5 things to do before your boudoir session

April 25, 2018

Richmond, Virginia Boudoir and Beauty Photographer

These are the 5 things I suggest every woman do before her boudoir photo session.

1. Relax! For real!! You’re in good hands here and it’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re going to laugh and talk and probably lose track of time because we’re having such a good time. It’s not going to be as hard as you might be building it up to be. So breathe deeply and relax.

2. Get a good bra fitting. This one is especially important if you haven’t had a fitting in the last 2 years. If you have recently gained or lost weight, or built muscle, or if you just don’t know what looks good on you anymore. Tell the fitter what you’re doing and what you’re hoping to achieve with your wardrobe looks. Most of the local lingerie shops know who I am so tell them about it. It’s exciting for them to help you shop for this occasion too. Try more than one store and don’t give up until you find a bra that makes you say “Hell yeah, this is the one”. Oh and don’t forget to get the matching pantie while you’re there.

3. Treat yourself to a mani/pedi. Go to your favorite salon and treat yourself to a relaxing day of pampering a few days before your session. This will help get your nails and toes looking fabulous for your photos, yes we’ll see your nails quite a bit. It’ll also help with tip #1.

4. Shop early. A lot of my clients tell me that shopping for lingerie is one of the most intimidating parts of this process. I suggest you start early. Try on new styles. Go to several local shops. Even places you wouldn’t normally think of for lingerie can have hidden gems. Remember too that your bra and pantie set is really more of a foundation piece and not so much a lingerie item so only bring 1 knock out set. Try to order some more unique, fun, pieces online. If you start early you’ll have plenty of time to return items you didn’t love or to get things in another size. We also do a style consultation before your boudoir session so you’ll have a pretty good idea of where to shop and what to look for before you even set out on your shopping adventure.

5. Become mindful of your inner dialogue. I’m talking about they way you talk to yourself. Do you say things like “I’m to fat to try that kind of outfit” “I don’t have big enough boobs to pull that look off” “My stomach is gross””My butt isn’t big enough/to big”. Those “I’m to much” or “I’m not enough” messages can kill your self esteem and stress you out before your session. My suggestion, stop. Stop saying mean shit to yourself. Stop it today!!! If you wouldn’t say it to your daughter, sister, or BFF, then you need not say it to yourself either. Turn those thoughts around. It’s inevitable that we’re going to think negatively from time to time but we can stop those thoughts from becoming our words. If you utter a hateful thought to yourself, apologize to yourself, and replace that negative thought with 3 kind statements, say them out loud too. When you work toward speaking more kindly to yourself it will help you start to treat yourself more gently and forgive your “imperfections”. Work on loving yourself better and eventually it’ll become your regular way of thinking.

Richmond boudoir is the sexy side of 422 Studio. Located in Richmond VA and serving up boudoir, aka beauty, glamour, intimate portraits, lingerie photos, what ever you’d like to call it since 2007. Let’s get you into the studio for your very own confidence boosting photo session.

To old for boudoir?

April 23, 2018

Again don’t take my word for it.

ME: What would you say to another women who was considering doing a session with me?

MISS K: Don’t worry about how old you are or how much you weigh. Feeling confident, sexy and beautiful is for everyone.

That’s right! It’s for everyone. You are not to old.

When Miss K came to the studio to be a part of my studio Ambassador program I was super excited. A. because I’d worked with her 8 years prior and I LOVE having the chance to see clients again years later. And B. because she answered my call for women over age 50. I photograph women over 50 on a regular basis but rarely get a chance share their images. Hence my asking specifically for this gorgeous group in my call. One of my goals in my boudoir photography work is to show women at various stages in life in all their beauty, as they are, TODAY. Not 10 years younger or 50 pounds lighter, fitter, tanner. Nope!!! Right now! Right here! As you are, so shall you be seen.

I personally think a humongous part of why we as women tend to fear aging is that we seem to not exist publicly after age 40. Maybe not you and me specifically but we are rarely represented as sensual, vibrant, sexual beings post 40. The portrayal of women largely goes from hotties in their 20’s to the subdued soccer mom and on to safe grandmas. There are so few “hot moms” and even fewer “hot grandmas” or even just seriously gorgeous women over 40. There is not enough representing the middle in TV or major ad campaigns. Seriously!!! Why? The women I know in this age group (which is most of my friends since I’m going to be 45 this year) still got it. We are still sexually active, still sultry, still sensual beings and still wanting to be seen.

