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A Valentine’s Day Session Throwback

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A Valetine’s Day Session Throwback

Natalie Ray of Boudoir by Mia is a Las Vegas, Nevada boudoir photographer and is taking us back to a Valetine's Day session! If you haven't done a boudoir session before this is a great idea for a gift for your partner, and this will give you great boudoir photo inspiration! A Valentine's Day Session Throwback

Natalie Ray

of Boudoir by Mia in Las Vegas, Nevada gives us A Valentine’s Day Session Throwback that’s just absolutely gorgeous!

Adalia contacted me about a boudoir shoot as a gift for her fiancée for Valentine’s Day.  We planned a session that was both in studio and on location at a dry lake bed close to Las Vegas!  It was an incredible day, and I think she realized that it was more than just a gift for her fiancée, Joe, but also an amazing gift to herself.

Natalie Ray of Boudoir by Mia is a Las Vegas, Nevada boudoir photographer and is taking us back to a Valetine's Day session! If you haven't done a boudoir session before this is a great idea for a gift for your partner, and this will give you great boudoir photo inspiration! A Valentine's Day Session Throwback
Natalie Ray of Boudoir by Mia is a Las Vegas, Nevada boudoir photographer and is taking us back to a Valetine's Day session! If you haven't done a boudoir session before this is a great idea for a gift for your partner, and this will give you great boudoir photo inspiration! A Valentine's Day Session Throwback

She said: ‘Nat, this day brought me so much emotion.  I never thought I’d feel or look like this again. You have helped empower me and be proud of the hard work I’ve put in and by damn, show it!  I am truly blessed. Thank you for helping me find my inner beauty again.’

 I am so honored to share her story, and to have a job that allows me to give that kind of a gift to the women that trust me to photograph them!

Natalie Ray of Boudoir by Mia is a Las Vegas, Nevada boudoir photographer and is taking us back to a Valetine's Day session! If you haven't done a boudoir session before this is a great idea for a gift for your partner, and this will give you great boudoir photo inspiration! A Valentine's Day Session Throwback

Thank you so much for sharing, Natalie!

Check out more of Natalie’s work right here: boudoirbymiaportrait.com

Want to see more posts from our awesome Boudoir International photographers? Check them out here!

How to Best Prepare Yourself (Mentally and Physically) for Your First Boudoir Session

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How to Best Prepare Yourself (Mentally and Physically) for Your First Boudoir Session

Lauren Jones of Boudoir by Lauren is a New Jersey Boudoir Photographer and talks all about How to Prepare Yourself for Your First Boudoir Session! If you haven't done a boudoir session before this is How to Prepare Yourself for Your First Boudoir Session mentally and physically!

Lauren Jones

of Boudoir by Lauren in Morristown, New Jersey talks to those first timers for boudoir and how to prepare yourself for your amazing session!

If you’re anything like most women I’ve photographed, you’ve considered a boudoir session out of your comfort zone. You probably haven’t been gearing yourself up for the day that you pose half-naked in front of a complete stranger!

Yet, here you are, about to cross off another item of your bucket list, and you have no idea how to prepare.

Not to worry! The truth is, that you don’t have to be a supermodel or have any training whatsoever for a boudoir session.

No, you don’t have to starve yourself, or workout to utter exhaustion to do a boudoir session.

The truth is, you should do a session where you are and as who you are. Right now.

Lauren Jones of Boudoir by Lauren is a New Jersey Boudoir Photographer and talks all about How to Prepare Yourself for Your First Boudoir Session! If you haven't done a boudoir session before this is How to Prepare Yourself for Your First Boudoir Session mentally and physically!

When I started photographing these boudoir sessions, inspired by a client who wanted to replicate some 1920s pin-ups, I realized how much joy and confidence these sessions bring to the women who do them. Not because they got into the best shape of their life (although some book a session to celebrate victories) but because they wanted to feel beautiful.

Do you know how it feels to discover you’re beautiful as you are, not as you could be?

How do you even prepare for a session now, as you are? What if you want to schedule a session next week? How CAN you prepare? Very easily!

