The lovely and talented Deena Marie Manzanares contacted me awhile ago about shooting and after figuring out our busy schedules we finally were able to. We talked about doing an edgy theme, kinda anti-pinup to give her something fresh and new for her portfolio. I had visions of Emilie Autumn, kinda punktorian-esque, but still boudoir. Deena brought so many amazing outfits and accessories that as we were picking through them our theme totally changed... and I honestly have no idea what it was! But it was a blast!
Here's a teaser:
Hair and Makeup provided by the also lovely and talented Denise. Corset and pink tutu provided by my sister, Becki (she's lovely and talented too.... I can't figure out how I ended up at this shoot?)
Corsets are probably one of the most popular lingerie items brought to boudoir photoshoots. There are a lot of different styles. My personal favorites are the halter top corsets and the underbust corsets.
The halter top corsets are perfectly flattering on anyone, but especially helpful for curvy girls. Strapless dresses and corsets can sometimes create unflattering skin folds right above the armpits in the front. Halter top corsets really help that.
Underbust corsets are very easy to fit since it is just your waist it is cinching around. They can be worn with other lingerie, over slips, with bra and panty sets and even over a white button up shirt.
The Anatomy of a Corset:
Lacing and Snaps:
Usually, but not always they will snap up in the front somehow and then lace up the back. If you purchase a corset online it may come in pieces. Check out the first video below to see how to lace your corset (hint: it's not like a tennis shoe).
Modesty Panel:
Some corsets will have a flap on the back under the lacing. This is called a modesty panel. You can put it under the lacing so no skin shows or just fold it inside. It depends on how revealing you want to be.
Boning:
High quality corsets will have flexible steel boning encased into the construction. They used to be made out of whale bones! The boning will run vertical and gives support.
How to lace a corset: (These aren't the most professional videos, but she is very thorough and knowledgable. I embedded part one and part two here. I thought the next part was better shown on someone).
Update: the first two videos can't be embedded anymore, click on the link that appears when you try to watch them and you can see them on YouTube, sorry for the hassle, but they are worth watching anyway.)
How to put on a corset by yourself: (a little more professional, but pretty cheesy)
Don't worry, if you can't get into your corset by yourself. We will help you at your boudoir photoshoot. My makeup artist and I are getting pretty experienced at corset lacing and snapping thigh highs into garters.
Just thought I'd post a little sneak peak from a recent boudoir photo session that I am finishing up right now. Her husband is serving in the military and will absolutely LOVE this gift. She was kind enough to sign a model release so I could share her photos with all the other girls out there thinking about doing a session.
Sorry, this news is a touch late for Valentine's Day lingerie shopping, but it's good info regardless.
Apparently men prefer black lingerie while red comes in at last place! A poll was conducted by Dr. Beckmann. He found that about half the men polled preferred black.
Lucky for us black is easy to find, flattering and mixes and matches with different pieces effortlessly and is perfect for intimate photographs.
While these poll results are fun, remember that your own man will have his own taste in both style and colors of lingerie. And, to be honest, he probably will love you in ANY type of lingerie! So ultimately pick what you like and what you feel good in. Your confidence is the most important thing when surprising him with sexy boudoir pictures.
Check out the article about Dr. Beckmann's lingerie poll here:
I love The Lingerie Post. My favorite is a feature they do called "Dress Up Like a Pinup".
They pick a classic pinup image and then hunt down all the lingerie and accessories (and sometimes even the right lipstick) you need to get the look! Check out the whole series!
Check out the blog on BrideAccess.com. One of my blog posts is featured there right now (The Skinny on Looking Skinny). There is also a lot of great wedding planning advice.
http://www.definitionimages.com/ has a fresh new look. The portfolio page will have more images added soon as well as an option to view complete boudoir albums.
I know the front page doesn't look too much different but I really hope you enjoy the new portfolio.
Check out this month's Marie Claire. There is a really beautiful editorial spread with Dutch model Doutzen Kroes modeling lingerie for Victoria's Secret. Of course the use of the word "boudoir" caught my attention.
I love the sheer black! It photographs so beautifully. Black (followed closely by white) is the color I see the most at my boudoir studio. That's perfectly okay with me, but don't forget to bring at least one colorful outfit. It will make your album or calendar POP!
Remember that you can also pair outerwear with your lingerie. Jackets, hats, scarfs or jeans can all look really good when added to a lingerie ensemble. You don't have to buy a whole new wardrobe to do a boudoir photo session, check what you have in your closet and add a couple key pieces.
A boudoir photography session is the ultimate Valentine's Day gift!
Give your girl a gift certificate for a totally pampering and super fun boudoir photo session. You can pick the session and album you want and present her with a gift certificate and letter from me explaining the whole boudoir process. She will be so excited, it's a gift you both can enjoy. She will be in charge of her session from hair and makeup and what she wears to what sets we shoot on and how revealing she wants to be.
Send me an email and tell me what you want to spend and we will put together the perfect gift for her.
P.S. Hey Girls, miss the deadline for a Valentine's Day shoot? No problem, we can put together a gift certificate for your guy letting him know sexy pictures are on their way.
