We live in a society that defines beauty by years, measurements and scales. Those definitions couldn’t be further from the truth. True beauty exists in variety and comes in different heights, weights, color, shapes and ages. YOU are true beauty. A boudoir portrait session is a celebration of beauty that each woman should experience at least once in her lifetime. It may be as a gift for someone special – or simply as a gift to yourself. 

To book a shoot, please visit our SCHEDULE A SHOOT page or call 701.373.5770. We do not accept text requests. You may also email photos(@)yvonnedenault.com

Beautiful Boudoir

Boudoir is a French term that means 'bedroom'.  Images can be compared to what you might see in a lingerie catalog and can vary from soft, naturally lit images to dramatic color and shadow play. We tailor your shoot experience to either a classic Vogue-sophisticate or an edgy Maxim-hot look. We are fortunate to be able to offer studio lighting or natural lighting. Each is considered as a photo “set” and each style of lighting can yield very different results.

Lifestyle Editorial

Our lifestyle images are defined by simple elegance. Outfit ideas might be include a cocktail dress, jeans and a sweater, or a flowy sundress. Portraits are just as beautiful and alluring as a boudoir session, but with less skin showing and reflect more of a candid, in-the-moment living experience. This session is ideal for women not interested in boudoir , but would like a set of photos that she can share on social networking sites, or simply leave as a photographic legacy for her family.

Fine Art

We do have clients that want to create a fantasy style photoshoot. You are definitely in the right place and working with the right photographer. This is a customized style of photoshoot and would require an in-person meeting to discuss the concept, costumery, end final product and to provide a bid for services. Fine art images usually yield 1-5 images total and the editing style is extravagant and over the top (as is the costume and couture). Please contact us to learn more about this option.

Yvonne Denault | Photographer

Yvonne is the first exclusive boudoir photographer in North Dakota and set the stage for bringing boudoir to Fargo-Moorhead. She initially opened her studio in 2009 to offer an exclusive and modern approach to boudoir photography. Her style ranges from vintage-inspired “old Hollywood” to modern sophisticate.

After taking a step back to open a women’s clothing boutique for five years, she is returning back to the studio. While she has mastered studio lighting and the sultry and seductive images that result from the shadow-play — she is thrilled to be offering a breathtaking natural light option for clientele as an additional option to dramatic studio lighting. This offers the best of both worlds: seductive shadows versus soft, glowy lighting.

Her boudoir photography is tasteful and offers a glimpse of a woman’s sensual, flirty side. She believes each woman is a gorgeous vision, and loves to reveal her unique beauty. She has worked behind the camera for more than twenty years, in addition to having over twenty-five years of design experience which gives her an eye for composition.

Our Hair & Makeup Team

We work with several stylists in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Our stylists own and operate their own individual salon/spa businesses. Each stylist puts a great deal into training and education. And ALL of our stylist team members are required to be knowledgeable, and apply airbrush makeup artistry in studio. We are proud to work with the best artists and salons in the Fargo-Moorhead community. 

Photography Style

Our style is classified as natural, modern, classy and sophisticated. We want to ensure that the photography style and editing production is consistent in every single shoot. Therefore, we do require approval for props, accessories or concepts prior to shooting. We do reserve the right to decline shoot requests that do not fit our style or comfort level. We adhere to our standards as every photograph is a reflection of our work and style.

Booking Your Shoot | Meeting Your Photographer

Booking your shoot is done over the phone at 701.373.5770, or in person at any of our events. You will likely not be able to think of much else a few days before your scheduled session. At that point, you may go from feeling excited to feeling a little insecure and uncertain. This is perfectly natural – we want you to know that you will be delighted with the results. We will ensure that you are always comfortable before, during and after the shoot, and are respectful of your space when getting ready as well as during the shoot. When you arrive the day of your session, we will discuss your ideas and talk about what you are planning to wear and what your expectations for the shoot are.
**Pre-consults are available as an add-on service

Hair and Makeup Styling

We work with several very talented hair and makeup stylists. Each stylist who works with us is required to apply airbrushed makeup, which creates a flawless finish to your face. Hair and makeup styling includes the application of faux eyelashes which will enhance the eyes significantly. Hair and makeup styling is included in every shoot package and is not an option to forego. For your hair/makeup styling, please plan to arrive with no makeup on your face and your hair fully dried. DO NOT flat iron or curl your hair that day as this makes it difficult for our stylist to alter your hair that day. Second day hair is suggested.

