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With 14 years of full-time professional photography experience, Emily Gualdoni has earned her reputation as the boudoir photographer in Chicago. A true lighting connoisseur, Emily has an incredible eye for detail, capturing your most stunning qualities and showcasing your best assets with flawless poses and angles that highlight your beauty in ways you never imagined. Her magazine-quality retouching elevates every image, bringing out your inner model in the most captivating way. Thousands of women have been mesmerized by Emily’s seductive yet playful style, choosing her for her unique, chic approach to boudoir. With a background in fashion photography, access to cutting-edge digital technology, and collaboration with the city's top makeup artists, Emily guarantees you an experience that is not only unforgettable but also one that celebrates your inner confidence and allure. This is more than a photoshoot—it’s an empowering journey that will leave you feeling like the star you truly are.

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The Photoshoot Experience

 
Chicago boudoir by Emily Gualdoni Photography studio

The Studio

All of my signature packages include access to my gorgeous 2,100 sq ft loft studio in Chicago. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Chicago skyline, the space is flooded with natural light, perfect for creating soft, flattering images. I also have a variety of studio lighting equipment, so we can work with any lighting scenario to get exactly the look you're after.

I’ve handpicked every piece of furniture in the studio not only for its beauty but for how it photographs, ensuring that each shot is as stunning as the next. The studio has a few different rooms to choose from, including a private changing room, a cozy bedroom, and a stylish living room area, giving us plenty of options to create a variety of looks that suit your vision.

If you’d rather shoot at a different location, like a hotel or anywhere else, that works too! Just let me know, and I can share my travel fees with you.

 
chicago professional makeup and hair for boudoir shoots

Professional Makeup and Hair

I work with some of the best makeup artists in the city, each with years of experience and a true passion for working with women. These artists aren't just skilled—they genuinely care about making you feel at ease, and their warm, outgoing personalities will make you feel like you’ve known them forever. They pay incredible attention to every detail, whether it’s asking about that freckle on your chin or the way you like your hair parted. Just like me, they want to make sure you feel pampered and special, like the VIP you are.

The 90-minute prep time isn’t just about getting you glammed up—it’s a chance for you to relax and unwind before your shoot. It’s the perfect opportunity for us to chat and bond a little, so you feel completely at ease before stepping in front of my camera. Plus, you’ll have time to sip on some champagne and enjoy the moment. The more relaxed and confident you feel, the more your photos will reflect your true beauty and personality. Trust me, the fun and ease of the process will shine through in every shot.

FAQs

  • I specialize in tasteful and artistic boudoir photography that truly celebrates your unique beauty and empowers you. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and confident enough to fully embrace who you are. It’s about capturing your individuality and giving you the opportunity to see yourself in a way that’s both powerful and beautiful. Every woman deserves to feel this way, and I’m here to make sure you leave the shoot feeling like the incredible, confident person you are.

    Please note that I do not engage in or offer any form of pornographic photography or explicit sexual acts.

    My focus is on creating elegant, artistic, and empowering images that highlight your unique personality and style. My goal is to capture the beauty and essence of each individual, leaving a lasting impression of self-empowerment and self-love.

    I adhere to a strict code of professionalism, and all my photo sessions are conducted with the utmost respect and consideration for your comfort and boundaries. I will work collaboratively to ensure that you feel at ease throughout the entire process.

  • Your boudoir session will take place at my spacious, beautifully designed 2,100 sq ft loft in the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood, just a quick 10-minute drive from downtown Chicago. The space is flooded with natural light and offers a variety of gorgeous backdrops, setting the perfect scene for your intimate, personal photoshoot. And don't worry about parking—there’s free street parking right across the street, so you can show up stress-free and ready to relax. If you’d prefer a different setting, I’m more than happy to travel to your location or a nearby hotel for an additional fee. Ultimately, it’s all about creating an experience that feels comfortable and tailored just for you.

  • I totally get that planning ahead is key, especially for something as special as your boudoir shoot! To make sure everything goes smoothly and that I can send you all the prep emails and boudoir questionnaire, I recommend booking at least a couple of months in advance. Typically, I need about a 4-6 weeks after the shoot to get your album ready, but if you have a specific date in mind or need it by a certain deadline, just let me know ASAP so we can lock it in. My summer months tend to book up pretty quickly, so it’s a good idea to reach out sooner rather than later to get everything set up. Let’s chat and pick a date that works best for you!

  • Yes, nude or implied nude does count as an outfit change because it takes the same amount of time and attention to photograph as a lingerie look. I want to make sure we have enough time to capture every shot perfectly and make you feel amazing in each look!

  • As part of your boudoir photography package, you’ll have the chance to review and select your favorite images through a private online gallery—so you can relax and enjoy the process from the comfort of your home. The gallery will have watermarked images, but any photos you decide to purchase will be fully retouched and delivered to you via Dropbox, high-resolution and without any watermarks.

