THE OCULUS pORTRAITS
PREP GUIDE

welcome queen!

We are so excited you booked a boudoir photoshoot with me! At Oculus Portraits, you're treated to a luxurious experience from the moment you walk in the door, to when you see your images, to when you purchase your heirloom prints, albums, and high resolution digitals. 

THIS PREP GUIDE WAS CREATED JUST FOR YOU!

Details of your session, where to park, what to bring and pricing are all found inside this guide .

Have any questions? Please reach out!

Phone:   604-305-0221
Email:   hello@oculusportraits.com
Address:   1483 Venables street ,Vancouver

There is free street parking right our front of the studio starting at 9:30am!

below you will find everything you need to know!

PRICING & INVESTMENT MENU

Prices start at $500 for A La Carte Items, $1499 for bundles and $3499 for our signature Luxury Collections.
 
While you are welcome to pick several items from the A La Carte menu, our LUXURY COLLECTIONS were put together from my most popular items and are designed to give you much more value.

The Luxury Collections will save you up to $3500 on your purchase and ensure you are getting our most beloved Luxury albums. Our Heirloom, Handbound, Luxury Albums are made of 100% Genuine Italian materials.

PLEASE REVIEW OUR COLLECTION OFFERINGS :


VIEW INVESTMENT MENU
Our entire studio has been booked just for your empowering boudoir photoshoot. As such, we do charge reschedule and cancellation fees -
We hope you understand! 

Your session fee is non refundable - cancellations require that you forfeit your session fee.

We can accommodate reschedule requests as follows:

  • 1 month or more to session date:   $100 fee
  • 10 days to 4 weeks to session date :   $150 fee
  • Less than 10 days notice :   $250 fee

 Due to the custom nature of our photography services, all sales are final. Session fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
•  GET YOUR NAILS AND TOES DONE. Your Fingers and toes will show in many of your images. We recommend getting a manicure and pedicure for your shoot, either in the salon or at home. If you don't regularly polish your nails, that's totally fine! just be sure they are cut to the same length and that your hand/feet and cuticles are moisturized.

• MANICURE YOUR FACE. We recommend getting your eyebrows shaped a few days before hand if you regularly do so, and having your hair recently coloured 
if you don't want roots showing.

• BE SURE TO SHAVE/WAX/LASER  all the hair of your body that you do not want showing in your images - we are going to get detailed shots and body hair will show up in your photos. If you don't mind , then skip this part :)  
•If you like to wax, we recommend waxing a couple of days before your session to avoid redness or irritation.

• STAY OUT OF THE SUN to avoid big tan lines and sunburns. We can photoshop uneven skin for the most part, but super strong tan lines and sunburns are much more difficult to perfect and images may be subject to an extra retouching fee.

• AVOID EXFOLIATING YOUR FACE or using any products that contain AHA/retinol for 5 days before your shoot. These products can cause your face to peel and makeup may not adhere properly.

• WE DO NOT RECCOMMEND A SPRAY TAN. Your natural skin tone will look better on camera than a spray tan, and the golden hues of our studio gives everyone a summer glow! If you get spray tans frequently and know that it looks good on you, then go for it, keeping in mind that even the slightest bit of orange is enhanced in our studio.

• TATTOOS: If you have a tattoo that is large that you do not want to show in your images, consider bringing wardrobe items that cover it.
I also have robes, sheets and fabrics that we can use to conceal large tattoos.

• CLEAN THE SOLES OF YOUR SHOES: the bottoms of your shoes will show in many of your images. smaller scuffs are fine.

• BEING ON YOUR PERIOD IS FINE! You are welcome to wear a tampon during your shoot, as through the magic of photoshop, we can always remove any tampon string, hormonal acne or bloat that comes with your period.

• AVOID DRINKING ALCOHOL  the night before your shoot as we'd hate for you to feel puffy or dehydration. This is a full day luxury experience and we want you to soak it all in! Save your glass of champagne for the night after your shoot - you'll have a great reason to celebrate!

• ARRIVE READY  to feel empowered and with your best energy! Nervousness is totally normal and I promise your nerves will melt once we get rolling... We are going to have so much fun together!