Posing

DO NOT worry about looking sexy or natural! Your photographer will show you how to pose and will direct your expressions with ease. We never expect our clients to act like professional models and will coach you every step of the way including demonstrations on the poses you are asked to do. Many of our clients compare it to attending a yoga class.  It will be an empowering experience you will never forget -- and we promise...you will look incredibly sexy!

Editing Process

Several angles of the same pose are taken to ensure there is a selection of photos to choose the best angle, lighting and expression. Following your shoot, all images will be refined for your personal photo viewing -- usually done in the same day as your shoot! Part of the process is to see your images UNEDITED. There is a reason for this. The photography experience is meant to be a real and raw healing experience in addition to capturing beautiful documentation of the body God gave you. During the photo viewing, you will see the images with only slight light/color adjustements. Final airbrushing is ONLY done on the images you select. Our goal is to keep your images as realistic as possible and true to who you are. We want you to love you for you!

You will select the photos in your package at your personal photo viewing. Your selected images are then further edited through airbrushing techniques to minimize complexion imperfections (dark circles, blemishes, cellulite, scarring, etc.), enhance lighting, boost color, and to add further editing options such as vintage application. Very minimal contouring of the body shape is done in terms of making you look more shapely, thinner or enhanced. Our mission is to show you how beautiful you are as YOU and we frown upon using contour tools in Photoshop. 

Post-production can take 2-4 weeks depending upon how large your package option is. Please communicate your plans for the package and the resulting products so that timing of post-production can be taken into consideration.

When To Book

We want the entire experience of your portrait session to be one that you will look back on fondly and will never forget! We suggest that you book your shoot several months out to plan ahead for what you will wear, in addition to pampering such as freshening hair color or manicures before your shoot. Below we have detailed some things to consider when planning your shoot.

Booking A Consult

Each woman has her own vision of what she wants her boudoir portrait session to be. Our goal is to accommodate your vision by making recommendations for attire and poses. A shoot of this nature requires greater assistance choosing outfits and planning prior to your shoot. We provide time for a pre-consult for each session that can be done over the phone or in person. Prior to your consult, please have questions, concerns and ideas ready to discuss. If you plan to meet in person, bring any outfit considerations with you or provide them as photographs (from a catalog or website), in response to your email confirmation prior to your shoot.

What To Wear

Planning your outfit selection is important, and at the same time should be fun to shop for. Choose something that covers you where you want to be covered and is flattering with your skin and hair color. We are happy to offer opinions or suggestions and often have clients call to discuss or email photos of the outfits they are considering.

One outfit option that is flattering on EVERY single figure is a chemise (a tight-fitting slip with or without a garter and stockings). We highly recommend this as an option if you are unsure and want a no-nonsense shopping option. Other ideas to consider:

• bra + panty set / corset / teddy / slip / chemise

• denim shorts + jeans / tank top / flannel pj's + shirt / oversized sweater + cardigan

• leather jacket / bra + panty set / blazer / stacks of necklaces

• lace robe / sheer button down blouse / bra + panty

• white button down shirt / men’s tie / long necklace or scarf

• cocktail dress / evening gown / body con dress

• bridal gown / bridal veil / white-ivory bridal lingerie set

• accessories such as jewelry / scarves / hats / high heel shoes / veils / stockings

We do not provide outfits for your shoot, but will assist you in selecting the right options. It is recommended that you bring a nice black push-up bra and matching panty with you as we do sometimes layer a bra underneath another garment to add better support. You may want to consider bringing more outfit options with you than what are in your shoot package. Do not forget shoes, jewelry and your wedding/engagement ring if you are married or engaged.

Lingerie + Couture Resources

For local Fargo-Moorhead shopping, try outlets such as Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, and department stores such as JCPenney or Macy's. Some people also have luck at Target, TJMaxx, Kohl’s and Marshalls. For more variety in lingerie and outfit ideas, please visit the following websites:

$ ($10-50)
$$ ($35-$150)
$$$ ($50-$500)

www.agentprovocateur.com $$$
www.hipsandcurves.com $$
www.yandy.com $
www.fredericks.com $$
www.victoriassecret.com $$$
www.renttherunway.com $$
www.cherieamour.com $$ - $$$

Other Preparations

To have the best photographs possible with the least amount of retouching required, please ensure you do the following prior to your shoot. In short, plan as though you are getting ready for your wedding day:

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before your shoot

• Drink plenty of water and avoid salty and greasy foods the day before/day of your shoot

• Shave / wax your underarms, legs and bikini area

• Pluck / wax your eyebrows and upper lip

• Manicure / Pedicure / Press-on Nails

• Freshen your hair color (if this is what you normally do)

• Tan / Spray Tan (do not overdue and be sure to go nude or wear a thong for the tanning process) 

• Wear something loose to the studio the day of your shoot so few lines are left on your skin (avoid tight socks/jeans)

• Pinterest Board Ideas

• Moisturize your skin the day of the shoot, including your hands and decolette area.

