Photography - Ina McConnell
- Business: Long Island Boudoir Studio
- Location: Bohemia, New York NY
- Experience: 14
- Profile: Long Island Boudoir Studio
- Website: inamcconnellphoto.com
1. Introduction: What's your story?
My journey began in New York City, where I studied fashion design and fell in love with the world of style, texture, and visual storytelling. Not long after, I discovered photography—and that changed everything. What started as a creative curiosity quickly turned into a career capturing hundreds of weddings since 2012.
It was my brides who first introduced me to boudoir. Through them, I saw how powerful it could be—not just as a gift, but as an experience. When COVID shifted everything in 2020, I found myself naturally drawn deeper into boudoir photography, and that became my full focus. While boudoir has been my specialty ever since, my love for photography truly began back in 2012.
I’m also a mom, and honestly, that is the role I cherish most. My daughter and my family are my grounding force, and I feel incredibly grateful for every moment I get to spend with them.
I live on Long Island, just a short ride from New York City, and I find inspiration everywhere around me. In the summer, you’ll often find me flipping through fashion magazines—studying posing, textures, color stories, and the feeling of modern femininity. Fashion has always stayed with me in that way.
I also have a deep love for interiors and design. My studio is always evolving—never the same from season to season—because I’m constantly reimagining the space. Right now, I’m inspired by a Parisian apartment aesthetic: soft, minimal, layered with character, and rooted in architecture and history.
Most of all, I’m inspired by women and their stories. Every session is a collaboration, a celebration, and a reminder of how powerful women truly are when they step in front of the camera and allow themselves to be seen.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most incredible brides and boudoir clients over the years. I still pinch myself often that this is my work—that I get to create, connect, and witness these moments for a living. It never stops feeling meaningful.
And I truly love every minute of it.
2. What is your experience shooting boudoir?
My full-time boudoir journey began in 2020, when I transformed 600 square feet of my home into a private studio. It quickly became my safe haven—my creative ground—where everything I love about photography came together in one space.
Creativity has always been at the center of who I am. I feel most alive when I’m working with movement, light, and emotion. My approach to posing is something I call the non-posed pose—an editorial style that feels natural, effortless, and alive. Instead of rigid direction, I guide women through movement and energy, capturing the in-between moments that often become the most powerful images.
Those fleeting expressions, soft gestures, and authentic shifts in emotion are what I never want to miss. That’s where the story truly lives.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing hundreds of women, and I still feel incredibly grateful every single time someone steps into my studio. This work never stops inspiring me.
I’m also fortunate to work alongside an amazing hair and makeup artist. Together, we create an experience that feels effortless, warm, and celebratory. From the moment a client walks in, it feels less like a photoshoot and more like a girls’ day in—uplifting, relaxed, and full of laughter.
And that’s truly what I love most about what I do.
3. Where will the photo shoot take place?
Your boudoir experience will take place at my private Long Island studio in Farmingville, NY—just a short ride from NYC.
This is a 600-square-foot creative space located in my home, designed to feel intimate, private, and completely comfortable from the moment you arrive. I intentionally keep the studio evolving, so the décor changes seasonally. Each setup is thoughtfully styled to reflect a fresh, editorial feel—always inspired by fashion, texture, and timeless femininity.
For select clients, I am also available for on-location sessions, from the Hamptons to New York City. These sessions are offered in carefully chosen spaces that align with the same elevated, editorial aesthetic and are reserved based on availability and creative fit.
No matter where your session takes place, the experience is always fully guided, relaxed, and designed to make you feel effortlessly confident in front of the camera
4. How should customers prepare for the Boudoir photo shoot?
Every client receives a customized preparation guide designed to help you feel fully confident, supported, and excited for your boudoir experience.
I understand that boudoir can feel intimidating at first for many women—and that’s completely normal. There is so much vulnerability in this experience, and that’s exactly why I’ve created a step-by-step process to guide you through it with ease.
At least one month before your session, you’ll receive detailed preparation steps that walk you through everything you need to know, from wardrobe direction to mindset preparation and what to expect leading up to your shoot.
A few days before your session, you’ll also receive personalized emails with simple care guidance for your skin, nails, and hair, so you feel polished and ready without any stress or guesswork.