First of all, get excited! This pampering experience is like going to the spa, only you walk away from the experience with EVEN MORE to look forward to in the result of a lifetime of sexy images that you can be proud of!

Lauren Jones of Boudoir by Lauren is a New Jersey Boudoir Photographer and talks all about How to Prepare Yourself for Your First Boudoir Session! If you haven't done a boudoir session before this is How to Prepare Yourself for Your First Boudoir Session mentally and physically!
Lauren Jones of Boudoir by Lauren is a New Jersey Boudoir Photographer and talks all about How to Prepare Yourself for Your First Boudoir Session! If you haven't done a boudoir session before this is How to Prepare Yourself for Your First Boudoir Session mentally and physically!

Secondly, go shopping. Mandatory? No. Frivolous? Possibly. Hype-inducing? Definitely.  I don’t mean going to Victoria’s Secret and buying the skimpiest piece of lingerie that you don’t even want to try on. Go to Forever 21, or that vintage thrift store around the corner, and find some cool accessory that you would never wear in public! Your photographer will probably send you a list of must-have items, but most of those are things you already own, like black panties, and your favorite pair of jeans!

Thirdly, keep your skin healthy. Yes, you read correctly, your skin. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, use moisturizer so you don’t have rough elbows, knees and feet. Don’t go tanning. Trust me, you’ll look way more orange than you expected. You’ll also want to be careful of your tan lines if it’s summer and you’re planning on wearing something that doesn’t follow the same lines as your bathing suit! (Think bikini bottom tan lines in your new g-string…)

If your session includes hair and makeup, there’s not much more you need to do! If not, then…

Fourthly, schedule a blow out and hire a makeup artist. Yes, you probably know how to do your own hair and makeup at this point in your life, but trust me. You want a professional who is looking to style you for the camera, not the office.

Your photographer should have some good contacts for these services, so ask them about it!

Fifthly, relax. You are mostly likely going to feel awkward when you first arrive at your session, but your photographer didn’t choose boudoir as their photographic focus without some prior experience! You may start thinking “I should have brought a friend…” but in my experience, you will regret that decision as soon as you start to get into your groove!

You ARE capable of being seductive, beautiful and bold when you allow yourself to be. With a friend present at your session, you may go from feeling secure to feeling reserved once you start!

Lastly, trust yourself. Your session is not going to look like anyone else’s. That’s a good thing. It’s what makes you so beautifully unique and you. In my experience, many women have an expectation that makes them hope, but also fear. In the end, though, the session brought them an experience they didn’t expect, a new found confidence in themselves, and proof that they are stunning and original, with the photographs to prove it.

 

So. Are you ready?

Lauren, thank you for all of these amazing tips!! We have found all of this to be true, in our experience as well!
Take notes, ladies 😉

MUA:Beauty on Location – Amy Baskin Jones, NJ
www.beautyonlocationnj.com
facebook.com/beautyonlocationnj
@beautyonlocationnj

Want to see more posts from our awesome Boudoir International photographers? Check them out here!

Real Boudoir | Refreshing the Creative Spirit

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Refreshing the Creative Spirit

Tamara Paskey-Alexander of Paskey Boudoir in Dallas Texas is a Boudoir photographer and shares about Refreshing the Creative Spirit!

Tamara Paskey-Alexander

of Paskey Boudoir in Dallas, Texas reminds us the importance of Refreshing The Creative Spirit!

Every now and then I like to give myself a refresher shoot. It’s so easy for boudoir photographers to get in a slump and get in the habit of shooting the same thing client after client because we know what works. I want the very best for my clients, and want to be able to give them a huge variety of poses and styling, though.
Tamara Paskey-Alexander of Paskey Boudoir in Dallas Texas is a Boudoir photographer and shares about Refreshing the Creative Spirit!
Tamara Paskey-Alexander of Paskey Boudoir in Dallas Texas is a Boudoir photographer and shares about Refreshing the Creative Spirit!

I very rarely shoot with models, but when I saw that Dane Halo would be in Dallas, I immediately messaged her to set up a shoot. I knew it would be a ton of fun, and a great way to get my creative juices flowing freely again. I’d be able to experiment a bit more with outfits and posing and get exactly what I wanted out of the shoot without having the pressure of producing a set of images for a client to purchase. There were no expectations of me so I just went nuts and tried all sorts of ideas.

