Tip & Trick - Hiring your boudoir photographer

Hiring a boudoir photographer for such intimate portraits can be a bit challenging.  Chances are it's the first time you've done it.  Boudoir photography and bridal boudoir is a very personal decision.  Here are a few things to consider: 1) Am I comfortable with this photographer?

• This is probably one of the most important aspects.  Some women will only shoot boudoir with another woman.  That's probably to take away most of the possibility that  it's going to be someone skeevy who says things like, "Hey baby, why don't we take off some more clothes.  I won't tell anyone."  However, there are many talented male boudoir photographers out there who are completely professional.  One of my good (male)  friends joked to me, "Shooting boudoir always makes me wonder if I'm gay.  Here's a this hot chick half naked in front of me and all I can think about is how she is lit."  On the other hand, a female boudoir photog can give you that sense of sisterhood like when you used to get ready for prom with your BFFs.

2) Am I getting a good value for my money?

• Most of the time, you get what you pay for.  There is skill level all over the board.  If you're looking for a deal, have your boyfriend/husband grab his camera and shoot away.  I've seen some "professional" work that is atrocious and I've seen work that makes your average girl next door look like she's stepped out of Vogue.  You can get a purse from Target and you can get a purse from Prada.  Both serve their function, but in ten years, which one will you still be proudly showing off?  Save your pennies for the Prada.

3) Does he or she know what they're doing?

• Boudoir photography is one of the most challenging forms or portraiture.  There is no benefit of flattering clothing.  Every inch of you needs to be posed precisely and lit in flattering manner.  The cutest girl in the world can look monstrous with some poorly placed lighting and the skinniest woman can look ten pounds heavier.  Then to top it off, the client must look sexy and relaxed.  Woo... that's all just for one shot!  After all that, there's a good chance that you have a little something retouched.

4) What goes into my gift bag?

• Digital photography is nothing but number codes on a memory card until it is presented in the form of products.  Don't even ask me how they do that coding part.  But what you take home is what you will treasure.  Does the boudoir photographer offer you timeless art to enjoy for decades?  There are countless options available, but what do you want to take home?  You can purchase an album filled with your beautiful boudoir portraits, a sexy canvas to hang in your own boudoir or even something modern like a video.

5)  What kind of experience do I want?

• Boudoir can be shot anywhere:  a home, a hotel, a retail space, or even outside.  Will you feel pampered and lavished?  The happier you are during the shoot, the better the art will be.

Find the right boudoir photographer for you and invest wisely.  It's  your hard-earned money and you're worth it.

Panties for game day!

With collegiate football in full swing, these are sure to be popular.  If you're not familiar with Hanky Panky panties, you are seriously missing out.  They are without a doubt the most comfortable underwear.  There are imitators out there, but nothing is as comfy or fits better under clothes.  Show your support for your team right down to you skivvies!

Miss L - Boudoir

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I have to admit... L looked a bit like a deer in the headlights when she knocked on my door.  While her friend applied her makeup and she got dolled up, we chatted a bit to help her relax.  We started out with her most conservative outfit and I immediately threw her out of her comfort zone by asking her to prop herself up on a table.  Who would have guessed... First shot was fabulous straight out of camera.  As we worked together a bit longer, she got more comfortable showing off her super toned body.  Her laughter was infectious and I really had so much fun.  Turns out she loved her photos and was super sweet to allow me to show off her pictures. 

Happiness is being a boudoir photographer.

The other day on Facebook, I posted, "I love my job!"  It was after an amazing day with a wonderful client.  She was so nervous to shoot last weekend.  She brought moral support and sort of tip-toed her way into the session.  By the end, she was rocking it.  She got to see her photos for the first time yesterday and loved them.  She confessed that the night before she'd had a nightmare that she looked gruesome in her photos.  Yeah, like I would let that happen! Out of dozens of photographs there were only three that she could live without.  She walked away thrilled to have purchased a gorgeous leather-bound album full of her favorites.  I walked away thrilled to know that maybe on a day when she's not feeling so glamorous, she'll pull that album off the shelf and remember just how gorgeous and sexy she really is.

Every single day, I get to help women feel beautiful.  That is an amazing privilege, despite the hard work.  I feel so blessed to help build women up when the world often seems set on tearing them down.  The magazines send messages like, "You're not thin enough," or "Your skin is the wrong color."  I get to work with a client and prove that she is sexy exactly the way she is.

On a side note... I'm going to London next week!  Yay!  Stay tuned for pictures.

Keeping the light on?

So, we all know that men like to keep the lights on in bed.  Of course they do!  You may be thinking, "Ewww... cellulite."  He's thinking, "Mmmm... boobs."  The closest thing you can get to a real-life airbrushing is colored lightbulbs with a super low wattage.  Swap out your regular bulbs for 15-25 watt amber bulbs.  It's like being bathed in candlelight (minus the fire hazard). What are your tips for keeping things romantic in your boudoir?

Lavish Boudoir - Lingerie for Boudoir

J'adore these whimsical little panties from Kiki de Montparnasse! Do you know what each means?