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I got to spend Saturday in K.’s boudoir (okay, really her bedroom  ). The weatherman had called for rain, which had me worried, but we had gorgeous sunshine for the whole session (almost). Even if it had been grey, there were so many windows there that we still would have gotten beautiful shots!
As I wrote on Perfectly Natural Photography, I like to start out a session with the “beauty shots” - close-ups of the face. This helps ease us both - nervous clients and me - into the sessions.
We do lots of closed-eye shots because I love the look, but also because it’s easier to have pictures taken that way. 
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I just had to share this boudoir portrait that has become a current favorite of mine. Actually, they’re almost all favorites but this one is a different style than the rest, so I thought it would be fun to share.
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Just sharing a sneak peek from Saturday’s boudoir session; I can’t wait to process the rest it!
Subscribe to the Fig Leaf Studio feed (the orange button at the top right of the page) for information, upcoming specials and samples of my work.
I took my kids to the Foothills Mall for a late lunch today, specifically to check out what the shops had to offer in the way of boudoir props and found more than I bargained for (and most of it is a bargain)!
I went to Angels first, which is across from Sears and Chick-Fil-A. I knew I wanted to get some cosmetic glitter for a session I have tomorrow, but I started noticing all the other products they carry that would be great for boudoir. Not only did they have tons of shades of cosmetic glitter and fun fake eyelashes, they had great sexy stilettos (and tons of beautiful shoes), colorful options for fishnet stockings and even some lingerie items.
Eventually, the kids talked me into taking them to the kids Play Place (is there an official name for it?), but I made them go to K-MOMO first. This little store is tucked away in a corner by the Glo Golf place and is absolutely full of sexy clothing; I daresay that everything in there is sexy. 
Their prices are unbelievably inexpensive! They’ve also got great shoes and jewelry that would be wonderful for your boudoir session. And just in case you’re looking, they’ve got gorgeous gowns - for women and children - in the back of the store. I’m glad my daughter got stuck with her brothers at the mirrors, or she would’ve been begging me to get her one.
The last store I’m going to mention (though this is certainly not an exhaustive list of stores with boudoir-style clothing) is Hot Topic. They had the cutest little skirts that would be super sexy in your photos! They also had wonderful corsets (though I think it was meant for dance wear?) and other sexy little outfits.
One more resource I found out about (after getting home) has to do with makeup, and this one is FREE!
If you go to the Origins makeup counter in Macy’s, they will do your makeup for you at no charge - can you believe that? I asked if they are able to do “dramatic” makeup, for those of you who prefer to go all-out for your session, and I was told that they can and do. They don’t have a lot of the brighter blues and greens that you may be seeing places, but they are certainly able to do smoky eyes for you.
The two women who work there who specialize in doing makeup are Nizhoni (the wonderful woman to whom I spoke) and Kayla. Nizhoni told me that it will take about 20 to 30 minutes for your session, and that you don’t have to schedule a session, but you may want to call them and do so.
Of course, being the ‘green’ woman that I am, I had to recommend Origins; it’s a wonderful company and they have fantastic products. However, if you are interested in some of the brighter cosmetics, you might contact the MAC counter (also at Macy’s) to see if they offer similar services. 
In a related post, I’ll soon list a few shops for you to check out in Old Town.
It’s soooo fun for me to check out all these shops and imagine you all wearing the clothing and using the props I see, but it’s hard for me to choose what to buy (to have available for you) because everybody’s style and size is so different. I’m sure I looked really out of place - a housewife and her three kids - shopping in these trendy stores , but it was worth it to find such wonderful resources for you!
If you get a chance after scheduling your session, go check these stores out. It will make your boudoir portraits!
Subscribe to the Fig Leaf Studio feed (the orange button at the top right of the page) for information, upcoming specials and samples of my work.
You’re excited - you’ve finally got your boudoir session scheduled! But now you’ve got so many thoughts running through your head - what to wear, what props to bring along, how are you going to wear your hair, do you *really* want to do false eyelashes?
There’s so much to think about to plan for what’s going to happen during your session that you may not consider what you need to do to prepare for your session until it’s too late.
That’s where this post will come in handy - with tips on things you can do that will help you get the most from your session.
