The women on your website all look like models. I am not like models, can I do this?

Thank you for your kind words, this is the biggest compliment for me as a photographer. These women are not models they are just like you, at one point looked at the photos on my website and thought "Hmm..I know mine won't turn out THAT good since I don't look like a model, but I'm wondering how good she can make me look? I know exactly how to pose all types of women to look their very best. You don't have to know what you are doing in the slightest. I will direct you every step of the way, from helping you to prepare for your photo shoot with wardrobe tips, to posing every inch of you. You just need to show up and TRUST ME. 

 I feel nervous.
Everybody gets nervous, because you haven’t done boudoir shoot before but the feeling disappear in less than 5 minutes.

I need to lose weight.
All women think they need to be slimmer. It is the photographer’s job to flatter women of all shapes and sizes using lighting, posing, and wardrobe choices.

Do you offer hair and make-up?
Of course, this is part of the whole experience to get pampered and have professional hair and make-up done by my makeup artist.

How far in advance should I book my session?

I recommend that women have their shoot date scheduled for about 2 months prior to needing the finished product in hand. For weekday availability, you should email me to schedule at least a month and a half in advance. Fridays tend to be the most popular time slots and book up the quickest. That said, DON'T WAIT to email me! It's never too early to get on my schedule. Your photo reveals appointment will be approximately 2 weeks after your photo session, and your finished product (depending on what you order) will arrive between 2-3 weeks.

When and how will I select my favorite images from my shoot?

Maryam Thompson photography studio is proud to offer in-person photo reveal and ordering appointments a few weeks after your photo session. I've gotten REALLY good at helping clients decide between images, showing similar images side by side for easy selection. The in-person photo reveal is much appreciated by our clients and is our favorite part of the whole process.

I see that you offer both beauty and boudoir photography. What is the difference?

Boudoir photography Because of the posing and wardrobe, these images tend to be more intimate in nature.

Beauty portraiture is a bit more polished...with a finished "fine art" look and feel.  

Where will my boudoir session take place? Do you have a studio?

Yes, I have a beautiful studio in North Liberty, Iowa! On-location photo shoots are welcome if you would feel more comfortable in your own space, or if you have this ONE place that you are just DYING to shoot at!  Scheduling needs to be done a little further in advance, but we love these sessions.

What should I wear?

One of the main reasons for the consultation session is getting to know you and your style and helping you to choose the best wardrobe and lingerie that flatter your body and you feel sexy in!  A bodysuit, an oversized sweater, cropped sweatshirt, and high waist panties, a robe, a sleepshirt...you get the drift.  Other clients opt for lingerie. Don't stress too much about wardrobe. I could (and have!) spend an entire hour shooting a client with no other wardrobe than the bed sheets and completely rock it out. Once you've completed the booking process with me, you will also receive a detailed shoot guide that will help you with preparations and wardrobe considerations!

 Can I have someone with me at my session?

Sometimes your best friend is exactly what you need to calm your nerves and give you the reassurance you need to get started with your session! I don’t mind at all if there is one friend with you! I DO ask that the friend not interfere with the shoot (running in to “touch you up” in between every shot, directing your posing, etc) as I will handle anything along those lines that needs done.  Want to do one better than having a friend there for moral support??? Why don't you book your shoots back to back so you can both enjoy the experience together?!  Availability, pending, of course.

How much can you “edit out”?

This is a touchy subject while I make the skin look its best, I keep the "Photoshop" action minimal.  I rely on my strategic poses and angles to play down "problem" areas.  I will edit out minor blemishes/skin flaws as well as simple things like under-eye circles and small scars (if you request the scar removal). As far as stretch marks go, most women have them—and most of the time, my skin-smoothing editing technique will buff out most average stretch marks. Bottom line–I will work with what you’ve got and prove to you that you ARE BEAUTIFUL and these will be the best set of photos you have of yourself!  My post-processing techniques are more focused on color, contrast, skin perfecting, sharpening, etc, rather than body morphing. 

These photos are intended as a gift for my significant other…what photo products make the best gift?

Folio box and WALL ART. The folio box is the obvious choice for displaying a good number of images. In addition to that, most clients find themselves with at least one big statement piece of wall art for their master bedroom, master bathroom, and master walk-in closet.

Will you use my images on your website/blog/portfolio?

I, of course, would LOVE to use images from our session together to show other women your amazing photos!  HOWEVER, I also completely understand if you or your significant other might be uncomfortable to share them. That said, I will not share unless you grant permission. The bottom line is: I will honor whatever level of privacy you would like. Many clients are so proud of their images that they give me full discretion to choose images for my portfolio, some clients prefer that only their faceless images be put in my gallery, some clients prefer to choose the images that are posted, and other clients are comfortable with anything being posted, as long as it’s after a certain date (after they gift the images).  Just let me know where you stand on the topic and I will honor your wishes!

What if I have to reschedule?
Reschedule must be made no less than 5 business days before shoot date. Rescheduling must be booked within 3 months.

If you have ANY other questions that I did not address here, please ask below and I will get back to you ASAP!