Basic Boudoir Tips

Travis Hill May 10, 2011 Boudoir photography has taken the industry by storm! If you havent began offering these session you need to do so. Boudoir session are great for the bride to be, the model portfolio, the new body, and tons of other marketing strategies! So I thought we would take a look at some tips and ideas for having that perfectly glamourous boudoir session! As with all photography there are some basic key elements that make up a boudoir session Dress it hot- From flirty to dirty what your client/model is wearing sets the stage Ambient light- You wont find a lot of harsh lighting in these session, keep it soft, dreamy, mysterious The look- Boudoir is about feeling and looking sexy, make sure to focus plenty on that look in the eyes and face Posing- For me when I think boudoir posing I think Renaissance art, take a look at early era paintings for some very sexy yet beautiful poses Location Location Location- The second most important element in creating a certain look is location or setting, it is easy for boudoir to look like smut, that is not what you want Ideas: Classic Pinup- Pinup is becoming increasingly popular. It is a really fun way to tell a story and create a complete scene, Pinup is also usually more bright and colorful verses the more dark, soft, seductive look of traditional boudoir Leather or Lace- Not every client is looking for soft and flowy, keep in mind to get to know a bit about your client and their idea. It is their session! A client who wants a soft dreamy look may not be comfortable if you put them in a leather cat suit, no matter how much you think it will be an awesome session. More or Less- Some clients will be comfortable in a bra/pantie set, some more so in a cover all teddy, while others will be excited to go full nude. Again it is your job to know your client, if they are unhappy or uncomfortable it will show through the photographs and nothing you do will bring that client back to you. Slow & Steady- With this session, take your time, making your client feel beautiful during the entire session is just as important as the final images! Stop, Look & listen- As with any session, pay attention to your clients desires, uncertainties, and suggestions. Helpers- For Boudoir sessions I always recommend the use of a helper as well as a hair and makeup artist!

Boudoir Photography + Hotels = Amazing

Travis Hill September 6, 2010 Images By Critsey Rowe Critsey is an International photographer and has photographed weddings around the world for over ten years. She started her Couture Boudoir brand due to the high demand of her Fashion Boudoir sessions. One of the leading photographers in the industry, Critsey Rowe coined the phrase Couture Boudoir with her elegant and gorgeous shooting style. Her work has been published in many popular magazines, including Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Todays Bride, Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, You and Your Wedding London, plus

many more. She is a featured photographer on Platinum Weddings and featured several times on My Fair Wedding with David Tutera on the WE Channel.To see more of her brand Couture Boudoir please visit her website Critsey is offering several workshops starting this fall. To get on the official newsletter please email [email protected] Image 1. Look how this image is posed. Do you notice the lines? Critsey had the subject place her arm against the wall, what this does in mimic the line of the wall you see in the foreground of the image. Mimicking natural aspects of the environment is a great way to help posing

Image 2: This subject is directed to look away from the camera, looking out of the frame can evoke a feeling of mystery. Also take notice that the subject has her knees together and her feet apart. This creates an exaggerated sitting position.

Image 3: I love this pose, take notice to the angles, her arms are bent at a 90 degree angle, as well as her hips? Strait and static limbs lack feeling, jazz it up and have your subject bend their arms, legs, and hips.

Image 4: Check out the lines in this pose! Notice how the lines in the window intersect directly at the subject. Now look at the subjects arm. It is mimicking not only the widow lines, but the buildings in the background. Placement of a subject (or composition) can dictate how you should pose them. Pay attention to every detail in the scene.

Image 5: This is one of my all time favorite poses. Notice the bending of the knee and the arms. Are you seeing a pattern yet? Remember to have your subject arch their back as Critsey had her subject do in this photo. If the subjects back was on the flat on the floor this photo would not be nearly as sexy.

Image 6: Check out how Critsey used the light to help make her subject look more slim. Notice the S-curve in the subject. By having your client push their hips to one side it will emphasize the curvature of the female body.

Image 7: Check out the exaggeration in this pose, notice all the bends in the arms and legs, as if the model is falling off the chair. Exaggerated poses can add to a photo with negative space, it helps with composition because your eyes naturally are drawn to the subject.

Image 8: This is a perfect example of posing your subject to match the environment. Notice the curves in the windows, notice how the subject is mimicking them. Look at the bends in the legs and hips. What would the photo look like if the subject legs were straight?

