FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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{Q:} The women on your website all look like models. I am not "modelesque"...can I do this??

{A:}  The women you see on my website are my clients, and although they’re extraordinary human beings, they are not models. One of the things that may have led you to believe they were models, is that they all look super comfortable in their skin, confident, and like they’ve been in front of a camera plenty of times in their lives. This is because; in addition to expertly lighting, posing, and composing each image, the KMS experience is FULLY GUIDED. You will be coached, posed, encouraged, and celebrated every step of the way. Because practically none of our clients are experienced with being in front of the camera, at Kara Marie Studios we make client-comfortability our top priority. A quick browse through our testimonials will demonstrate just how comfortable our clients feel, even in this situation which could be potentially intimidating. ZERO modeling experience or knowledge whatsoever is needed to rock out a KMS photo shoot experience.

 

{Q:} How far in advance should I book my session?

{A:}  **UPDATE** WE ARE CURRENTLY BOOKED TO CAPACITY FOR 2020 FOR THE AUSTIN, TX STUDIO.  TO BE NOTIFIED IF THERE ARE ANY NEW TIME SLOTS OPENED, PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITLIST HERE. 

 

{Q:} What do your packages include? How much should I expect to spend?

{A:} The photo shoot experience starts at $3000 +tax. That includes the photo shoot with Kara Marie, professional makeup application, the retouching of your images, the in-person photo viewing for you to order photo products a la carte. It also includes an 8x8 20 image linen bedside album, and those 20 selected images as web resolution digital files on a crystal USB for personal or social media use. At your photo reveal appointment, you will receive 10% off of any additional items such as an upgraded album, additional album images, wall art, photo prints, and/or digital files. After all is said and done, clients tend to spend about $4500 (on average) for their session and the photo products they desire. Clients are almost always SHOCKED by how many photos they cannot live without from their session. They think they are going to be the one client that just doesn't get good photos...and they're always proved wrong (but with a smile!). Yep, we're *THAT* good here!  

Our packages are thoughtfully built based on our clients most frequent purchases as well as the high demand and limited availability. We do have an incredible selection of additional products that you may upgrade to or purchase separately at your photo reveal appointment.

 

{Q:} When and how will I select my favorite images from my shoot?

{A:}  The Kara Marie Studio is proud to offer in-person (or remote for out-of-state clients) photo reveal and ordering appointments a few weeks after your photo session. We do this for a host of reasons::: First, for your convenience.  We've gotten REALLY good at our little system for helping clients decide between images, showing similar images side by side for easy selection, and assisting clients with getting great variety for albums and the perfect wall art pieces. Because we do show a LOT of killer images, it can be overwhelming to navigate on your own and we don't want our customer service to stop at the photo shoot.  The in-person photo reveal is much appreciated by our clients and is our favorite part of the whole process!

Second, for security. While doing some sort of online proofing gallery is industry standard for lots of different types of photography, beauty and boudoir can be more sensitive in nature. We don't want to store your images anywhere online, leaving them vulnerable to being hacked and exploited by anyone but you. We take your privacy seriously, so the in-person photo reveal takes care of this!

Many of our clients travel in from out of state for their sessions, and it just wouldn't be practical for them to come back in for their photo reveal appointment a few weeks later. We have a little work-around for this and can do a live photo reveal via Google Hangout screenshare. It's a bit less theatrical than our in-person viewings, but it is a great back-up option for those who cannot return without having to store any of your images online.

 

{Q:} I see that you offer both beauty *and* boudoir photography. What is the difference?

{A:} Boudoir portrait photography is our primary specialization at Kara Marie Studios. This involves a certain level of undress (either lingerie, loungewear, other intimate apparel, or nothing at all. These images tend to be a little more raw, real, candid, unposed LOOKING (although we do pose you throughout the whole shoot). These are meant to embrace a woman's sexuality, independence, femininity, and badassness. Because of the posing and wardrobe, these images tend to be more intimate in nature. We do retouch all boudoir images for our clients with standard retouching. The finished product is typically a variety of about 60-70 images with a natural retouch (no special effects other than black and white on some images) that include "detail" shots such as legs, tush, breasts, back and shoulders, lips, as well as full body scapes and imagery that includes the face. 

