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.

admin 9/15/16 admin 9/15/16

Miss A | Boudoir

People have been asking how long I've been a boudoir photographer... and I surprise even myself when I say 6 years. Holy cow. That's a long time. I knew basically no one, but I needed a portfolio. So I dug around on some modeling websites and found A. We had a collaboration with Randi Buchanan (makeup artist) and decided to go for it. She was the first model for whom I started coaching emotion. Not only was she aaaaadorable, but she was so sweet and totally trusted me. That might have been when I knew this genre was for me. Thank you, A, for trusting me and being my guinea pig. I still love these photos, even though it's 6 years, and 3 studios late.

admin 8/2/16 admin 8/2/16

Why does mom always come last?

Recently my puppy (who isn't really a puppy anymore considering he's 11) got pretty much torn apart by a wild dog or coyote. Because he is my baby, I never had any doubt that I would do all that I could to save him, including draining my account and racking up the credit card debt. It was never even considered that I wouldn't spend everything I had (and some that I didn't) if it would save his life. After all, money is just money and there are always ways to earn more. But I cannot lie, it stressed me out to see those bills and a $10 balance in my checking account. So I started thinking of ways to save money...

Cut out my gym membership
Stop getting my hair colored for a while
Sell my belongings

WTF!!! Guess what never occurred to me, cutting back on any of the extravagant things I do for my boys. After a long and rejuvenating run at the gym, I realized just how little I was loving myself (as a verb). I was willing to feel like a stressed out and unfit lady with stripper roots, but wasn't willing to not buy my kid every expensive snack option he desires. Not that those are dollar for dollar comparisons, but let's face it... he can live without buying EVERY KIND OF CRACKER there is.

So, instead of doing any of those things, I focused on the positive. Being grateful that my puppy was on the mend and that all it took was money and some incredible doctors. I also realized that I deserve things that make me feel good. God is generous and the universe is abundant; why would I need to sacrifice myself for a dog? And guess what... 3 weeks later... my debts are paid and I'm on the way to building up my accounts again.

So here's the takeaway, YOU ARE WORTH LOVING and you are worth showing the love. Take a moment to think about the things that make you feel good (and it can't have anything to do with sacrifice for others). Be grateful, then think of other ways to show yourself that you deserve nice things.

PS: This is Gus Gus... he's cute but a total asshole and REALLY lucky I'm his mom.

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admin 8/1/16 admin 8/1/16

Collaboration of Artists - Leslie & Kathleen

I am part of an online community of brilliant entrepreneurs and overwhelmingly talented artists. A few weeks back, Kathleen Hennrick from Oregon and I connected to use our talents together to create beautiful watercolor art from my photos. An elegant and discreet art piece was the product. I believe every woman should have a beautiful portrait on their wall, to remind them every day of their beauty, strength and sensuality. However, I understand that with families and visitors, it's not always practical to display my photos on the wall. But this.... oh how I'm just swooning.

Whenever I create a new and special product, I want to be sure it suits my clients. You're the one who matters. So I'm offering it exclusively for an upcoming event with limited space available.

Please call Leslie at 866-930-7060 for information or stay in the loop with our newsletter:

admin 6/27/16 admin 6/27/16

Great things never came from comfort zones

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Get out of your own damn way because...

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.

admin 6/16/16 admin 6/16/16

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. ;-)

admin 4/28/16 admin 4/28/16

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?