Image 9: The use of two types of lines are evident in this pose. The leading line effect draws you into the subject, and the vertical lines of the curtains add to sexy pose.

Image 10: Notice how the subject body is turned towards the light and she is drawing her hand up her leg.

8 Ways To Spice Up Your Boudoir

Travis Hill September 3, 2010 I want to thank our guest blogger Desiree Hayes. She is a very cool chick, and an awesome boudoir photographer from San Diego. Take a minute to check out her blog for more inspiration.

For me, the hardest part to boudoir is getting a spicy look from the client. I mean, Im a chick, Im a stranger, and I have a big black box (camera) in front of my face while squinting my eye to see. Thats not sexy at all. Add in some nerves, which is totally normal, and the fact that most women are not used to posing their face and its even more difficult. Here are some tricks I use and I hope they help you, too. 1. Glass of champagne. Trust me, it helps. Just one though. 2. Get the laughs out first. Everyone wants to laugh. Its a nervous habit, they feel awkward at first. Laughing breaks the ice. Tell a funny story, joke, or scenario. Dont forget to take a couple of laughing shots while you are at it.

3. Some clients have natural sexy eye built in but some dont. If they dont, I give a scenario to explain the look I want. For example I will say Pretend a random guy at the bar just bought you a drink, what expression would you make? If that scenario doesnt work, try another. What ever it takes to put them in a situation where they give the eye. If that still doesnt work, I suggest attempting to raise one brow. The look you make when you are attempting to raise one brow is usually a pretty sexy one.

4. With couple boudoir, its a little easier to achieve that spicy look. Their partner is already right there and the spicy expressions seem to come a little more naturally. The almost kiss is also a great pose for couple boudoir to add some spice.

5. Ask the client to slightly open their mouth. If you look at any magazines with models, such as Victoria Secret, you notice slightly parted lips (the ones on your face!) in almost every image. It helps relax the jaw line which makes the client appear more relaxed and adds a level of spice.

6. Boost their confidence. Lets face it, confidence IS sexy! Again some people have this built in but most dont. Clients get worried about their stretchmarks or their scar from 1992 or whatever it may be. Remind them through out their session that they are workin it. A little Thats hot! keeps encouraging them on. Truthful compliments during the shoot are helpful too. Dont go overboard though, it comes off as creepy.

7. Vowel sounds. Look in the mirror while saying the vowel sounds SLOWLY and watch your expression. AAAAAH makes an innocent but sexy expression, OOOOOH and YOUUUU also gives a more sexy look.

8. Pay attention to sexy details. The lace at the top of a thigh high, the way someone licks a lollipop, killer heels, whatever it may be.

How To Pose Plus Size Girls for Boudoir

Travis Hill August 28, 2010 Images By: Tammy Warnock Please dont discredit plus size gals, because they are just as beautiful as anyone else! Tammy Warnock from Southern California gives us a step by step guide to posing plus size women to show their true beauty. Please check our her website, and her blog.

One Posed on her side, upper knee forward with her arm blocking off her tummy. The softness of an air mattress helps her to sink in and appear thinner.

Two Same as pose number one but taken from the side. Have the subject rotate her shoulders towards you. Again, arm blocks off tummy area.

Three Variation of number two a little closer up. Great for apple shaped women.

Four close up head and shoulder with her looking out of the frame. Very flattering for every body type.

Five This woman is laying back on the arm of a chaise lounge. Turn her head towards you stretching her chin up so that her brow doesnt crease. Breasts block off tummy area.

Six Head and shoulders with sheet covering tummy area. With the shoulder pressed forward and her eyes down cast, it shows a demure sexy look.

Seven Have your subject lay on their back with their head tilted back. Use the arms to gently prop the breasts up. Then photograph them from directly above their head. The breasts cover the tummy area nicely in this pose.

Eight Another head and shoulders shot. Use the bra strap and hair to mask problem areas at the arm pits. While keeping their forearms on the bed surface, as them to stretch up as much as they can comfortably. This slims out the upper body, neck and face.

Nine close up of face. Its subtle that shes wearing only a bra and panty. Ask the subject to stretch her chin out as much as comfortable and rest it gently on her hand. The hand and arm block off the neck and chest area and the crossed legs in the background give it a sexy touch.

Ten Use a medium-sized vanity mirror to show what is flattering and hide what the subjects trouble areas are.