Example of Boudoir Photography by Kara Marie Studios. Sometimes anonymous in nature, showcases the female form, embraces the woman's sensuality and femininity.

Example of Boudoir Photography by Kara Marie Studios. Sometimes anonymous in nature, showcases the female form, embraces the woman's sensuality and femininity.

Beauty portraiture is a bit more polished...with a finished "fine art" look and feel.  Beauty portraiture is a great option for a woman who wants a smaller collection of absolutely breathtaking portraits of herself that are wall-worthy.  This is a great option for women who may be a bit intimidated by the idea of baring all for a boudoir session. Wardrobe for a beauty session can be a ball gown, little black dress, a lace bodysuit, fabric draping, or even nudity.  Our beauty portraits always contain the full face and at least the shoulders up. There are more special effects such as fine art textures and extensive retouching done on these images, and the final outcome is roughly 15-20 fully enhanced wall-ready images. 

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{Q:} Where will my photo session take place? Do you have a studio?

{A:} Kara Marie Studios has 2 beautiful natural light studios on S. 1st Street just south of downtown Austin! One is set up specifically for portraits with backdrops and studio lighting, and the other is designed for boudoir and candid lifestyle photography. Both studios have grey stained + polished concrete floors, grey and white walls, minimal furniture, no clutter, and more natural light than we know what to do with. Ok just kidding...we know exactly what to do with it!  

Kara Marie also occasionally announces destination time slots around her extensive travels. Those time slots will be announced to anyone on the e-mail notification list  and typically on the Kara Marie Studios Instagram page HERE.

{Q:} I'm really not comfortable with being photographed nearly nude, but I really want you to photograph me. Is that a possibility?  

{A:} YES YES YES! My specialty is photographing WOMEN--that's in ANY level of dress or undress.  Women who shy away from being photographed nude, in lingerie, etc, might be more comfortable doing an studio portrait session with an off-shoulder blouse and jeans...that's totally fine! This would fall under the beauty portraiture style that you can also see examples of on this site.  

{Q:} What are your hair and makeup artists experienced with? Can I choose to do my own hair and makeup?

{A:} My artists maintain an extensive hair and makeup kit to accommodate all skin types and shades and are experienced with all 3 of the main ethno hair proifiles including Asian, Caucasian, and African. If you have skin sensitivities or conditions, or if your hair takes longer than average to style, we will absolutely still be able to accommodate you. Please shoot us an e-mail ahead of time so that we can have the proper tools on hand and also so that we block out the appropriate amount of time.

Should you decide you’d like to do your own hair and makeup for your session, simply let us know at the time of booking and we will adjust your package and give you a few photography-specific tips to consider when getting prepared for your session!


{Q:}  The images on your website are very tasteful and pretty, but what if I wanted to get a little more...um...risque?

{A:} Get it, girl!  On the scale from 1-10 on the "erotic" meter, my style is more of a 3.2. What you see on my website and on my social media feeds is a very accurate representation of what I offer in the "saucy" department. I will shoot an array of clothed, partially clothed, tasteful nudes, exposed breasts and bums but no pelvic area will be visible in any of my work and that is a firm policy. While I can certainly appreciate more erotic art, it just isn't what I offer. So if you love what you see on the website, I'm your girl.

 

{Q:} What should I wear?

{A:} This is probably the most popular question I get….and the answer is simple…whatever you feel beautiful in. My signature style is the "effortless cool girl" look, which, lucky for you, involves things you likely already have in your closet.  A bodysuit, an oversized sweater, cropped sweatshirt and high waist panties, a robe, sleep shirt...you get the drift.  Some clients opt for lingerie. And many clients choose to do a nude set during their session.  In a 1.5 hour photo session, you will typically have time for up to 3 “looks” or outfits (yes, "nude" counts as an outfit)! Don't stress to 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!

 

{Q:} Can I have someone with me at my session?

{A:} 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.  I do not allow any more than 1 friend in the room with you. Also, it is a requirement of mine that boyfriends/husbands/spouses NOT be in the room while we are shooting. That’s a firm policy.  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. **COVID UPDATE— For safety and to limit the number of people in the studio, we are requesting that our clients do not bring anyone with them to their appointment for the time being.

 

{Q:} On which days of the week can I have my photo session?

{A:} We accept shoots 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. Appointments always start at 10:00am to allow for the best natural light our studio has to offer.

