Today we feature an editorial shoot by Erika Nelly of Erika Nelly Photography. Erika photographed model Jessie Jess at her studio in Miami, Florida, with hair and make-up artistry by Vanessa Ortiz. Thank you Jessie and Erica for sharing your boudoir session with us!
If you’re looking for a boudoir photographer in the Miami area, visit Erika Nelly’s portfolio and to see more of her work http://www.erikanelly.com
Today’s Real Boudoir session was submitted by Melissa Mercado Photography, hailing from Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Boudoir International member Melissa Mercado photographed her client, Miss L, at a local Playa del Carmen hotel. Miss L has graciously allowed us to showcase her photographs and share about her boudoir experience. Thank you to both Melissa and Miss L for contributing your work and experience to the Boudoir International blog!
Why did you want to do a boudoir shoot?
First of all, for fun! I am not camera-shy, I had many ideas of accessories and clothes that I always wanted to use in pictures and ideas in general of a shoot and having a wonderful friend that is an amazing photographer like Melissa, enabled us to do this great shooting.
How did you choose your photographer?
Melissa is a great friend and a wonderful photographer.
How did you feel as you were preparing for the shoot?
Really excited and couldn’t wait to do the shoot.
Any advice for ladies thinking about doing a boudoir shoot?
It is very important to just be and relax completely, otherwise you can see the tension in your whole body and face. Think of just having fun and let your goddess inside guide you to move. If you can dance, do some dance moves, slowly. And this is the opportunity to just take ALL the fun accessories you like and always wanted to use for a shoot and ALL the clothes you are a little shy to wear, just bring everything and there is always a good idea and shot of it.
Your favorite moment of the whole experience?
The moment I saw my pictures 🙂
Define what SEXINESS &/OR BEAUTY means to you.
Playfulness, smiles, shining eyes, expression from within, attitude, posture, self confidence, awareness of your own body – this all makes a person beautiful and sexy.
Just for fun favorites: share your favorite lyrics from a song, or a favorite quote.
“Follow your heart…it always knows what to do!” – Paolo Coelho
Did this experience change the way you see yourself, or the way you think of beauty? Anything else you want to share about your experience?
Absolutely! When I saw my pictures first I was impressed, so happy and couldn’t stop looking at them. The first thing I though was “WHO IS THIS???” 🙂 And…it was me! Amazing! So, just do it – the shoot is so much fun, seeing your pictures after is just a wonderful moment and looking back at these pictures when I’m 70 will be awesome!
If you’re looking for a boudoir photographer in the Playa del Carmen area, please check out Melissa Mercado Photography on Boudoir International. For more on Melissa and her photography work, please visit her website here.
Michelle Delaney of Mad Banana Photography is a long time member of Boudoir International, and this week she’s our featured photographer!
Originally from Pittsburgh, Michelle lived in Anchorage, Alaska for 12 years before moving to the beautiful Ryukyu Island of Okinawa, Japan. She’s been in Okinawa for more than six years now, and has always had a passion for photography. In elementary school she got her first camera and took it everywhere. She began to capture her own memories from that point on.
Her business name was coined in homage to her two daughters, Madelyn and Hannah (hence Mad & Banana!) Mad Banana just celebrated their twelfth anniversary this year. As a boudoir photographer, Michelle mostly photographs American women that want to remind their ‘Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine’ soldier what they have to look forward to when they get back from Iraq or Afghanistan. She says she still gets goose bumps when clients tell her that they’ve never felt so beautiful! Below, we share a few of her images and she answers some of our questions regarding her boudoir photography. Thank you so much Michelle for contributing to Boudoir International!
Why do you love boudoir?
I LOVE Boudoir because it the single most effective way I’ve found to help women regain their confidence. Too often we’re so busy taking care of everyone else, that we get lost in the shuffle and forget how fabulous we really are! Having a boudoir session helps women reconnect with the super sexy woman that’s still in there!
What is your favorite part of the shoot?
My FAVORITE part of the shoot is eating brownies when it’s over! 😉 I make brownies for each and every client! When the session is over, we eat brownies, go over the contract and I answer any questions they have. This is when I really get to know them! By that point, they’ve had a blast, their guard is down and they’re ready for some CHOCOLATE!
Do you recommend any vendors to your clients to prepare for their shoot?
Since I’m in Okinawa, there are really not any stores I recommend on island! I encourage all of my clients to order on-line from Fredericks of Hollywood, Victoria’s Secret or Hot Milk! I have a TON of women who love to shoot Maternity Boudoir and Hot Milk is the place for them!