We set up a normal boudoir shoot, with my main hair and makeup artist LaDonna at my studio in Dallas. I pulled out some of the things in my closet that I had been wanting to shoot for a while, but mostly just winged it from there! That’s always the most fun, isn’t it? We started in this black sequin bolero that I bought at Nasty Gal in New Orleans and paired it with some pasties, and a garter belt by Dita Von Teese. I’m a sucker for old school glam and love to add a little sparkle when I can. I rarely shoot at my makeup vanity, but I figured, we’re here, why not? So I closed the blinds and just used the available light from the bulbs.
Tamara Paskey-Alexander of Paskey Boudoir in Dallas Texas is a Boudoir photographer and shares about Refreshing the Creative Spirit!
Tamara Paskey-Alexander of Paskey Boudoir in Dallas Texas is a Boudoir photographer and shares about Refreshing the Creative Spirit!

As we moved on throughout the shoot we did some simple and natural photos in my green leafy set, then some fine art nudes with a fab pair of Louboutins on the green “smoking den” set, and a few other looks. About half way through I noticed Dane was eyeballing the pink Catherine D’Lish dressing gown hanging on the back of the dressing room door and I asked if she wanted to use it. She immediately responded “Umm, duhhh!!”, haha. So we got to it! I think everyone that wears it is just gorgeous and so classically beautiful. It’s definitely the most girly option in the closet.

Since Dane is an art nude model, and I don’t normally get to shoot on the balcony because of client privacy, I knew we had to shoot some simple photos out there to finish up an awesome day.
She did not disappoint one bit. It’s safe to say I was very refreshed after this shoot!
I ended up with 120 gorgeous photos and lots of new ideas and poses in my arsenal to use for my next clients.

Tamara, thank you so much sharing this creative refresher!!  It’s such a good reminder to never stop pushing ourselves to learn and become our highest selves!

Model: Dane Halo from Toronto,ON

Hair and makeup: LaDonna Stein 

Want to see more posts from our awesome Boudoir International photographers? Check them out here!

Real Boudoir | Beach Boudoir Birthday Celebration

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Hartford Beach Boudoir (A Birthday Celebration!)

Amy Panucci of The Babe Festival in Hartford Connecticut Boudoir and Photography shares a fun Beach Boudoir Birthday Celebration photo shoot!

Amy of The Babe Festival in Hartford, Connecticut

shares a fun birthday celebration through beach boudoir!

When Jennifer approached me about doing a Babe Festival session, I was so excited about it.  She mentioned she wanted to do the beach boudoir session for her 46th birthday and I couldn’t think of a more perfect reason!  However I knew that there was more behind this than just wanting some professional photos to celebrate her birthday.  I knew Jen was ready to prove to herself and the world that SHE knows she is beautiful, as much as we all do, and loves every inch of herself.
Amy Panucci of The Babe Festival in Hartford Connecticut Boudoir and Photography shares a fun Beach Boudoir Birthday Celebration photo shoot!
Amy Panucci of The Babe Festival in Hartford Connecticut Boudoir and Photography shares a fun Beach Boudoir Birthday Celebration photo shoot!

It’s so common for women to struggle with self confidence.   For those of us who have, but want to overcome, it becomes a practice to embrace what we feel are our insecurities.  Looking in the mirror and choosing to focus on what we love instead of what we don’t love takes effort, and when we finally start to come out of that it feels kind of silly to ask someone to photograph you “just because”.  So I think we use excuses- we’re doing the boudoir shoot for someone else- is probably the most common.

But I say why not?!  Why can’t YOU have gorgeous photos of yourself to have and to share?  After doing this photography thing for a while, do you know what I have realized?  People LOVE seeing you shine!  They LOVE seeing you share photos of yourself and celebrate YOU.  So really – no permission or excuse is needed to get out there and spice up the world a little bit!

In honor of Jen’s amazing spirit and beautiful photos I thought a little Q+A with someone who was where you may be at one point might be fun to read!

When did you first think about doing a boudoir session?

