Sep 14
0

Make-up Your Mind

By | BI Writing Team Posts, Hair & Makeup | No Comments
It’s kind of ironic for me to talk about makeup because I am not one to “put on my face” but rather stick to mascara and a bit of lipstick most days.  That being said, however, I see so many people get a lot of hate on both sides of the make-up debacle and it drives me insane.  Whether you love to show off your natural face or love to indulge in playing with makeup to any degree, it’s a personal preference!  Makeup shaming is one of the sillier things that rears its head on the internet, but yet it still exists and people find themselves in one of the two camps.  It was after watching Nikkietutorials THE POWER OF MAKEUP video on Youtube, that I became intrigued about the debate.  For myself, I am often conflicted and find myself jumping between ALL THE MAKEUP and NO MAKEUP because I understand the power of amplifying your looks, but I also forgo putting on makeup myself because I A)have different priorities B)am okay with my natural state and don’t really think about it and C)am not that skilled in the makeup department.

teri hofford photography

As a photographer of women and a hard core body positivity activist, I found that I wanted my clients to get their makeup done…but not because they were ugly or “needed” it, but rather because it is an awesome experience to have an artist “paint you like one of their French girls.”  But seriously, to have someone use your face as a canvas is pretty cool, relaxing, and a pampering type of experience.  For women who don’t have the time to do their own makeup daily, it’s a fun thing to do!  It’s like wearing your standard jeans and tshirt for 6 days a week, only to dress up in a sexy little black dress, high heels, and get your hair blown out for a Friday night!  So, here are 3 reasons why bashing women for wearing makeup is silly (despite the obvious reason that there are bigger things in the world to worry about!)


1) IT’S A PERSONAL PREFERENCE
At the end of the day it is a person’s comfort level with themselves.  If they feel better showing off their naked face to the world….AWESOME!  If they splurged on a beautiful eye-shadow pallet from M.A.C. and love to have a new look every day and use it as a form of creativity and expression…..INCREDIBLE!  Neither is wrong and neither is better than the other.

2) LIGHT AFFECTS THE WAY YOU LOOK
As a photographer, my job is to work with light and I can tell you that natural light will standardly wash a person out while shooting with studio light while highlight ALL the bits of the face (every little pore, detail, etc.) so to make you look more like yourself on camera, we want to amplify the parts of you that really tell your story: your eyes.  While it isn’t necessary for you to don fake eyelashes (unless you want to) and have a deep, smoky eye, it is beneficial to your images to enhance your eyes with something as simple as mascara and a bit of eye liner.  Again, it comes down to a comfort level!  The other thing is, as far as details are concerned, pimples are temporary so we try to cover them up because it is not a reflection of you on a day to day basis.  Depending on the type of session you are doing, the amount of makeup will vary, but ultimately you get a say in how you look!
teri hofford photography

3) IT’S FUN TO PLAY DRESS UP
You know how good it feels to get your hair done?  When the stylist gives you a little scalp massage and you almost fall asleep in the chair?  The same goes for getting your makeup done.   Your makeup artist has spent a large chunk of money to get the perfect brushes and they are so soft on your skin.  It is extremely relaxing to get your makeup done and when you are done, you look phenomenal!  It’s fun to see another side of yourself!  Having your makeup done doesn’t denounce the natural you, but rather, it gives you a glimpse into the playful, fun woman you are!
So whether you are for the bare face beauty or a glammed-up vixen, you are amazingly gorgeous!  You are beautiful with or without makeup, because it doesn’t change the person that you are.  It is essentially the “icing” on the beautiful cake or the “cherry” on top of a kick ass sundae!
–Teri

Boudoir International Writing Team 2015

Sep 07
3

How to Choose Your Boudoir Photographer

By | BI Writing Team Posts | No Comments

So you’ve been toying with the idea of a boudoir shoot, pinned a few photos on one of your secret Pinterest board and checked most of the boudoir photographers in your area but yet to be able to decide who to go with.

Because really, they are all photographing women in lingerie and you don’t really understand what’s the real difference.

agi magyar adelaid australia photography

Here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you book your photographer:

1. Do you LOVE their work?
It’s pretty simple; the photographer has to have that little ‘something-something’ difference that grabs you and makes you want to see more of their work. Check their website, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more about them and their style (the website is usually just a small snippet of what they do, and more recent images/special project photos will be on their social media).

