My session shooting with Cheshire was nothing short of amazing. I loved how my favorite sexy songs were playing in the background of my shoot. All in all my session was classy, luxurious, artistic, and did wonders for my self esteem.

Cami

the boudoir experience

For most clients who come to me, it's their first time doing something like this. For some people, it's their first time being photographed by a professional at all. They're excited but also a little nervous. If this describes you at all, you're probably wondering how your experience will unfold. Get to know me and find out how we'll create your beautiful images.

hello! my name is...

Hi, I'm Cheshire. What drives me most as a boudoir photographer is helping clients break free of everything that has held them back. There are so many ways society tells us no. I love creating boudoir as a place of YES. I'm passionate about finding out what you want to express and making your vision come to life. Together you and I will create a space where you can truly be yourself, with images that celebrate who you are inside and out.

A little more about me? Sure thing. In addition to being a photographer (I also do headshots, food, performance, and more), I'm also a career graphic designer (which helps me make killer unique books for my clients). I love to cook (you may reap the benefit of that too), read, hike, travel, do cryptic crosswords, play all kinds of games, and more. Though my studio is in Oakland, I live in Emeryville with my wife, our daughter, and our cat, Ari (Not Sorry).

planning your session

Once you've decided to have me do your photos and taken care of your deposit, we'll start planning your session! I'll send you a planning questionnaire in which I'll ask what kind of tones you want for your images (playful, teasing, seductive, erotic, etc.), how physically revealing you want to be, even what kind of music you'd prefer — I'll make a custom playlist just for you if you like!

I'll also ask you to collect some inspiration images that show poses, tones, and settings that you love. Between those and your planning questionnaire, I'll have a great sense of how to tailor your experience precisely to your preferences.

I designed a guide that goes through the planning process in much more detail and answers many questions clients have asked me over the years.

during your session

I'll have a variety of refreshments for you upon your arrival (and please don't hesitate to ask if you want something specific!). If we're shooting at the studio, I'll show you around and get you comfortably set in my cozy dressing room. If you're having makeup done at the studio, that's next. We'll find out exactly the kind of look you're going for, from completely natural to going-out glamorous, and my makeup artist will take exquisite care of you.

Then, for the next 2-3 hours, we'll have a blast capturing your beautiful images. I'm very gentle as I guide you to find the poses and expressions that work best for you, and soon you'll get into the rhythm of the session, and time is going to race by like you wouldn't believe.

after your session

Your gallery of proofs will be available generally about one to three weeks after your session unless you have a particular deadline that we've discussed beforehand. You'll come back to the studio to view your gorgeous gallery and make selections for your finished items. Then it's just a short wait for your gorgeous finished items to arrive!

other questions you might have

I get it! There are any number of reasons you might prefer someone female-identified behind the lens. Many of my clients have told me that initially they assumed they'd want to shoot with a woman, but after contacting me and finding out how invested I am in really getting to know my clients and bring their ideas to life, they saw not only how safe they would be with me but also how well I could capture their vision. It also helps to see that dozens of women and men have taken the time to write detailed reviews that say how comfortable they were with me photographing them in this way, how professional and respectful I am, and how blown away they were by the results.

Absolutely! I've shot with over 200 people who also never knew how to pose before walking into my studio. From our session planning, I'll have a good idea about what kinds of moods you want to capture, and I'll help you find the poses and expressions that bring out exactly what you want to capture — remember, this experience is all about representing you. I give clear, gentle hands-free instruction that will have you posing like a pro in no time.

Yes, generally you will bring your own things to wear. Fit is so individual, and you want to make sure you love how a piece fits you, so it's best if you bring pieces you know you love. And yes, lingerie is often what people bring, but you don't have to! It's whatever makes you feel good. I also often recommend bringing outerwear like a favorite dress, sweater, pair of jeans, partner's shirt, pajamas, etc., as it can be really fun storytelling to incorporate into your session. I also encourage you to think about bringing something that is absolutely unique to you — one time a client brought a power tool, and creating images with that was amazing. I do have a few robes and other things at the studio you can use, including fun accessories from sweet to spicy. Finally, a session is a great excuse to get something new for yourself. My clients get a sweet discount at Pink Bunny, my favorite lingerie boutique. Their pieces are absolutely gorgeous.

While makeup and hair with my professional makeup artist is included in your session fee, it's fully optional — but it can be helpful. A lot of people feel they can do their own makeup well enough, or they simply want to look “natural” and fear that makeup is going to make them look, well, too "made-up." That's absolutely ok. There's no such word as "should" in my studio; I want you to feel like yourself. However, having my makeup artist help you can be a huge benefit; my makeup artists are highly skilled at natural looks and will collaborate with you to find the look that is just right for you. Plus sitting in the makeup chair and getting pampered for 90 minutes while you enjoy delicious snacks and beverages and we chat and laugh is a wonderful transition from the outside world into the world of your boudoir session. It's spa day and fun and bold photo shoot day all wrapped up in one.

I hold on to your files securely and indefinitely unless a client specifically asks me to delete their files.

I always love to feature my amazing clients on my website or social media, but I know that some clients prefer to keep their images completely private, and I honor that. If you do let me feature your photos, I will make sure I have your permission to use the specific photo(s) I have in mind and can anonymize the photo however you wish (e.g., cropping out eyes or tattoos.

I do get this question a fair amount! I am extremely fortunate to have been married since 2004 to someone who is not a jealous person by nature. As much as I am, Sarah is incredibly moved by the transformations my clients experience. Some of the reviews my clients have written have brought her tears of joy (same for me). And yes, she's had her own sessions with me as well, so she knows exactly what the experience is like. Though she hasn't written a review yet....

If you have other questions that aren't answered here, please don't hesitate to ask!

Cheshire not only did an amazing job at making sure the pictures came out great but he also made sure I felt comfortable and he was able to talk me through the poses to make sure they turned out the way I wanted. I went with 2 other girls and we each took our turn in front of the camera and I would highly recommend doing a group session. It was so much fun and there was so much energy in the room which showed in the pictures.

Luna