Eleven Nude bridal boudoir. Possible even for plus sized ladies. The hand and arm cover the upper chest, the shoulder pressed forward smooth out the back and the veil makes the image soft.

Boudoir Posing- Boudoir Divas Style

Travis Hill June 18, 2010 Boudoir Posing for all body types | The Divas Top 4 Tips! Excerpts taken from The Posebook, by The Boudoir Divas | Divas Blog We love coaching our clients through the shoot experience! There is truly nothing better than to watch the incredible transformation that can take place through a boudoir session. As photographers, we are given the opportunity to watch this change in a woman, as she moves from insecurity and nervousness to an obvious new-found confidence. Hearing her say that she feels beautiful well, hands-down, that is the best part of this job. With over 300 boudoir shoots under our belts, we know that coaching your client through the session is just as important as mastering your lighting and capturing the shot with a correct exposure. If our clients look uncomfortable, or if they have a stiff expression, the image will begin to lose impact. It is our job to create flattering poses and to coach our clients throughout the shoot, in order to produce a beautiful piece of artwork that she (and her hubby!) will love. We actually dont even like the term posing, because we know that posing goes beyond merely

putting someone the correct position. Thats why we like to refer to posing as coaching. We really do take on the role of a coach with our boudoir sessions. A boudoir shoot is quite a bit different than a regular portrait session. With boudoir, your client is most likely going to be very apprehensive about doing this kind of a shoot! She will need reassurance that it is ok to feel nervous, and that every girl is nervous before the shoot! As the photographer, it is our goal to coach her through the experience, and to give her direction and feedback so that she can feel at ease and have fun with the shoot. The Divas Top 4 Posing Tips & Tricks 1. Demonstrate

If you get on the floor and actually show your client what you want her to do, it will make things a whole lot easier! She will get an idea of what you have in mind with the pose, and its also a great way for you to just have fun and connect with your client. Instead of just playing the role of director you are getting more involved in the shoot if you demonstrate. 2. Dont Shut Up

This is SUCH an important thing to learn. The moment you grow quiet, your client is going to immediately start second-guessing herself. You really do have to give her constant feedback so that she will be at ease. She needs to hear your encouragement! 3. Have fun

When were shooting, we always make it a point to not take ourselves too seriously. Instead, we let our silly, quirky personalities shine through and above all, we have fun! If you are having fun, we guarantee that your client will notice, and she will feel the freedom to also let go and have fun with

her shoot. We know this might not come naturally for everyone at first, but it is a great long-term goal! 4. Never Say Never mind

If you get a gal in a pose and then realize its not the most flattering pose for her, do NOT say never mind. If you do, her confidence will deflate, and she may be hindered through the rest of the shoot. Instead, simply take a few shots, then move on to the next pose, all the while giving positive feedback.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Susie March 18, 2010 Looking for sets and props for your boudoir studio? Adding a full-length mirror can add variety and dramatic posing options for your clients for a very small investment. Boudoir photography is all about creating sexy images of women usually in lingerie or provocative outfits (like a little black dress). A mirror can really fit the romantic mood you are trying to create in your

images. Large full-length mirrors that can be propped against the wall are the most versatile. Your model can pose as if she is getting dressed (or undressed) in front of the mirror. Have her pose as if she is adjusting her lingerie or just checking herself out in the mirror. Remember to have her stand very close to the mirror so you can get both her and her reflection in the frame. Play around with your focus. Try using a narrow depth of field and having only her reflection in focus. Try different poses. Have her face the mirror, looking into it, or have her turn around, back to the mirror, and face you. This is a great pose for those outfits that have detailing in the back.

There are some things to be aware of with mirrors. Be mindful of what is in the reflection. You dont want yourself, the camera, lighting equipment or other sets to show. I solved this problem by putting my mirror in the corner of the room and standing on an angle so the wall on the side is what is being reflected. I also use a three-paneled dressing screen parallel to the mirrors front. This blocks off the hair and makeup portion of my studio and also gives a place for models and clients to change.

Lighting can be a challenge. You can use the reflective properties of the mirror to bounce light onto your models face. If your mirror is in the corner and your walls are light-colored you may only need one light to the side. The walls will bounce the light and create enough fill to eliminate dark shadows. Experiment by moving your lighting around. You can come up with some beautiful and dramatic effects. Mirrors are inexpensive (mine was purchased at Ikea for less than $100), take up a small amount of space in your studio, double as a mirror for your clients to use for changing and are portable. Have fun experimenting!