2. Do you feel you CONNECT with the photographer?
This is more important than money or location! Do they have a story about them on their site? Do you see any photos of them? Any videos? Maybe behind-the-scenes footage? Do they speak to YOU with their messages of their online presence? You will be in your lingerie, in front of a camera; surely, you want to feel like the person who is shooting you is more like a new friend than just a photographer.

3. What do you GET for your money?
This can be the most confusing part of the process. There are so many different pricing structures by studios – because what one works for me, it might not work for the other photographer, or we have a different goal in the business regarding quantity of shoots. Make sure you check for what is included in the initial price you pay! It might be a small amount of money, but don’t get too excited because more than likely you will only get the photographer’s time & talent, and MAYBE 1 print. Check individual product prices when you see small sitting fees; it will save you some not so nice financial surprises. 

I hope this helps and you will find your dream photographer!

Stay Beautiful,
AgiM
 australia boudoir photographer

Aug 21
0

Real Boudoir | Teri Hofford Photography

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

We are THRILLED to be featuring this amazing outdoor boudoir shoot today, by the fabulous Teri Hofford. Teri is a photographer from Winnipeg, and we just love her style and her mission. And how beautiful is her shoot with the gorgeous Jill?! Thank you for sending in this shoot, Teri! And, PS, Teri is ALSO a part of our new Boudoir International Writing Team! (More on that coming soon…)

And here’s a little info about the shoot from Teri: “While boudoir standardly occurs in the bedroom and usually involves traditional lingerie, I wanted to give this boudoir session a face lift and bring in some magic while taking advantage of the beautiful weather! Essentially, we wanted to play with no boundaries! I pieced together an editorial featuring 4-5 looks of vintage lingerie pieces and created the rest of the accessories with basic items found at the dollar store. While that may not sound sexy or interesting, it is amazing what you can create with the smallest of tools! I wanted this session to be colorful and full of flirty innocence, so we made a magical session featuring Jill as the queen. I am constantly inspired by NYLON magazine editorials and kind of went with a theme similar to something I would find in there, but still keep it sexy, flirty, and fun! So, if you are thinking about doing a boudoir session, or if you interested in photographing one, don’t set limits for yourself as to what it means. It can mean anything that makes you feel sexy, sensual, beautiful, confident, and powerful….even if it is a crown made of sparkly pipe cleaners!”

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Aug 11
0

Real Boudoir | Render Photography | Minneapolis

By | pin-up, Real Boudoir, Uncategorized | No Comments

boudoir-inspiration-blog RenderPhotograhy_Blog Our featured boudoir photographer this time around is Brit Render from Minneapolis, Minnesota! Brit’s pink haired pixie of a pin-up subject was also a wedding client, and Brit told us “Casie did a boudoir album as a one year anniversary present for her husband — a cool spin-off, I think, of the traditional 1st anniversary gift being made of paper :)”

Check out more of Brit’s lovely work at www.renderphotography.com

 

 

May 21
0

Reminder to celebrate who you are now

By | Inspiration | No Comments

pinterest-for-boudoir

As boudoir photograhpers we have seen the incredible confidence awakening that can happen in our clients during the boudoir photography experience. Most come in nervous and feeling as though they will be lucky if they like even just a few of the images. During the shoot we see them get more and more comfortable in their own skin as they relax into “feeling sexy.” Then when they see their images you see a total shift in their mind. “Wait I look sexy!” they think. And if I look sexy, well heck then that means I am sexy! And there is the start of a new chapter of their lives where they start feeling comfortable in their own skin- which is a journey not a destination.

And so we have created some fun daily reminders to help us all along that journey. They can be found on Pinterest! Our hope is that these can be used as little reminders to keep us the path of celebrating who we are in this moment.
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Sep 22
0

Fall Editorial | Nathan Larimer | Petaluma Boudoir Photographer

By | Editorial Shoots | No Comments

Boudoir-Editorials3
This styled bridal boudoir session, shot by Nathan Larimer, was photographed in the mountains above Lake Tahoe, California. For this shoot, Nathan wanted to “take a bride and place her in a scenic location where she could focus on expressing her sexuality and beauty.” We think it’s perfect for the change in seasons and love the natural element. Read more about Nathan’s shoot below.

