Last weekend I got together with Mary of White Peach Photography to do a boudoir photo shoot. Mary is a photographer whose specialty is boudoir, and she is a super-talented woman! This was my second shoot with her, the first being at the start of her interest in this type of photography.
If you’re not familiar with the concept, it’s a genre of photography that has been around for awhile. The idea is to photograph a model in her (though it could at times be his) boudoir—a private bedroom, sitting room, or dressing room—catching her in her skivvies more often than not.
While these types of photos are often desired by ladies to send to their lovers (probably most frequently as a wedding-related gift) they can also be solely for the eyes of the model. Just feel like having a bunch of photos of yourself looking pretty—or downright smoking hot? Consider dropping your trousers and posing for a photo. I don’t doubt that some people find it to be a narcissistic activity to get these types of pictures taken, but I think it’s something that everyone has the right to do at least once (or 10 times really) in his or her life. It can be a needed confidence boost for some or just a lovely reminder of one’s allure. It may just be a new and different experience, something you’ve never tried before.
The professionalism that Mary brings to her art would make anyone feel comfortable — even in the lightest of lingerie. She also works with makeup artist Jessica of War Paint to create some stunning looks. Even though I insisted that I look clownie with eye shadow, Jessica convinced me that I only look clownie when I do my own eye makeup because she knows what she’s doing with a makeup brush! Now I’ve decided I need someone to do my makeup every morning (and my hair, while we’re at it)!
The thing about working with Mary and Jessica is that they’re both super talented and incredibly professional but they are also really fun. Mary showed up with coffee and pastries from Patisserie 46—which you should eat as often as possible, by the way—and we made a day of it. I had a really enjoyable time posing in my drawers under the instruction of Mary with Jessica’s thoughtful opinions and help distracting my dog Ninja from getting in all the pictures.
If you’re considering a boudoir photo session but are at all nervous about it, just talk to Mary and she will ease your concerns! I can tell you that you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in and you will get to approve your makeup and express your desires for the looks, as well as getting to proof your photos and pick the ones you like. If you think boudoir photography might be something up your alley, holler at Mary and tell her I sent you!
Photo by Katarlina Järvinen (Creative Commons)
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