I’m so glad you’re interested in a boudoir session Take a few minutes to read through this information and learn more about what my sessions are like and what packages are offered. I’m available anytime to answer questions whether by email or phone. It’s natural to be nervous -‐ don’t hesitate to email or call!
This is a Celebration of You Your comfort is the most important part of your session. Clients are treated with the utmost respect. I want you to feel beautiful. Prior to your session, we’ll go over ideas and questions -‐ and you’ll tell me a little about what you think are your best features. You don’t have to have the ”perfect body” to look absolutely, positively sexy in your photos. Don’t worry -‐ my job is to bring our your flirty, beautiful side.
My Photographic Style The key to my boudoir photos is what happens when they’re taken AND when they’re processed on the computer. First -‐ what happens when they’re taken: I am not a slave to a camera flash and external lighting. I love working with natural light and the beautiful tones and drama it creates. Secondly, my processing of the photos after your session makes a big difference. Processing is the term used to describe the creative license I take with the photos. They’re already off to a great start, but I like to add a little something to them. I’m influenced by fashion magazine photography as well as vintage photography from the 50s and 60s. I read Vogue, Vanity Fair, W, on and on -‐ and study what’s going on in the world of fashion photography (much of which is represented in the ads as much as in the articles!). I love retro-‐faded tones, playing with contrast and customizing the process to each photo. Contrasty and dramatic black and whites are also one of my favorite ways to make a photo sexy and gorgeous. It seems like a black/white photo can instantly remove about 5 pounds, too! I spend several hours minimum per session processing the photos to capture these styles. This is what sets them apart.
Retouching Retouching is included with every session as it’s such an important part of making these photos more than just another picture. All of the photos in your final gallery are retouched as needed to smooth skin on face and body where needed. During your client interview we will go over any blemishes, scars, etc. you may want removed from final photos. Removing these things after they are in your final gallery may incur an additional cost, so be sure to let me know the day of your session. (Please note: Retouching does not include body sculpting or making you two sizes smaller!)
What’s It Like Boudoir sessions are relaxed, fun and feminine. It’s just us girls, a little wine if you’d like, the tastefully decorated room and the camera. This is about you -‐ only a little more bare and a lot sexy! The focus is on turning your best features into art. Bare shoulders, smooth skin, your best features are highlighted with dramatic backlighting, artistic shadows and creatively-‐placed sheets and gorgeous lingerie. It’s not always what’s seen but sometimes what’s hinted at! We will go over your session beforehand in detail to make sure I know what you want photographed and what you don’t. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what a great angle can do to bring out your killer curves.
What to Bring/Wear You should bring up to 2 or 3 outfit changes -‐ typically this is a mix of lingerie, special items of his (a favorite shirt or jersey) and any other options you’d like. Past clients have also brought beautiful coats, a significant other’s uniform shirt, coat, hat or helmet, and bridal clients have brought their veil, corset or other fun bridal goods. Here’s my advice -‐ pick tasteful pieces that really speak to your style (and if you want to go all out, do it!). Lace is good! Silk is beautiful! There’s no one right way to do this, so don’t try to do what you think you should -‐ do what works for you! If you are modest, choose a strappy tank-‐top for part of your session. If you are comfortable going nude, I am happy to work with you to create some tasteful nude poses for part of your session -‐ think: Marilyn Monroe nude classics. I don’t do Playboy style shots. :) Think beyond just bra/underwear sets -‐ silk robes, negligees and one of his dressy button down shirts are just a few ideas to consider. Hit Victoria’s Secret, Fredericks and similar stores to get an idea of what’s out there. Another fantastic source is Etsy.com -‐ do a search for retro lingerie or just lingerie -‐ there are some wonderful things on that site that you won’t find anywhere else. Perhaps the most important thing to bring is a sense of who you are -‐ and if you’re doing the session for him as well -‐ bring him into the session. Bring his favorite guitar if you can sneak it out! Bring the necklace he gave you or the reading glasses he says make you look like a sexy librarian. And don’t forget to bring great shoes. Sexy heels, strappy sandals, fun evening shoes. One client even brought the heels she wore to work -‐ she said her husband adored them! And finally…jewelry -‐ larger, chunker jewelry usually photographs beautifully. Long strands of pearls or the more modern chunky necklaces can be a fun addition.
I Don’t Know How to Pose! One of the other most common things I hear from clients is ”I’m nervous,” quickly followed by ”I have no idea how to pose!” Don’t worry -‐ it’s normal to be nervous. And it’s normal not to know exactly what to do with your body. I have some ”warm up” poses I usually start with that are very easy -‐ you get to lay there looking gorgeous! Since I’m a big believer in ”studying up” on anything new, I’d also suggest grabbing some magazines and looking at how people are posing in ads and fashion shoots. Sometimes that will give you an idea -‐ remember that you don’t have to use the exact pose -‐ change an arm or a leg and it is completely different. Feel free to bring ideas with you -‐ lots of clients do! I regularly tear out pages from magazines and also have a magazine-‐inspired posing notebook that you can flip through for ideas. I also love trying new ideas, so bring new poses. We can also play with the surroundings -‐ beds, couches, chairs and bathroom mirrors are just a few of the things we can work with -‐ in addition to either a bathtub or shower.
White Sheet Series Each session ends with a series of photos of you in the sheets -‐ what the pros called ”implied” nude shots. These are always some of my client’s favorites and are sexy and beautiful in their simple sensuality. Every session includes an optional hair and makeup artist. Getting your hair and makeup done sets the tone for your session. It gives you time to relax, get to know us better and get in the mindset.
Hair/Makeup Tips Arrive with a fresh, clean face (no makeup) that has been moisturized. Bring false eyelashes and glue for them if you plan on wearing them (they’re not supplied but can be applied if you bring them). The stylist has an incredible selection of makeup colors and will work with you to create a look. Bring photos of makeup and/or hair styles you like if you feel that will help communicate the look. Arrive with your hair ready to be styled -‐ it should be dry. The stylist will have curling irons and a flat iron, hair spray and bobby pins. Hair is usually worn down for these sessions -‐ think about soft waves and curls -‐ or add a little more volume than usual. Remember the term ”bed head?” Yeah, that’s a good look for these sessions! Again, if you have a specific idea, bring a photo, it really helps! For those of you who (like myself) are very particularly about the makeup -‐ feel free to bring some of yours to compare. And keep in mind that though it will feel much darker than what you’re probably used to, it will likely photograph very well. Nasreen, my makeup artist requests to bring your own foundation please.
Who to Bring You are welcome to bring a girlfriend who will be comfortable, can laugh with you and not distract you too much (or the photographer!). No husband, boyfriends -‐ and sometimes even best friends can tend to make us self-‐conscious during the session. (And need we say it? No children please!) If you do bring a friend, please plan for them to wait in hair/makeup during your shoot. Experience has taught me that I get the best results when you’re focused on the camera and thinking about feeling sexy. And to be honest, it’s best for me, too. I’m usually working quickly and need to keep the focus on you. (Marathon sessions typically include an assistant in the room working with me as well.)
What Else Should You Know? There is nothing more important than your happiness with the experience and your photos. You will be treated with integrity, respect and sensitivity 100% of the time. No images will EVER be posted publicly or shown unless consent is provided by you directly.
What a Session Includes Every Boudoir package includes an online viewing gallery for ordering that includes artistically crafted and fully retouched photos (not proofs) -‐ so you can truly see what your final images look like. “Marathon” sessions take place at luxury hotels that provide modern settings and include complementary wine, drinks and snacks. Sessions include a professional photographer and an assistant to create beautiful portraits.
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