Nathan Larimer

Model: Kaila Uli
Hair/Makeup Artist: Hair styled by Colette Burrows, makeup done by Kat Louis, and wardrobe styled by Jessica Thompson. The vintage wedding gown, antique lingerie, and accessories were provided by Recaptured Design and the freshwater pearl jewelry was provided by Lucia Antonelli.
What was your overall vision for the shoot, or – how did you decide to shoot this concept?
The original concept for the shoot was a “getting ready” scene with a bride. I specialize in weddings and most of my brides want pictures getting ready for their wedding, putting on makeup, and of course putting on their gown. I’ve always felt that moment always has such potential to be very intimate, emotional, and even sexy. Sometimes those shots are amazing, but often they fall short because of the anxiety and clutter that often comes from preparing for such a huge event. With this shoot I wanted to take a bride and place her in a scenic location where she can focus on expressing her sexuality and beauty.
How would you describe your typical style, was this a departure or were you playing into your typical inspiration?
This was the first time that I ever did a styled boudoir shoot. In the past, I have only done real boudoir. I felt I wanted to do this particular shoot to express my vision the way I wanted to instead of the way a client wants me to. So in one way, it was a departure because my inspiration came from my own experiences as opposed to the same 10 pictures my clients always share with me on Pinterest. However, this shoot still embodies a soft, sophisticated, sensual feel like much of my work.
If you could choose the most important pieces of the styling or set in your images that you would say set the tone for the whole shoot what would they be?
The eyes. Eyes always set the tone in all of my shoots. My boudoir photography always finds the women styled sexy, but the most important thing is that I am still photographing them for who they are. Therefore, I rely on her eyes to express emotion as much or more than her wardrobe. In other words, we style the shoot for her body, but I shoot for her eyes.
Photographers always know that nothing goes to plan in a editorial shoot where there are so many elements that have to come together, overcoming them and still getting killer images is what makes us pro. 🙂 What challenges did you face?
This shoot was at about 8,000 feet on a mountain pass. I scouted this location the previous October and the weather was about 75-80 degrees and the Aspen leaves were at the height of their fall color. When we did the shoot on the same day a year later, it had snowed the night before. In some of the pictures you can even see a few patches of the white stuff in the background. The temperature at the beginning of the shoot was about 60 degrees but got into the low 50’s with a breeze by the end. The models had to do a few jumping-jacks.
Describe the setting of the shoot/location, and how it inspired you:
Many of my clients come to an initial consult thinking that they want to shoot in a hotel room, bedroom, or studio. But we rarely do once I show them pictures like these. I found this place while working on a personal project documenting carvings by shepherds on Aspen trees. Because of the many personal fine art projects I work on, I am able to find locations that my clients would never know existed. Scenic boudoir needs to be something more than a random field at sunset and this place has it.
Just for fun: Did you create a mood board? If so, would you be willing to send it/share it with us?
I don’t have a mood board for this shoot, but here’s a link to a totally different non-boudoir project I shot in the same location. Check it out. It’s fun to see the contrast in styles. http://nathanlarimer.com/work-in-progress-arborglyphs/
Would you want to recreate this shoot for your clients? Or was this a one-of-a-kind original?
I would love to recreate this for clients! It would be perfect for a bride and a couple friends looking for an adventure!

If you’re looking for a boudoir photographer in northern California, contact Nathan Larimer. To find a boudoir photographer in your area, check out Boudoir International. Thank you, Nathan, for sharing your photographs and your story!

Sep 09
0

Le Boudoir Studio | Real Boudoir | Arizona Boudoir Photographer

By | Real Boudoir | No Comments

Jodi Lynn Maxwell, owner and boudoir photographer at Le Boudoir Studio in Tempe, Arizona, was always self-conscious as a little girl about her freckles. She felt other women may relate, so she invited other freckled beauties to send in their favorite images, highlighting their freckles!! As Jodi says, “the premise behind the freckles contest was to remind women to celebrate their beauty just as they are! As women, we can be self-conscious about a lot of things, but we’re hoping that over time we can help women learn to embrace themselves in all of their unique beauty.” While Jodi received quite a few adorable submissions, this lovely lady won! Jodi describes her as “one of the most naturally beautiful women we’ve had the pleasure to work with.” And she is STUNNINGLY beautiful! Thank you Jodi Lynn of Le Boudoir Studio for sharing your work and helping to promote positive self-regard for all women.

