Confidence is sexy.

I shot this session with my lovely and beautiful friend Janelle a few months back.  I have been hesitating posting them because of my own hangups.  I am sure to the eyes of someone who is not a photographer, they look great.  The thing is, I am a natural light photographer.  I shoot all natural light with no help from a flash, external light, etc.  This session?  It was completely spur of the moment, took all of 15 minutes and was shot at 9pm at night.  That’s right – with no natural lighting!  I DO own a flash for those few times I need it, but I honestly forget I have it because I use it so little.  I did a little bouncing with it, though, and am pretty happy with the results.  Janelle is just too beautiful not to share, though – so here they are!  We will be re-shooting soon, as this was just for fun and during one of our girl evenings where we drink wine and catch up.  So please, don’t judge the shadows and harsh light!

I first met Jade over 2 years ago, as I was the photographer for her wedding.  She is just as feisty and fierce now as she was then, and it’s something I wouldn’t change about her.  She makes me laugh endlessly and is such a fun girl!  I was super stoked when she booked a boudoir session, because I knew it would be colorful, sexy and full of fun, just like her personality.

So flirty and beautiful!

I love the little details.  And do you see her leggings?!  KILLER!

Confidence really IS sexy.

Jade LOVES Hello Kitty, so I knew we HAD to incorporate it into her shoot somehow.  How adorable is this?!

A lot of ladies really want to do a boudoir shoot, but the thought of how to go about it really makes them anxious.  This is just a little break down of what you might want to do to prepare for a boudoir shoot.  You’ll see that it’s really laid back and you don’t have to do any big planning at all!  Of course, these tips may not work for everyone, as it all depends on what look you’re going for and what you want your results to be.

-Shave the day before.  I say the day before because if you happen to get any little red bumps, they’ll be less noticeable the next day.  I do edit all of my images, though – and would never leave anything embarrassing on the end result, should something happen to sneak into the shot!

-Go through your wardrobe and pick out your favorite pieces.  It can be your favorite shirt and a pair of panties that match.  Black and white underwear are always staples and can be paired with anything.  Also, choose your favorite jewelry, as that helps spice up the shoot a little.  If you’re married and wear them, don’t forget your wedding rings, as they make an extra special cameo in your shots!  Also, props always add a little more fun to a shoot, especially if you know what look you’re going for.  I also own quite a few, so we can discuss before hand what ideas you have in mind and see what we can incorporate into the shoot.

-Feel free to treat yourself for this special occasion.  Go shopping and see what you can find and what makes you FEEL beautiful and sexy.

-Do a little research for poses you like.  You can find inspiration anywhere!  Search online, look in magazines or even store sales papers.  If there are certain poses you LOVE, write them down or print them out and don’t be afraid to bring them to the shoot.  I am all for trying new things and you never know when that will be THE shot!

-If you vouch for my usual packages, they include professional makeup, provided by my MUA.  If you are having your boudoir session done under a discounted special (as seen below), hit up the local mall about an hour before your shoot and have your makeup done at the makeup counters!  The ladies there are super talented and you can have your makeup done for free!  There are plenty to choose from, but one of my favorites that I can personally recommend is Sarah at the Benefit Cosmetics counter at Hanes Mall here in Winston Salem.  As for hair, try making an appointment at your local salon for the morning of your shoot.  Get yourself a sexy up-do or simple blowdry and get your makeup done and then you’re ready to go!

*As a side note, I highly recommend false eyelashes.  They really do make your eyes and expression stand out and are super flirty.  They may look a bit much in person, but on photo, they are the PERFECT final touch!  If you are worried about putting them on yourself, either my makeup artist or one at a makeup booth would be more than happy to help you.  Something simple and natural, yet full is best.  No sparkles or diamonds are necessary.

-Invite a friend over.  Feel more comfortable with a friend there to help boost your confidence?  I don’t mind at all, as long as they are female.  The reason being that this is a very intimate and personal shoot and I don’t want to put myself or you into an awkward situation.  If your friend would like a shoot as well, talk to me about friend discount rates and we can make a boudoir-party out of it!

-Relax!  Have your favorite wine or a mimosa close by and have your favorite music ready to turn up!  It really is very laid back and FUN, so don’t be afraid to laugh and enjoy yourself!

That’s really it.  Simple, isn’t it?  It is a very relaxing and fun experience and before you know it, it will be over and you’ll wish it wasn’t!  These are just a few tips, but I hope they help and can help you better understand that you really don’t have to do much work at all, but have an idea in mind, show up, have fun and enjoy yourself!

And because posts are better with pretty pictures;

I wanted to offer a little something to all of the lovely ladies before this beautiful weather ends.  Sure, it’s been an extremely hot and sticky summer, but you can’t help but feel good when your skin is a little sun-kissed and you can go swimming for hours a day!  To show my appreciation for the support I have gotten for my boudoir photography lately, I wanted to offer a special before the summer ends.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask!  Otherwise, there are a limited number spots available, so be sure to book while you can!

***Prices valid only within 30 miles of Winston-Salem, NC.