Are there any music videos that are currently inspiring your photography or vision?
I love Beyonce’s ‘Best Thing I Never Had’ video! It’s visually inspiring!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHp2KgyQUFk
Right now, I’m listening to R.E.V.O Red Hands! I LOVE that song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bt-FHaFVH8
Do you have a playlist to get you and your clients in the groove during your shoots?
My Boudoir Playlist includes songs from ABBA (Dancing Queen), Beyonce (Single Ladies), Bruno Mars (Just the way you are), Cobra Starship (Good Girls Go Bad), Flo Rida (Low, Wild Ones), Icona Pop (I LOVE it), Jesse McCartney (Body Language), Justin Timberlake (Sexy Back), Katy Perry (Teenage Dream, Roar, Firework, California Girls), Ke$ha, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, LMFAO, Maroon 5, Pitbull, Psy, Rihanna, Robin Thicke… just to name a few! 😉
If you could shoot anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could shoot anywhere in the world, I would definitely go back to Paris, France, but I’d also love to go back to Portofino, Italy. Two gorgeous places that inspire me in completely different ways!
If you are looking for a boudoir photographer in Okinawa, Japan, please visit Michelle’s portfolio on Boudoir International: https://www.boudoirinternational.com/boudoir-photographers/mad-banana-photography/
You can also view the Mad Banana website here: http://www.madbananaphotography.com/#
Today we bring you an editorial shoot from Boudoir International member, Tamara Paskey- Alexander of Paskey Photo & Boudoir. Tamara is a boudoir photographer in Kansas City, Kansas. She was very much inspired this past year by model, Molly, who is featured here in multiple shoots. Thank you Molly and Tamara for your contribution to the Boudoir International blog!
Hair/Makeup Artist:
Molly did her own on the field shoot. For the greenhouse shoot I did her makeup, and Sammy Roberts did the hair.
What was your overall vision for the shoot, or – how did you decide to shoot this concept?
I always shoot boudoir with lingerie so I was wanting to change it up a little and go for some glamour this time. I love fashion inspired shoots with gorgeous makeup and a soft setting.
When I moved to Kansas in November I came across the field and fell in love. The grass was dead and the perfect height to shoot in. I knew it would be the best back lit with a sunset with a vintage feel. The greenhouse is something I’ve always wanted to shoot in, but never had access to. Not sure where the idea came from, but I knew it had to be with a dress that was over the top amazing and curve hugging. I wanted it to feel like a Chanel ad in a magazine.
Did you work with a stylist, or did you style all the outfits/accessories yourself?
I always style my own shoots. They wouldn’t feel like mine if I let someone else do it for me. I’m a big fan of antiquing and thrift shopping so I have a great collection in my “studio closet”. Everything in the “Winter Glamour” shoot is vintage and paired for a 40’s feel. I think the cool pastel of the green satin offsets the warmth of the sun to make a subtle contrast.
In the Greenhouse shoot we used one of Molly’s old pageant dresses! She was an avid pageant contestant and always loved that dress. The second she brought it to the studio for my opinion, I fell in love. I’m glad my 2013 representative has great taste! It ended up being perfect for an old Hollywood glamour feel. I asked Sammy (hairstylist) for old Hollywood waves and I think she hit the nail on the head!
How would you describe your typical style, was this a departure or were you playing into your typical inspiration?
These are definitely my style. Working with Molly and other models allows me to let my creativity out. While I don’t typically do these types of shoots with my normal boudoir clients (they arent requested as much as the sexy stuff), outdoor glamour is definitely a passion just as much as boudoir with lingerie in a studio. I think most would say my style is easily recognizable because I use the same techniques to pose and work with my clients whether its for boudoir, glamour, fashion, or pinup.
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?
I would have to say the colors and fabrics of the outfits I use have the biggest impact on the feel of the shoot I’m trying to create. I wanted to use pastel satin for the field shoot to create a natural flow of colors drawing all the focus up to her eyes. The gold sequins of the pageant dress to stood out against the bright greens, pinks, and yellows at the greenhouse. It was much more bold and focusing on the curves of her hips.
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?
We luckily didn’t come across to many challenges with either of these shoots, since we work so well together. I also like to plan everything out as much as I can before hand. I suppose you could say the wind was something we weren’t expecting for the field, but it worked so well in our favor! I couldn’t imagine that set without her hair blowing now.