    After your session, I put a lot of care into curating the best shots from your shoot. Each image I choose gets a bit of love—adjusting exposure, color, and minor skin retouching—to make sure they already look amazing before you even see them.

    About 7-10 days after your session, I’ll send you a link to your private gallery, which will feature around 150 of the best shots from your shoot. You can take your time, whenever it’s convenient for you, to pick out the images you want for your package.

    Once you’ve made your selections, I’ll spend extra time retouching each one to meet my high standards, making sure they reflect the stunning images you’ll treasure. You can expect your final edited photos within two weeks of your selections. I’m committed to giving you photos that you’ll absolutely love—images that make you feel just as amazing as you look!

  • The private online proofing gallery is available for two weeks and is designed specifically for you to select the images included in your package. If you fall in love with more photos than your package covers, you’ll have the option to purchase additional images after viewing your gallery. Every image you select—whether part of your package or added on—will be fully retouched and delivered to you in high resolution via Dropbox.

    I believe the editing process is where the magic truly happens. It’s not just about touching up; it’s about enhancing each image to reflect the beauty, confidence, and unique vibe you brought to your session. My goal is to create breathtaking, high-quality images you’ll cherish forever.

    Because of this, I don’t offer unedited or raw images, as the final edited photos are an extension of my artistic vision and dedication to quality. However, your input is incredibly important—I take your preferences and desired look into account during the editing process to ensure you absolutely love the final results. This is all about creating something stunning and uniquely yours!

  • When it comes to your boudoir photos, I’m committed to ensuring that each image you select is as stunning as the moment it captures. You’ll have the chance to choose your favorite photos from a private online proofing gallery, all from the comfort of your home. While the gallery images are watermarked, every photo you purchase will be fully retouched and delivered to you in high resolution via Dropbox—completely watermark-free.

    My approach to retouching is all about enhancing your natural beauty while keeping your images authentic and true to you. I’ll smooth out temporary blemishes like pimples, bruises, or scratches, refine overall skin texture, and minimize cellulite or stretch marks unless you tell me otherwise. If you have specific requests for more detailed edits, I also offer extended retouching services for $75 per hour.

    At the end of the day, my goal is to create images that make you feel confident, radiant, and unapologetically beautiful. This is your time to shine, and I’m here to make sure you see yourself in the best possible light.

  • Posing for a boudoir shoot can feel intimidating, but trust me, I’ve got you covered! My main goal is to make this experience feel effortless and fun for you. I’ll guide you every step of the way, showing you poses that highlight your best features and bring out your unique beauty. I’ll even physically demonstrate each pose so you can simply mirror me. While you’re mimicking, I’ll fine-tune the details—like where to look or how to position your mouth—for those picture-perfect shots.

    Your comfort and confidence are my top priorities. Before your session, I’ll send you a questionnaire to better understand how you see yourself—what you love and what you might feel a little unsure about. That way, we can design the shoot to focus on what makes you feel amazing while easing any nerves.

    The reason everyone on my website looks so confident and relaxed? It’s because I shower them with direction, support, and plenty of compliments! I want you to leave your session feeling like the absolute goddess you are, with stunning photos to prove it. Let’s make this an experience you’ll treasure forever.

  • I totally get that posing for a boudoir shoot can be nerve-wracking, but hey, I've got your back—no need to stress! As your photographer, my main goal is to make this experience a breeze for you. I'll be right there by your side, showing you poses and giving you tips to highlight your best features and achieve stunning shots. I'll physically demonstrate each pose first, and then you can simply mimic me. While you mimic me, I'll provide further direction on where to look and how to position your mouth.

    Your comfort and confidence are my top priorities, so I'll work closely with you to ensure you feel completely relaxed throughout the shoot. Before the session, I even have a questionnaire that asks about your insecurities and what you feel confident about. This helps me tailor the shoot to emphasize what you love about yourself and minimize any concerns you may have.

    Everyone on my website looks so relaxed because I provide them with plenty of direction and shower them with compliments! It really boosts everyone's confidence while posing.

  • I get it—stepping in front of the camera for a boudoir shoot can bring up a lot of emotions. Maybe you're feeling nervous, unsure, or even a little vulnerable. Trust me, that’s completely normal, and I want you to know you’re not alone. My goal as your photographer is to create a space where you feel comfortable, celebrated, and empowered. This is your moment to shine, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

    With years of experience in boudoir photography, I’ve mastered the art of using lighting, angles, and poses to highlight your best features and capture images that make you feel incredible. But this isn’t just about creating beautiful photos—it’s about making you feel seen and confident in your own skin.