Ladies I’m here to tell you I see you!!! I see you and you are more than the labels you have acquired to this point. First and foremost you are a radiant, sensual, woman. Let’s let her shine. Bright!

Want to read more of what Miss K had to say about her day? Following all of her hotness is her Ambassador interview so scroll to the bottom to read more.

This beautiful necklace/body chain is part of the studio accessories closet and available for you to use at your session.

Me: Favorite piece of lingerie you brought for your session?

Miss K: My absolute favorite lingerie item has to be the plum colored chemise from Torrid. I love the black cage on the bodice and how comfortable it is.

ME: Why did you pick me for to be your photographer?

Miss K: I love your work and have wanted my own Tushy Tuesday photo for a few years now.

ME: What prompted you to do an Ambassador session rather than a private session?

Miss K: I was following your posts and reminisced about how much fun I had when you did a Pinup photo shoot for me almost eight years ago, then you posted that over 50 models were still needed, that was all it took for me to say yes. I am already thinking about when to schedule the next one.

ME: What were you nervous about coming into the session?

Miss K: Believe it or not, I was most worried about falling over in my shoes!

ME: What was something you did to calm your nerves before your big day?

Miss K: I went shoe shopping because my feet would not cooperate with the shoes I had planned on wearing.

ME: What would you say to another women who was considering doing a session with me (Muse or private)?

Miss K: Don’t worry about how old you are or how much you weigh. Feeling confident, sexy and beautiful is for everyone.

ME: What did I do for/with you that was most helpful?

Miss K: Having you mirror my breathing while shooting was extremely helpful to me. I seemed to hold my breath and focusing breathing helped more than anything.

ME: How did you feel when you left the studio the day of your session?

Miss K: Glamorous and sexy is the first thing that comes to my mind. I received many compliments the rest of the day.

ME: What is the best thing you took away from your session?

Miss K: Self confidence.

ME: What could I have done better?

Miss K: I can’t think of anything you could have done better. I walked away extremely satisfied with the experience. I had fun and was comfortable, what more could anyone ask for?

As you can clearly see age isn’t a factor in whether or not you can do a boudoir photography session. Well other than being 18+. Our beauty evolves as we age but it does not evaporate and we are still worthy of being admired.

And now some of my favorite quotes by some fabulous ladies.

‘The weird thing is, you get more comfortable in yourself, even as time is giving you less reason for it. When you’re young and beautiful, you’re paranoid and miserable. I think one of the great advantages of getting older is that you let go of certain things.’- Helen Mirren

“We live in a youth-obsessed culture that is constantly trying to tell us that if we are not young, and we’re not glowing, and we’re not hot, that we don’t matter. I refuse to let a system or a culture or a distorted view of reality tell me that I don’t matter. I know that only by owning who and what you are can you start to step into the fullness of life. Every year should be teaching us all something valuable. Whether you get the lesson is really up to you.” —Oprah

“I’m baffled that anyone might not think women get more beautiful as they get older. Confidence comes with age, and looking beautiful comes from the confidence someone has in themselves.” -Kate Winslet

Step Away from the lingerie

April 15, 2018

I want to tell you that it’s ok to not want to wear only lingerie for your session. It’s ok to not like complicated lingerie. Of course it’s ok to love those pieces too but today we’re going to chat about ways to style your session when you don’t love those things.

Many of my clients bring items like sweaters, jackets, skirts, little black dresses, leather biker gear and gym gear for their session. Part of what makes your styling successful is that it’s YOUR style. What ever you feel sexy, confident and beautiful wearing is up to you. If you want to bring your favorite leather vest to wear with your tall boots and panties that is totally up to you. I’m am more than happy to help you style your session so that what you’re wearing really feels like something you’d wear. If you are happier in a white tee than you are in a corset then let’s get you in that tee. We might get it wet and rip it up but it will feel more authentic to your style if you’re wearing pieces that speak to you. I always tell my clients that what matters most is that you feel confident in what you’re wearing.

Here are some non-lingerie wardrobe ideas for you.

Sweaters: Sweaters are a fun way to start a look and to change up your bra and panty set. They can have a seasonal vibe too if you want that. I know we’re coming into spring right now but if you’re thinking about your session for the holidays a big cozy sweater is a great way to give a wintry vibe without going over the top and wearing an elf hat or a sexy Santa costume (please, just no). There are so many great sweater options and you probably have one lying around in your closet.Jackets & Vests:

I love a good leather jacket or vest. They add that total badass babe vibe to your set. Pair them with tall leather boots and we’ve got a great look. Of course fuzzy jackets are fabulous too and can bring a fun fashionable look to your set. Want to step outside? Trench coats are a classic addition that helps us pull that off even more discretely. You can wear lingerie, swimwear or just nothing but your skin under your jacket it’s your call.