The greenhouse was also fantastic except for photo bombers. Haha. A few older women were being nosy and stood in the background of our shots trying to figure out what was happening. 🙂 We asked one woman if she wanted to be in our photos and she quickly walked away. 🙂
Describe the setting of the shoot/location, and how it inspired you:
Both locations were the original inspiration for each shoot, then everything else is added in afterwards.
Would you want to recreate this shoot for your clients? Or was this a one-of-a-kind original?
I would love to! I would customize it for their style more though so it didn’t feel like a copy.
Anything else you want to share about the shoot?
Molly is my 2013 representative for the year. I moved to the Kansas City area within the past year from Lexington, KY and basically had to restart my business. Working with Molly has helped me a ton by allowing me to create images to share for advertisements and online, and even more important, she tells EVERYONE about me. She’s been an amazing addition to Paskey Boudoir.
If you’re searching for a boudoir photographer in the Kansas City area, check out Paskey Photo and Boudoiron Boudoir International. To see more from Tamara, visit her website.
“Comparison is the thief of joy”- Theodore Roosevelt
Like we mentioned earlier, it is “Self Awareness” month, and we think a big part of that is paying attention to what goes on in our thought process throughout the day, and unfortunately for most of us comparison is a big one. Whether it’s comparing physical appearance, smarts, wealth, personalities, activities, the list can go on and on. We don’t want to do it, and we certainly don’t mean to do it, but alas……we do. For Self Awareness month we are inviting you to try to recognize those thoughts when they pop up, take them captive, and chuck them out of your brain and stomp on the thought, realize it’s only holding your back from joy and self acceptance. Everyday woman tell us that they want to book a photo shoot, but they want to hit the gym first so they can look as hot as all the women on our galleries, and our photo shoots are just not about that. They are about looking like you, and celebrating YOU. When you walk into our studio it’s totally affirming yourself, saying “dammit I love myself, I am grateful for the body I do have and I am going to give myself some serious positive affirmation today!!!!”
Comparing yourself to others is an act of violence against your authentic self. ~ Iyanla Vanzant
We are all made uniquely beautiful and totally DIFFERENT. We certainly don’t need to look like someone else! We wanted to take a moment to give “Dove” a serious shout out for the “Real Beauty”” campaign. They are saying different is awesome, society’s idea of beauty is jacked, and life is too short not to embrace who you are, and we TOTALLY AGREE!!!!
You can tell they sincerely care about their audience and the message that they are sending!! As opposed to maybe some other companies our there????
This real boudoir feature is courtesy of AgiM Photography. AgiM is an elite member of Boudoir International, hailing from Sydney, Australia. Her client, Miss E, so kindly agreed to expand on her boudoir experience with us. Thank you Miss E and Agi for sharing with the Boudoir photography community!
Miss E, Why did you want to do a boudoir shoot?
In the beginning it was simply to feel glamorous, have some beautiful shots of myself and to be shot and directed by Agi – a photographer I very much admire and respect. But as I prepared more for it the shoot, it became more about having a go at something different, to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone – what a buzz!
How did you choose your photographer?
I have seen a lot of Agi’s previous work, and had been following her for a long time on instagram. I have seen her work progress over time and I am always continually impressed and blown away by her photography. When she decided to make the move to boudoir photography, I just knew I had to ask her to shoot me. This is one talented lady with a special eye for beauty. If there was anyone in the world that I would feel comfortable to let shoot me in such a way, it would be definitely be Agi. As a bonus, she turned out to be a great director and motivator and helped me with props and positions to disguise the parts of my body i wasn’t comfortable with exposing…The results speak for themselves!
How did you feel as you were preparing for the shoot?
Like a princess. Having a stylist to do my hair and a make up artist just for me was the ultimate pampering.
The stylist stayed on during the shoot for touch ups – it was like I was a gorgeous Hollywood star! If only…!
Any advice for ladies thinking about doing a boudoir shoot?
Just do it! You won’t regret it… not only is the day in itself a once in a life time experience, but you the photos produced will forever serve as a reminder of how beautiful you are and how much you can achieve. I could not wait to show my friends and family – which I am sure I will be doing until I am an elderly woman in a rocking chair.
Your favorite moment of the whole experience?
When the photographer flipped the camera to show me my shots mid shoot. Just stunning and so uplifting – such a ‘omg – that’s not me!’ moment… What the camera captured from it’s lens was so different to what I thought I looked like in my head. The lighting, the costumes, the props – they all really come together so powerfully in each frame. After seeing them, it inspired me to want to keep shooting. I couldn’t get enough!
Lingerie/shoes/accessories – any thing you want to share about what you wore, where you shopped, links etc?