- Wear loose clothing the day of your session. Tight - or even form-fitting - clothing will leave marks on your body, and we want your skin to be as smooth and flawless as possible. If you’re comfortable doing so, go without underclothes; this little secret of yours might even help you get into a sexy mindset.
- Drink plenty of water the day of and in the days before before your session. This will ensure that your skin is hydrated, which will also make sure your makeup goes on more smoothly and your skin has a healthy glow. You might even consider exfoliating (gently!) a few days prior to your session and moisturize before getting dressed on the day of.
- Be sure to eat before your session. Not a huge meal, but the session will take a while and you’ll need your energy to hold some of those fantastic poses, so eat at least a light meal. And feel free to bring snacks with you (that won’t mess with your makeup).
- Regarding hair removal: if you plan to do this, you’ll want to do it at least 6 hours before your session.
- Stay away from the sun in the days before your session. While a sun-kissed look is often pleasing, it won’t be in your photos. And while I do touch up your photos, sunburn is difficult to fix well.
- Consider how your fingernails and toenails look. It’s not necessary to get a manicure or a pedicure, but make sure everything is neat and clean. A clear polish will only add to your photos.
- I learned this next one while preparing for my wedding day: before doing your hair and makeup, put on a button-up shirt. This will ensure that neither will get messed up when you remove your clothing.
- If you use a white deodorant, eliminate it the day of your session! Then your clothes and your skin will remain the colors they should be.
- Feel free to bring a friend, if you think it will help you to relax. Music that gets you in the mood to move is great, too!
- The following are a good bet for clothing and props: black undies and bra, your partner’s shirt (or other special clothing, maybe work related, i.e. a tie, his uniform shirt, sports-related clothing/props, etc.), boy shorts. Don’t be afraid to use color, either!
The main thing is to relax and know that you’re going to have a ton of fun and will look absolutely gorgeous! If you’ve been through a boudoir session and have tips you’d highly recommend, please share them in the comments below.
We will discuss clothing and props in more detail after you’ve booked your session with me, but feel free to contact me if you have any questions at any time!
Subscribe to the Fig Leaf Studio feed (the orange button at the top right of the page) for information, upcoming specials and samples of my work.
I thought it might be helpful to the women of Northern Colorado to understand why I want to specialize in Boudoir Portraiture.
To sum it up in one word, it would be “shameless”.
But to expand on that…
I want to help every woman feel drop-dead gorgeous. I want ALL women - no matter her shape or size or age - to have the opportunity to see herself as she truly is: Absolutely Beautiful.
 "My Man's Hat" (personal parts covered for client privacy) Without the shame that our society says we “should” feel if we’re not the current standard dictated by Hollywood and advertising.
Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, and therefore really can’t be defined; it can only be lived, enjoyed, experienced. And everybody’s idea of beauty is different.
A year ago, as I began my deeper study of photography, I began to see how beautiful everything is. I would walk around the mall and want to go up to everyone I saw - the stay-at-home-mom, the goth teen, the sullen old man - and tell them how beautiful they are! I still feel this way, but don’t act on my impulses due to societal standards.
Last August I had the opportunity to work with three pregnant women, which was the first time I got to photograph women by themselves, without their families. I was in heaven during our sessions, having a total blast as I got to focus all my attention on them and watch them absolutely shine under my direction!
It was all I wanted to do after that. Then I was introduced to Boudoir Photography.
I knew immediately that it was the direction I wanted to go. We are bombarded by images of what is supposed to be considered sexy everyday. We need to be show the world that there’s not just one kind of sexy!
Most important though is we ourselves need that reminder.
We get caught up in life and kids and work and we forget how beautiful we are; maybe we never even knew. We begin to believe that we should feel bad that our bodies don’t look like society’s idea of beautiful or sexy, and we hide it away so we don’t offend other people.
That’s just crazy! We are beautiful and sensual and amazing!
We need to celebrate ourselves, shamelessly!
So there you have it - why I’m so excited to make boudoir portraits a specialty.
Subscribe to the Fig Leaf Studio feed (the orange button at the top right of the page) for information, upcoming specials and samples of my work.
THIS OFFER IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE; THANK YOU TO THOSE OF YOU WHO TOOK ME UP ON THE OFFER!
