritize Professionalism and Comfort

This is non-negotiable. A true professional will create an environment where you feel respected, valued, and empowered from the moment you first connect. Their communication should be clear, their process should be transparent, and their focus should always be on your comfort. This goes beyond just taking beautiful photos; it’s about curating a supportive atmosphere where you can relax and be yourself. A professional boudoir photographer offers a fully guided experience, helping you with everything from wardrobe choices to posing, ensuring you never feel lost or awkward. They should make you feel like the most important person in the room, because on the day of your shoot, you are.

Trust Your Gut Connection

Since boudoir is such a personal experience, feeling a genuine connection with your photographer is key. You’re trusting them to capture you in a vulnerable state, so you need to feel comfortable in their presence. Take some time to get to know your photographer by reading their story, watching behind-the-scenes videos, or hopping on a consultation call. Do they seem like someone you could laugh with? Do they listen to your ideas and fears with empathy? Your intuition is a powerful tool. If a photographer’s energy feels right and you feel a sense of trust building, that’s a great sign you’ve found a good match for this transformative experience.

Confirm Their Privacy Policy

Your privacy is paramount, and any reputable boudoir photographer will treat it with the utmost seriousness. Before you book, make sure they have a clear and comprehensive privacy policy. You should have complete control over your images, and the photographer should never share them publicly without your explicit, written consent. Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions: Where will my images be stored? Who will have access to them? What is your policy on sharing photos on social media or your website? A professional will have straightforward answers to these questions and will be happy to put your mind at ease, ensuring your beautiful images remain completely private unless you decide otherwise.

What Does a Boudoir Session Cost?

Talking about money can feel a little awkward, but it’s one of the most important parts of planning your boudoir session. Let’s reframe it: think of this not as a cost, but as an investment in yourself. You’re investing in a transformative, confidence-building experience that will leave you with beautiful, tangible reminders of your own strength and beauty. Prices can vary quite a bit from one photographer to another, so it’s helpful to understand how studios typically structure their pricing to find the right fit for you.

Most professional boudoir photographers separate their pricing into two parts: the session fee and the cost of your images and products. The session fee secures your date and covers the photoshoot itself, while the products are what you take home afterward—like a stunning album or a collection of digital portraits. This structure allows you to decide what you want to purchase after you’ve seen your final images, with no pressure to buy a package upfront. It’s all about creating an experience that feels right for you, from start to finish. Many studios also offer payment plans to make the investment more manageable, which you can usually find out about on their FAQs page or during a consultation call.

What the Session Fee Covers

The session fee, sometimes called a creation fee, is the initial investment that reserves your spot on the photographer’s calendar. In the industry, these fees often range from $300 to $500. This typically covers the photographer’s time and talent for the pre-session consultation, the photoshoot itself, and the use of their studio and client wardrobe. At a dedicated boudoir studio, this fee is for more than just snapping pictures; it’s for the expertise of a photographer like Rachel, who knows how to guide you through every pose and expression to capture you in the most authentic and flattering light. It’s the foundation of your entire experience.

Plan for Other Investments (Like Albums and Prints)

After your session, you’ll have the chance to purchase the images you love. This is where the rest of your investment comes in. Most clients choose to preserve their portraits in a custom-designed album or as wall art. These are heirloom-quality products designed to last a lifetime. While individual prints might start around $50 to $200, most people find the best value in collections or albums. The total investment for a full boudoir experience, including professional hair and makeup, often falls between $1,500 and $5,000. This range reflects the creation of a truly personal art piece, whether it’s a gorgeous album for a bridal boudoir gift or a collection you cherish for yourself.

Focus on Value, Not Just Price

While it’s tempting to shop around for the lowest price, a boudoir session is one area where the old saying, “you get what you pay for,” really holds true. A cheaper session might mean a less experienced photographer, a rushed photoshoot, or lower-quality products. Instead of focusing only on the price tag, consider the overall value. Are you getting a photographer who makes you feel safe, seen, and celebrated? Do they have a proven process for helping women feel confident in front of the camera? The right photographer provides an experience that stays with you long after you leave the studio. This is your story, and it deserves to be told beautifully.

What to Expect During Your Boudoir Session

A professional boudoir session is so much more than just a photoshoot—it’s a complete, guided experience designed to celebrate you. From the moment you book to the day you hold your final images, every step is crafted to make you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful. Knowing what the process looks like can help calm any nerves and get you excited for what’s to come. Unlike a quick portrait session, a luxury boudoir experience is a journey with a few distinct, empowering phases. It’s an investment in yourself, and understanding each step ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the moment without worrying about what’s next.

