This time of year I have lots of request for boudoir sessions. With Christmas behind us and Valentine's day right around the corner, many women use boudoir images as a sexy, sultry gift for the significant others, which I think is pretty awesome! These sessions are also common gifts among brides for their soon-to-be spouse.
Just a reminder that on January 18th and 25th I will be holding boudoir marathons, time slots starting at 3:30 pm. Sessions start at $170 and include an hour session 3-4 outfit changes, 30 fully retouched digital images and professional hair and make up. The location is a hotel setting.
So in some of my past posts I've talked about what boudoir photography is, as it is commonly confused for porn.... which just to retouch the subject, it is not. Boudoir photography is suggestive. It is sensual not sexual. I have also talked about so of the do's and don'ts before you sessions, such as moisturize is a big do and tanning at least two weeks before is a big no-no. With this article I'm going to talk about what to bring to your session.
1) Outfits! Bring lots of outfits! I personally am a huge fan of matching bra and panty sets. I own probably about close to 40 sets. They are a perfect classic for boudoir outfits! Have you ever put on a matching set on a day you feel a little blah, and somehow your day is magically transformed and you have a sudden bounce in you step just from putting on a matching set under your clothing for the day. That is the feeling and mood you want to bring to onto the set. And yes the matching sets are simple, but sometimes that's better. Corsets and teddies are also big hits. Corsets are especially useful if your tummy or waist line is a worry area for you. They are very slimming and help to create that 's' curve to your body which is an element in photos that really create an amazing photo. Vintage anything is also a wonderful touch and offers your an unique look for your images
Now of course, not every women in the world is just ready to just jump in front of the camera in her skivvies and it can certainly be intimidating to do so for a stranger. I do have the advantage of being female myself which does help give my clients some degree of piece of mind, however I still expect them to be nervous. And the nervousness does come across on the camera, so I always ask my girls to start off with their least favorite outfit and to bring an piece of clothing that covers them up a bit more. This helps clients feel a bit more comfortable. Men's dress shirts are perfect to start up. They are still sexy, and while they show some skin, the always allow a lot to be left to the imagination. Short silky dressing gowns are another great item to bring. They should be no longer then mid thigh though, you don't want to look like you're covering up for an unexpected visitor at the door. Tee's are also great too. You're S.O favorite t-shirt on top, a pair of cute panty's on the bottom are always a winning combination and it adds a personal touch to the images as well. And for those of you who are really shy, you can even start out with jeans and bra.
If you are the type of person a little more on the bold side, even just your favorite pair of undies can be enough. Just make sure you have a few other outfits with you too. And course if you are really bold you can also include a set that doesn't include an outfit at all! The important thing to remember is what makes a person most sexy is too confident so if you need to be a little covered at the start while you warm up and get into the groove of the session that is fine.
Also stockings can be a great addition to any outfit! Garter belts, knee high socks and men's dress ties are a few other things women often to set. I also think that fedora hats are awesome for boudoir sessions too!
2) SHOES! What woman doesn't like shoes!!!! Shoes add the finishing touch to your outfit. Make sure they match your outfits, its normally best to bring shoes of solid colours, but those with bows, lace and sparkles also add interest. Don't bring your flats, or your beach sandals, they won't go with the mood your are trying to set with your images. It's best to stick with heels. Now I know not all women can walk or in some cases even stand in 6 in high stilettos so even small kitten heels work. You want that extra heel as it helps extend your legs and makes them look longer, they also help with your posture. Sometimes even boots with heels can work, depending on your outfit. The material up the leg and around your ankle can add some extra support and making them a little easier to move in. But they only work for certain outfits, for example, they look great with corsets.
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3) Props. Sure outfits and shoes are major components to a boudoir session. But props add that little something extra and can also bring a personal touch to the photos. Try to incorporate something your partner loves or does regularly. The husband of one of my clients worked construction, so she took his tool belt and helmet and used those in her photos. Another's boyfriend loved country music so my client used a cowboy hat. Another's was a musician so she used one of his guitars. One girl used an e-cigarette and we bumped up with smoke with a fog machine. If you wan to go really above and beyond plan the whole session around something your s.o loves. One of my clients had a boyfriend that was really into cars and bikes. We did the whole session in his garage while he was at work. We used his cars and bikes through the whole session. It was awesome. Its also great to bring in something that speaks to you as well. One client of mine loved steampunk and a lot of what she brought to the session was steampunk related.
Not only do they add a personal touch but if you are really nervous they can help keep you mind off of that. Ever hear of the advice, if you nervous before public speaking hold a pen lid or paper clip in your hand and squeeze it. Same idea with here with the props. Scarves are great props to bring, lacy, silky or sheer material scarves are perfect for boudoir. Just stay away from cheesy things like roses or handcuffs.... unless your spouse is a cop.
4) This, that and the other. Bring some make up for touch ups, extra bobby pins or hair pieces. A bottle of moisturizer as well as a bottle of water. If you've done some research and have your heart set on a certain image or look, bring that too. As I do have my own ideas, I'm not opposed when my clients bring me an image, I might not always be able to recreate that image for them, based off of location or time or lighting conditions but I do my best.
