Frequently asked Questions

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

First of all, THANK YOU! I take that as a compliment of the highest degree because all these women are not models.  Some of them are models, but most of them are like you and me starting, testing waters, wanting to experience something different.  Some are moms some are not. But no matter what shape you are in right now, I can make you look like a Modelesque. TRUST ME.

What do your packages include? How much should I expect to spend?

The photoshoot experience starts at $899 +tax. Our best package is $2299.That includes the photoshoot with Shenya, 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 8×10 20 image linen bedside album. and those 20 selected images as web-resolution digital files on a 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 $3000 (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!).

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.

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

Boudoir portrait photography is our primary specialisation at Unique Shades in Brisbane. 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.

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, a 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.

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

Yes, it is a Yes . My speciality 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 a 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.

The images on your website are very tasteful and pretty, but what if I wanted to get a little more risque?

Get it, girl!  On the scale from 1-10 on the “erotic” meter, my style is more of a 2.5 What you see on my website and on my social media feeds are 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.

What should I wear?

This is probably the most popular question I get and the answer is simple whatever you feel beautiful in. My signature style is the “stylish cool girl” look, which, lucky for you, involves things you likely already have in your closet.  A bodysuit, an oversized blazer, cropped sweatshirt and high waist panties, a robe, sleepshirt,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 too much about wardrobe. I could (and have!) spend an entire hour shooting a client with no other wardrobe than the bedsheets 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 to be 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

On which days of the week can I have my photo session?

We take bookings from Monday to Saturday. 

What should I do to prepare?

The beauty of being a Unique Shades client is, all of these questions are answered in COMPLETE detail for you in the Unique Shades 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.

How much can you “edit out”?

This is a touchy subject. 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.

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 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.

Do you photograph men?

Nope.  I know what I’m good at, and posing men is just not my background or speciality. I’m always happy to offer referrals to other photographers.

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 might be uncomfortable to share them. That said, I will not share unless you grant permission. The bottom line is: I will honour 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!