Kerrys Boudoir Session

Well this shoot took place a few weeks ago, but as it was a special surprise for her hubby to be, I couldnt post it until after the wedding, Hope everything went well Kerry and your enjoying your honeymoon.

Your own vintage shoot - new package

You may have noticed that my products and packages have had a bit of an revamp this month. Some new product images and also after researching what you, the client wanted a few new packages thrown into the mix.

The lastest package I think is fabulous, if you have ever wanted to become a 50s pin up girl or fancy yourself more as Marilyn Monroe.

Kareena ( featured in my last blog post and also website vintage gallery) who is also a make up artist will be working with me to give you the authentic hair and make up for your photo shoot. Accessories and props will also be available as will some wardrobe and you will be shown how to pose for the era.

More information can be found on my website http://www.boudoirbyhelen.co.uk/pricing.html

Vintage boudoir photo shoot

A fellow photographer who is just starting out her career joined me yesterday for a studio shoot with model vintage model, Kareena. Amanda mostly photographs dog obedience and is a dog trainer herself, she wants to get more experience photographing people.

Kareena has the most fantasic range of vintage wear in her wardrobe, not to mention her flame red hair, and we got to shoot some of it. Here are a few of my images.

Boudoir Photographer Interview Leah Stafford

Our next interviewee is boudoir & wedding

photographer from Lakemore Ohio, Leah Stafford.

Leah tell us a bit about yourself,

When I was planning my wedding in 2007 I picked up a

camera and took some pictures. Thinking nothing of it, I just kept going. It was a good hobby in the midst of wedding planning. My husband saw the images and not even a week later I had a new camera and was on my way. I started doing engagement sessions, babies and anything else I could get my hands on. I never thought it would turn into a full time career not even 6 months later.

Little did I know, 4 months later my best friend would ask me to do a session for her. I have never even dabbled into boudoir yet alone really looked at any boudoir pictures. She wanted it done for her husband overseas but I turned down the opportunity a couple times. Finally, I knew I had to give in and I am so glad I did.

Ever since then I've been traveling the US doing sessions. It's such a joy to have people who believe in you and in return I pass on the belief to my clients. Every women is sexy!

So lets start with the obvious, why Boudoir?

Honestly, when I started off doing weddings, I never thought I would be doing boudoir. Now I specialize in boudoir and it's roughly 90% of my business. I wouldn't have it any other way. Boudoir needs to spread and reach women everywhere. If I can do it one client at a time then that's the way it shall be done!

How long have you been photographing Boudoir?

January 14 2008 was the first day I ever shoot boudoir.

How would you describe your style?

Fun, sexy, timeless. I want images that won't age over time and make you think, “what was I thinking?” I love to use color opposed to dark black and whites and I love capturing details of the corset, thigh highs, etc. These are images you'll look at 40 years from now and still love!

What did you photograph before you got bitten by the boudoir bug?

I was a wedding and portrait photographer.

More about you, where did you grow up?

I was born in the Milwaukee suburbs and when I was still a baby we moved to Florida. My mom, dad and 3 siblings lived there for 7 years before going back to Wisconsin. Then 4 years ago I moved to Ohio after Eric and I dated long distance for awhile. Now, Lakemore, Ohio is our home.

Do you prefer to work in studio or location when it comes to Boudoir?

I have been doing on location boudoir for about a year now. I have done marathons in Chicago, DC, Boston, NYC, Charlotte, Orlando, San Francisco and Kansas City. With the travel comes the use of lots of hotel rooms. It's always a new challenge though because the space is never the same. Now I have a studio and it's a blast incorporating what I have learned from shooting in so many hotels. I think work in hotels can really open up your creative side though. I go into the plainest hotel room and come out with some hot images!

Boudoir photography is still in its infancy in the UK, how is it seen in the US?

We still have a long way to go here but it's definitely becoming more known. When people ask what I do, I definitely get a raised eyebrow. It's always fun explaining what boudoir entails. I think I need to carry a little album in my purse from now on....

What’s your favorite boudoir pose?

