Boudoir photography · Johannesburg & Gauteng
Before I photograph you, I want to know what you want from this.
What the photographs are for. What you want to show. What you don’t. What you’re nervous about. And whether you’d like a little encouragement outside your comfort zone, or none at all.
That is where we start.
Before the first frame
You don't arrive and immediately start posing.
You arrive dressed. We talk. I look at the space and test the light. You get used to me and the camera being there. You change when you're ready.
I normally set aside about two hours, so talking, settling in and outfit changes are part of the session too. We aren't trying to squeeze everything into the shortest possible slot.
Most often, I suggest shooting at your place. It doesn't need to look like a magazine bedroom. It's familiar, it's yours, and that removes one more unfamiliar thing from the day. If home isn't right for what you want, we'll find somewhere that is.
When we start shooting
I’ll tell you what to do with your hands. You can still say no.
Hands, shoulders, where your weight sits, what to do with your face — I’ll help with all of that. You are not expected to arrive knowing how to pose.
If I suggest something and you don’t want it, sweet. We do something else. You don’t have to convince me.
Sometimes I’ll ask what’s putting you off, not to talk you into it, but because it helps me understand what you’re seeing. If the answer is something like, “I hate my bum,” I might suggest trying one frame, if you’re open to it, and looking at it together. If you still don’t like it, I delete it and we move on.
The point isn’t to win an argument about a pose. It’s to make photographs you actually want.
About the photographs you just saw
If you can see a boudoir photograph here, the person in it said I could show it.
A yes on the booking form is not something I treat as a blank cheque.
When you book, you can choose whether or not you are happy for photographs from your session to be shared. Even if you say yes there, I still ask again before I actually use a boudoir photograph publicly.
If you don't want them shared publicly, I don't use them on my website or social media. It really is that simple.
If you want the formal version, you can read the Phoenix Photography Privacy & POPIA policy.
The practical bit
A few things you’ll probably want to know.
Where we shoot
Your place is usually my first suggestion because it is familiar and already yours. But it can also be my place, a hired location, a BnB or outdoors if that suits what you want to make.
What to bring
You currently bring your own wardrobe. Three or four looks is normally plenty — enough variety without spending half the session changing clothes.
Hair and makeup are not currently included.
Bringing someone
If having a friend there helps, that is absolutely fine. Partners are welcome too, although I normally suggest they do not stay in the room while we shoot. People often become much more aware of themselves when their partner is watching.
Retouching
I keep retouching pretty light. Temporary things like a bruise, a scab or a very obvious pimple can go, and I do a small amount of skin finishing so the photographs still feel polished.
I won’t change your body shape. No smaller waist, bigger boobs, smaller bum or turning you into somebody else. That defeats the point of the shoot.
Age
Boudoir sessions are for adults only — 18+.
Portrait or modelling sessions involving younger clients are a different kind of shoot and are handled separately.
Who’s photographing you
I’m Ruan, and I’m the photographer behind Phoenix. I’m also a guy.
Most people have already seen that by the time they get here, but if it matters to you, I’d rather say it plainly than make you discover it later.
Afterward
I normally have a few sneak peeks ready within a day or two. Your fully edited gallery is usually ready within about four weeks and delivered through a private online gallery.
You receive all the good photographs from the session. Books, USBs and other physical products can be arranged if you want them.
Investment
R1 500
for the usual two-hour session. If you have something different in mind, tell me what you’re planning.
Still wondering about something?
Ask me the awkward question.
If there is something I haven't covered — or something you're not quite sure how to ask — ask me anyway. You don't need to have the whole shoot figured out before you get in touch.