High heels are a must… I shopped particularly for Kardashian Kollektion intimates. I wanted a look that was classy, sexy – not trashy. The corset was great for hiding my belly too! I loved shooting in it.
Did this experience change the way you see yourself, or the way you think of beauty? Anything else you want to share about your experience?
Absolutely it did. I never realized I could be portrayed so well. Having seen a few other boudoir shoots too now, I have come to realize that there is beauty in all forms and shapes. Every woman has an inner goddess that the camera can’t wait to show off!
If your searching for a boudoir photographer in the Sydney area, check out Agi’s https://www.boudoirinternational.com/boudoir-photographers/agim-photography-sydney-boudoir/ on boudoir international. You can also see more of her work on her website.
Today we feature Erin and Dani, co-owners of Mia Elle Studios in New Jersey! Both Dani and Erin worked in photography at various capacities before deciding to venture out on their own to create Mia Elle. Today they share their inspiration with us and why they love boudoir. Thank you to our feature members of Boudoir International!
How long have you been shooting boudoir? We have been photographing lovely ladies for over 3 years now. Excited for next year!
Why do you love boudoir photography? We’ve always viewed boudoir photography as a confidence booster for all women. We love how confident the girls are during and after the shoot and it makes it that much more meaningful for us. Even the shy girls leave our shoots feeling so free and self-assured. We love boudoir photography mainly for that reason… It makes women feel good (and even better when the man in their life swoons over it)!
What is your favorite part of the shoot?
Our favorite part of the shoot is the second outfit! During the first outfit, the girls are adjusting to us and the shoot. But once that second clothing change happens, they are confident and popping poses all on their own! We love seeing them get comfortable and setting in to the shoot.
What stores do you recommend your clients shop for their boudoir shoot?
We LOVE vintage lingerie so any stores that showcase a different and classic look is always our favorite! A perfect example is Femme by Ashley in Red Bank, NJ, BHLDN and Lucy B for vintage inspired lingerie. And of course we always love Victoria’s Secret!
Any specifically in your area you recommend? Femme by Ashley in Red Bank, NJ.
What piece of advice do you have for women searching for a boudoir photographer? The best advice we could offer would be make sure you have a good rapport with your photographer. Feeling safe and comfortable is a big part of the shoot and you usually can get a good or bad vibe right from the first email. Also, check out as many galleries as you possibly can from the photographers website. This will give you a great idea of the style of photography and if it fits well with your personality.
Do you have a favorite visually inspiring music video? Yes, Gwen Stefani’s “What You Waiting For?”
Favorite trend for boudoir right now? We love the classy and soft look which is what we aim for during our shoots. We also love that some photographers are starting to get into film as well for the boudoir shoot. This is something we recently started offering and we’re receiving awesome feedback!
Do you have some pinterest board that you would like to share? Yes! www.pinterest.com/miaellestudios
If you’re looking for a boudoir photographer in the North Jersey area, click https://www.boudoirinternational.com/boudoir-photographers/mia-elle-studios/ to view Mia Elle Studio’s portfolio on Boudoir International. You can also visit the Mia Elle Website here. Thank you Dani and Erin for your contribution to Boudoir International and the Boudoir photography community! XOXO
September is “Self Awareness” month. So all of us here at Boudoir International are encouraging ladies, and ourselves, to gear up for this special month by considering self awareness, which we are loving the description of that as achieving total self acceptance and long-term personal happiness.
I really enjoyed reading this article that spelled it out a little more clearly as this…
“Often, people are unable to see themselves as others see them, as their reality is different than most (self image, internally and externally). They prefer to focus only on the aspects of their being that make them feel good about themselves. Or contrarily, some prefer to focus only on the negative aspects. The dichotomy reflects an inability to be objectionable with oneself.
The habit of pushing the ‘bad parts’ out of their conscious eases the mental stress of having to deal with those issues, as positive change requires humble effort, so they choose to not accept those negative aspects when they look at themselves in the mirror.
Conversely, some people tend to sway in the opposite direction and focus only on the negativity. They continuously find fault within themselves which becomes a barrier in acknowledging the good qualities they possess, therefore hindering long-term personal happiness.
Denials are barriers in self awareness. Individuals need to accept all the parts of their being, good and bad, to begin a happy journey in life.” – The Examiner
Photographer Laura Boyd of Rue Boudoir caught our eye a few years back with her talent for photographing women’s beauty. She definitely knows what she is doing in her boudior studio in New york City! Check out this gorgeous shoot of bride, Miss M…
Why did you want a boudoir photo shoot?