Once you arrive at the studio, everything is taken care of for you. You don’t need to know how to pose, how to “be photogenic,” or how to prepare for the camera—we handle all of that together.
You will be fully guided through every moment of your session, from posing and movement to expression and flow. My goal is always to create a space where you can relax, trust the process, and simply enjoy the experience while I take care of the rest.
5. Will there be a hairstylist and make-up artist?
Yes, absolutely. You also have the option to opt out but every photoshoot includes our glam pros
6. What do you do to make your customers feel comfortable for the shoot?
Creating a comfortable, relaxed experience begins long before you step into the studio. I start by getting to know each client on a personal level through a thoughtfully designed questionnaire sent prior to your session day.
This allows me to understand your personality, your comfort level, your vision, and anything that will help us create an experience that feels natural and aligned specifically to you. That connection helps both of us feel more at ease, even before we meet in person.
On the day of your shoot, you are never left wondering what to do or how to pose. I personally direct and guide you through the entire experience from start to finish. Every movement, expression, and moment is gently led, so there is no pressure to “perform” or figure anything out on your own.
My approach removes all guesswork. You are never left second-guessing yourself or feeling unsure—instead, you are fully supported, fully guided, and encouraged every step of the way.
My role is to create a space where you can relax, trust the process, and simply be present, while I take care of everything else behind the scenes.
7. Are pictures printed or do you provide a digital file?
We offer both digital images and luxury printed artwork, so you can choose how you would like to enjoy your boudoir experience.
Most clients choose a combination of beautifully retouched digital images for personal use, along with fine-art printed pieces to truly preserve their favorite moments. There is something incredibly special about holding your images in your hands—seeing them come to life in a tangible, timeless way.
We also offer heirloom-quality albums, designed to be cherished for a lifetime. These albums are thoughtfully crafted to feel elegant, intimate, and enduring—becoming a personal keepsake you can return to again and again.
Whether displayed privately or kept as a personal treasure, every piece is created with the intention of honoring your experience in the most beautiful way possible
8. What happens on the day?
The day of your boudoir session is designed to feel relaxed, guided, and completely effortless from the moment you arrive.
When you get to the studio, you’ll settle in and drop off your wardrobe selections while I go through everything with you and begin styling looks together for the shoot. During this time, you’ll sit back and enjoy professional hair and makeup, which typically takes about an hour and is designed to help you feel polished, confident, and camera-ready.
Once hair and makeup are complete, I’ll walk you through all of the outfits and looks I’ve planned for your session. Every outfit is paired with specific posing direction and movement, so you are fully guided throughout the experience. You never have to wonder what to do—I direct you every step of the way to create images that feel natural, effortless, and editorial.
You’ll also have access to your own private bathroom and changing space throughout the session, allowing you to feel comfortable and relaxed between looks.
From the moment you walk into the studio to your final image, you can expect your full experience to last approximately three hours. After that, you leave feeling empowered, celebrated, and probably wondering why you were ever nervous in the first place.
9. Where will the photographs be used?
Your images are always yours to keep, and your privacy is treated with the utmost care and importance throughout the entire experience.
We never share or publish photos without your permission. Prior to your session, you will receive a signed agreement outlining all privacy and image usage details clearly, so you always know exactly how your images are being handled.
You will also have the option to fully opt out of social media sharing, website use, or any public posting if you choose. Many clients love keeping their images completely private, while others feel comfortable allowing select images to be shared for inspiration—either option is absolutely respected.
The choice is always entirely yours. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, comfortable, and fully in control of your experience from beginning to end
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
We understand that life happens, and we always try to accommodate our clients with care and flexibility whenever possible.
Each client is allowed one complimentary reschedule for their boudoir session. In certain circumstances, we may also allow a full refund for your original session date, depending on the timing and situation surrounding the cancellation.
Because your session date is reserved exclusively for you, all policies and timelines will be clearly outlined within your booking agreement prior to your shoot.
Please note that once image collections, albums, or digital products have been purchased, they are non-refundable due to the custom and personal nature of the artwork.
Our goal is always to create a smooth, supportive experience while also honoring the time, preparation, and creative work that goes into each session
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