What Happens at a Boudoir Photography Session in London
If you’ve been thinking about booking a boudoir session but aren’t quite sure what to expect, this is for you. Most of my clients have never done anything like this before — and knowing exactly what’s going to happen makes all the difference.
Here’s the full picture, from the moment you get in touch to the day your wall art arrives.
It starts before you arrive
Once you’ve made an enquiry, we’ll have a consultation call to talk through what you’re hoping to get from your session — the mood you want, your comfort levels, and any questions you have. There’s no pressure and no judgement. It’s just an honest conversation so I can make sure everything is set up perfectly for you.
Many of my clients tell me this call alone settles a lot of the nerves. By the time you walk through my studio door, you already know what to expect.
Professional hair and makeup — included as standard
Every session begins with professional hair and makeup styling here at my private studio in Canary Wharf. This takes around 90 minutes and is included in your session — not an optional extra.
You arrive as yourself. By the time we pick up the camera, you’ll feel like the most polished version of you — and that shift in how you feel is part of how the photographs turn out the way they do.
The photography session itself
The shoot runs for two to three hours in my fully private studio. No other clients. No interruptions. Just you, me, and the work.
I’ll guide you through every pose and every look — you don’t need to know what to do with your hands or where to look. That’s my job. Your job is simply to be present and trust the process. Most clients are surprised by how quickly they relax into it.
Champagne and light snacks are always on hand. The studio wardrobe has gowns if you would like to use it, or you’re welcome to bring your own pieces — we’ll have talked through this on your consultation call.
Seeing your images for the first time
Around two weeks after your shoot, we’ll schedule your private online viewing session. This is the moment you see your images for the first time — and I won’t pretend it’s not emotional, because it usually is.
We’ll go through everything together and you’ll choose the images you’d like as finished wall art. There’s no rush and no pressure. You decide what matters to you.
Your finished wall art
The end product at my studio is finished wall art — museum-quality pieces delivered to your home. This is what the whole experience is building towards. Not a USB drive of files you’ll never quite get around to printing. Something real that you’ll actually live with.
Ready to take the first step?
Sessions at Collette Theron Portraits in Canary Wharf, London start from £995, inclusive of professional hair and makeup. If you’re considering a booking, I’d love to hear from you.
The first step is a short consultation call — no obligation, and most questions are answered in the first five minutes.
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Set aside around four to five hours for the full experience — approximately 90 minutes for hair and makeup, followed by a two to three hour photography session. There’s no rushing. The time is yours.
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No. Most of my clients describe themselves as camera-shy — and that’s completely fine. I guide every pose, every angle, every expression. You’ll never be left wondering what to do.
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Yes — professional hair and makeup is included as standard in every session. You don’t need to arrive with anything done. Just come as you are.
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My private studio is in Canary Wharf, Central London — a short walk from the Jubilee line, DLR, Elizabeth line, and the Uber Boat. It’s easy to reach from anywhere in London or beyond.
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Completely. Your session, your images and your identity are entirely private. I will never share your photographs without your explicit written permission.