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Caitlyn Nicole Photography Raleigh North Carolina

Real Boudoir | Caitlyn Nicole Photography | Raleigh, North Carolina

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Strength, empowerment, class, & a little badass.
That is exactly what Caitlyn Nicole Photography from Raleigh, North Carolina
gives us in this session!

 

Caitlyn White is a lifestyle, boudoir, & wedding photographer based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In addition to being a photographer, she is also a wife & mom,
while managing an incredible business in which she focuses on empowering women.
She believes that every client who comes into her life has a story to tell, & Caitlyn is honored to share a small part of it.
In this particular session, Caitlyn shares Sabrina’s story!

Raleigh North Carolina Boudoir Raleigh North Carolina Boudoir
Caitlyn had initially met Sabrina through Krav Maga – Sabrina was first Caitlyn’s student & then became an instructor herself.
Through this route, both Caitlyn & Sabrina were catalysts for empowering others & embracing inner strength.
When Sabrina responded to Caitlyn’s model call for a boudoir shoot, Caitlyn could not have been more excited!
Caitlyn always includes a bottle of her clients’ favorite wine or a pack of beer/cider.
Her goal with boudoir is to showcase your personality and strength.
Sabrina was classy, sultry, & brought almost a royalty to her sexiness.  She told Caitlyn that she felt the most sexy when she had her batman socks on, her favorite flannel, & a glass of wine.

"I loved her session so much. She was one of my first clients and believed in my vision 150%. Sabrina literally brought a mini wardrobe and absolutely rocked everything from lingerie and lipstick to yoga, baseball cap and her favorite plaid."

Caitlyn

Raleigh North Carolina Boudoir
Raleigh North Carolina Boudoir

Caitlyn’s greatest passion is helping others feel confident, especially women. Boudoir is an art, & every piece of you only enhances the beautiful masterpiece that is you. When you work with Caitlyn, you’re investing in her to capture your beauty with stunning images of real emotion in an intimate & vulnerable setting. As a lifestyle boudoir photographer, she doesn’t just provide a service – she creates an experience.

                                  Raleigh North Carolina Boudoir Raleigh North Carolina Boudoir

"I first met Caity as my Krav Maga instructor and I remember thinking, wow she is badass. Through the years, I've had the honor to get to know her and she is thoughtful, incredibly talented in multiple facets and still one of the most badass people I know. She has taken exquisite action shots of me during Krav Maga tests, and I am so thankful of her capturing special moments that I get to keep forever. Most recently, she 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. Before the shoot, we communicated what I was looking for and she asked for my favorite beer or wine. The day of the shoot, she was prepared with everything including my favorite wine to put the cherry on top. 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! She gave excellent direction, very open to my ideas and we had a fun conversation the entire time. Caity made me feel like a rockstar leaving the shoot and I was so excited to see the end product. She had a quick turnaround and sent me the gallery of photos the next day, and there wasn't a single photo I didn't love. 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. Caity is ridiculously talented and professional. I highly recommend her for your next photoshoot."

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

How do you choose your boudoir photographer?

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So you’ve been toying with the idea of a boudoir shoot…
pinned a few photos on one of your “secret Pinterest boards”…
and  maybe you’ve even checked some of the boudoir photographers in your area!
But how do you choose the right boudoir photographer?

I mean, really – they’re all photographing women in lingerie, and what’s the difference anyways?  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 just grabs you and makes you want to see more of their work. Check their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more of their work so you can really get an idea of their style.  The website is usually just a snippet of what they do.  The more recent images or special project photos will be on their social media!

  1. Do you feel you CONNECTED with the photographer?

This is more important than money or location!

Do they have a story about them on their site? Do see any photos of them? Any videos? Maybe behind the scenes footage? Do they talk to YOU with their messages of their online presenceYou 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.

  1. 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 works for me, may not work for another photographer. We all have a different goal in the business regarding quantity of shoot!