I’ve been thinking about it for years, but never really knew how to get started.

What made you decide to do a beach boudoir session right now?

Well, I’m not getting any younger and just felt like it was now or never!!! I was also lucky enough to know the photographer personally which made the decision that much easier!!!

Did you have any reservations going into the beach boudoir session?

NOT ONE!!! I’m 46 years old and finally, comfortable with who I am and how I look.Of course I’m not perfect and there are always things I wanna change, inside and out, but have come to realize that no one’s opinion matters about those things as much as my own.

How did you feel the day of the session/ right before?

Nervous, but working with someone I trusted made the butterflies fly away…. a few sips of vodka helped too!!!

How did you feel right after the session?

Sad that it was over, but oh so happy that I did it!!!

How about when you saw the photos?

I cried, I couldn’t believe that was me!!!I was also so proud of you!!! Having known you for so many years and seeing how you’ve evolved made this experience amazing!!!*

What impact, if any did the session have on you- confidence, self love etc.

I definitely felt more confident, especially when the first picture popped up on Instagram… everyone loves a compliment once in a while!!!

Any tips for anyone interested in a studio or beach boudoir session??

Don’t think too much about it, just enjoy the moment… it’s over in an instant!!!

*awwww shucks! Love you girl!

So what is holding you back?

Do you feel silly for wanting to do a boudoir session?  Are you enjoying the feeling of wanting to do something but worrying about what people will say or think?  I can guarantee you that just doing the thing is a way better feeling than listening to that condescending worry voice in your head!!

I hope we all take a lesson from Jen and show up for ourselves in one way or another on the regular!

Amy, thank you so much sharing this inspiring birthday beach session!!

Want to see more posts from our awesome Boudoir International photographers? Check them out here!

Real Boudoir | Bridal Boudoir| Dallas Maternity Boudoir

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Dallas Maternity Boudoir

Shea Mayberry of Shea Mayberry Photography in Dallas Texas Boudoir and Photography shares an intimate maternity session. dallas maternity boudoir

Shea of Shea Mayberry Photography in Dallas, Texas

shows the magic of maternity boudoir

This maternity boudoir session features Jessica, a wonderful newborn photographer located in Dallas.  While Jessica was pregnant, she came to Shea to document her surrogate pregnancy. Every pregnancy is amazing, but this pregnancy was special because she was carrying twins. Isn’t that just beautiful!

Shea Mayberry of Shea Mayberry Photography in Dallas Texas Boudoir and Photography shares an intimate maternity session. dallas maternity boudoir
Shea Mayberry of Shea Mayberry Photography in Dallas Texas Boudoir and Photography shares an intimate maternity session. dallas maternity boudoir

Now, Jessica is married, and she and her wife have just had THEIR OWN twin babies!! Shea and Jessica wanted to document and celebrate this time while she was growing these two sweet babies. Her beautiful, serene photoshoot was made even more exquisite with her lingerie by Agent Provocateur.

“I love maternity boudoir so much! This is such a special time in a woman’s life. A time like no other, full of anticipation and wonder. Maternity boudoir portraits are so intimate because they celebrate that already growing bond just between mother and child.” – Shea

Are you a mom-to-be? Maternity boudoir is a the ultimate way to capture the intimacy of pregnancy, and cherish the time of you and your little! A timeless gift.

Find a photographer in your city today!

Shea, thank you so much sharing this intimate maternity session!!

Want to see more posts from our awesome Boudoir International photographers? Check them out here!

Real Boudoir | Bridal Boudoir| Raleigh Boudoir

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Raleigh Bridal Boudoir

Caitlyn Nicole of Caitlyn Nicole Boudoir in Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh Boudoir and Photography. raleigh bridal boudoir

Caitlyn of  Caitlyn Nicole in Raleigh, North Carolina shares an incredible bridal boudoir shoot!