 

{Q:} What should I do to prepare?

{A:} The beauty of being a Kara Marie client is, all of these questions are answered in COMPLETE detail for you in the Kara Marie Studios Prep Guide which is emailed to you shortly after booking your session. This will cover exactly how you should prepare your face, body, and mind for your photo shoot, as well as a complete list of resources for beauty appointments and wardrobe for your photo shoot! No question will remain unanswered.  I pride myself on offering a photo shoot EXPERIENCE to my clients...so expect a very informed process that involves a lot more instruction than just showing up to shoot and being done with it.

 

{Q:} How much can you “edit out”?

{A:} This is a touchy subject, but I stick to my gut (no pun intended) on this one. While we make the skin look it's best, we keep the "Photoshop" action minimal.  I rely on my strategic poses and angles to play down "problem" areas that concern you.  We 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). My main rule of thumb is, if it’s permanent, it stays, and when it comes to retouching, less is more.

Many women ask about the retouching of stretch marks. While we firmly believe that your stretch marks are a part of your story and therefore are beautiful, we do also understand many women’s aversion to their own. Our standard skin smoothing process will subtly fade the appearance of stretch marks, but please be sure to request more or less at your photo shoot appointment if you have a different preference. My post-processing techniques are more focused on contrast, skin smoothing, sharpening, etc, rather than body morphing.

 

{Q:} I am a school teacher/pastor's wife/high profile actress/the first lady(HEY Michelle!-yes I know it’s out of date and I prefer to leave it) and if these photos were leaked it would destroy my reputation...is this secret safe with you???

{A:} First of all, I doubt that anyone seeing your Kara Marie Studios photos would result in anything other than "DANG GIRL, YOU LOOK AMAZING!". My shoot style, if you haven't noticed, is VERY classic, beautiful, and more about the empowerment of woman than oversexed or something to be embarrassed about. HOWEVER, I can TOTALLY understand if you don't want your images shared with the public! You can rest absolutely assured that your images will never be shared without your permission. As soon as your session is complete, we retouch your images in-house. We do NOT send your images off to an outsourced editing company leaving them vulnerable to being stolen. THEN, you will see them directly during your in-person photo viewing!! If you are coming in from out of town to shoot with me and an in-person viewing is not possible, we will make other accommodations for you for a long distance viewing that is still secure. 

In the event that you are super awesome and proud of your images and do permit me to use them on my blog and website, your real name will not be used and I will NEVER tag you on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram.  Plus, I am the best secret keeper EVER.  ONE TIME, a long time ago, I photographed a woman who wanted to gift her husband boudoir photos for a wedding present. I also was contacted by that very man to take some sexy photos of HIM for HER wedding present.  I knew them both well and pulled it off without a hitch.  Neither one had ANY idea.  I also photographed an entire boudoir shoot in the same house as a sleeping husband who would later be receiving the images as a surprise gift.  I’ve also photographed several super high profile people named.....Ahhh you almost got me, there!!! ;) Anyhow, your secret is safe with us.

I am always happy to sign NDA's should you need one from me because of your profession or public visibility. 

 

{Q:} Do you photograph men?

{A:} Nope.  I know what I'm good at, and posing men is just not my background or specialty. I'm always happy to offer referrals to other photographers, though! I will also make an exception for my husband (will someone please convince him to let me shoot him again!?!), Jeff Goldblum, Gary Clark Jr., and Matthew McConaughey.

{Q:} Do you still shoot weddings, families, etc??

{A:} That would be like going to the best seafood joint in town and ordering the chicken. It's probably still good....but not mind-blowing like the lobster would be. ;)  In case you didn’t get my food-related analogy…no. I do not accept bookings for things outside of my specialty any longer.

 

{Q:} Will you use my images on your website/blog/portfolio?

{A:} I, of course, would LOVE to use images from our session together to show other women your amazing photos, and more importantly, share your testimony!  HOWEVER, I also completely understand if you prefer to keep them private. That said, I will not share unless you grant permission. The bottom line is: I will honor whatever level of privacy you would like. Most clients are so proud of their images that they give me full discretion to choose images for my portfolio and social sharing, 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!

If you have ANY other questions that I did not address here, please e-mail hello@karamariestudios.com