    Your shoot is 100% about you, and I’m all about personalization. Before the session, I’ll take the time to understand what makes you feel amazing and what areas you might feel less confident about. We’ll chat about your favorite features, personality traits, and even your go-to “selfie side” so I can tailor the session to showcase the best version of you.

    Empathy is at the core of everything I do. I’ll walk you through each pose, always considering how it feels for you. I’ll never ask you to do something that doesn’t feel natural or flattering. My goal is to find the angles and poses that celebrate your unique size, shape, and beauty so you can walk away feeling confident and radiant—not just in your photos, but in yourself.

  • Worrying about whether you’ll love your photos is completely normal. Boudoir shoots are such a personal experience, and it’s natural to feel a little unsure. But let me just say: I’ve got you, and your happiness is my absolute priority.

    Before we even step into the studio, we’ll chat about your vision—your preferences, your style, and any specific ideas you’d like to bring to life. Whether it’s over email or a quick call, this helps us get on the same page and ensures that everything about the shoot feels right for you.

    When it’s go-time, I’ll guide you through every single pose. You won’t have to worry about “what to do with your hands” or any of that—I’ll be there, coaching you and making sure you feel confident and at ease. I also capture a variety of shots during the session so we’ll have tons of gorgeous options to choose from.

    And here’s the thing: in my 14 years of doing this, not one single client has walked away unhappy with their photos. That’s not just luck—it’s because I pour my heart into making sure every image reflects your unique beauty. You’re going to love the way you look. Promise. 😊

  • Privacy is such an important part of this process, and I want you to feel 100% secure every step of the way. Your comfort and trust mean the world to me, and I promise your photos will always remain completely private unless you give me explicit permission to share them.

    This is your experience, and I’ll never use or share any images without your clear consent. Whether you want to keep them all to yourself or are open to showing off your stunning shots, the choice is always yours. Your trust is everything, and I’ll always honor your boundaries to make sure you feel safe, respected, and in control of your story. ❤️

  • No need to stress about mastering the "sultry" face—I totally get that it can feel a little outside your comfort zone. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Boudoir is all about celebrating you—your unique beauty, your vibe, and what makes you feel amazing.

    We’ll take it step by step to find expressions that feel natural and totally you. Maybe it’s a soft, dreamy smile, a playful laugh, or even just a relaxed, confident look. Whatever feels right, we’ll lean into that. There’s zero pressure to do anything that doesn’t feel authentic. My goal is to capture images that reflect your personality, highlight your beauty, and make you feel like the absolute goddess you are. 

  • No modeling experience? No biggie—I promise you’re not alone! Most of my clients have never stepped in front of a professional camera before, and that’s exactly why I’m here. You don’t need to know a single pose or angle to absolutely rock your boudoir shoot.

    From the moment we start, I’ll guide you every step of the way, showing you exactly what to do so you feel comfortable and confident. This isn’t about being a model—it’s about having fun, letting loose, and celebrating you. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, we’ll work together to create stunning images that capture your unique personality and beauty.

    This is your moment to shine, and I’ll make sure you feel like the absolute queen you are. ✨

  • I totally get it—budgeting for a boudoir shoot can feel like a lot to manage. That’s why I offer flexible payment plans to make this investment in you more manageable. Instead of just two payments, you’ll have the option to break it down into four smaller installments.

    If this sounds like a good fit, just let me know, and we can go over all the details together. The only thing to keep in mind is that your session does need to be paid in full before I can deliver your album—but we’ll make sure everything works seamlessly for you.

    This experience is all about celebrating you, and I want to make it as stress-free as possible!

  • I totally understand wanting that extra support during your boudoir shoot—having someone you trust with you can definitely feel comforting. However, I want to make sure that you get the most out of this experience and that it’s truly yours. Sometimes, having a friend there can take away from that intimate, personal vibe we’re going for. When you come solo, we have the chance to really connect and create something magical together.

    That said, I totally hear you if having a friend there feels important to you. I’m all about making sure you’re comfortable, so let’s chat about your concerns and see if we can find a way to make it work. If we do decide to go that route, we’ll need to set some clear boundaries to ensure everyone feels safe, respected, and that the focus stays on you and your experience. Let’s work together to figure out the best solution!

  • Absolutely! Gifting a boudoir session is such a thoughtful and meaningful way to show someone how special they are. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or just because, it’s a gift that’s all about making them feel beautiful, confident, and empowered. Just picture their reaction when they realize they get an entire day dedicated to feeling amazing in their own skin! If you’re thinking about gifting a session, let’s talk about how we can make it happen and create something truly unforgettable.

“I’m passionate about creating images that embrace and empower the inner and outer beauty of women through my high-end styling, personality, and creativity. From my work, my clients receive more than photos, I give my clients an experience unlike any other. If you hire me, I will dedicate myself to ensuring your vision comes to life.”