Maggie found me on instagram and reached out about doing some bridal boudoir before her wedding in June.  Because Maggie is a badass woman who works with all men at her job on the water pipeline, she wanted to do something that would reveal her feminine side and do a little gift for her then fiance.
We booked an Air BNB in Raleigh at the CUTEST remodeled 1920’s house, The Gray House. Sarahruth (@sr.artistry) worked absolute magic while Maggie sipped on some wine. She asked for sex hair and sultry. She brought a dress that her fiance had bought online (before he met her) because his “dream girl” was this model who wore it once.
Caitlyn Nicole of Caitlyn Nicole Boudoir in Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh Boudoir and Photography. raleigh bridal boudoir
The said dress not only fit her, IT WAS DAMN RIGHT SEXY. She knew he would love it if she took photos in it and I couldn’t agree more. She also shared how he loves her in a robe so we had the so much fun playing around with her and a fluffy robe. And when the straps and corset came out? HOLY COW.
Maggie was an absolute model, super confident and up for anything. She sent me a message on her honeymoon of how her hubby DIED when she gave him a mini photobook of her session.

Maggie absolutely loved the result:

“My boudoir experience with Caity was not just a simple experience, but an incredible one! MUA Sarahruth turned my blank canvas into my exact boudoir vision— sex-hair and sultry! Caity handed me a glass of white wine (my preferred choice) put on some tunes and made me feel like one million bucks! Who wouldn’t want some me-time just like this? Its empowering, RELAXING, and awakening at the same time. Come one, come all. You will leave a model– no matter your shape, height or size. Thanks for such an incredible time, Caity!”

Are you a bride? Bridal boudoir is not only a perfect way to treasure your engagement and relish in your moment of being a bride, but it’s a great gift for your spouse-to-be!

Find a photographer in your city today!

Caitlyn, thank you so much sharing this gorgeous boudoir session!!

Want to see more posts from our awesome Boudoir International photographers? Check them out here!

The Mind-Block | Crystal Beckwith | New York Boudoir

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The Mind-block That Keeps You from Doing Boudoir

Crystal Beckwith of CRBoudoir in Vernon, New York. New York Boudoir and Photography. The Mind-block that keeps you from doing boudoir

Crystal of CRBoudoir in Vernon, New York walks us through the Mind-block that keeps you from doing Boudoir

I can’t do this

I don’t look like those girls

I don’t have enough confidence to do that

I could never do that

I wish I was brave enough

These are all things that women have said to me when they’ve seen my boudoir images. There is an underlying little monster hiding in each of those answers. That monster is fear. The biggest mind-block that I have seen in nearly every objection is the fear to step outside of you comfort zone. 

Crystal Beckwith of CRBoudoir in Vernon, New York. New York Boudoir and Photography. The Mind-block that keeps you from doing boudoir
Crystal Beckwith of CRBoudoir in Vernon, New York. New York Boudoir and Photography. The Mind-block that keeps you from doing boudoir

It’s called a comfort zone for a reason, it feels good there; it’s warm, natural and safe. The problem is everything stays the same within that safe bubble, growth cannot happen within a comfort zone. If you want more, if you want better, if you want different, you HAVE to push yourself outside of your zone.

I tell women that you do not have to have confidence to book a boudoir session, it’s not a requirement. The one thing you need to have to book a boudoir session is a moment of bravery. Bravery is required to look your fear in the face and say I deserve MORE than this. Bravery is required to step outside of comfortable. Bravery is pushing fear out of the way and taking a leap into an incredible freefall of growth. It only takes one small moment of bravery.

I know that the thought of being vulnerable in front of someone you’ve just met scares the life out of you. I want to think about how you will feel walking out of your session feeling like a bombshell, feeling like you just looked fear in the face and saying I WON, feeling like you have found the person you thought you lost!

What would telling fear off do for you? What would happen if you finally believed your husband when he tells you that you’re gorgeous, because you have seen it with your own two eyes? How would being full of pride and confidence in yourself effect your parenting? What would it be like to walk in a dressing room and not be filled with DREAD over what you’re about to put on?

I’m here to tell you that every.single.woman that walks in my studio is worried about a part of themselves. When they walk out of my studio the last thing on their mind is their stretch marks or cellulite, or the number on their clothes. They are walking out of my studio thinking about how they still HAVE it! What would it mean to you to have all of that?

I can help you, love. You just need to be brave enough to let me!

Ready for your moment of bravery? Find a photographer in your city today!

