long day

Have spent today adding the option to pay by credit and debit cards online. I hope this will give my customers more options on how to pay for their shoot and any products.

Also gearing up for 2010, our price change will occur on 5th January 2010 so if you wish to take advantage of our 2009 pricing and even book for next year you can before this date.

We are pretty happy with our current product range we have a new coffee table album which will be with us soon and a few other things in the pipeline but you will have to wait till next year for those, I wont make the keeping you in suspenders joke ... promise!

Lastly our referral scheme will be implemented in the new year, current customers have already had the information but we will be posting it on the blog in January.

Boudoir Photographer Interview Emma Jones -Miss Boudoir

Next in my series of interviews of fabulous boudoir photographers is Manchesters Emma Jones. Emmas work was an inspiration to me and kind of prompted my own journey into boudoir, because personally I think her work epitomizes 'Boudoir'.

Anyway as always from the person herself, a bit about Emma..

I graduated from Tameside College in 2003 and became self-employed photographing models, bands and actors on location while freelancing to another company shooting weddings.

After 2 years of stressful weddings, bands paying me by means of alcohol and countless model shoots, I yearned to undertake a more interesting type of photography, more rewarding and to find my true purpose. That came in the form of boudoir and vintage glamour.

In Jan 2007 I took a gamble and moved into a new premises. A complete wreck of a place. No electrics, walls, no anything but dirt and darkness. By March we’d (myself, family and friends) managed to transform it into a very personal and unique vintage studio.

2008 saw the renovation of a second room, doubling the size of the original studio.

2009’s current project is a separate, larger premises which is in the process and will hopefully be ready for Autumn and the arrival of Miss Boudoir x™

So lets start with the obvious, why Boudoir?

I’ve always been interested in the human form, lighting it and capturing the mood. But the main push was the number of requests from my model and portrait clients asking for more of a lingerie-glamour style.

I decided to get a bigger studio, undertake the lingerie/glamour but add my own personal interest into the equation which is anything vintage and opulent.

How long have you been photographing Boudoir?

Since March 2007.

How would you describe your style?

Vintage, bold verging on dark, slightly gritty and seductive. Maybe a bit of dreamy in there too.

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

Products, weddings, music photography, portraits, models/fashion, hair and beauty and actors headshots.

More about you, where did you grow up?

Mossley “in’t thills” would be the translation. Basical

ly a small town right on the edge of the Pennines with a very high population of over 65’s.

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

I have never undertaken boudoir on location, only in my studio. Regardless, I think I would always prefer my studio because I would have all my props and lingerie to hand.

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

No, I think its infancy was possibly the summer of 2008. A high number of wedding and portrait photographers now undertake boudoir as an accompaniment to their usual services… and why not?

It reminds me a bit of the venture style invasion; the contemporary white backgrounds became fashionable for funky, highly saturated portraits and exploded everywhere, boudoir seems to be similar.

What’s your favourite boudoir pose?

I don’t really have a favourite boudoir pose. I can only use cert

ain poses with clients if those poses match their personality. Sometimes clients improvise on the directions I give and together we’ll produce a shot that will give me goose bumps. That resulting pose or shot would be my favourite. So I’ll say my preferred pose differs from client to client.

Can you show us some of your recent work?

Do you have a favorite photographer living or dead?

Anton Corbijn and Henry Cartier Bresson. 50/50

What is the best thing for you about shooting Boudoir?

Seeing the personality transformation from when a client arrives to them leaving. When my clients have finished their shoot, they can’t quite believe what they have just done! They become the conquerors - bouncy, confident and ready to take on anything, which is usually a big meal after posing hard and eating healthily for 4 months!

Knowing I have found a way to make a difference to someone’s life or 2 people’s lives is beyond any dream I can have.

Does anyone or anything influence your photography?

OOOO, this is a hard one! I take my influences from everyday life, films, dreams, random crazy ideas I have and the people I photograph.

I think I am slightly old fashioned (if you’d like to call it that) and I believe that what is around us, including emotions is the main influence for many things. Without the desire to please, love, share, change, create and achieve, I know that my photography would be none existent.

My family and partner are definitely on the list. Their belief that I can “make it” and do some good keeps me building, expanding the business and trying new things.

Who is the most important person in your life?

My parents, sister and my partner Colin. I could never choose just one.

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 undertake some glamour photography but in a vintage style with a contemporary twist, therefore I have no problem with people saying I’m a glamour photographer if they want to.

What I am not is a page 3 photographer. When you say “glamour” to the general public, they think of The Sun newspaper. I explain that what I offer is similar to a Marks & Spencers lingerie advert cross with burlesque and pin-up with a splash of allure. Some people say “that’s cool, I bet you have fun doing that” and others look at me like I’m an undiscovered life form from Mars.