Make sure you check what is included in the initial price you pay! It might be a small amount of money but don’t get too excited because you will more than likely only get your photographer’s time and talent and MAYBE one 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

AgiM Boudoir Photography
Agi M is a Hungarian-Australian girl living in Adelaide, South Australia.
She founded AgiM Photography while living in Sydney because she felt it was the best way to give women the power of confidence,
and to leave them with something that has a lifelong positive effect on them rather than just pretty photographs.

Would you like to be featured on the Boudoir International blog?  Sign up today to become a part of Boudoir International – it’s excellent way to get recognition and referrals!  Once you’re a member, we would love to be able to feature one of your favorite sessions, or if you have any tips or tricks you like to share with your clients!

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

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

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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!

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

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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!

katelynturner

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/

Featured Photographer | Melissa Wedekind | Fresno, CA

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Melissa Wedekind of Wicked Haute Pinup & Boudoir Photography has been shooting boudoir for two and a half years in Fresno, California. A long time member of Boudoir International, Melissa shares some her favorite images shes captured, as well as why she loves boudoir photography and what inspires her creatively!
wickedhautefeaturephotog wickedhaute

Why do you love boudoir photography?
That is a hard question to answer, because there are so many reasons that I love boudoir. I guess my favorite thing is seeing the transformation in my clients from start to finish. In the beginning, so many of them doubt themselves and think that they aren’t sexy or beautiful. By the end of their boudoir experience, they are absolutely changed – they see themselves in a whole new light. To be able to boost a woman’s confidence and help her love and appreciate her body the way it is…that is extremely rewarding for me as a photographer.

Why do you think women should have a boudoir photo shoot experience?
I can’t even count how many times a client has told me that she has never felt more sexy or more confident than she did after her boudoir shoot. Who doesn’t want to feel that way? In our culture of impossibly high standards, I feel like women NEED this. This is the best way to fall in love with yourself and be able to say “I am beautiful”, and truly believe it!

What is your favorite part of the boudoir experience & interacting with your clients?
Sitting and chatting with my clients during the hair and makeup process is always really fun. We get to know each other on a more personal level during that time. We talk about our families and our lives, and each time it feels like I’m making a new friend. My makeup artist, Veronica, is there as well – and when you get three girls together playing with hair and makeup and wardrobe and sipping wine and laughing…it’s like a mini-party. When I’m in that moment I sometimes can’t believe this is my job. It’s too much fun!

melissawedekind

What piece of advice do you have for women searching for a boudoir photographer?
I think the first step is to explore and find someone whose work you fall in love with. Next, take the time to look at their entire website (not just the portfolio and pricing info). Read their policies, see if they have a mission statement, check out their blog. If there is an “about” page – read it! Once you find a photographer you like, see if they have reviews posted anywhere (Yelp, Facebook, etc.). Mostly though, go with your gut. I think when you find the right place, it will just feel right. You will feel comfortable and excited to work with that person, which is definitely how it should be!

Just for fun – Do you have a favorite visually inspiring music video?

ANYTHING by Lady Gaga – I love how she pushes the boundaries of what is traditionally considered beautiful. I can really relate to that. I admire her guts and the fact that she doesn’t really care what others think – she just puts it all out there and does what she believes in. I think we could all be a little bit more like that. My most recent favorite is Applause – it is so entertaining – I never get tired of Gaga!  Lady gaga- “Applause

What are you listening to right now?
I love music! I recently discovered Spotify (I know, where have I been?), so I have been obsessed with that. I’ve been discovering lots of new music, and reminiscing on some old tunes that I love too. I enjoy lots of different music styles, so what I’m listening to really depends on my mood that particular day. Today I was all about Nirvana, which is one of my all-time favorite bands.

Favorite trend for boudoir right now?
Timelessness. I see so many images that are beautiful now, and will still be beautiful 30 years from now. I think every woman wants images that she will love forever – that she can look at many years down the road and still be proud of.