RETOUCHING:
Detailed retouching by our trained artists is included in your session fee (meaning that there is no extra charge). However, removing major tan lines, sunburns and tattoos (anything larger than a toonie) is not included in your session fee, but can be accommodated at $15 per image. See below on more information regarding our retouching.



FINE ART RETOUCHING

As a professional Boudoir Photographer, we are experts at posing and using lighting techniques during your shoot to make you look amazing. We retouch your images to perfect already gorgeous photos - you are going to be blown away by your beauty even without retouching! 

Our standard retouching, is to smooth and even skin tone, remove blemishes and bruises and brighten eyes and teeth.
 You can also request things like face/body slimming and wrinkle reduction if desired, although we encourage you to embrace your body and celebrate your unique beauty! Retouching on all of your photos is included (no additional cost) to make sure you look your best and are in love with the finished product!

Because you will see your images the same day as your shoot, they will NOT be retouched when you first see them. We will show you examples of a retouched vs unretouched photos so you know what to expect. Your final images and prints will be retouched according to your specifications. We will go over your desired amount of retouching once you see your photos.

TATTOOS:  If you have a large tattoo that you do not want to show in your images, consider bringing wardrobe items that cover it. Retouching to remove tattoos any larger than a toonie is not included with photo purchases, but can be accommodated at $15 per tattoo per image.

TAN LINES: sunburns and tanning streaks: While evening our skin tone is included in our service, Major retouching of tan lines, or sunburns is not included with photo purchases, but can be accommodated at $15 per image.

SPECIAL REQUESTS: Want something retouched that you're not seeing here? Just let us know. standard retouching requests can be accommodated at no cost; extensive photo retouching requests may incur a $15 per image fee.

OPTING OUT OF RETOUCHING: Many women don't want their photos retouched at all and that's fine too! Don't want a birthmark removed? Want to celebrate your stretch marks rather than remove them? Totally fine - just let me know!


REQUIRED  ITEMS:

  • Outfits / Shoes
  • ID ( we need a copy for your file )
  • Credit card or cash to purchase your collection  
  • Clean and Dry hair , ready for styling.
WARDROBE:

  • You can either plan to bring your own wardrobe items for your shoot or you can reserved our size inclusive Vixen Closet.The cost for using the closet is $250, or it is complimentary with the purchase of any of our luxury collections.

  • If you'd like to get an idea of what is available in our client closet - click here!

  • Your session includes time to shoot 3 outfits - You may bring a variety of items and I can help you narrow them down. You can also add another look to include more wardrobe items, nude or implied nude. There is a $150 fee per extra look, or it is complimentary with the purchase of any luxury collection.

  • Many women worry that they are bringing the "wrong" wardrobe items to their shoot. Please don't worry about this!If you love it, bring it - I can make everything look great on camera! The photoshoot is less about what you're wearing and more about YOU. The most important thing is to bring wardrobe items that fit well. Nothing feels worse than straps that dig or a thong that sits too high up!

  • If you LOVE a wardrobe piece, bring it! If you don't love it, don't bring it.

  • Try on everything before you come into the studio. Fit is most important - more important than style.

  • Keep the tags on items that you might want to return if you don't use everything during your shoot. I will cut them off at the studio.

  • You don't have to bare everything if you don't want to! A bodysuit or corset that covers your middle is often just as sexy
  • (or even more so!) than a bra and panty set.

  • Other items that cover a bit (but don't cover everything!) include robes, stockings, high-waisted panties and garter belts.

  • Anything with a little texture will photograph well, including lace, mesh, embroidery, straps and metal clasps.

  • Black lingerie is always classic and sexy. Jewel tones such as emerald green, navy, red, turquoise and crimson also look good on our sets. Soft and pastel colours also look beautiful in our studio.. in other words, all colours are look great! Bring your favourites!

A MATCHING BRA & PANTY SET IS GUARANTEED TO LOOK GREAT IN YOUR PHOTOSHOOT. HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES:
TYPES OF BRA'S

Push up, underwire, bralettes, padding or no padding, full or demi - There are many to choose from!

