Boudoir Session

This boudoir session was actually a little while ago. My lovely client kindly gave me permission to use her pictures. When I asked if she would sign a release she was very enthusiastic about saying yes. She said she wanted other women to see how great her pictures turned out even though she doesn't have a "perfect body". Those are her words, not mine. I think she is gorgeous and I know her husband would agree!

I thought I would share them in black and white for fun, except the last one because, well, I love pink.

Boudoir Shoot

As promised, more pictures:

Hair and makeup by Denise Christensen

Boudoir Sneak Peek

A sneak peek from a recent boudoir shoot. I promise I will post more later. Enjoy:

One Outfit Boudoir Session

A couple more from the session I posted last time. We did one outfit for this session and we still got lots of variety. Different shoes, accessories, sets and poses can all make completely different looks. 

Boudoir Sneak Peek

I have another session I have permission to post. Here is a sneak peak. I will post more later.

Here is a behind-the-scenes shot. Denise is doing a little lip touch-up half way through the session.

Preparing for Your Boudoir Session - Skin

I wanted to write a series about getting ready to have your boudoir photos taken. A lot of this advice is found elsewhere on my blog, website and in the client section of my website. However, I wanted to compile it all in one tidy place. Look forward to more posts about preparing for your boudoir session.

Starting with skin is logical since that is what you will be showing a lot of. Here are a few tips to help you look your best:

1. Sunscreen
I can't stress this enough. Slather it on every time you go out, even in the winter. The sun can do a lot of damage to your skin by aging it and drying it out. It is never too late to start. If your past includes lots of tanning and sunning yourself that's okay, just start now. Buy a daily face lotion with an SPF 15 or higher. Also get in the habit of applying an SPF containing body lotion as well. Your neck and chest are the most vulnerable to the aging effects of the sun followed by your hands and arms.

2. Tanning
If you feel like you MUST get a little color before your boudoir session (I don't recommend it) try going sunless since it's safer. Spray tans and self tanning lotions tend to look orange and fake under studio lighting so don't over do it. Try out the product weeks in advance so you know what to expect and how it will look on you. When you apply it again before your shoot I suggest doing it a week in advance so it will have time to fade into a natural color. Keep in mind that with editing and filters we can create a soft warm look to your photos, so don't worry if your skin in pale. Besides, natural-colored dewy skin is sexy, look in fashion magazines if you don't believe me.

3. Exfoliate
Scrub your skin with a good gentle exfoliating body wash. This will reveal beautiful glowing skin. It really does make a difference! Focus on your elbows, knees and heels where your skin tends to be dry and dull. Start this as soon as your book your session. If your skin appears a little red after exfoliating then do it the day before your session and not right before.

4. Moisturize
This is another thing to start doing the moment you book your session. Get in the habit of applying a light body lotion all over after your shower or bath. Again, remember to focus on your elbows, knees and heels. Your skin looks much younger when it's properly moisturized. Before your session you can apply a light lotion that absorbs well. Don't apply anything too greasy or shiny, it won't look nice in the pictures. 
Moisturize from within as well by drinking plenty of water. Your skin does look better when you aren't dehydrated. Drinking water will also prevent your body from retaining water which will help you feel a little slimmer.

5. Waxing/Shaving
If you have waxed before without any problems then just do so a few days before your session to give any redness and swelling a chance to disappear. Otherwise stick with shaving and do so the day of. However, you know your skin the best. Do whatever you know will look good. Besides legs and underarms don't forget your bikini line. Also schedule an appointment (or do it yourself if you want to) to have your eyebrows shaped.

6. Face
If you are having professional makeup done at the studio arrive with your face clean and moisturized, ready for makeup. Don't worry about any breakouts, makeup and a little digital retouching will take care of that. However, a handful of times we have rescheduled shoots for cold sores.

Remember these are all just tips and ideas. Do what works best for you or what is recommended by a doctor or dermatologist. Remember that you DON'T need to stress about your session. This list wasn't created to make you worry about doing and not doing a bunch of complicated things. You are beautiful and your pictures will show that!

Making it Special

Years ago I was working at a bridal show at The Grand America hotel. Chocolate dipped strawberries must have been the "in" thing with brides that year. Several caterers were handing them out as samples.

My booth was next to Culinary Crafts. If you are familar with them at all, you know their presentation and beautiful food is really unmatched in Utah. I couldn't help but overhear one of the servers working at the booth talking to brides, telling them over and over to help themselves to a chocolate dipped strawberry, but that they must dip it in the lime sauce, because, afterall "without it, it's just a chocolate dipped strawberry".

I was amazed at how a simple lime sauce gave their catering business that little extra something. I was offered one and they were amazing. The sauce did make it stand out. It did make it better.
I have always remembered that little lesson. Standing out and being unique is as simple as offering something that no one else does. Making it extra special isn't hard.