Contest submission photo: freckles boudoir, le boudoir studio_013

Le Boudoir “Freckle” shoot!
Le Boudoir

If you’re searching for a Boudoir Photographer in the Tempe, Arizona area, visit Le Boudoir Studio. XOXO

Aug 18
0

Featured Member | Tamara Paskey of Paskey Photo & Boudoir | Kansas City, Missouri

By | Featured Members | No Comments

Introducing boudoir photographer & long-time member of Boudoir International, Tamara Paskey-Alexander! Tamara owns Paskey Photo & Boudoir studio in Kansas City, Missouri. She is very frank and honest about her own struggle with self-image and confidence and prides herself and her work on being able to help other women overcome their insecurities. She says about herself,”when I started shooting boudoir, it was just for fun, I just thought it was a good hobby. But as time went on, I realized all women have insecurities just like me. The women I shot that had perfect bodies worried about their looks just as much as me. I also realized I had the power to make women see themselves the way everyone else sees them through my lens. My favorite quote pretty much speaks for my entire career as a boudoir photographer- “Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that.” Since I decided to specialize in boudoir I’ve been able to focus on ways to capture women the way they are right now, not “when I lose a few pounds”, but RIGHT NOW. Whether they’re 25 or 65 years old, all of my clients have been through something, or are going through something and are deserving of photos that portray the best, most beautiful version of themselves.” We absolutely agree, Tamara, and are so glad to promote your business and ethic. Thank you for sharing with us! (Photos pictured with model Annie-Mae Allure.)

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How long have you been shooting boudoir? Five years
Why do you love boudoir photography?
It’s been a life changing experience to be able to make women see themselves the way I see them. I’m so lucky to have found a way to connect with women like no other form of photography can. I get to make them not only look beautiful, but feel beautiful.
Why do you think women should have a boudoir photo shoot experience?
My favorite quote states its perfectly- “Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that.” I think every woman deserves to see how beautiful she is. Its a great opportunity to completely let go of insecurities and inhibitions. Its a really freeing experience.
What is your favorite part of the boudoir experience & interacting with your clients?
I love seeing the change in them from the first five minutes of the shoot vs. the last five minutes of the shoot. I love seeing them go from nervous and reserved, to confident bombshells with a new swing in their step. 🙂
What piece of advice do you have for women searching for a boudoir photographer?
Do your research. Make sure you love every single photo in their portfolio. If you feel like you can connect with them through their “about me” and blog, you may have a good fit.

tamarapaskey
Just for fun – Do you have a favorite visually inspiring music video?
http://vimeo.com/62167961 Forever in love with Ellen Von Unwerth 🙂
What are you listening to right now?
My Massive Attack station on Pandora, with Portishead and Glass Animals added. Its my sexy shooting and editing music.
Favorite trend for boudoir right now?
I LOVE that so many more photographers are adding a little more of a fashion flare to their photos. I’m also digging the strappy lingerie.
What are your favorite songs to play during a shoot to pump up your client?
^ The Massive Attack station
If you could shoot anywhere on the planet, what location would you choose and why?
An old mansion or castle in Spain or Italy with huge windows and gold accents. The Hearst Castle pool would be a blast too.
Anything else you want to share about yourself or your boudoir studio?
I’m head over heels for my “job”. I put it in quotations because it never really feels like work. I feel like “boudoir photographer” isn’t what I do, its who I am. I’m also really excited to announce that my husband and I will be moving back to Lexington, KY next year. My past clients in that area are almost excited to have me back as we are to move. I can’t wait to hire a few girls and make an incredible team at the new studio.

If you’re searching for a boudoir photographer in Kansas City, visit Paskey Photo & Boudoir. For more of Tamara’s work, see her website here. Thank you so much Tamara, for your constant contribution to Boudoir International!

Aug 14
0

Boudoir Editorial | Agnes Fohn of Yellow Brick Collective | New York City, NY

By | Editorial Shoots | No Comments

Agnes Fohn is one of our newest members to Boudoir International! She collaborated with model Dottie Mayfield for this Marilyn Monroe inspired shoot. See what she describes as “a breeze and such amazing inspiration. A perfect shoot!” A Boudoir Editorial with Agnes Fohn of Yellow Brick Collective in NYC…