YOU MAY FIND OUR RECOMMENDATIONS HELPFUL:

PUSH UP: This style will really play up your cleavage and add volume. If you do not want to add volume to your upper body, steer clear of push-up styles. SHOP PUSH UP BRA's

UNDERWIRE: Gives some structure to the under part of your breasts which works well for all body types and can come with push up or without. Be sure to chose the right cup size for you so that the wire hugs you in the right places. Find some examples here : UNDER WIRE

BRALETTE: These can be so dainty or sporty, and are great for smaller breasts or fuller breasts that do not need much support. bralettes make your breasts look and feel as they naturally are- no lift, just hugged. SHOP BRALETTES

DEMI: These bras are lower then full bras in regard to how far up the breast they cover. They are great for showcasing cleavage and even more so when they are paired with a push up style - think major busty bombshell vibes! (See below for an example)

FULL COVERAGE: while Demi covers only half of your breast, the full coverage bra sits higher up the breast, and are also known as T'shirt bras.
These give the most coverage yes, but can still be incredibly sexy! For women who do not want to show it all, pairing a full coverage bra with high waisted panty will give that old Hollywood Glam vibe! SHOP FULL COVERAGE

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR BISOU BABES (PETITE BREASTS): The most amazing thing about petite babes is that you can rock the heck out of barely there bra's - I love lace bralettes, mesh types, strappy types, deep v plunges and basically any style that makes you feel confident! No need to add padding if you want to fake some cleavage... through our posing and lighting techniques we can give you better cleavage than any pads!

FOR BUSTY BABES: As amazing big breast can be, there are also some not so amazing things (fellow big busted girl here)! For us, fit is extra important- straps that dig not only feel uncomfortable but are also difficult to photoshop and make look good- so above all, get a bra that fits well. I also find that padded and push ups styles can often shorten our upper body. So consider skipping the push up if you are busty and short (me again),
unless you love the Anna Nicole Smith look, in which case, rock it girl!!

BELOW ARE A FEW BRA STYLES:
TYPES OF PANTIES

Matching your panties with your bra creates a beautiful and cohesive look that photographs really well. Here are some styles we love:

Pairing a pretty panty with a garter belt is another way to add coverage and pretty detail.
See some examples here: GARTER


HIGH WAIST:

This is a great style if you prefer more coverage or are self conscious about your tummy.

Look for high waisted styles that also are cut high on the hip for a long and leggy look. This will play up curves it you have them, and create curves it you don't.
FRILLY PANTIES:

Speaking of adding curves, panties with a light frill or trim will give volume for those who want the illusion of bigger hips. See examples below:
THONG PANTIES:

These are a closet staple, cheeky and sexy .  Shown below:
BODYSUITS:

I highly recommend bodysuits ! They are incredibly flattering on every body type and photograph really well. Bodysuits come in many styles and look great with and without sleeves and in any material from cotton to lace. Check out these examples:
NEXT TO NOTHING

For one or more looks, you could go topless, nude, or implied nude. I find women love these images of themselves the most -
I think we should all have artistic, fine art portraits of ourselves. Here are some examples of how classy these portraits are.
NON-LINGERIE ITEMS

Boudoir is for the non girly-girls too! If this is you, you might prefer to skip the lingerie.
Mens button down shirts, cable-knit sweaters, sports bras and boy shorts, crop jackets, jeans, or blazers - these all look hot AF in your boudoir portraits! Here are just a few recent examples of some non-lingerie sessions we've done.

Scroll our INSTAGRAM for more inspo!
SHOES

We love high skinny heels as they will elongate your legs , but if heels aren't your thing, we can also shoot bare foot.

Just be ready to point your toes to give that long, leggy look. Boots also look great in photos!
OTHER FUN THINGS

Hosiery, body stockings, bondage items, jewellery and accessories !

Whatever you love, bring! Scrolling my instagram will give you a good idea of how to accessorize your wardrobe, and you can ask where our Queens got their pieces from in the comments!

 Scroll  our  INSTAGRAM HERE

Here's some other stuff to look at!

BODYSTOCKINGS
HOSIERY
BONDAGE
LATEX



Here's some other stuff to look at!

BODYSTOCKING
HOSIERY
BONDAGE
LATEX
MATERNITY

Coming in for a maternity shoot? All of the above info about wardrobe applies to you too! Bra & panty sets, body suits and robes with an open slit in the front all work well.

