Ask a Boudoir Photographer: "Should I take a day off of work for my boudoir photoshoot?"
Should I Take a Day Off Work for a Boudoir Photoshoot?
Question:
“Hi Chicago Boudoir, I have a question. I work full time Monday through Friday and my schedule is pretty busy. I’ve thought about doing a boudoir photoshoot, but I’m not sure it makes sense to take time off work just to treat myself. It feels a little indulgent. Do women usually take a day off for something like this?”
Answer from Chicago Boudoir:
This is a very common concern, which I TOTALLY understand, especially for women who juggle demanding careers, families, and busy schedules. Many people are used to reserving time off for responsibilities, appointments, or taking care of others. Taking time just for yourself can sometimes feel unusual or even selfish.
But for many women, that dedicated time is actually part of what makes the boudoir experience so meaningful.
A Boudoir Session Is More Than Just a Photoshoot
A boudoir session is not a quick in-and-out appointment.
It is an experience that usually includes professional hair and makeup, time to relax and prepare, a guided photoshoot, and the chance to fully enjoy the moment without feeling rushed. Many women describe it as the ultimate self-care day—a chance to slow down, be pampered, and celebrate themselves.
For women who spend most of their time taking care of work, family, and responsibilities, that kind of experience can be incredibly refreshing.
Taking Time for Yourself Is Not Selfish
Many people hesitate to take time off for something personal because it feels like it should be reserved for obligations or emergencies. We don't usually think twice about taking time off for dentist appointments, oil changes, or school events. So why is it so hard to give ourselves permission to take a few hours for something that makes us feel amazing?
But taking time to do something that makes you feel confident, empowered, and appreciated is not selfish. It is simply another way of investing in yourself.
Boudoir is one of those experiences that many women remember long after the day itself.
You Might Want to Make a Day of It
You should plan to be at the studio for 3-4 hours - time for professional hair and makeup, your photoshoot, and a same-day photo reveal. While the session itself lasts just a few hours, many women tell me the whole boudoir experience feels like they hit the reset button. Instead of answering emails, running errands, or taking care of everyone else, they get to spend an afternoon being pampered, encouraged, and celebrated.
One thing many women say after their boudoir session is that they feel amazing afterward. I ALWAYS tell women not to rush home and wash it all off, not to waste that sizzling energy! With your hair and makeup already done and the confidence boost from the photoshoot, many women choose to turn the day into something even more special.
Some go out for dinner, meet friends for drinks, or plan a date night afterward. Others simply enjoy walking out into the world feeling confident, polished, and proud of themselves. It can feel like the perfect excuse to celebrate the day a little longer.
Saturdays Are Available at Our Studio
If taking a weekday off just isn't realistic, don't worry—we do offer a limited number of Saturday sessions for an additional fee. This allows women with busy work schedules to enjoy the full boudoir experience without needing to take time off during the week.
Many find this option helpful when balancing work and personal time.
Many Women Say the Experience Was Worth the Time
One thing we hear women say after sessions is that are glad they gave themselves the time to do it.
Whether they scheduled it on a weekday or chose a Saturday appointment, many women say the experience felt like a rare opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities and focus on themselves for a few hours.
Those moments can be surprisingly powerful.
If you've ever questioned whether you're "the type" of woman who would do a boudoir session, you might also enjoy reading "What If I Don't Consider Myself Sexy?"
Curious About Finding a Session Time That Works for You?
If your schedule has been the main thing holding you back from booking a boudoir photoshoot, it may be easier than you think to find a time that works.
During a complimentary phone consultation, we can talk about available dates, weekday and Saturday options, and help you choose a session time that fits your schedule. If you still have questions before booking, be sure to visit our Boudoir Photography FAQs, where we answer many of the questions women ask before scheduling their session.
Call or text 312-425-2946 to schedule your complimentary consultation and start planning your boudoir experience.
Tami’s Story: “I Wasn’t Going to Take a Day Off Work for a Photoshoot… but I’m So Glad I Did”
Before booking my boudoir session, one of my biggest hesitations had nothing to do with the photos.
It wasn't that I didn't want to do the session—I absolutely did. I just couldn't convince myself that I was worth taking a vacation day for.
I have a pretty demanding career. I work in corporate finance, manage a team, and most of my days are packed with meetings, deadlines, and constant emails. Taking time off isn’t something I do lightly, and when I do, it’s usually for something very practical like travel, family events, or a doctor’s appointment.
The idea of taking an entire day off just for a photoshoot felt… a little indulgent.
I remember staring at the calendar thinking, Should I really be doing this on a workday?
Part of me felt like I should save my vacation days for something more “important.” But another part of me kept thinking about how long I had wanted to do a boudoir session.
Eventually I decided that if I didn’t schedule it, I probably never would.
So I blocked the day on my calendar, set my out-of-office message, and tried not to overthink it.
The morning of the shoot was already so different from my normal routine. Instead of rushing to check emails and join a morning meeting, I walked into the studio, sat down with coffee, and had my hair and makeup done.
It felt oddly luxurious.
Liz guided me through the entire photoshoot, showing me exactly how to pose and making the whole experience feel relaxed and fun. Within a few minutes I completely forgot about the work stress that usually fills my day.
For a few hours, I wasn’t thinking about spreadsheets, deadlines, or conference calls.
I was just enjoying the moment.
After the shoot, I realized something funny. I still had my hair and makeup done, and I felt amazing. Instead of going straight home, I decided to turn the rest of the day into something special.
I met my husband for dinner that night and we ended up making it a full date night.
Looking back, I’m really glad I took the day off.
In my career, it’s easy to fall into the habit of always prioritizing work and productivity. But that day reminded me that it’s okay to step away sometimes and do something just for yourself.
The photos were beautiful, but honestly the experience of the day itself was just as memorable.
And yes… it was absolutely worth taking a vacation day.
Ask a Boudoir Photographer Series
This article is part of our Ask a Boudoir Photographer series. Many women have questions, concerns and hesitations before booking something as personal a boudoir photoshoot, and that’s completely normal. In this series we answer questions that real Chicago women ask us all the time about boudoir photography. If you’d like to read more in this series, you can explore other questions and answers here. And if you have a question of your own, please text us at 312-425-2946 or email it to hello@chicago-boudoir.com.