Keep in mind that because my marathon sessions January 18th and 25th are taking place at a hotel, time slots are limited so book now to insure you have a slot.
Just a reminder that on January 18th and 25th I will be holding boudoir marathons, time slots starting at 3:30 pm. Sessions start at $170 and include an hour session 3-4 outfit changes, 30 fully retouched digital images and professional hair and make up. The location is a hotel setting.
So in some of my past posts I've talked about what boudoir photography is, as it is commonly confused for porn.... which just to retouch the subject, it is not. Boudoir photography is suggestive. It is sensual not sexual. I have also talked about so of the do's and don'ts before you sessions, such as moisturize is a big do and tanning at least two weeks before is a big no-no. With this article I'm going to talk about what to bring to your session.
1) Outfits! Bring lots of outfits! I personally am a huge fan of matching bra and panty sets. I own probably about close to 40 sets. They are a perfect classic for boudoir outfits! Have you ever put on a matching set on a day you feel a little blah, and somehow your day is magically transformed and you have a sudden bounce in you step just from putting on a matching set under your clothing for the day. That is the feeling and mood you want to bring to onto the set. And yes the matching sets are simple, but sometimes that's better. Corsets and teddies are also big hits. Corsets are especially useful if your tummy or waist line is a worry area for you. They are very slimming and help to create that 's' curve to your body which is an element in photos that really create an amazing photo. Vintage anything is also a wonderful touch and offers your an unique look for your images
Now of course, not every women in the world is just ready to just jump in front of the camera in her skivvies and it can certainly be intimidating to do so for a stranger. I do have the advantage of being female myself which does help give my clients some degree of piece of mind, however I still expect them to be nervous. And the nervousness does come across on the camera, so I always ask my girls to start off with their least favorite outfit and to bring an piece of clothing that covers them up a bit more. This helps clients feel a bit more comfortable. Men's dress shirts are perfect to start up. They are still sexy, and while they show some skin, the always allow a lot to be left to the imagination. Short silky dressing gowns are another great item to bring. They should be no longer then mid thigh though, you don't want to look like you're covering up for an unexpected visitor at the door. Tee's are also great too. You're S.O favorite t-shirt on top, a pair of cute panty's on the bottom are always a winning combination and it adds a personal touch to the images as well. And for those of you who are really shy, you can even start out with jeans and bra.
If you are the type of person a little more on the bold side, even just your favorite pair of undies can be enough. Just make sure you have a few other outfits with you too. And course if you are really bold you can also include a set that doesn't include an outfit at all! The important thing to remember is what makes a person most sexy is too confident so if you need to be a little covered at the start while you warm up and get into the groove of the session that is fine.
Also stockings can be a great addition to any outfit! Garter belts, knee high socks and men's dress ties are a few other things women often to set. I also think that fedora hats are awesome for boudoir sessions too!
2) SHOES! What woman doesn't like shoes!!!! Shoes add the finishing touch to your outfit. Make sure they match your outfits, its normally best to bring shoes of solid colours, but those with bows, lace and sparkles also add interest. Don't bring your flats, or your beach sandals, they won't go with the mood your are trying to set with your images. It's best to stick with heels. Now I know not all women can walk or in some cases even stand in 6 in high stilettos so even small kitten heels work. You want that extra heel as it helps extend your legs and makes them look longer, they also help with your posture. Sometimes even boots with heels can work, depending on your outfit. The material up the leg and around your ankle can add some extra support and making them a little easier to move in. But they only work for certain outfits, for example, they look great with corsets.
3) Props. Sure outfits and shoes are major components to a boudoir session. But props add that little something extra and can also bring a personal touch to the photos. Try to incorporate something your partner loves or does regularly. The husband of one of my clients worked construction, so she took his tool belt and helmet and used those in her photos. Another's boyfriend loved country music so my client used a cowboy hat. Another's was a musician so she used one of his guitars. One girl used an e-cigarette and we bumped up with smoke with a fog machine. If you wan to go really above and beyond plan the whole session around something your s.o loves. One of my clients had a boyfriend that was really into cars and bikes. We did the whole session in his garage while he was at work. We used his cars and bikes through the whole session. It was awesome. Its also great to bring in something that speaks to you as well. One client of mine loved steampunk and a lot of what she brought to the session was steampunk related.
Not only do they add a personal touch but if you are really nervous they can help keep you mind off of that. Ever hear of the advice, if you nervous before public speaking hold a pen lid or paper clip in your hand and squeeze it. Same idea with here with the props. Scarves are great props to bring, lacy, silky or sheer material scarves are perfect for boudoir. Just stay away from cheesy things like roses or handcuffs.... unless your spouse is a cop.
Keep in mind that because my marathon sessions January 18th and 25th are taking place at a hotel, time slots are limited so book now to insure you have a slot.
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