Photography - Chris Reynolds
- Business: Art of You Boudoir
- Location: Austin, Texas TX
- Experience: 10 Years
- Profile: Art of You Boudoir
- Website: artofyouportraits.com
1. Introduction: What's your story?
I’m Chris Reynolds, the photographer behind Art of You Boudoir, the boudoir experience from Art of You Portraits.
I’ve been photographing people for more than a decade, and one thing I’ve learned is that most people don’t walk into a session already knowing how to be photographed. They wonder how to pose, what to wear, what will look good, or whether they’ll feel comfortable once the camera comes out.
That realization shaped the way I approach boudoir photography. My job isn’t to wait for someone to know what to do in front of the camera. It’s to get to know her, understand what she wants from the experience, and guide her through the process from beginning to end.
Some women come to me to celebrate a milestone. Some are creating a gift for someone they love. Others have wanted to do a boudoir session for years and finally decided it was time. There doesn’t have to be one particular reason.
What matters to me is creating photographs with intention and giving each woman the privacy, preparation, guidance, and direction she needs throughout the experience. We take care of those things before expecting her to feel comfortable in front of a camera. The photographs matter, but so does the way she gets there.
2. What is your experience shooting boudoir?
I’ve been photographing people for more than a decade, and boudoir has become an important part of that work over the years.
I’ve photographed women at many different stages of life and for many different reasons. Some are creating a bridal or anniversary gift. Some are celebrating a birthday, pregnancy, personal milestone, or major life change. Others have simply wanted to do something like this for themselves and finally decided it was time.
That experience has taught me that no two women arrive with the same expectations, comfort level, or reasons for being there. Some know exactly what they want. Others are not sure where to begin. My job is to listen first, understand what matters to her, and build the session around that.
The process goes well beyond taking photographs. I guide clients through planning, wardrobe, posing, expression, image selection, and finished artwork. Privacy is built into that process as well, and photographs remain private unless a client specifically gives permission for them to be shared.
The technical side of photography matters, but experience has taught me that knowing how to work with the person in front of the camera matters just as much.
3. Where will the photo shoot take place?
Boudoir sessions can take place in our private Round Rock studio or in a carefully selected environmental setting, depending on the kind of photographs we’re creating.
The studio is ideal for a more artistic approach. It gives us the freedom to focus on movement, shape, body language, silhouettes, expression, and the smaller details that make a portrait feel personal. Without a busy environment competing for attention, the photographs can become more about you, your presence, and the way you move through the frame.
Environmental sessions are more story-driven. A bedroom or similar setting can create a softer, more suggestive, romantic feel, with the surroundings becoming part of the narrative rather than simply a backdrop.
You do not need to know which direction is right for you before reaching out. During the consultation, we talk through what you’re drawn to, how you want the photographs to feel, and the kind of experience you have in mind. From there, I recommend the setting that best supports that vision.
4. How should customers prepare for the Boudoir photo shoot?
You don’t need to figure everything out before your session. Preparation is part of the experience, and we guide you through it.
Before your shoot, we’ll talk through what you want from your portraits, wardrobe, styling, and any questions or concerns you have. You’ll also receive preparation guidance, so you know what to expect and what to bring. If you’re unsure about wardrobe, bring options. We can make those decisions together instead of expecting you to arrive with everything perfectly planned.
Depending on the experience you choose, professional hair and makeup may also be included, giving you time to settle in before we begin photographing.
The most important thing is simply to show up as yourself. You do not need to practice posing, know your angles, or prepare yourself for the camera. That is my job. I’ll guide you through movement, expression, and posing throughout the session so you are never left wondering what to do.
5. Will there be a hairstylist and make-up artist?
Professional hair and makeup is included with our Signature Boudoir Experience. It gives you time to settle in before the session while our makeup artist creates a look that complements you and the photographs we’ve planned together.
We also offer some studio experiences without professional hair and makeup. Those sessions are designed for clients who prefer a more streamlined approach or want to arrive camera-ready. You’ll still receive preparation guidance beforehand, so you know exactly what to expect.
During your consultation, we’ll talk through the different options and recommend the experience that best fits what you want from your session.
6. What do you do to make your customers feel comfortable for the shoot?
Comfort starts before the session. During planning, we’ll talk about what you want from your portraits, what you’re comfortable with, and anything you would rather avoid. Nothing is assumed simply because you booked a boudoir session.
During the shoot, I give clear direction throughout. I’ll demonstrate poses when needed, guide you through small adjustments, and help with your hands, expression, posture, and body positioning so you are never left wondering what to do next.
We also work at your pace. If something does not feel right, we change it. You are always in control of how covered or revealing you want to be and what we photograph.
Most of my clients are not professional models and do not arrive knowing how to pose. They do not need to. My job is to create enough trust and structure that you can settle into the experience without feeling like you have to perform for the camera.
7. Are pictures printed or do you provide a digital file?
Both. Depending on the experience you choose, your finished portraits can include professionally retouched digital images, printed artwork, or both.
After the session, you’ll see your finished photographs and choose the images you want to keep. From there, we’ll guide you through the available options, which may include digital files, albums, and other finished artwork.
Every image you purchase is professionally retouched and prepared for how it will be used, whether that is digitally, in an album, or as printed artwork.
8. What happens on the day?
When you arrive, we’ll take a few minutes to settle in, look through your wardrobe options, and review what we planned before the camera ever comes out.
If professional hair and makeup is included with your experience, that happens first and gives you time to ease into the day. For sessions without hair and makeup, we’ll move into wardrobe, styling, and final preparation before we begin photographing.
Once we start, I’ll guide you through everything. I’ll demonstrate poses when needed and direct the details that make the photographs work, including body position, hands, movement, expression, and where to look. We make small adjustments as we go based on what feels natural and what we’re creating together.
You do not need modeling experience, a list of poses, or any idea how to perform for the camera. By the time you arrive, the planning is already done. Your job on session day is simply to show up. I’ll take it from there.
9. Where will the photographs be used?
Your photographs are private by default. They are not shared on our website, social media, advertising, portfolio, or anywhere else without your specific permission.
After your session, you may be given the option to authorize certain photographs for specific uses. That decision is completely separate from booking your session or purchasing your portraits, and saying no does not change your experience in any way.
If you do choose to give permission, we only use the photographs according to the authorization you provide. You remain in control of whether your boudoir portraits are ever shared publicly.
Many of our clients choose to keep their entire experience private, and that is completely normal.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
A 30% non-refundable retainer is required to reserve your session date.
One complimentary reschedule is available with at least 14 days’ notice. Changes made with less than 14 days’ notice, or additional reschedules, are subject to a $150 rescheduling fee.
Cancellations within 14 days of the session and no-shows result in forfeiture of all payments made.
Emergencies and unsafe weather conditions are handled on a case-by-case basis.
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