We offer a selection of robes, sheer gowns and fabrics for your maternity shoot as well!
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO SHOP


FAVE IN-STORE SHOPPING IN THE VANCOUVER AREA:
Victoria's Secret/ Le Vie en Rose/Deadly Couture / Honey Gifts

FAVE LUXURY SHOPPING:
Marie Mur / Agent Provocateur / Honey Birdette 

FAVE BUDGET PICKS:
Fashion Nova / Savage Fenty / Shein

FAVE SIZE INCLUSIVE:
Love Vera / Forever Yours / Love Honey / Thistle & Spire / Fashion Nova

AND IF YOU NEED SOMETHING QUICK, DON'T FORGET AMAZON!
PROFESSIONAL HAIR & MAKEUP

Our team of Hair and Makeup artists are the best in the biz! Curating an all female staff of luxury artist that are as passionate about empowering women as I am has brought me so much joy, and I am excited to introduce them to you!
HAIR

• Plan to arrive at the studio with your hair CLEAN AND DRY.

• Clean hair is the easiest for the stylist to work with. Day-old hair is fine if you don't typically wash your hair every day, but if the roots of your hair are wet or greasy, it will be difficult to style. Squeaky clean hair is easier to style than greasy hair

• The most common look for boudoir hair Is loose, beachy waves or Flat iron straight a'la Kardashian. Our artists will use dry styling techniques, hair products and hot tools (curling iron and flat iron) to achieve a super sexy hair look for you.

• Do NOT plan on having the artist blow-dry vour hair. Please blowdry your hair at home so that it is ready for styling.
• Up-do hairstyles are not Included in your session fee, but can be accommodated for a fee. Contact us at least 7 days prior to your shootto purchase.

• If you have very curly hair and want it smooth or straight, Please prep your hair at home to reduce the amount of time sitting, While it is really nice to get pampered, I find having my clients sit too long is a bit of a buzz kill. 
 We aim to get you camera ready in just over an hour:)

• If you plan to bring clip-in hair extensions to your shoot, please let us know in advance as this will add extra time to your hair
styling.

• If you plan to bring a wig, remember that only 100% human hair wigs can tolerate the heat of a curling iron / flat iron. If the wig is a synthetic blend it will melt. Sometimes, inexpsensive wigs ordered online are labeled as human hair, but are actually a synthetic blend. If vou are purchasing a wig for vour shoot, look tor authentic Remy 100% human hair wigs with an intact cuticle If you aren't sure, do a test with a curling Iron at home to see if the hair will curl - USE LOW HEAT. If you are unable to curl the wig at home, the stylist won't be able to curl it either.
MAKEUP

• Arrive at the studio with your face clean and makeup free.

• Be sure to let the makeup artist know upfront if you have any allergies, sensitivities or special requests.

• Feel free to bring inspiration photos to help guide the artist to the look you love.

• Our signature look for boudoir is a subtle smokey eye, eyeliner, sun-kissed cheeks and a nude or red lip with lashes.

• The camera and lighting that we use at the studio requires a heavier makeup look than what you may be used to wearing.
The hair and makeup artists are very experienced at using the right kind of makeup for a boudoir shoot and will make sure that you look fabulous for your shoot. If you really do not like the look of makeup, we can give you a very natural look , enough to just enhance your beauty.

• Many women worry about blemishes or small bruises showing in their photos. Don't worry - whatever can't be covered with makeup can always be photoshopped.

• Want to do a natural look AND a super glam look at your shoot? Contact us at least 7 days before your shoot if you would like to schedule a second makeup look (additional $175).
LASHES

•  False lashes are key to getting that sultry and glam look in your boudoir photos. If you've never worn temporary lashes before, they may feel heavy at first. But after the lashes are fully dry (about 5-6 minutes), you will hardly notice they are there. We will either apply strip lashes or individual ones, depending on the level of glam you are after.

• To remove the lashes, just rub gently with warm water and/or makeup remover and they will slide right off.
THE DAY OF YOUR PHOTOSHOOT

  •  Arrive at your appointment time with your outfits, shoes, accessories and Credit Card, Debit Card or Cash to purchase your photos.