If you’ve ever thought about having boudoir portraits made, now is the time!
I want to build up my portfolio and I want to get more experience doing boudoir before going “full force” soon.
Hence, I’ve created a special offer for the first three two ONE person who respond and pay.
I still haven’t completely settled on session prices, but I know it will likely be at least $250, possibly more (definitely if I decide to include it in package prices), which will cover my time and talent only.
I will eventually offer makeup and hair styling services done by professionals.
The minimum order for prints will apply.
My special offer for the first three two ONE woman who contacts me and pays is
- $150
- half price prints
- no minimum order required
- You will need to either do your own hair and makeup, or have it done before our scheduled session.
Before you say yes (or no ), I want you to realize that these are NOT the typical “glamour” portraits that you might think of, typically done in a studio. These are natural light portraits, which are a lot softer than studio lights.
We will work in your home with the available light, your furniture, etc. Your house will need to be clean(ish) and clutter free, and your child/ren will need to be cared for elsewhere (sorry, but I already learned this lesson LOL).
A session could take from 1 to 2 hours. If you feel your home isn’t the right place for this, we could do it at a friend’s home or at a hotel. I’m hoping to check out a hotel near me soon that seems to have wonderful afternoon light; for this special, you will most likely be required to book and pay for the room (this may not be so for regular sessions, though other photographers typically do… I haven’t decided yet).
You would need to bring your own lingerie and props (I’ll make suggestions as to props), though I have a few things on hand.
Your session would be scheduled in April or May, either on a Tuesday or weekend afternoon. You need to pay the session fee in full up front; I will put this money toward training materials specific to boudoir photography. I need to have all three two ONE more payment before starting the first session in order to purchase the materials.
If you have any questions at all, please ask away. I’ve tried to cover everything here, but in my hurry (and constantly distracted by my kids), I’ve likely forgotten something. You can ask questions in the comments (where everybody can read my replies) or you can email me at barb@figleafstudio.com for a personal reply.
Hurry! I expect these three two ONE spot to fill up quickly!
Subscribe to the Fig Leaf Studio feed (the orange button at the top right of the page) for information, upcoming specials and samples of my work.
I’ve been given approval to share a few more photos from my first session, so I thought I’d share one with you today.
Remember to subscribe to the Fig Leaf Studio feed (either for your reader or by email, up in the top right-hand corner) for updates, announcements and sneak peeks.
As always, feel free to let me (and my client!) know what you think in the comments below.
Subscribe to the Fig Leaf Studio feed (the orange button at the top right of the page) for information, upcoming specials and samples of my work.
I’m still working on things - a little gallery, finding associates, and location ideas - but I’m super excited to make Boudoir Photography available to the gorgeous women of Fort Collins and surrounding areas, so I’ve decided that March is when Fig Leaf Studio is going to open officially.
Just to give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a sneak peek.
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Subscribe to the Fig Leaf Studio feed (the orange button at the top right of the page) for information, upcoming specials and samples of my work.
I am so excited to open Fig Leaf Studio - the boudoir and glamour photography division of Perfectly Natural Photography!
I started dreaming about doing such work late in the Summer of 2008. So many of my clients commented about how they “weren’t models” or that they didn’t like photos of themselves. All I could see from my side of the camera (and computer ) was amazing, beautiful women, and it surprised me that they couldn’t see what I could see.
During and after many of my regular portrait sessions with women, I was told that I made them feel beautiful while in front of my camera, and that they have never had - or it’s been a long time since they’ve had - such a wonderful photo of themselves.
I was disheartened by this. I think everybody should feel great having their portraits made, and I wanted the world to see what I could see.
Of course, I realized that we all have what *we* see are our flaws, and many women have trouble seeing their own beauty because of them - exactly like not being able to “see the forest for the trees”.
After contemplating this, I knew it was my job to show them that they are gorgeous, vibrant and sexy.
I’m very excited to step into this area of photography and am glad that it’s in vogue! I truly hope that every woman who comes to me for boudoir portraits leaves their session feeling gorgeous and loves her portraits so much she wants to show them to the world!
Subscribe to the Fig Leaf Studio feed (the orange button at the top right of the page) for information, upcoming specials and samples of my work.
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