Crystal, this is so powerful.  So many women struggle with fear, self-doubt, insecurity – but they are not alone!  Boudoir is life-changing, if you’re willing to take the moment of bravery! Thank you for sharing!

Want to see more posts from our awesome Boudoir International photographers? Check them out here!

Editorial Boudoir | Caitlyn Nicole Photography | Say Yes to Boudoir

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Alright ladies.  It’s time to throw out everything you think a Boudoir is or isn’t.  It’s time to…
say YES to Boudoir !

Caitlyn Nicole shares why you should rethink Boudoir:

There is so much to write on this topic, but I’d like to take a moment to do a few things. First, I’d like to provide some background and insight into my vision for what a boudoir shoot should be and my ultimate goal for these sessions. And then I want to answer any questions you may about what to expect for session and tips on how to prepare for one! All of us struggle with body image at some point in our lives or deal with it on different occasions or stages in our life. It can be subtle, only rearing its ugly head in moments of doubt. For others, its a daily struggle and dictates their every decision.

...recently, Caitlyn helped me check off one of my bucket list items, but something I was nervous to do. We had a boudoir photoshoot. The entire process from initial contact to the end product was an unforgettable and beautiful experience ... Boudoir for me is an elegant photoshoot that captures the human body in an artistic way and the personality of the model. It is pivotal to be able trust your photographer to capture the essence of who you are in this intimate setting. I’ve never had so much fun during a photoshoot and the time flew by! Every photo captured was what I was looking for. If you’ve ever given even the slightest thought of a boudoir shoot, it is empowering and fun that captures the strength and beauty of your body and you.

Sabrina

Caitlyn goes on to say…

Personally, I find I struggle with loving my body in subtle ways. Whenever I go shopping in particular for dresses, I have a desire to look for something feminine and flattering and a tad sultry. While trying on multiple dresses and styles, I usually end up fighting back tears of frustration as nothing achieves my expectation. I look frumpy or uncomfortable. My chest is too small or my stomach not flat enough. Honestly, I have maybe 3 dresses I like in my closet.
And some days, I feel bloated and squishy and I scroll through my phone looking at women who seem to effortlessly have toned arms, abs, and an amazing butt.

One day, I set up my camera, put on my favorite strappy lingerie and did a few self-timed boudoir pictures. First off, its hella hard without a tripod and remote. Secondly, I want you to know… I get it. I saw all the squishiness in my stomach from having a baby last year. I struggle with the shape of my breasts. But I did discover through that shoot, how beautiful my body is. I felt confident in myself and how my personality shone through the poses I chose. I say all this because at that moment, I realized I knew what women needed and what they were trusting me to do in a boudoir shoot.

It's time to set aside all those reasons of why you could never do a boudoir shoot.

As a lifestyle boudoir photographers, we are not just giving you a service, we are creating an experience for you. When you hire someone to shoot your boudoir session, you’re investing in us to capture your beauty with stunning images of real emotion and genuine moments in an intimate and vulnerable setting. You’re trusting us to guide you into the perfect poses for you, your body, and personality. Boudoir is an art. And I believe the experience should be fun; a mini celebration of you.  Many photographers, including myself, offer a MUA session beforehand and complimentary wine, beer or cider during your session.

When you are setting up your boudoir session, your photographer should ask them what the vision for the shoot is. And while I do have women express they want to do a little something for their hubby or significant other, I truly encourage you to do this for you. Love yourself, take these photos and decorate your bathroom, bedroom, heck – even your house – with these tasteful, artistic photos of yourself.

Laugh,
sip some wine,
wear your favorite flannel,
do some yoga,
play in the sheets!

The entire shoot should be designed around you and your personality.

Often, get questions about how to prepare for a session so I’ve gathered a few tips I’d like to share. I really do hope you throw out any expectations and come to your session willing to be yourself. Pinterest is wonderful, they have great poses but what works for one woman may not be what fits you best.
Because you and her are not the same.

say yes to boudoir

If waxing is your thing, try to schedule one a couple days to a week before depending on how angry your skin gets after a wax. If you’re not a huge fan of waxing, take some time to plan a long bath or hot shower the night before to shave, exfoliate, and moisturize so your skin feels hydrated and pampered. Pluck those stray eyebrow hairs, remove any chipped nail polish.  Apply your eye makeup a little heavier than normal if you don’t want a MUA.  A heavier makeup application shows up cleaner and bolder in the photos.