I wanted to give my fiancee a special gift on our wedding day, plus i thought it would be a really great experience. I also thought it would be a great confidence boost.
How did you come to choose your photographer?
There was a special offer on gilt.com for a session with Laura. I had been interested in doing a boudoir shoot and was instantly drawn to Laura’s work. The girls she photographed look so comfortable, really sexy but not trashy. That was important to me.
How did you feel as you were preparing for the shoot??
Nervous, anxious but excited. It was fun shopping for sexy lingerie.
Any advice for ladies thinking about doing a boudoir shoot?
Just do it! Its scary at first but once your there with your makeup done and you sexy outfit you immediately feel more confident. Whether you do it for yourself or for a significant other, its such an amazing experience.
Your favorite moment of the whole experience?
When I finally let go of my inhibitions and just let the sexy takeover. It was very liberating. Laura is also really good at making you feel comfortable.
Lingerie/shoes/accessories – any thing you want to share about what you wore, where you shopped, links etc?
I liked the fact that the shoot started with a more “innocent” looking bra and panty set and finish with a uber sexy black fishnet one piece and high heels. I think finding things that make you comfortable will be the best. I really like yandy.com for sexy outfits.
Just for fun: Define what SEXINESS &/OR BEAUTY means to you
Sexy to me means confidence. You can be the most physically beautiful women in the world but if you dont feel sexy than no one will think you are sexy. Sexy is not about your physical, its all attitude.
Just for fun favorites: share your favorite lyrics from a song, or a favorite quote.
“Be your husbands mind candy”
Did this experience change the way you see yourself, or the way you think of beauty? Anything else you want to share about your experience?
I definitely left feeling more empowered, more sexy and more confident. I saw my self in a brand new light and I plan to bring out my newly discovered sexy side out more often.
We’re in love with this REAL BOUDOIR session created by Kate Kelava of Sitting Pretty Photography in Acworth, Georgia! A huge thank you to Kate’s client, Ashley, for sharing about her boudoir experience with us and for allowing us to feature her photographs!
Why did you want to do a boudoir shoot?
I was getting married and wanted to have a special gift for my groom to open the morning of the wedding. I gave him the gift the day before and told him he had to wait until at least midnight before opening it. I spent the night in a hotel with my bridesmaids and delighted in the idea that he would open it then have to wait to see me until I was walking down the aisle!
How did you choose your photographer?
I compared multiple boudoir photographers in the Atlanta area and easily narrowed my search down to four different photographers based on how much I liked their style of shooting and how gorgeous the women looked. Kate stood out as the only one I consistently adored every shot and she had multiple packages to choose from. The variety of options and her sweet and welcoming response to my email inquiry made me immediately know which photographer was best for me!
How did you feel as you were preparing for the shoot?
Well I was towards the end of my wedding preparation, so although everything was hectic, I also had been working out more consistently than I ever had so I felt no body insecurity and was able to “let go” and bring out my confidence so that my groom could have a gorgeous, sexy gift. The day of as I was getting my makeup done (by the fabulous Gina Allison!) I felt like a model!
Any advice for ladies thinking about doing a boudoir shoot?
Do it! Do it for your man, do it for your lady, do it for yourself! My biggest advice would be to let go of all insecurity because really, we all see our own flaws that no one else does and if no one else sees them then what’s the point of dwelling on it and torturing ourselves? Just channel your inner Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model or Victoria’s Secret Model and make those faces and poses you know you make in the mirror at home alone! It’s always okay to be confident, and you’ll thank yourself for it in the end.
Your favorite moment of the whole experience?
It’s hard to choose a favorite “moment” because Kate catered the shoot for me so much, she asked what my vision was and always did everything she could to make that idea a reality. I suppose if I had to choose my favorite moment was when I put on my groom’s Braves jersey. Having a piece of him there made me relax and reminded me of the wonderful life I was beginning and that this shoot was not just for him, but for me as well.
Lingerie/shoes/accessories – any thing you want to share about what you wore, where you shopped?
Oh, I went straight to Victoria’s Secret and they practically had to kick me out (not really). They have so many options!
Just for fun: Define what SEXINESS &/OR BEAUTY means to you.
I think beauty is subjective and everyone has something desirable and unique about them that makes them beautiful. To me being sexy is having confidence and of course a sense of humor!
If you’re searching for a Boudoir Photographer in the Acworth/Kennesaw area, please visit Kate Kelava of Sitting Pretty Photography! Thank you Kate for sharing your boudoir session with us at Boudoir International!