What are your favorite songs to play during a shoot to pump up your client?
My studio playlist is very eclectic. As I mentioned before, I love many different types of music, so I normally have a little bit of everything thrown in.

If you could shoot anywhere on the planet, what location would you choose and why?

Anywhere in Europe – there is so much romance there. To shoot in a castle would be amazing!

If you’re searching for a boudoir photographer in the Fresno area, we recommend Melissa at Wicked Haute ! Thank you so much, Melissa, for contributing to the Boudoir International blog!

Featured Photographer | Mad Banana Photography

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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!

madbanana1 madbanana3 madbanana2 MadbananaMichelle

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/#

Boudoir International Featured Members | Erin and Dani of Mia Elle Studios in North Jersey

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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!

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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?”

http://youtu.be/UdcObAQ5OOM

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

FEATURED MEMBER | Raya of Your Hollywood Portrait

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Today we are proud to feature Raya of your Hollywood Portrait Studio – a fabulous New York City Boudoir Photographer and member of Boudoir International!

A little more about Raya:
Raya was Born in Israel and moved to Paris at a young age. After years of odd jobs and a developing interest in photography, her creative vision caught the eye of In Paris fashion editor. Not only has she worked for over ten years with prestigious magazines such Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Dansk, and luxury brand such as Cartier and Sephora, but she is a multi award winning photographer. She won the International Fashion Photography Festival in Cannes (France), has been named Master Hasselblad and her work has been exposed in Paris, London, Beijing, Dubai and New York. After moving to New York and then living/working for a short time in China, she has returned to New York and continues to pursue her passion for creative, enchanting photography.

Raya’s experience in fashion definitely affects her boudoir work, and allows her to make everybody comfortable during their boudoir shoot. Her goal is always the same: to make her clients look and feel beautiful.

And now for a little Q&A with Raya!
What do you love about Boudoir?
I love to create an intimate atmosphere with the right props and the specific lighting. I love create images that appear to come from an old hollywood movie. I take a lot of pleasure in making my clients look beautiful and chic. Boudoir photos are much more personal to people coming to the studio and I appreciate to the fullest the trust these woman give me.

How does your fashion work inspire your Boudoir work?
The world of fashion photography demand a high level of precision. Everything has to be perfect, the lighting, the makeup and hair, the poses. I have worked with very demanding clients both in editorial and advertising, so over the years, I learned the best lightings to make a woman look beautiful. The lingerie campaigns I shot helped me position the body in the most flattering way. And the beauty campaign completed my skills. So I am very demanding of myself when I shoot, no matter the type of shooting. Also my French background and my 10 years career in Paris give me a certain style that my client appreciate.

If you could shoot anywhere on the planet, what location would you choose and why?
I had the opportunity to shoot in a few castles in France and the Ritz Carlton in Paris, and these were amazing settings. Outdoor, the most magical place I shot was probably the Palais Ruhl in Marrakech. But the best place for me is to create my own setting, that comes out of my imagination (always with a retro feel).

Do you have a favorite visually inspiring music video?
There are 2 music and music video that inspire me:
Kris Isaak & Britney Spears – Till The World Ends. Both are sensual and sexy in totally different ways

What advice would you give to other aspiring boudoir photographers?
I would recommend to always be passionate about their model and it will transpire in the photo they create. Spend some time in to learn lighting, it what gives the emotion to the photo. Get inspired by magazines like the Italian Vogue and Numero and try to find your own style. Look at your client best feature and highlight them. Use the right position, play with the shadows to hide the small imperfections.

Raya, thanks so much for sharing, and for letting us share your beautiful work with the world! We are so glad you are a part of Boudoir International! Make sure to check out Raya’s portfolio on Boudoir International!
new york boudoir photographer new york glamour photos

 

If you live in the New York city area and are looking for a boudoir photographer, please contact Raya! Also be sure to visit her portfolio page & her website