As far as outfits, bring what’s in your closet! Maybe take this opportunity to go out with some girls and do a little shopping. Personally, I am in love with all things strappy. Add on a garter with stockings, yes please! I know women who love body suits, corsets, and all things lace. My recommendation is  – if you feel confident in it, bring it. Avoid things that fit awkwardly or like they are forced on. Bring along some jewelry if you’d like some accents along your neckline or fingers. You can do a baseball cap, your Chonies briefs, and a croptop. Grab some lipstick along and do some “getting ready” shots. Maybe grab his sweater or tshirt and snuggle up in his smell.

Relax and enjoy your beverage with a smile.
Strip down and play with the sheets.
Do some nude yoga.
Whatever your style, have fun.

This is why I am so in love with my recent boudoir shoots, because my clients have different takes on the same ideal:
loving yourself.
In fact, when I read Danielle’s email response (below), I literally had a “hell yeah, girlfriend” cheer going on.

...I have a lot of muscle mass but I still have some fluff on top of all that. I used to feel that I was sexy in spite of my rolls (even though they are small), now I think that they are a part of my sexiness. They make me more unique and make the hour glass even stronger. I would like to be able to show case my confidence in them and be able to show that those little bumps and extra curves are sexy because they are a part of me.

Danielle

You can read the original blog post on Caitlyn’s website here.  Caitlyn, thank you so much for sharing your insight and vision!  We love seeing how the idea of a boudoir shoot is being changed, and how women are walking away empowered and with a renewed mindset of their beauty. 

Want to see other boudoir posts?  Check them out here!

Editorial Boudoir | Modern Glamour | Under the Influence: Using Pinterest

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Under the Influence:
Using Pinterest

modern glamour boston boudoir

Allana Taranto of Modern Glamour  in Boston, MA
is sharing with us how you can use Pinterest to maximize your boudoir shoot!

With less time in my life, I find myself going down the Pinterest rabbit hole with less frequency than I used to.  However, when I can, I like to scroll through my own boards, remembering what I pinned, and discovering new pins others have added to my arsenal of inspirational images.

Here’s an example of an image that I found and pinned to my Boudoir Inspiration: Glamazon board.   A bridal boudoir client came in last weekend and brought in a pair of gorgeous high waisted black lace knickers. This image immediately came to mind.

I didn’t want to create a duplicate, or clone, of course.  But it was the seed of an idea.

The original pin is a page from an old issue of Marie Claire.
Not sure how to hunt down the photographer for proper attribution as I can’t make out the year of the issue.

modern glamour boston boudoir
modern glamour boston boudoir

This was my take on the idea.  Instead of layers of jewelry and pattern, we sent simple with just black lace and the one important piece of jewelry – the engagement ring.  I’ve been finding it a fun challenge to incorporate the engagement ring in bridal boudoir in creative ways.  

There are so many different ways to look and feel beautiful; to be outrageously sexy.

Pinterest is an elegant (and addictive) tool for visual organizing. When planning a boudoir session, you can use it to find and assemble images, wardrobe and quotes and women that inspire you.  There are so many different ways to look and feel beautiful; to be outrageously sexy. Pinterest can help you edit all those ideas down to the right ones for you.  When a client shares an inspiration board with me before the boudoir session, I can immediately understand what kind of boudoir shoot she is planning and hoping for.  Then, using that board as a launch point, we can create her dream shoot together.

I’ve started a few boards – a few (of the many) archetypes of female beauty.  You can use any of these Boudoir Style Inspiration boards as a beginning, or if you are inspired you create, name and build  your own boudoir inspiration board.

