Boudoir blog for women in Maryland, Virginia & DC who are interested in booking a boudoir photoshoot near them. Products, clients, tips and tricks are a few of the things you’ll find on the Lavish Boudoir Blog.
Great things never came from comfort zones
Get out of your own damn way because...
Great things never came from comfort lavish boudoir
Great things never came from comfort zones!
If you've been in our studio, you know this popular pose is quite uncomfortable, but it's sexy as hell. We all have our comfort zones. It's where we live from day to day. They're great in a lot of ways. We feel safe, they keep us happy, but they also leave us a little unfulfilled.
My personal comfort zone issue is approaching strangers (particularly women). Whether it's making new friends at a party or approaching a beautiful woman whom I would like to photograph, I'm terrified. Like heart-racing-adrenaline-pumping-queasy-stomach terrified. Yup, I'm a big wimp.
So how about this... let's do something today that scares us! I promise you that I'll approach a stranger **shudder** and you'll commit to doing something that is way outside your comfort zone. Deal?
If you feel like sharing what it is, comment below. Maybe you'll inspire someone else. And maybe, just maybe, something GREAT will happen.
CHALLENGE UPDATE:
I did it! You'd think I'd at least set myself up for confidence and success, right? Nope. I actually completely forgot about my challenge because all I wanted to do was buy some freaking tulle from Hobby Lobby without losing a child and/or my sanity. We all survived (with the help of some Skittles) and headed to Target.
It was meant to be. I got in line, paid for my cart of 10 things I didn't need plus the 2 things I did, and realized I forgot diapers. Back into the depths of Target I go with a fussy newborn and hungry toddler. Back in line again, this woman in front of me was speaking to the checkout clerk with such animation. She's a beautiful woman, but what caught my attention was her zest for life, for conversation and for being "real." I had to photograph her.
So I wimped out of speaking to her then and there because I was afraid the Target employee would yell at me for solicitation (really??? this is what my mind will do to get me out of speaking to strangers). So I hurried as quickly as I could through the line and told myself that if she was in the parking lot, I'd introduce myself.
She was... about 10 cars away and about to hop in her car. So I started waving my arm (only one because the other was carrying Eli) frantically. She gives me the nicest smile you could ever give a crazy lady and waves back. So I hold up a finger, hoping that signals her to wait. She amazingly gets the hint. So I introduce myself and tell her that I would love to take her portrait. She's totally psyched and gives me her name and number. I haven't tried it yet, so maybe it's a fake.
Then it hits me... I'm wearing a scrubby t-shirt, my hair is in a messy ponytail and my makeup is limited to last night's mascara smudged under my eyes. My eyes widen in terror. I quickly point out that this is my emergency-run-to-Target attire and ask her to dismiss it. She was so sweet about it. She has 4 kids, so she gets it.
Anyway, I didn't realize until I was in my car that I had held up to my deal just in time. And guess what, I didn't die and I didn't even throw up. At the very least, I'm proud of myself and if all goes well, I'll have an amazing portrait session to show for it.
Miss D | Glamour Photoshoot
I'm a Cali girl by nature, but I love some sexy voluminous big hair glamour photos.
A letter to Ms D:
Ms. D, We've known each other 30ish years and I cannot believe you still let me do your makeup and take your photo. Ever since Christmas eve in the late '90s, we've been playing dress up. You've never needed much makeup to look AMAZING. Remember how everyone would tell you that you looked like the girl from My Girl? It's those crazy long lashes and doe eyes. Guess what... you're even prettier now. You don't need my help to be beautiful, but it sure is fun to play with the beauty God gave you. I love you so much, thank you for modeling for me.
makeover with big hair - Lavish Boudoir™
contemplative beauty pose - Lavish Boudoir™
bandeau to show off a beautiful face - Lavish Boudoir™ -
Those eyes, though! Beauty portrait with tulle by Lavish Boudoir™
green eyesa and black velvet. Swoon! - Lavish Boudoir™
Inspired by Adele. Love that lip curl. - Lavish Boudoir™
Headshot WITHOUT cropping at the hairline, just for moms - Lavish Boudoir™
P.S. See Cheryl and Denise? I sometimes keep the top of the head... I did the last one just for you... and it is driving me crazy to crop it like this. ;-)
Miss J | Mom's Day Off
J, You won me over with wine, chocolate and bedroom toys. Wait, that sounds so wrong. Ha! But really, when I went to a friend of a friend's house for your Pure Romance party, I honestly wasn't all that enthusiastic. I usually end up spending money on stuff I don't need. But you were so charming from the beginning with scooting your adorable 1 year old out the door with his daddy, your somewhat obsessive cat, enormous dogs and welcoming smile that crinkles your eyes.
Here's the thing, and I haven't told you this before, but I totally misread you on first impression. I thought you were shy, reserved and far from the confident, sensual woman you really are. I knew you were a whole different woman, when you started acting out a particularly funny moment one might encounter in bed. THAT was a woman I wanted to photograph.