It starts with collaborative planning where your vision is heard and mapped out. Then comes the day of the shoot itself—a day dedicated entirely to you, filled with pampering and confidence-building guidance. Finally, it all culminates in the beautiful reveal of your final artwork. Each part is intentionally designed to build on the last, creating a safe and affirming space where you can reconnect with yourself. This entire process is about honoring your story and strength, all leading to a powerful celebration of you. We’ll walk through each of these stages so you know exactly what to expect and can look forward to every single moment.

The Consultation: Planning Your Dream Shoot

This is where the magic begins. Your consultation is a dedicated time to connect with your photographer, share your vision, and plan every detail of your dream shoot. You’ll discuss everything from wardrobe and makeup styles to the overall mood you want to create. Whether you’re planning a special bridal boudoir album or simply doing this for yourself, this conversation ensures your session is deeply personal. Choosing the right photographer is key to a great experience, and this initial meeting is the perfect opportunity to build that essential trust and rapport with your photographer, like our own Rachel. It’s a collaborative, creative process that puts your story front and center.

Getting Ready on the Day Of

On the day of your shoot, your only job is to relax and be pampered. Most luxury boudoir experiences begin with professional hair and makeup artistry. This isn’t just about looking your best; it’s a chance to unwind, sip some champagne, and ease into the day. This time helps you transition from your busy life into a space where you are the focus. A boudoir session is a big step toward self-discovery, and this pampering is the first part of that empowering journey. It sets a positive and luxurious tone, allowing you to feel completely taken care of before you even step in front of the camera.

What Happens During the Photoshoot

This is where you truly get to shine, and you don’t need any modeling experience to do it. Your photographer will guide you through everything. They will direct your poses, from your fingertips to your facial expressions, to capture your most flattering angles. It’s so important that you feel comfortable, and a great photographer creates a safe space where you can be yourself. The entire session is choreographed to build your confidence, starting with more covered looks and gradually moving into different outfits as you feel more at ease. You can find answers to common questions on our FAQs page.

After the Photoshoot: The Big Reveal

A few weeks after your session, you’ll return to the studio for the big reveal. This is an exciting and often emotional moment where you see your gorgeous images for the first time. You’ll watch a slideshow of the best photos from your shoot and then go through them one by one to select your favorites. This is when you decide how you want to preserve your memories, whether in a luxury album, a folio box, or as wall art. The experience is an investment in yourself and your self-love journey, and seeing your final portraits is the beautiful culmination of that investment.

How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session

Getting ready for your boudoir session is part of the fun—it’s your chance to tune into yourself and get excited for the day ahead. Think of it less as a to-do list and more as the first step in your self-celebration journey. The goal isn’t to change who you are, but to create the space for you to feel completely comfortable, confident, and ready to shine. A great photographer will guide you through this, but here are a few things you can do to prepare your mind and body for an incredible experience.

Choose Outfits That Make You Feel Amazing

This is your time to play and express yourself, so choose outfits that make you feel powerful and beautiful. Don’t worry about what you think you should wear for a boudoir shoot. Instead, focus on what resonates with your personal style. This could be classic lingerie, a soft, oversized sweater, your partner’s button-down shirt, or even just a simple white sheet. Consider a mix of colors and textures that you love. If you’re celebrating an upcoming wedding, you might incorporate pieces from your bridal boudoir look, like a veil or garter. The most important rule is that there are no rules—if it makes you feel incredible, it’s the right choice.

Plan Your Hair and Makeup

One of the best ways to feel pampered and confident on the day of your shoot is with professional hair and makeup. We include this as a core part of the experience because it allows you to simply arrive, relax, and let our team of experts take care of you. It’s not about looking like someone else; it’s about highlighting your natural beauty so you feel polished and camera-ready. Our professional artists know exactly how to style you for the studio lighting. All you have to do is show up with a clean face and dry hair, and we’ll handle the rest. It’s the perfect way to ease into your session feeling like a star.

Get in the Right Headspace

Your boudoir session is a deeply personal and empowering journey, so approaching it with a positive mindset is key. In the days leading up to your shoot, prioritize self-care. Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and try to schedule some quiet time for yourself. It’s completely normal to feel a few butterflies, but remember why you’re doing this. Focus on the strength and beauty you’re here to celebrate. Our lead photographer, Rachel, is an expert at creating a safe and affirming space where you can let go of any nerves and truly be yourself. Trust that you are in caring, professional hands.