Regardless I have no problems with the type of work I do and enjoy it thoroughly.

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

I really have no idea! For my sessions, I’m more of a solo photographer who likes no distractions and maximum communication with the client.

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

Yes I am a complete hoarder/collector of lingerie!! I must have over 400 lingerie and costume items and Lord knows how many props. The unfortunate things is, I only have half of it on display because I cannot fit the rest in my current studios. However my new premises has a large room solely for wardrobe, which I already know is going to be my play area!

Favourite item, again this is a very hard question. I can’t possibly pick just one; it’d have to be a complete look (can I get away with that?) – a vintage style all in one pale pink net body with bows, fishnet stockings, my very high pink stilettos and one of the black V shaped hats with netting off my dresser.

PC or Mac?

I use both. My first ever computer was a PC (I was 11) but my first work computer was a Mac. I trained on Macs and have been using them for about 9 years now.

For me Macs are the day to day and my PC is there because I like to use that to check things on and for recreation. I also feel it’s important that I keep up to date with both operating systems.

Until the other week, I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t go back to using a PC, even though they’re cheaper and are complete workhorses. Now I know… a Mac you have some form of working relationship with whereas a PC is just a machine.

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

Sleeping. I work everyday from the moment I get up to the moment I fall asleep. If I have a day off, I will most likely be going for a hair cut and trying to spend some time with my partner.

The very odd Tuesday I will do the local pub quiz but that is once in a blue moon!

I like cooking and creating so if I had the chance, I’d get some cherry scones baking away and then make a prop for my studio.

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

Be original. Never undersell yourself. Listen to your client. The most important for me is passion – treat your photography with passion, don’t just see it as a job. Love for what you do will shine through in your photos. Give 500% to each client and be prepared to go the extra mile if it’s going to make someone very happy!

If you would like to see more of Emmas work, visit the links below

www.missboudoir.com

www.missphotography.com

Emma, thank you very much for taking the time out.

Boudoir Photographer Interview Ivana Bencic

Todays interview is with Croatian photographer Ivana Bencic, Although she hasnt been photographing Boudoir for very long, I just love her style and choice of locations.

As always I ask my guest to tell me a little about themselves:

I was introduced to boudoir photography just last year as something that should be connected with weddings, brides etc. But I didn’t “understand” much about it because Croatia knows/shows nothing about boudoir. But it wasn’t until The Boudoir Divas workshop which I attended, that I realized how amazing this is and how really I want to do it. My goal is to specialize in boudoir photography, but I’m just at the beginning J

So lets start with the obvious, why Boudoir?

Too much magazines, commercials, movies, people… telling women how they should look. Boudoir changes the perception of the world today. If only women had an inch of self-esteem which could tell them that they don`t have to look like “that and that” to be attractive/pretty/beautiful.

How long have you been photographing Boudoir?

Now and then for about a year. Strongly for three months.

How would you describe your style?

Sensual, soft, ladylike, chic.

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

Concerts, weddings, places, portraits. A lot.

More about you, where did you grow up?

Zagreb, Croatia. Still living here.

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

Both!

Boudoir photography is still in its infancy in the UK, How is it seen in the Croatia?

If in UK its in infancy, in Croatia it`s a fetus

What’s your favourite boudoir pose?

Girl lying on her back and looking mysteriously above and back at the camera

Can you show us some of your recent work?

Do you have a favourite photographer living or dead?

Lillian Bassman, Gregory Colbert...

What is the best thing for you about shooting boudoir?

Transformation of 'thorns to roses' Making women laugh and happy. Making women feel good about themselves. Seeing the reaction: " OMG this is me?!" :)

Does anyone or anything influence your photography?

I'm influenced by art, architechture, women and french photography

Who is the most important person in your life?

It`s hard to pick just one. I guess I`m lucky having few.

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?

If they see you here on the street with a great dressed lady, they would think glamour, fashion, editorial… never boudoir. I explain it`s boudoir and hand them my business card.

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

Too many to choose.

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

Nope, they provide it for themselves. But I LOVE corsets and high heals.

PC or Mac?

PC.

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

Actually I have a full time job in a ticketing company and a part time job as a photographer. Photography is rarely a good money-making job in Croatia.

Any can't live without’ pieces of equipment?

My Fuji S3 camera, Sigma 18-50 mm 2.8 lens and Nikon Speedlight SB 28DX flash.

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

Go to the Boudoir Divas workshop first. It will all come clear then and there.

More of Ivanas work can be found at :

www.ivanabencic.com

http://ivanabencic.blogspot.com

Thank you very much for taking the time out

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.

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 !