I love straight on shots. I believe that you don't need to be manipulated into some pose to look beautiful. I think the girls look the best straight on, capturing them just as they are. My 2^nd favorite pose would be having them lay on their back, head tilted slightly and look straight up to the camera. It's generally not a position most women are photographed in!

Can you show us some of your recent work?

Do you have a favorite photographer living or dead?

Um many! I could never narrow it down. There are way too many that inspire me on a daily basis.

What is the best thing for you about shooting Boudoir?

The best thing about boudoir is the clients. Everyday I am blessed with a different client and a new situation. It is my job to make them comfortable and break their guard down. Sometimes it's a challenge but who doesn't love a challenge. I am given the opportunity to make women feel beautiful. How is that not the best satisfaction ever?

Does anyone or anything influence your photography?

Everything. I really do get inspiration everywhere I go. During my Charlotte marathon I went into the mall with some friends.. At the Gap I saw an image that really inspired me so I took a picture with my iphone. I incorporated that into a session the following day.

Who is the most important person in your life?

My husband Eric. He is amazing beyond belief. :-)

I know here in the UK some peoples initial reaction is that I am a glamour aka nude photographer, do you get a similar reaction and how do you deal with them?

Like I said earlier, I definitely get a raised eyebrow. I need to explain it to most people and also teach they how to say boudoir. Once I tell people to think of pin up work then they really start to understand it. I've never had a bad reaction from it and in most cases it really intrigues the person and they only want to know more!

If you could shoot with any other photographer in the world who would it be ?

I am picking two! Wedding wise it would be Angelica Glass. Seriously, that girl has style.

Boudoir wise it would be The Boudoir Divas hands down.

Do you provide any wardrobe for your clients? If so whats your favorite item ?

The only thing I provide is jewelery from the ever popular, Forever 21. I always find that, that is the one thing that most girls don't remember to bring. Also, it's always fun to accessorize. I hope in the future to add more accessories and probably a size range of red heels. You always feel sexy in red heels!

PC or Mac?

Funny thing is, I used to hate MAC's. Now I cannot go a day without.

When you’re not working as a photographer what do you enjoy doing?

Relaxing! I love spending time with my husband and our 2 dogs. I'm very laid back and quite the homebody. We just moved into our new home so I love laying outside on the patio and also decorating! I enjoy reading travel magazines and I am a huge HGTV addict! Oh, I also love sports, especially basketball!

Finally any advice you would give to budding boudoir photographers wanting to start out?

Be patient, practice and be committed to the journey you're about to embark on. When I first started, my business bloomed overnight and there was no looking back. Remember your clients are the reason you are here and in this business, it's all about client satisfaction.

You can see more of Leahs work by visiting her blog and website:

http://leahstaffordphotography.com/#/intimates-main-flash/

Leah thank you very much for taking the time out.

50's pin up photo shoot

Had a great photo shoot yesterday, with Christina Lauder and Dom Needham, photographers from near Leicester. Our model was Sapphira Chattan who has a passion for 40s/50s .

Heres a few of my shots from the day.

Boudoir Photographer Interview Gill Taylor

Well Gill is the first UK boudoir photographer in my series of interviews, sit back, read and enjoy. 

Gill, tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a near-40 (did I honestly just admit to that)

 photographer based in the Midlands, UK.  I live with my husband

 of 14 years, my 2 cats and my puppy.  Photography has been my passion since high school, but I only started my own business and started shooting professionally in 2005 … I’ve never been happier in my work life than I am now, this is the b

est profession in the world !  I love bringing out the best in people, delving into who they are and showing them off at their absolute best.

My absolute favourite feedback from any client … “is that really me!” … truly satisfying and heart-warming !

Oh, some personal information … I’m a neat-freak, I love animals, I ride motorbikes and have tattoos (both of these things made my parents soooo proud LOL), I’m a very loyal  friend  and I’m a bit of a geek !  Not in any particular order.

So lets start with the obvious, why Boudoir?

I, like many other women, have a load of hang-ups about my looks, so when I was offered a boudoir shoot of me while I was in the States last year, I actually hid.  After some wine, however, I gave in and had a wonderful time !  The photos were amazing and I felt so good about myself that I wanted to offer other women the same opportunity.