  • We will take care of the rest! Plan to spend about 4 hours at the studio.

  • You do NOT need to arrive early, as we will be setting up for you. Your confirmation email shows your arrival time.

  • Late arrivals may reduce your time in front of the camera.

  • Arrive with a clean face and clean, DRY hair (more information about professional hair and makeup below).

  • Wear loose clothing (such as a loose dress or sweat pants). Avoid anything that will leave red indentations on your skin, such as tight jeans or socks.

  • Take hair bands of your wrists to avoid lines.

  • Wear a top that buttons or zips in the front so that you can change your clothes without messing up your hair and makeup.

  •  Use clear deodorant.

  • Drink plenty of water and eat something light but filling beforehand.

  • Bring cash or a credit card to purchase your photo package. If you need to keep this purchase a secret, consider buying a Visa gift card or bring cash. Because we offer in-person viewing and ordering of your photos, plan to make your photo purchase on the day of your shoot.

  • During your shoot, I will show you exactly what to do and how to pose. I will tell you exactly what to do with your hands and face. You don't need to practice posing. You will look fabulous no matter what!

  • If we put you in a pose that hurts or you feel uncomfortable - tell us right away. We can modify any pose!

  • If you have a kick-ass playlists that makes you feel empowered and ready to slay, bring it along and we will plug it in to our speakers.
    if not, we like to play tons of Beyonce, Rhianna, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Lizzo and other badass females!

  • Take a deep breath and relax. It's perfectly normal to feel nervous before a boudoir photoshoot. But don't worry, we will be with you every step of the way!
AFTER YOUR  PHOTOSHOOT

  • You are going to leave the studio with a MAJOR boost of confidence! Enjoy that empowered feeling for the rest of the day and months to come! Many women tell me this experience has been life changing, starting them on a journey of self love and appreciation - I love to hear that!

  • We start retouching your images and designing you album immediately after your order is placed. Due to the custom nature of our work, all sales are final.

  • For your privacy, Images that are not purchased will deleted.

  • Digital images will be delivered to you in 5-7 business days via a password-protected gallery sent to your email address on file. This link expires in 2 weeks - the date will be specified on your email, so be sure to download your images right away!

  • Print products will arrive on your doorstep in 4-5 weeks. Multiple items may arrive separately. Rush delivery available for $75 for prints and $250 for albums.

  • Most clients choose to have their products shipped straight to their doorstep. You may also make an appointment to pick up your photo products at the studio. Our pick up times are 9am and 3:30pm. Tuesday - Thursday. 
PURCHASING A PORTRAIT COLLECTION

Right after we are done shooting, you are going to view a slideshow of your images while you are still at the studio. 

This is the Grand Photo Reveal! All your prep and planning, excitement and work comes to fruition at this very moment.

Plan to purchase your artwork on the day of your session. We have a la carte items starting at $500
and bundles starting at $1499.

Our Luxury Collections that we are known for, with both digital and heirloom albums and prints start at $3499.

We have samples of all of our artwork options at the studio and offer flexible payment options to make sure you are able to take home exactly what you want.

DUE TO THE CUSTOM NATURE OF PHOTOGRAPHY PORTRAITS, ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
PAYMENT OPTIONS

We offer 3 payment options to purchase a collection:

1. Pay In Full on the day of your shoot with cash, credit card, or etransfer.

2. Apply for financing through Affirm . Once you decide on your collection, I will walk you through the Affirm app and you will apply for credit with their app. There is a $50 fee to set this up and Affirm will charge you some interest. The great thing about Affirm is you can pay over a period of up to 24 months.

3. In House Financing. If you do not get approved for Affirm, we will set you up with our own financing option. 

You will put a 30% down payment and there is a $100 processing fee. You must have a valid credit card and back up valid credit card that we keep on file. Monthly payments are auto charged to your credit card.

LATE PAYMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO A $25 LATE FEE AND ANY PAYMENTS LATE 60 DAYS WILL BE CONSIDERED ABANDONED AND ALL IMAGES WILL BE ARCHIVED. UNARCHIVAL FEES APPLY. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

INVESTMENT MENU