Planning Your Boudoir Session: A Guide for Wilmington Women
Look, I'll be the first to admit that New Bern isn't exactly next door to Wilmington. It's about 90 minutes up Highway 70, and yeah, that's a drive. But here's the thing: plenty of Wilmington women make that drive for their boudoir sessions, and they don't regret it.
“I am very happy that I got to work with Brad. He’s a professional, he’s kind, he empowers you, listens, makes sure you’re comfortable and all he wants is for you to feel great during your shoot! Everything about the experience was wonderful! 10 out of 10 recommend Brad for boudoir portraits.”
So if you're thinking about booking a boudoir session but wondering what the actual experience looks like when you're coming from the Wilmington area, here's the full picture from start to finish. (all puns intended)
Before You Even Step In Front of the Camera: The Wardrobe Consultation
About a week before your session, we'll meet for a wardrobe consultation. You've got two options here: I can drive down to Wilmington and meet you at your home, or we can do it virtually over video chat. Either way works.
During this conversation, I help you with wardrobe selection. We'll talk through what pieces you already own that would work great, and I'll give you ideas for what you might want to grab locally. (Wilmington has some great boutiques for this—Zia Boutique, Lilies and Lace, The Bra Shoppe, Soma.
PLUS - I now offer a limited luxury wardrobe collection.
But the wardrobe consult isn't just about lingerie and outfits. We also go through a list of poses so we're on the same page about what you WANT and what you're COMFORTABLE with. If you're planning to create wall art or an album, we'll talk through design ideas too so I know what you're envisioning.
No questionnaires. No "figure it out yourself" vibes. Just conversation.
The goal is simple: you walk away knowing exactly what you're wearing and what to expect, so you don't freak out the night before your session.
Day-Of Timeline: The Reality Check
Plan for about 2 to 2.5 hours total at the studio in New Bern. Here's how it breaks down:
Hair & makeup: About 60 minutes. This is included in your session fee—not an add-on, not an extra charge. Professional hair and makeup artist right there in the studio.
The photoshoot: One hour, three outfit changes. I guide you through posing the entire time. You're not expected to know what to do or how to stand. That's my job.
Gallery reveal: Same day, right after we shoot. You don't wait weeks to see your images. We look at them together while you still feel amazing.
Yeah, it's a 90-minute drive to get here. But it's one drive, one day, and the entire experience is done in one trip. No multiple appointments, no coming back another day for your gallery reveal.
What Actually Happens During the Session
Once you arrive, the professional hair and makeup artist gets started. I recommend bringing your favorite comfy Jammies or a Robe. Get comfy. Get pampered. You can relax, have a beverage (I always have drinks available), and let someone else make you look incredible.
Then we shoot. I've got a private studio—not an Airbnb, not a rented space—with boudoir-themed sets and professional backgrounds. Three outfit changes keeps things dynamic and gives you variety in your final images.
I guide you through everything.
"Brad was so professional and so kind!" one client said. "I would highly recommend him to anyone." - Kayla
Another shared: "I was a nervous wreck and I was convinced that I would get ZERO nice pictures, however there were sooooo many good ones! He was very professional and he is a good hype man too when he gets 'the shot.'" - Nicole
The vibe is professional but not stuffy. You're not going to feel awkward or uncomfortable. And if something doesn't feel right, we adjust. Simple as that.
After the Session: The Gallery Reveal
Right after we finish shooting, we sit down together for your gallery reveal. Same day. You see your images immediately.
We talk through what you love, and you choose just the images you LOVE. If you want to design wall art or albums, we do that together. If you just want the digital files, that works too.
No pressure. No surprise sales pitch. Just showing you what's possible and letting you decide what feels right for you.
Here’s the deal
Plenty of women take that short drive from Wilmington to New Bern and step out of their local comfort zone for this experience. It's one drive, one day, complete experience from start to finish.
If you're thinking about it, let's just get on a call and talk through it. I'll answer whatever questions you have, and you can get a feel for whether this is the right fit for you.
Ready to talk? Book a call here.