Create Your Confidence-Boosting Playlist

Music is a powerful tool for setting the mood. To make your session feel even more personal, consider creating a playlist of songs that make you feel like your most confident self. What music makes you want to dance around your living room? What songs make you feel powerful and inspired? Whether it’s Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, or a throwback 90s playlist, bring the songs that speak to you. We’ll have music playing in the studio, but having your personal soundtrack can help you connect with your inner fire and make the experience uniquely yours. It’s a simple but effective way to set the tone for a fun and empowering day.

How to Feel Comfortable and Confident

It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before your boudoir session. In fact, almost every woman who walks into our studio feels the same way. The goal isn’t to ignore those feelings, but to work with a photographer who can transform them into genuine confidence. Feeling comfortable is the foundation of a beautiful and empowering session, and it all comes down to finding a professional who creates a safe environment where you can truly be yourself. When you feel seen, respected, and guided, your inner strength naturally comes to the surface. This part of the process is a collaboration, and your comfort is the top priority.

Look for a Safe and Private Space

A boudoir session is an incredibly personal journey, so the environment you’re in matters immensely. This is about more than just a pretty backdrop; it’s about finding a space where you feel completely at ease. A professional studio should be a private sanctuary, free from interruptions and judgment, allowing you to relax and focus on yourself without any outside pressure. When you’re researching photographers, pay attention to where they shoot. A dedicated, private studio shows a commitment to client comfort and safety, which is essential for an experience that is meant to be all about you.

Build Trust with Your Photographer

The connection you have with your photographer is the single most important element of your session. You are trusting them with your vulnerability, and that requires a strong sense of rapport. A great boudoir photographer will take the time to get to know you before you ever step in front of the camera. You should feel like you’re collaborating with a friend who is cheering you on. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share your hopes and fears during your consultation. Getting to know Rachel and our all-female team helps our clients feel supported from the very first conversation.

Let’s Talk About Common Fears

Let’s clear the air: you don’t need to be a model, and you certainly don’t need to change a single thing about yourself before a boudoir shoot. One of the biggest myths is that you need a certain body type for boudoir. The truth is, these sessions are for celebrating the body you have right now. Many women also worry that the photos will feel pornographic, but artistic boudoir is about sensuality, strength, and self-love—not performance. A professional photographer will address all your concerns, and our boudoir FAQ page is a great place to start if you want to see more common questions answered.

Trust Their Posing Guidance

“But I don’t know how to pose!” We hear this all the time, and the answer is simple: you don’t have to. It’s not your job to know what to do—it’s the photographer’s. A skilled boudoir photographer is an expert in posing and directing. They will guide you through every single movement, from the tilt of your head to the placement of your fingers. This isn’t about forcing you into awkward positions; it’s about finding angles that flatter your unique shape and feel authentic to you. The entire experience is designed to be fully guided, so you can relax and trust that your photographer will make you look and feel incredible.

Do Your Homework: Portfolios and Reviews

You’ve found a few photographers whose style you like—now it’s time to get a clearer picture. This is one of the most important steps in finding the right person to trust with your story. Looking through portfolios and reading what past clients have to say isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about making sure you’ll feel completely comfortable, celebrated, and seen. It’s how you confirm that the beautiful, affirming experience they promise is the one they actually deliver.

Analyze Their Body of Work

A photographer’s portfolio is their visual resume, and it tells you everything about their skill and artistic eye. As you look through their work, go beyond just liking the photos. Ask yourself: Do they showcase a variety of body types, ages, and personalities? A truly skilled photographer knows how to pose and light every woman to highlight her unique beauty. You should see a consistent quality and style that resonates with what you envision for your own session. The women in the photos should look genuinely comfortable and empowered. If their gallery makes you feel inspired and you can picture yourself in those images, you’re on the right track.

Read Client Stories and Testimonials

While photos show you the final product, client stories tell you about the journey. Testimonials are your window into the real experience of working with a photographer. Look for reviews that talk about more than just the beautiful images. How did other women feel during their shoot? Did they feel safe, respected, and guided by a true professional like our photographer, Rachel? Reading about another person’s journey can give you the confidence that you’ll be in good hands. There’s no pressure to book right away, so take your time. This is how you find someone who not only creates stunning art but also provides a supportive atmosphere from start to finish.