How long have you been photographing Boudoir?

I actually did a bridal boudoir shoot in 2007 at the request of one of my brides but didn’t really start properly until 2008 when I got back from the States, having had my own amazing experience.

How would you describe your style?

Gritty, sassy, fun, sexy, intimate (hence Intimately You !)

What did you photograph before you got bitten by the boudoir bug?

Weddings and portraits, which I still do.

More about you, where did you grow up?

I was born in Belfast and lived in the suburbs there until I moved to Scotland in 1997 to be with my husband.  We now live in the midlands and I miss being close to the sea, every single day.  I grew up literally a 5 minute walk to the nearest beach, the sea has such a calming influence and the ability to just go clear the cobwebs and walk barefoot in the sand is something I wish I still had.

 

Do you prefer to work in studio or location when it comes to Boudoir?

I try to use natural light where absolutely possible for boudoir, so studio lighting isn’t really for me … I decorated a bedroom in my home to look like a high-end hotel room and that is where I do the majority of my shooting.  However, I really want toget someone brave enough to do an environmental shoot out and about somewhere really grungy

Boudoir photography is still in its infancy in the UK, do you agree?

This is interesting … some studios have been offering this sort of photography for years, but the awareness is starting to spread, women are getting braver about photography and actively searching out this sort of shoot.

What’s the oddest photographic request you’ve ever had?

Ah, I’ll never forget it … I got a call from a male prostitute asking for photos of him in his various posing pouches and little outfits *eek*

                   

What’s your favourite boudoir pose?

Lying on stomach, high heels caught up on g-string … man, that shot is just sexy through and through

Can you show us some of your recent work?

Do you have a favorite photographer living or dead?

Jerry Ghionis … I love how he ‘sees’ women, his posing and lighting techniques are amazing.

Mario Testino … his portrait work blows me away, particularly the use of grain and movement in his work.  Awe-inspiring

What is the best thing for you about shooting Boudoir?

Getting to know my clients, understanding their hang-ups and overcoming them together, seeing their faces as they check the back of the camera on occasion, getting their feedback and of course feedback from their “man”.

 

Does anyone or anything influence your photography?

The above photographers’ work.  I’m also a people-watcher, I love seeing how people move and hold themselves.  When I’m watching something on TV or in a movie, I’m looking to see how they lit a certain scene and how they place people in order to get the best out of them.  High end fashion magazines (Harpers, Cosmo, etc) are also a favourite source of inspiration.

 

Who is the most important person in your life?

My husband, best friend, accountant and biggest supporter, John.

Sometimes the initial reaction from people on the street is that I am a glamour photographer, do you get a similar reaction and how do you deal with them? 

I truly thought this was going to be a problem when I embarked on boudoir photography, but I’ve not encountered this.  Yet.  To be honest, there is a fine line between what we do and glamour, I think boudoir is just a little more tasteful and a little less obvious.

 

If you could shoot with any other photographer in the world who would it be ?

Mario Testino

 Do you provide any wardrobe for your clients? If so what’s your favourite item?

Mostly, I tell them what to bring.  However, I did have to loan one client a pair of stilettos for the g-string shot and another had to borrow a rather sexy Calvin Klein see-through bra/knickers set – very hot !  Oh, and Ione of my husband’s crisp, white shirts always gets an airing.

 

PC or Mac?

PC

When you’re not working as a photographer what do you enjoy doing?

Playing with my dog, drinking wine, watching a really good movie snuggling on the sofa with the family (2 cats, a dog and a hubby), surfing my favourite forums and driving.

Any ‘can’t live without’ piece of equipment?

50mm 1.2 canon lens … my favourite boudoir lens.

 

Finally any advice you would give to budding boudoir photographers wanting to start out?

Have a shoot done of yourself, first and foremost, it truly helps you appreciate you’re your clients are feeling in front of your camera.  Practice on your friends.  Have confidence, clients won’t trust you if you aren’t.

 

More of Gills work can be found on hre website and blog:

http://www.gilltaylor.co.uk/   

Gill thank you very much for taking the time out. Thanks for asking me to take part !