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With fourteen years of professional full-time photography experience, Emily Gualdoni has become the boudoir photographer of Chicago. A lighting connoisseur with an eye for attention to detail, she can capture your most extraordinary inner qualities and bring them to life with poses and angles that will compliment your best assets. A master at retouching, her editing skills are magazine quality, bringing out your inner model. Thousands of women have been captivated by Gualdoni’s seductive and playful photography and have chosen to work with her for her original and chic taste. With the latest digital technology, a fashion photography background, and the best makeup artists in the city, Gualdoni ensures your best boudoir experience.

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The Photoshoot Experience

 
Chicago boudoir by Emily Gualdoni Photography studio

The Studio

All of my signature packages come with access to my beautiful 2,100 sq ft loft studio, located in downtown Chicago. The studio boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Chicago skyline, providing ample natural light to capture soft, pretty, and flattering images. Additionally, I have a range of studio lighting equipment that allows us to work with any lighting scenario.

Each piece of furniture in my studio was carefully chosen for its beauty and its ability to photograph well. The studio also features several rooms to choose from, including a changing room for privacy, a bedroom, and a living room area, providing a variety of options to create perfect images for you.

If you prefer to shoot at a different location, such as a hotel, that is perfectly fine too. Please don't hesitate to ask about my travel fees.

 
chicago professional makeup and hair for boudoir shoots

Professional Makeup and Hair

I work with only the best makeup artists in the city, all having years of experience under their belt and working with plenty of women. They have kind and outgoing personalities to keep conversation with you and make you feel like you've known them forever. Not to mention their fantastic precision, asking you every detail down to the freckle on your chin, the side you most favor, or part in your hair.

Just as I do, they want to make sure you are having the pampering of your life, feeling comfortable and luxurious. This 90 minute prep time will give you a chance before the shoot to relax and is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better before you step in front of my camera. This also gives you time to drink a little champagne and get a nice buzz going so you can really let loose and have fun with your shoot. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the better the images will turn out.

FAQs

  • I offer tasteful and artistic boudoir photography that celebrates your beauty and empowers you. I want to create a comfortable and respectful environment where you can express your confidence and individuality.

    Please note that I do not engage in or offer any form of pornographic photography or explicit sexual acts.

    My focus is on creating elegant, artistic, and empowering images that highlight your unique personality and style. My goal is to capture the beauty and essence of each individual, leaving a lasting impression of self-empowerment and self-love.

    I adhere to a strict code of professionalism, and all my photo sessions are conducted with the utmost respect and consideration for your comfort and boundaries. I will work collaboratively to ensure that you feel at ease throughout the entire process.

  • Your boudoir shoot will take place at my spacious and elegantly furnished 2,100 sq ft loft located in the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood, just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Chicago. With ample space, natural light, and a variety of backdrops, my studio provides the perfect setting for your intimate and personal photo session. Free street parking is available across the street, ensuring that you can arrive stress-free and without the hassle of parking fees. Alternatively, if you prefer, I can also travel to your location or a nearby hotel for an additional fee. This allows you to choose a setting that best suits your style and comfort level.

  • I completely get the importance of planning ahead! Typically, I require about a month from the shoot date to deliver your album. To ensure everything runs smoothly and that I can send you all of my preparation emails and boudoir questionnaire, I suggest booking your session at least a few weeks in advance. However, if you have a specific date in mind or need your album by a certain deadline, it's best to reach out as soon as possible to secure your spot. Keep in mind, my summer months tend to fill up quickly. Let's chat and find a time that suits you perfectly!

  • Yes, nude or implied nude is considered an outfit change because it requires the same amount of time to photograph as a lingerie outfit.

  • As part of your boudoir photography package, you'll have the opportunity to select the images included in your package through a private online proofing gallery, all from the comfort of your own home. While the images in the gallery will have a watermark, any images you purchase will be fully retouched and delivered to you via Dropbox in high resolution, free of watermarks.

    After your session, I dedicate time and attention to curating the best images from your shoot. Each selected image undergoes basic editing, including adjustments to exposure, color correction, and minor skin enhancements, ensuring they look their best before you even view them.

    Around seven to ten days post-session, you'll receive a link to a private online proofing gallery containing approximately 150 of the finest images from your shoot. Accessible from your home at your convenience, this gallery allows you to review and select your favorite images included in your purchased package for further retouching.

    Once you've made your selections, I meticulously retouch each chosen image to meet my exacting standards for quality and aesthetics. You can anticipate receiving the final edited images within two weeks of making your selections.

  • No, the private online proofing gallery is accessible for two weeks and is solely for selecting the images included in your package. If you wish to acquire more images than were initially purchased in your package, additional images can be purchased after reviewing your proofing gallery. All images, whether included in your package or purchased additionally, will undergo full retouching and be delivered to you in high resolution via Dropbox.

    I believe that the editing process is integral to crafting beautiful, high-quality images that you'll treasure for years to come. Hence, I meticulously edit each image to ensure it aligns with my standards for quality and aesthetics.

    Please note that I don't provide unedited/raw or images directly from the private online proofing gallery, as the final edited images represent my brand and vision. Nonetheless, I consider your preferences and desired look during the editing process to guarantee your complete satisfaction with the final results.

  • As part of my boudoir photography process, I meticulously edit each image you purchase to ensure it aligns with my high standards for quality and aesthetics. I firmly believe that the final edited images represent my brand and vision, which is why I exclusively offer fully retouched images selected from the private online proofing gallery.

    While my objective is to preserve the images' natural appearance, I do retouch minor blemishes such as pimples, bruises, or scratches, and subtly enhance overall skin texture. Additionally, I address cellulite and stretch marks unless instructed otherwise. For more extensive editing requests, I provide services at an additional fee of $75 per hour.

