Wondering how to do a boudoir mini session marathon? Just getting started in boudoir photography? This blog is full of information on how to run successful boudoir mini sessions.
The following is out of our boudoir posing guide: Boudoir Posing For The Modern Photographer by Emily Caldwell Photography.
What Is A Boudoir Mini Session Marathon:
A boudoir marathon is basically mini sessions for boudoir. For the clients, it’s a thrifty way to get the boudoir experience; for the photographer, it’s a great way to gain exposure and build your boudoir portfolio. I like to make my boudoir marathon experiences closely mirror my private session experiences, but also throw in a fun “girls day” vibe!
If you’re thinking about how to do a boudoir mini session. This blog post will help answer some commonly asked questions about boudoir mini session marathons.
How To Run your First Boudoir Mini Session Marathon
I first decided to do a marathon when I needed to build my portfolio without breaking the bank.
My first task was securing a location; next was a hair and makeup artist. I chose a chic downtown hotel with modern furnishings for the location. I found a HMUA through recommendations from other local photographers, and she was super flexible and gave me a great rate, knowing that I was new to boudoir and would be charging a low rate for this marathon.
It was close to Valentine’s Day, so although there were plenty of potential clients, there were also many other photographers doing marathons! I knew I had to set myself apart from the crowd.
I marketed my marathon 12+ hours a day for two weeks, Facebook messaging women who were interested in boudoir in local groups, writing blog posts about why boudoir was awesome and what I had to bring to the table.
My hard work paid off, and I was able to fill every slot! I made goodie bags for each of my clients and partnered with local work at home moms (OK, and a Target shopping spree!) to fill them with free or cheap goodies that were of high value and relevant to my clientele.
The hotel room I had reserved was really small (with my budget, I couldn’t swing for the suite!), but I came in the night before the marathon and set it up to look very high end. I brought in fancy wine glasses and a crystal drink dispenser, which I filled with mimosas (yes, all of my clients were 21+).
I also had croissants, chocolate covered cherries, and other assorted goodies for my clients the day of the marathon. I hung white curtains to separate the space better so that hair and makeup didn’t interfere with my shoots (I would have one girl in a session while the next girl was in hair and makeup). It was stressful, but it went great!
My regular sessions last up to 2 hours. Marathon sessions are usually 45 minutes to one hour, but I can still fit a lot into that time frame.
Want to make sure you can get a lot of boudoir poses in a little bit of time? I go over all that and more in my boudoir posing guide: Boudoir Posing For The Modern Photographer. It even comes with boudoir posing cards.
How To Run Successful Boudoir Marathon Sessions
Networking is the most important thing when it comes to how to do a boudoir mini session. Be warm and inviting and talk to your clients. When someone comments on anything you post on social media about the marathon, respond quickly! I think the best thing for me has been having a sense of humor and a great rapport with previous clients, who are truly my best marketing tool.
I also write lots of blog posts and I really pour my heart into boudoir and feel so passionately about it. I make sure my passion for making women feel great about themselves shines through in everything I post.
Need some ideas on what to blog about for boudoir photographers? Check out our Prewritten Boudoir Photography Content. You can use these in your marketing materials, newsletters, emails and so much more.
While I do have to spend a little money to market marathons, I find it’s worth it. It helps me fill spots quickly. I usually do this through Facebook ads, or sometimes through responses to Thumbtack inquiries. I have booked a few clients through Facebook ads, but so far none through Thumbtack.
How To Price Boudoir Mini Sessions
I try to set my price point so that even if two to three spots (out of six) aren’t booked, I don’t lose money—I just don’t make any, either. I have never run into this problem in reality though.While my session pricing is deeply discounted for marathons, my product pricing is the same.
I aim to sell more of my lower end products for marathons, though. If I don’t do well with sales for a marathon, I will sometimes offer a discount on high resolution digitals a few weeks later to make up for the loss of sales.
How To Price Boudoir Mini Session Marathons
My first boudoir mini session marathon was $199/client with hair and makeup and three high resolution digital images included in the package.
Today, my marathons range in price depending on location, market (I shoot in two different states), and what’s included in the package. My last marathon was $389/client with hair and makeup, five digital images, and an accordion mini.
For mini sessions, the session must be paid in full to book. If it’s a marathon with a higher price point, I require half up front and the second half two weeks before the marathon.
How Many Mini Sessions for Boudoir Photography Marathon Day
I prefer a one day marathon, but all weekend marathons definitely generate more revenue! Of course, the more slots you open, the harder it is to get it full, and you don’t want huge gaps where your hair and makeup artists are sitting around with no work to do.
I typically do six per day, and I wouldn’t go any higher volume than that. I think four or five is a much more comfortable number. My last marathon was a two-day marathon with five sessions each day, and that was much more manageable but still so exhausting!
I like to keep the glam squad (my HMUA’s) on set in case we need touch ups, a lip change, some volume added to the hair, etc. I typically have the next client in hair and makeup while I am shooting a session, but leave enough buffer time so that if I need to borrow the hair or makeup artist, it doesn’t rush things.
My glam squad is also always happy to take on the duty of greeting the next client for me while I’m shooting. I keep things as organized as possible so it’s a really simple task and I don’t need to bring in an extra assistant.
Boudoir Photography Marathon: Your Questions Answered:
During a marathon, what if the client takes a long time to get comfortable? Since this is a condensed session, what if you don’t get a lot of good photos because they didn’t relax and you can’t go longer because you have another session lined up?
I have had this happen, and you know what? She loved every single one of her photos and she bought them all! Some people are just slightly more tense and shy than others, and that’s OK. As long as I know I’m doing everything I can to make a client feel comfortable and being responsive to the vibe she’s giving me, I don’t feel guilty about a session that maybe didn’t go how I thought it would.
How many outfit changes are allowed per client during a marathon?
As many as they can fit in their time slot! Most clients get through two to three per marathon session.
For marathons, where are the other clients during the session that you’re shooting?
Often times, I have several friends book their session back-to-back. So, I like to keep a comfortable room for them to hang out in. This is usually the same area where hair and makeup takes place, so clients can snack, have a glass of wine, and chat while they wait. This helps give the marathon more of a “girls day” vibe and it really helps clients relax, too, especially if I have a girl hanging back after her session and she can tell them how fun it was!
Do you change out the sheets, etc. between marathon sessions?
No. I ask clients to bring their own sheets/bedding if they plan to do nude shots on the bed or “between the sheets” shots.
Do you have any more questions about how to do a boudoir mini session or run a boudoir photography business? Make sure to check out this blog post about How To Start A Boudoir Photography Business for more information on beginning in this a career as a boudoir photographer.
