Everything you might be wondering
Where does the session take place?
At our private, appointment-only studio in Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs. It's a space for you to settle in, get ready, and have the studio to yourself during your session. Take a look at the studio.
Who will be there?
Your photographer will guide the session. Your hair and makeup artist will be there while you get ready. An assistant may occasionally join us, depending on the session and your comfort level. We'll talk through who will be present before your date.
I've never done this before. Will you help me pose?
Every step of the way. We'll guide your movement, hands, expression, and the little adjustments that make a photograph work. You don't need modeling experience or a plan for what to do in front of the camera.
What if I'm nervous or don't look like the people in your portfolio?
Most clients feel nervous at first. The people in our portfolio are clients, with different ages, sizes, and reasons for being here. We'll take the time to get you settled, work with your body and your comfort level, and guide you through the session. There is no particular way you need to look before you come in.
Do I have to wear lingerie or take nude photographs?
No. You choose how covered or revealing you want to be. Lingerie, a favorite shirt, a robe, draped fabric, and bare skin are all possibilities. We can talk about your boundaries before the session and adjust as we go.
What's included in the session day?
Your session includes professional hair and makeup, access to our client wardrobe, a fully guided 1.5-2 hour photoshoot, and a same-day image reveal and ordering appointment. We make room for getting ready, changing looks, and seeing your photographs; the photoshoot is only one part of the day. See the full experience and investment.
What should I bring to wear?
Bring anything you'd love to be photographed in, or come with ideas and we'll help you choose. Our client wardrobe has pieces in sizes XS-4X, and most sessions include 2-3 wardrobe changes. You can use your own pieces, ours, or a mix. We'll help you plan before your session.
Can I bring something personal?
Of course. A veil, jewelry, a partner's shirt, or another meaningful piece can make the photographs feel more like yours. Mention it while we plan so we can work it naturally into the session.
How much editing do you do?
We professionally edit your selected photographs and can retouch temporary blemishes and marks. Our goal is a polished image that still looks like you; we don't reshape your body.
When will I see my photographs?
You'll see them at your same-day reveal and ordering appointment, after the photoshoot. That's when you'll choose the images and artwork you want to keep. Finished products typically take about 4-6 weeks after your session.
Will my photographs be shared online?
Only with your written permission. You decide whether we may share any images on our website or social media. The clients you see in our portfolio agreed to have their photographs shown.
Do you photograph couples?
Yes. Couples sessions are planned around both people, whether you're coming in with a husband, wife, or partner. If you'd primarily like photographs of yourself with your partner in a few frames, tell us that too—we can talk through which session makes sense. Explore couples photographs.
When should I book a bridal session?
If you'd like a finished album for your wedding or another specific date, plan for at least six weeks between your session and the day you need it; more time is helpful. Finished products typically take 4-6 weeks, and booking early gives you more choice of session dates. Explore bridal boudoir.
When should I book a maternity session?
Many maternity clients choose a day in their seventh or eighth month. Reach out earlier so we can plan around your due date and how you're feeling. We'll adjust the pace and poses to your comfort, and your partner can be included if you'd like. Finished products typically take 4-6 weeks, so an album from a later pregnancy session may arrive after your baby does. Explore maternity boudoir.
How does pricing work?
A $500 retainer reserves an individual session and includes the studio experience. Collections begin at $2,500 and are purchased separately. Couples sessions have an $800 retainer. You can review what's included and the current payment options on our Investment page.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer interest-free in-house pre-payment plans with weekly, every-other-week, or monthly payments, as well as other payment options. Your experience balance is paid before session day. We'll walk you through the details when you inquire.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
Please let us know as soon as you can. Retainers and payments are non-refundable, and the options for moving a date depend on your booking terms. You can read the cancellation policy or contact us to talk through your situation.
What are promotional credits?
Promotional credits are our way of saying thank you for being part of the Black Cherry Studios community. You can earn credits by attending eligible studio events and apply them toward a future regular boudoir session.
How do I earn promotional credits?
You can earn promotional credits by attending eligible Black Cherry Studios events. The amount awarded may vary by event, and credits are associated with the email address used for your registration or purchase.
What can I use promotional credits toward?
Credits can be applied toward eligible regular boudoir sessions, including maternity sessions. They cannot be used toward Creative Sessions, event tickets, cottage rentals, or other purchases. Credits have no cash value and cannot be transferred to another person.
Can I combine credits from multiple events?
Absolutely! You can combine eligible credits earned from different events, up to a maximum of $500 in promotional credits per session. All credits must be active and associated with the email address used for your booking.
Do promotional credits expire?
Yes. Each credit has its own expiration date. Your session must be booked and the required retainer paid before the credit expires, but your photography session can take place afterward. Be sure to check the expiration date associated with each credit.
Can I transfer my credits to someone else?
No. Promotional credits are associated with the email address of the person who earned them and cannot be transferred, gifted, exchanged for cash, or applied to another person's booking.
What happens to my credits if I cancel my session?
Promotional credits applied to a canceled session are not restored or reissued. If you need to reschedule, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options. You can review our Session Cancellation Policy for more information.