    My ultimate goal is to enhance your natural beauty and ensure you feel confident and beautiful in your images.

  • I get it—boudoir shoots can feel nerve-wracking. It's totally normal to feel a bit anxious about being in front of the camera for such intimate shots. But hey, I've got your back every step of the way. My main goal is to make you feel safe and comfortable throughout the entire process. We'll team up to capture images that make you feel amazing and confident. Your comfort comes first, and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you feel relaxed during the shoot. Let's work together to make this a memorable and empowering experience that celebrates your unique beauty.

  • I totally get that posing for a boudoir shoot can be nerve-wracking, but hey, I've got your back—no need to stress! As your photographer, my main goal is to make this experience a breeze for you. I'll be right there by your side, showing you poses and giving you tips to highlight your best features and achieve stunning shots. I'll physically demonstrate each pose first, and then you can simply mimic me. While you mimic me, I'll provide further direction on where to look and how to position your mouth.

    Your comfort and confidence are my top priorities, so I'll work closely with you to ensure you feel completely relaxed throughout the shoot. Before the session, I even have a questionnaire that asks about your insecurities and what you feel confident about. This helps me tailor the shoot to emphasize what you love about yourself and minimize any concerns you may have.

    Everyone on my website looks so relaxed because I provide them with plenty of direction and shower them with compliments! It really boosts everyone's confidence while posing.

  • I completely understand that stepping in front of the camera for a boudoir shoot can stir up some nerves, and I want you to know that your feelings are totally valid and understandable. My goal as your photographer is simple: to create an environment where you feel comfortable, beautiful, and empowered. With my background in boudoir photography, I've learned how to play with lighting, angles, and various techniques to bring out your best features and capture images that make you feel amazing.

    I'm all about personalization—I believe that each client's shoot should reflect their individuality and preferences. That's why I take the time to really get to know you on a deeper level. I'll ask about your insecurities and the things you love most about yourself, both physically and personality-wise. And hey, if you have a preferred "selfie side," I'm all ears! I'll do my best to showcase that side in our shots.

    Empathy is a big part of who I am. When I'm directing poses, I always put myself in your shoes, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. I'll never pose you in a way that I don't believe is flattering. One of my strengths lies in my ability to identify poses that complement your unique size and shape, so you can trust that you'll look and feel incredible in every shot.

  • Feeling worried about whether you'll like the photos is completely understandable! I want you to know that it's normal to have these concerns, especially when stepping into something as personal as a boudoir shoot. However, I'm here to reassure you that your satisfaction is my top priority.

    Before we even start shooting, we'll have a chat about your vision via email or phone call, preferences, and any specific ideas you have in mind. This way, we'll be on the same page from the get-go. During the shoot, I'll guide you through poses and techniques that will help you look and feel your best. Plus, I'll be capturing a variety of shots to ensure we have plenty of options to choose from.

    And just a little reassurance—out of my 14 years in business, I've never had anyone not like their images. I'd say that's a pretty solid track record! :)

  • I understand your concern. I want to assure you that your privacy and comfort are my top priorities. I never share or use any images without your explicit permission. Your boudoir photos are completely confidential and will only be shared if you give your consent. Your trust means everything to me, and I'll always respect your boundaries and wishes regarding the use of your images.

  • No worries at all! I totally get it—doing a "sultry" face can feel a bit out of your comfort zone. But hey, boudoir is all about embracing your unique beauty and feeling confident in your own skin. We'll work together to find poses and expressions that feel natural and authentic to you. Whether it's a soft smile, a playful grin, or even just a relaxed expression, we'll capture images that make you feel amazing. There's no pressure to force anything that doesn't feel right for you—we'll focus on showcasing your genuine personality and beauty.

  • No modeling experience? No problem! Most of my clients are in the same boat, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way. You don't need any prior modeling experience to rock your boudoir shoot. I'll provide direction and support to help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Think of it as a fun, empowering experience where you can let loose and embrace your beautiful self. Together, we'll create stunning images that showcase your unique personality and beauty, regardless of your modeling background.

  • Budgeting for a boudoir shoot can be challenging. That's why I'm happy to offer a payment plan to help make the investment more manageable for you. With this plan, you can pay for your session over four installments instead of two.

    If you're interested in setting up a payment plan, please let me know so we can discuss the details. Please note that your session must be paid in full before I can deliver your album.

  • I totally get that having a support system during your boudoir shoot can feel comforting. But, I want to make sure your experience is as amazing as possible, and I'm a bit worried that having a friend there might take away from the intimacy of the shoot. Coming solo allows you to connect with me on a deeper level, which often leads to capturing the best images.

    That being said, if you really feel strongly about having a friend present, I'm all ears. Let's talk about your concerns and see if we can find a solution that works for everyone. Of course, to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable, we'd need to set some ground rules. These might include clear boundaries for their behavior during the shoot and keeping the focus squarely on you and your experience. Let's chat and figure out the best approach together!

  • Absolutely! Gifting a boudoir session is a beautiful way to celebrate someone special in your life. Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, or just because, it's a gift that can truly make someone feel loved and empowered. Just imagine the look on their face when they realize they have a whole day dedicated to feeling gorgeous and confident! If you're interested in gifting a session, let's chat about how we can make it happen.

“I’m passionate about creating images that embrace and empower the inner and outer beauty of women through my high-end styling, personality, and creativity. From my work, my clients receive more than photos, I give my clients an experience unlike any other. If you hire me, I will dedicate myself to ensuring your vision comes to life.”