Key Questions to Ask Before You Book

Once you’ve found a few photographers whose work you admire, it’s time to connect. Think of this as a friendly interview—you’re making sure their approach, personality, and process are the perfect fit for this deeply personal experience. Asking the right questions upfront ensures there are no surprises and that you feel completely supported from start to finish. This conversation is your opportunity to confirm that they can deliver not just beautiful images, but the empowering journey you deserve.

A great photographer will welcome your questions and be happy to provide clear, thoughtful answers. Their responses will tell you everything you need to know about the level of care and professionalism you can expect. Use this time to build trust and get a feel for what it would be like to work with them. Remember, you’re choosing a partner for a transformative process, so feeling a genuine connection is just as important as loving their portfolio. This is your chance to make sure you feel seen and heard before you even step in front of the camera.

What’s your specific experience with boudoir?

It’s one thing to be a great photographer, but it’s another to be a great boudoir photographer. This genre requires a unique skill set that goes beyond technical ability. Ask them how long they’ve specialized in boudoir and what drew them to it. A dedicated boudoir artist has honed their craft in posing, lighting, and directing clients in a way that is both flattering and empowering. They understand the vulnerability involved and have developed a process to honor it. A photographer like Rachel, with years of dedicated experience, brings a level of expertise that a generalist simply can’t match.

How do you help clients feel comfortable and confident?

This might be the most important question you ask. Your comfort is non-negotiable, so you need to know what steps they take to create a safe and affirming environment. Ask about their process for nervous clients. Do they offer posing guidance? Is the studio private? Is it an all-female team? The answer should give you a clear picture of how they prioritize your well-being. A photographer who is passionate about empowerment will have a detailed process for making you feel seen, heard, and celebrated throughout the experience.

What’s included in your pricing and packages?

Let’s talk about the investment. It’s essential to have a transparent conversation about costs to ensure everything aligns with your budget. Ask for a full breakdown of their pricing. What does the session fee cover? Are hair and makeup included? What do albums and prints cost? A professional studio will be upfront about all potential costs and should never pressure you. You can often find answers to these questions on a studio’s boudoir FAQ page, but it’s always a good idea to confirm the details directly so you can plan accordingly.

What happens after the photoshoot?

The experience doesn’t end when the camera clicks off. Ask the photographer to walk you through their post-session process. How and when will you see your images for the first time? This is often called the “reveal,” and it’s a powerful part of the journey. Inquire about the timeline for retouching and final product delivery. Understanding these final steps helps manage your excitement and ensures you know what to expect as you await your beautiful, finished artwork. A clear process from start to finish is the hallmark of a true professional.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’m worried I won’t know how to pose. Do I need modeling experience? Absolutely not! It’s our job, not yours, to know how to pose. We provide complete guidance from your facial expression down to your fingertips. We’ve spent years mastering how to direct women of all body types into poses that feel natural and look incredible. Your only responsibility is to show up and let us take care of the rest.

What kind of outfits should I bring? Do I have to wear lingerie? You should bring whatever makes you feel amazing. For some, that’s beautiful lingerie, but for others, it’s an oversized sweater, a silk robe, or a partner’s dress shirt. We encourage you to bring a few different options that reflect your personality. The goal is for you to feel comfortable and confident, and we’ll help you style your choices to create stunning, authentic portraits.

Will my photos be kept private? I’m nervous about them being shared online. Your privacy is our top priority, and we take it very seriously. Your images will never be shared anywhere without your explicit, written permission. We have a secure process for storing and handling your photos, and you have complete control over who sees them. This is your story, and we are here to protect it.

I’ve seen cheaper options. What am I really investing in with a professional boudoir session? You’re investing in far more than just photos; you’re investing in a transformative experience. A professional session provides a safe, private studio, expert posing direction, and an all-female team dedicated to your comfort. The value is in the entire guided journey—from the initial planning to the final reveal—that is designed to build your confidence and create timeless art you’ll cherish forever.

It’s normal to feel nervous, right? How do you help clients relax? Feeling nervous is completely normal—in fact, almost every woman who walks through our doors feels that way at first. Our entire experience is designed to turn those nerves into confidence. We start with professional hair and makeup to help you relax and feel pampered. From there, our photographer creates a supportive, judgment-free zone and guides you every step of the way, ensuring you feel celebrated and at ease.

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