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What was your overall vision for the shoot, or – how did you decide to shoot this concept?
Dottie and I had worked on a previous shoot together and I fell in love with her look right away! She possesses this amazing vintage spirit that I immediately was drawn to, so when she asked me to do a Marilyn inspired shoot a la Douglas Kirkland I just couldn’t refuse! This was one of my easiest and quickest shoots to date. We needed two things, a lovely model that can rock Marilyn (check!) and a white sheet (check!) This was shot on my living room floor and couch. Dottie really brought the spirit of Marilyn so we didn’t need much else!
Did you work with a stylist, or did you style all the outfits/accessories yourself?
Our stylist was Calvin Klein White Bedsheets!
How would you describe your typical style, was this a departure or were you playing into your typical inspiration?
My style tends to fluctuate between shoots. Depending on my models and the theme I could go really bright and airy or dark and moody. It all depends on what is in front of me. With this shoot we wanted to get that beautiful glowing morning look but also incorporate some edgier elements.
If you could choose the most important pieces of the styling or set in your images that you would say set the tone for the whole shoot what would they be?
Fancy sheets. Don’t just use any old sheets… make sure they are luxurious!
Describe the setting of the shoot/location, and how it inspired you:
I shot Dottie in my sun drenched studio on the floor, in the window and on the couch. We worked with very simple pieces so Dottie was bringing all the inspiration with her Marilyn vibe and gorgeous make-up that she did in about 15 minutes! The sun was absolutely perfect that day and just really gave her a beautiful glow.
Would you want to recreate this shoot for your clients? Or was this a one-of-a-kind original?
Absolutely! Who wouldn’t want to feel like Marilyn for a day?! Even if we recreate shoots at YBC they are still all going to have their own flavor because every woman brings something different and new to the table.

Thank you, Agnes, for contributing to the BI blog! If you’re looking for a boudoir photographer in the new york city area, contact Yellow Brick Collective.

Jul 22
0

Featured Member | Katelyn Turner Design & Photography | Chicago, Illinois

By | Featured Members | No Comments

Katelyn Turner of Katelyn Turner Design & Photography is this week’s featured member. She’s been shooting boudoir for four years now and currently serves the Chicago and Peoria areas. Katelyn writes about her business, “if you’re looking for classy boudoir photos, you’ve come to the right place. I like to capture a variety of styles for clients, and every shoot is very laid back, comfortable and casual. My main goal throughout each session is to diligently work with patience and creativity to get those shots that you will love. I cater to ladies of all shapes and sizes. We discuss your favorite features and also areas of you that you would like less focused on. From your input, I use certain techniques to create poses that flatter each and every woman.” katelyn-turner-designs

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How long have you been shooting boudoir?
4 years
Why do you love boudoir photography?
I love the glamor of it all. These women are so beautiful and my camera just loves them!
Why do you think women should have a boudoir photo shoot experience?
It’s an incredible confidence booster, whether or not girls have plenty of it in the first place. I cannot count how many emails/phone calls I’ve received over the years from clients raving over their images. They can’t believe it’s them in the photos and how they can’t stop looking at them.
What is your favorite part of the boudoir experience & interacting with your clients?
9 times out of 10 girls walk in totally nervous and a little self conscious (totally understandable!!). But after 10 minutes I can get them to relax, and then by the end of the session they are saying how fun it was, how it wasn’t hard at all, and how they want to do it again! I love being able to make an experience they thought would be uncomfortable totally great and enjoyable.
What piece of advice do you have for women searching for a boudoir photographer?
Meet them ahead of time. These photos are so personal, you don’t want to be working with someone who makes you uncomfortable. Request a consultation to meet in person (or phone is ok, too) to go over the process, and then go with your gut!

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What are you listening to right now?
The Bob Marley Station on iTunes radio :). Keeps things nice and relaxed while editing!
Favorite trend for boudoir right now?
My favorite trend is starting new trends! I’m always trying to think of new places/locations/ideas/poses to bring to my boudoir sessions.
What are your favorite songs to play during a shoot to pump up your client?
I let them choose! I tell them to bring an iPod and we put on a playlist they put together. Definitely helps put them in the zone.
If you could shoot anywhere on the planet, what location would you choose and why?
Salt flats out in Utah. Something about the texture of the ground, the neutral pallet, and the wide-openness has got me intrigued. Can’t wait to get out there and work someday!
Anything else you want to share about yourself or your boudoir studio?
I too have done a boudoir session! I wanted to relate to my clients even more and I’m so glad I did one. It has helped me get on my clients’ level even further and make their experience that much better.

We thank you for being a part of Boudoir International, Katelyn! If you’re searching for a boudoir photographer in the Chicago/Peoria area visit http://www.katelynturner.com/#/home/