Here are a few tips as your use Pinterest to plan your boudoir shoot:

1. DISCOVER THE STYLE OF BOUDOIR YOU LOVE

Pinterest, and the internet as a whole, is a great place to start doing research.  There are many types of boudoir. Pinup, glamour, fitness, etc.  What feels right for you?  Then find a photographer whose work reflects that style.  You might not initially have the right vocabulary for what you are looking for, but you will know it when you see it.

modern glamour boston boudoir
modern glamour boston boudoir

2. ORGANIZE WARDROBE FOR YOUR BOUDOIR SHOOT

Wardrobe for boudoir shoots goes way beyond bras and underwear.  There’s shapewear, sleepwear, corsets, boy shorts, slips, robes, bodysuits, hosiery – the list can go on.  Search for styles and options that reveal the parts you love about your body.   My board Operation: Lingerie (the colon here is critical, it’s not lingerie for operations!) is the main Modern Glamour Pinterest board for beautiful things that you can wear for a boudoir photography shoot.

3. SHARE YOUR BOARD WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Pinterest, as a tool, is great for mapping out your inspirations.  Often, when looking at a client’s board, I can see what style of shoot she wants.  From there, I can choose what backgrounds, and props we need to make that dream shoot happen.  As visual artists, photographers can read and translate in words and into the shoot itself what a client is looking for.

Most of my clients get an album with their boudoir session. An album, which by it’s nature is narrative, is the perfect place for a story to unfold.  In a story there’s a beginning, middle and and end. That means we want to create a variety in wardrobe, lighting and backgrounds. Is there a story behind the images that can emerge when they are in a sequence?  

modern glamour boston boudoir

Remember:

We won’t create an exact replica of another photographer’s image. And we don’t want to. Your shoot is about you.  We will use your Pinterest board as a seed of inspiration to make our own amazing images.

The whole boudoir experience is a process of accepting and loving yourself.

You can read the original blog post on Allana’s website here.

Allana, thank you so much for sharing your insight into utilizing Pinterest, and also allowing use to see some of your work!  We absolutely love using Pinterest as well, not only to showcase our current lingerie wardrobes to our client, but to also encourage them to gain inspiration for their shoots – you can check our our boards right here!   It is so important to remember Pinterest is just a tool, not a standard! You are your own unique beauty, rock it!

Want to see other boudoir posts?  Check them out here!

Real Boudoir | Nikki Watarz Photography| Miami, Florida

By | Featured Members, Inspiration, Real Boudoir | No Comments

“A day I’ll never forget and the pictures that make me feel so many positive emotions. I must say you blew me away!! I’m so glad I took the risk.”
Nikki Watarz Photography

Nikki Watarz began her career in photography over 10 years ago. Once she discovered boudoir she knew she wanted it to be her specialty. She is known for not only taking beautiful photos, but for making you feel special during your sessions.  Women are sometimes not comfortable with sharing their photos as a part of photographer’s portfolio, so Nikki had a model call!  It’s crucial for photographers to have photos to share, but also so important to maintain privacy with their clients, and so a model makes a happy medium!

Deidra Amber was thrilled to model for me because she herself is trying to become a model. This was a perfect opportunity for Deidra to put herself out there, while simultaneously building her portfolio. I can say that she had so many positive things to say and she felt amazing during and after the session.

For me, being a boudoir photographer is so rewarding because I get to be a part of such a positive experience. I am the type of person who loves to see others happy and this allows me to be a part of their happiness and excitement. I’m all about women supporting women, empowering women and being body positive, which as a woman I know can something hard we face.

One of Nikki’s favorite quotes, is from a different client, & sums up exactly how she feels about Boudoir –
“A boudoir shoot isn’t just for gorgeous photos, It’s a decision to say, I am beautiful. A new chapter in your life that says I love who I am.”

Miami Boudoir Miami Boudoir

"Thank you Nikki, you were so kind and welcoming. It was beyond a fun experience for me!! A day I'll never forget, and the pictures that make me feel so many positive emotions. I must say you blew me away!! I can't stop blushing. My boyfriend says he loves them!!! I'm literally fainting right now!! Nikkiii I can't take it anymore, they're so beautiful and soft. This is what I've always dreamed of. I'm so glad I took the risk. Working with you was such an honor. Thank you so much for bringing out a different side of me."

Deidra

Are you interested in seeing other Real Boudoir posts?  Check them out here!