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.
If you modeled for me at the party on Friday night (October 24th) at East Bay Studios send me an email (include your assigned model number). I will let you know when the pictures are done and get them to you. And on that note, thanks to all the fun models that shared their time and talent. It was a blast.
For everyone interested in the custom corsets designed my my totally talented sister, Becki, here is her website address: http://www.beckidesigns.com/ The site is still under slight construction (not all the links go somewhere yet), but her contact information is on her site and she would love to hear from you. And she would also like to thank the models that shared their talent to show off her clothing on the runway. You were all amazing.
And, for those of you who don't know what I am talking about - There is a new studio in Utah County called East Bay Studios. They are involved with VIP Media and Redline Photoworks (some pretty cool people). They opened their grand studio for an industry party of sorts. There was a live band, lots of photographers and models and a fashion show. Very fun!
(Pictured dresses are by Becki. They are made of bamboo, which feels a lot like cashmere and has a nice body to it that creates a beautiful swing in these holiday dresses)