I have always kept that in mind with my boudoir business. I want it to be special, to be personal, the best. At the time I started a dedicated boudoir studio there weren't as many options for women, but I knew that would change. I know more photographers are offering it, and that makes me happy, it helps get the word out that boudoir photographs are available and something that all women should do. It also keeps it competitive and fresh. For every photographer available there are different styles and personalities for you to choose from.

I am so happy my clients choose me. I really work hard to give them the whole experience. A photographer friend once commented that I really sell a fantasy. I think that's true in a sense. I want you to see your finished images, the way they will print, at your preview session. I don't want you to have to imagine what the edits will be and if you will like them. I want to offer premium hair and makeup services. I work with the best! I also want you to feel comfortable. We have a great time, there is no judging or pressure. We just work hard to give you a product and experience that you will cherish forever.

While a plain chocolate dipped strawberry is delicious, it is, afterall, just a chocolate dipped strawberry :)

Valentine's Day Boudoir Sessions Still Available

Hey Girls,
I still have a few boudoir sessions left for V-Day. So contact me to set up an appointment. They are filling up fast. I am excited for all the sessions I am doing this year, a couple girls are even traveling from outside of Utah just to have boudoir pictures taken! It will be lots of fun!

Click the link below to get all the details:
Be His Pin-Up Girl for Valentine's Day

An Early Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is approaching so fast! Thankfully this year we aren't hosting (I am in charge of bringing a cheese tray, I can handle that) but with all of the photo shoots I am wrapping up and with our vacation looming I am not sure if I will get another chance to post a "Happy Thanksgiving" message. So I thought I would sit down and do it now.
I wanted to wish everyone, and especially my amazing boudoir clients, a happy Thanksgiving. I couldn't ask to work with more wonderful women. I really truly do love getting to know each of you. The opportunity I have to be in your life, if even for a brief time, is so great. You are all beautiful inside and out.

And on to a preview picture of my latest session. There will be more to come since she was gracious enough to let me share:

Boudoir Sneak Peak

One of my favorites...

I'll be posting more later, don't worry!

Must Read Posts

I really could change the last blog post to - "Where Did the Summer Go?"

I keep thinking that I need to post and I just haven't found the time.  So for those of you who are new to my blog I am going to link to some of the Must Read posts I have previously written and in the meantime I will come up with something new to post.

What If I Don't Look Like a Model?

Choosing a Boudoir Photographer - Featured on Blog Nosh Magazine

The Skinny on Looking Skinny

Plus Sized Boudoir Photography Tips

Winter Skin? Don't Panic!

All About Corsets

What is Digital Editing?

Where Did May Go?

May flew by in a hurry, didn't it? Well it sure did seem to for me. Now that the weather has been nice (alright, maybe only here and there) we have been super busy with outdoor shoots. Last-minute High School Seniors are all done (Congrats class of 2010!), but we are still in the thick of Bridals and Weddings are just starting to really take off.
This is really just my long way of saying - I've been busy, sorry I've been MIA on my blog.
Don't hesitate to call or email though if you are interested in setting up a boudoir shoot. Remember that we need time to get them done and back for brides who are doing them for their wedding day!

New Bench

I have a new bench and have already done a bunch of sessions with it... sorry, I'm just getting around to posting.

What is Digital Editing?

Interested in knowing what "digital editing" means? Check out the post on our wedding blog here:
Utah Wedding Blog

While all the basics are the same, boudoir photos are a little different. First of all, you have more skin showing, so the retouching portion is a little more extensive. Boudoir images call for more of a magazine look so a few little special effects (like a little glow on the skin) are totally appropriate. But the editing still shouldn't look obvious and you should still look like yourself, although with a little help from a hair and makeup artist you will look like a glammed up you!

And the winner is.....

Alright, it's time to announce the winner of the boudoir session. I did a random drawing from all the entries and the winner is...

Melissa from Orem!

I just contacted her to let her know and she is excited (but not as excited as her husband will be, I'm sure)!

For Photographers

Check out my blog on The Perfect Pose. It's all about using a mirror in your boudoir studio for posing. While you are there check out the other great blogs all about posing, lighting and running your photography business. It's a great resource.

More of Deena's Shoot

A couple more preview pictures of Deena.

We did two hair and makeup looks, which I highly recommend if you want a lot of variety to your album

(I know, I say that a lot.)

We ended up doing a few pinup-type shots. I guess we just couldn't help it.

Edgy Boudoir

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?)

All About Corsets

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.

Corsets always look better if they are custom made. Contact my sister Becki:
http://www.beckidesigns.com/

Boudoir Session Sneak Peak

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.