Frequently Asked Questions
{Q:} The women on your website all look like models. I am not "modelesque"...can I do this??
{A:} The women you see on our website are our 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 MLC 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 Melissa Lynne Couture 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 MLC photo shoot experience.
{A:} Melissa Lynne Couture 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 assist our clients in the selection process of their images for folio boxes, keepsakes, and picking 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!
{Q:} When and how will I select my favorite images from my shoot?
{Q:} What do your packages include? How much should I expect to spend?
{A:} See our Details pages for more information about wardrobe specific to your session.
{Q:} I see that you offer both beauty *and* boudoir photography. What is the difference?
{A:} Boudoir portrait photography 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 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.
{Q:} Where will my photo session take place? Do you have a studio?
{A:} Melissa Lynne Couture uses a beautiful natural light studio that is located in Midtown Atlanta!
{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! Our 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 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.
{Q:} What is your hair and makeup artist experienced with? Can I choose to do my own hair and makeup?
{A:} Raven maintains an extensive hair and makeup kit to accommodate all skin types and shades and is experienced with all 3 of the main ethno hair profiles 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.
{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, our style is more of a 3.2. What you see on our website and on our social media feeds is a very accurate representation of what we offer in the "saucy" department. We will shoot an array of clothed, partially clothed, tasteful nudes, exposed breasts and bums but no pelvic area will be visible in any of our work and that is a firm policy. While we can certainly appreciate more erotic art, it just isn't what we offer. So if you love what you see on the website, we're your girls.
{Q:} What should I wear?
{A:} See our Details pages for more information about wardrobe specific to your session.
{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! We don’t mind at all if there is one friend with you! We DO ask that they not interfere with the shoot (running in to “touch you up” in between every shot, directing your posing, etc) as we will handle anything along those lines that needs done. We do not allow any more than 1 friend in the room with you. Also, it is a requirement of ours, for boudoir sessions, 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 Melissa Lynne Couture client is, all of these questions are answered in COMPLETE detail for you in the Melissa Lynne Couture Prep Guide which is mailed 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. We pride ourselves on offering a photo shoot EXPERIENCE to our 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 we stick to our gut (no pun intended) on this one. While we make the skin look it's best, we keep the "Photoshop" action minimal. We rely on our 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). Our main rule of thumb is, if it’s permanent, it stays, and when it comes to retouching, less is more.
{Q:} I am a school teacher/pastor's wife/high profile actress/the first lady and if these photos were leaked it would destroy my reputation...is this secret safe with you???
{A:} First of all, we doubt that anyone seeing your Melissa Lynne Couture photos would result in anything other than "DANG GIRL, YOU LOOK AMAZING!". Our 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, we 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 us and an in-person viewing is not possible, we will make other accommodations for you for a long distance viewing that is still secure.
{Q:} Do you photograph men?
{A:} We only photograph men for portraiture, headshots, and maternity with their spouse. We absolutely do not photograph men with boudoir. This is a firm policy.
{Q:} Will you use my images on your website/blog/portfolio?
{A:} We, 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, we also completely understand if you prefer to keep them private. That said, we will not share unless you grant permission. The bottom line is: We will honor whatever level of privacy you would like. Most clients are so proud of their images that they give us full discretion to choose images for our portfolio and social sharing, some clients prefer that only their faceless images be put in our 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 us know where you stand on the topic and we will honor your wishes!
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