Following your shoot, expect to be a little sore as if you have had a rigorous workout. Many of the poses can feel somewhat like doing yoga, so we have been told. Modeling is hard work! Having a great boudoir portrait session is a partnership between you and your photographer. Planning what you will wear and your hair/makeup prior to the shoot, will give you the results you are dreaming of!

Our photography is respectful and tasteful. We desire to achieve a reputation for our work and process that is second to none! As such, we need to have certain policies in place to ensure clients have a consistent, fabulous experience; and to ensure our booking calendar remains full and that clients show up for their scheduled sessions.

Thank you for respecting our policies.

Photoshoot Policies

• We do not photograph exploitive nude portraits or poses that cross the line of being pornographic. They do not reflect our work.
   

• Editing is limited to airbrushing, color enhancement and sharpening. Recontouring the body is not provided as a service. Facial blemishes, dark circles, cellulite, bruises and lines will be airbrushed away. 
   

• All boudoir clients must be 19 years of age or older AND out of high school. We may request an ID to be noted on our contract form. We provide senior photography services and do not wish to make parents or clients feel they cannot trust their teens in our capable hands.
   

• We do not photograph men (with exception of family photo sessions). Absolutely no exceptions.
  

• We adhere to our photographic style to ensure clients know what to expect. We do not provide pinup photography. We also do not provide or allow the use of kitschy props, outfits or poses. You must do a pre-consult for your shoot and outfits must be approved by the photographer.
   

• Please leave your significant other, best friend and/or children at home. This is a day of pampering and fun just for you! We no longer allow anyone to be present in the studio during your shoot as it causes distractions. You may bring a friend or significant other with you to your photo viewing if you choose.
   

• Please plan to make payment immediately following your shoot. Photography will not be released until payment is made in full by cash, check, credit/debit card. Please inquire about our three month payment plan.
   

• Taking photos of images from your phone during the photo viewing is NOT ALLOWED. We also do not send a "sneak peek" shot prior to your photos being completely edited. There is a 2-3 week turnaround timeframe that we stick to which is based upon our editing load at the time of your shoot. 
   

• We love to share photos at our events, on our website, blog and Facebook pages. We give each client the opportunity to allow us to share their photos. You must sign a model release form to do so. As a thank you, we provide each client with two additional digital images in their package. We do not share photos of any of our clients without their written permission. If you would like us to share your photos, please ask us for a model release form. 

Scheduling and Payment Policies

To reserve your shoot, you must pay a 50% non-refundable retainer toward your shoot package with a credit/debit card. Booking over the phone is preferred - but we are happy to book through email if that is easier. Please call 701.373.5770 to schedule a shoot or to provide a credit/debit card number. NEVER email credit/debit card information.

Because of the nature of our services, we are unable to fill appointments without a one week notice of cancellation or rescheduling. Therefore, we do enforce a strict cancellation and no-show policy and ask that our clients respect our commitment to scheduling the day especially for you. Please read our policy below. If you are booking a shoot, you will be reminded of these policies upon booking.

• Your initial retainer is non-refundable. No exceptions.

• ** IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ** Because we have limited the number of sessions we take each month, we honor our photoshoot appointment much like taking a wedding where the date is reserved just for you. Please choose a date that you ABSOLUTELY can commit to. WE NO LONGER OFFER RESCHEDULING FOR ANY REASON BEYOND EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES. Due to the nature of our business, it is nearly impossible to fill a spot that has been rescheduled or cancelled on short notice and creates a great amount of work for our staff to fill. Please plan to take a day off from work/activities to ensure you have enough time to complete your appointment. If you do request to reschedule, we will only do so with a NEW retainer for a NEW appointment.

• If you cancel or do not show up for your shoot -- your retainer will not be returned and will not be applied to another shoot appointment or date. We need to maintain a full calendar monthly. Any future requests to book appointments will then require a full payment of the shoot at the time of booking to ensure our team is paid for the scheduled appointment.

• Gift certificates, promotions and discounts are void when an appointment time is canceled. Promotions are void in the case of rescheduling. Gift certificates are subject to the same policies for rescheduling as we have noted above.

• We understand that weather can play a role in needing to reschedule and this is something we do take into consideration during the winter months. 

• The remaining balance is due the day of your shoot. All packages must be paid in full prior to releasing images/products to a client. Please inquire for further details.

• We reserve the right to refuse business or photo requests.