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!
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