So I sent you a little voucher to show you what I do, and I was ecstatic when you called. I was in Florida visiting family and my kid had barfed on me that morning (twice). So to say it was the highlight of my day would be the understatement of the year.
We did your consults and tried on the new teddy I had from Yandy.com and a super sexy shaper skirt that seemed like it was made for you. We found you a pretty lacy little bra from Claudette, because as you pointed out, you hadn't really lingerie shopped since before your baby. Your curves made your lingerie look beautiful.
You mentioned you had done a boudoir shoot before, and I got so nervous. It's always a bit intimidating to photograph someone who has expectations in place. But I think we nailed it. How about you?
Thank you to you and your wonderful-adoring-husband-of-the-year (and good luck to his dreams of being a test pilot... so cool).
Makeup by Edgar Campos Hair by Andrew Madvin Photography by Leslie Cersovski
Miss A | 50 & Fabulous
Lovely A, We met at a networking event aaaages ago... the food was kind of terrible, but the company was great. We talked about your work as a Rodan + Fields consultant and mine as a photographer. You mentioned enthusiastically that you had done a photoshoot years ago, and you had wanted to do it again. I wanted you to book then and there, but I had to be patient. After all, you're GORGEOUS and just about as sweet as can be. Patience is not my strong suit.
When I put out the model call for "50 and Fabulous," you answered, even though you aren't quite there yet. Although you don't do much to represent that demographic because you have the body of a 22 year old and the skin of a 30 year old. But who am I to argue with the opportunity to photograph such a lovely woman?
When we could finally make our calendars align, I was so excited. One thing I especially loved is that you told your husband and that I think he was excited enough for the two of us. He did everything from wardrobe advice to helping you see how beautiful you looked in your photos. I'm glad we got a couple of special ones with him in mind. Husbands deserve to be spoiled, too. Maybe you can drop some hints during the next Agent Provocateur sale, because that corset was pretty freaking stunning on you.
Your gentle nature led to a sensuality that was peaceful and sweet, but sexy all-the-same. Although I think our last set in the corset brought out a bit of daring in you. But who wouldn't when they look like that?
Thank you so much for modeling for me. I hope that you and Mr. K enjoy your folio box.
Makeup by Edgar Campos
Hair by Andrew Madvin
Photography by Leslie Cersovski
Miss A - Headshots
This is just a quickie post, because I wanted to share A's personal branding portraits. She has the most amazing skin, and credits it all to Rodan + Fields. Lots of women who are independent sales consultants for companies like R+F, Scentsy, Pure Romance, etc. don't have professional headshots, but they are remarkable business women who deserve to be taken seriously. First impressions are everything, so I made sure we got some fabulous photos she can use for work and her online presence. Makeup by Edgar Campos Hair by Andrew Madvin Photography by Leslie Cersovski
personal branding headshots by leslie cersovski in - 2016 - www.LavishBoudoir.com
personal branding headshots by leslie cersovski in - 2016 - www.LavishBoudoir.com
personal branding headshots by leslie cersovski in - 2016 - www.LavishBoudoir.com - Rodan and Fields
personal branding headshots by leslie cersovski in - 2016 - www.LavishBoudoir.com - Rodan and Fields
personal branding headshots by leslie cersovski in - 2016 - www.LavishBoudoir.com - Rodan and Fields
Miss T | Curves are Sexy
Dear T, Oh my goodness, I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you allowed me to photograph you. I never know when I'm going to meet my next client, but I certainly wasn't expecting it at a garage sale with workout clothes on and a kid in tow. I am so glad you stopped me. When you told me, "I've always wanted to do something like that," I knew we had to connect.
You've so graciously endorsed me to everyone from your sister to strangers, even before you stepped foot in my studio. But you'd plan to book, then change your mind, then plan, then change your mind. Finally, I knew it was in your heart to go through with it, but you needed a shove (I mean gentle nudge) in the right direction.
You did a quick shoot and that emerald corset from the studio looked so GORGEOUS on you. And of course we couldn't go wrong with white sheets. Your makeup was a bit overwhelming for a fresh-faced woman, but I knew you'd love it in the finished product. Red lips + blue eyes = magic
When I forbade you from making hurtful comments about yourself, it's because those are unkind things for a person to say about a woman I consider a friend. A human with so many beautiful physical and emotional qualities that I personally adore. If a stranger had walked in and said something like that to you, I'd have slapped him.
The day of your photo reveal, I could tell you held your breath. Somehow, despite your enthusiasm for others to book, you had no idea what to expect.
You cried, I cried... and I couldn't have been happier to show you just how sexy you are. It was an honor to be trusted by you. I know that was no easy task.
Makeup by Edgar Campos Hair by Andrew Madvin Photography by Leslie Cersovski