Shirts:

These can range in style from your favorite flowy boho blouse to his work shirt to the classic wet tee shirt look. It’s a great way to ad some variety for a couple of shots or to use in stead of a sheet set.

Skirts: A skirt or Little Black Dress is a perfect boudoir pairing. Plus it makes for a great transition to what ever you’re wearing underneath.

Gym Gear: Strong is sexy!! Bring your hottest workout gear and use that as an outfit if you like.

I’ll say it again, styling your session is all about what speaks to you, what you feel sexy and confident in. At your style consultation we’ll cover what that looks like for you. Email me today and let’s start designing your ideal boudoir session.

Intimate Portrait Photographer VA

April 2, 2018

Hello gorgeous! We used both the light and dark sides of the studio for this beautiful womans session and she made both of them look amazing. I mean wow just wow!! She rocked the whole entire thing. I love when a session ends and there are so many gorgeous images that we can’t narrow them down. Then when that same fantastic woman signs a model release I get super super happy. I actually have a little dance I do lol. It’s not a pretty dance but it’s happy. Now check out her images and let’s get talking about how to make this happen for you too.
I absolutely love the outfits she chose for her session. This red really compliments her skin tone and you just can’t go wrong with a black body suit. Both of these outfits came from Victoria’s Secret.

Feel Sexy Now Without Losing 15 Pounds

April 1, 2018

How to feel sexy now, without losing 15 pounds first

When I ask women what is holding them back from having their own boudoir session, one of the most common responses I hear is that they want to lose 15 pounds first. Throw in another number if that sounds like you, 10, 25, 50. I’m here to tell you stop. You are allowed to live your life, feel good about yourself and yes, even feel sexy, WITHOUT losing a dam pound. Not one! Here is how we’re going to start ditching the notion that we MUST be smaller to be sexy. I can help you start your self-love journey with these 3 easy steps (ok sometimes step 1 is not so easy).

Step 1. Let go of the idea that sexy has a size.

That’s right! Look away from the Instagram models and magazines that make you feel like your worth is tied to a number on the scale or the size in your jeans. It’s not! YOU are the only person who is allowed to establish your value so by all means set it high my friend. There is more to feeling sexy than those factors, a lot more. Confidence is sexy. Self assuredness is sexy. When you look up synonyms for sexy do you know what you see? You’ll see: mature, risqué, voluptuous, provocative, racy, sensual and a host of other juicy alternatives. You know what you don’t see? An age, a size, shit you don’t see a gender, race, profession or list of personal accolades. You already possess, in you, all that is required to feel sexy. Just look for it!

Step 2. Buy lingerie you feel amazing in.

I mean it! Buy the pieces that make you feel hot as hell. Get out and shop. Online and locally, until you find the pieces that speak to you. The outfits that when you put them on and stand in front of the mirror your first thought is DAYUM I AM SO HOT!!! I am here to help with this. So many women struggle to find the right lingerie for the job so we’ll do a style consultation for your boudoir photo session. I don’t leave you hanging on your own looking for the best fit or style. I got you! I’ve even got an online style guide to help you out.

Step 3. Have your photo session.

Spend the day with me learning to let your body feel sensual. Embracing your curves. Relaxing into the process of allowing me to capture your sensuality and beauty. Then hang these images of your gorgeous self all over your walls so you are reminded daily that you are a badass just the way you are. You are strong, confident, beautiful and yes sexy, all day, every day. Even in sweatpants with no makeup, still sexy, because it’s in you all along.

I give my clients homework before their session and it looks something like this. For the 2 weeks before your session you are not allowed to speak badly to yourself. I tell them “if you wouldn’t say it to your best girlfriend or your daughter then you are not to say it to yourself either”, and when the negativity comes into your head (which it absolutely will) shut it down and don’t speak it. Let the thought pass through your brain and right back out. Now look in the mirror and say 1 nice thing about yourself. If you slip and allow that negative thought to leave your lips part of the homework is to say 3 kind and loving things in its place. Turn that negative self talk off, for just these 2 weeks. Watch it improve your confidence and in turn allow your sexy to rise up. The boost you get from your session might just leave you ready to take on other things in life you’ve maybe been putting off. It’s a total boost to your self esteem and a great way to get your confidence back up.

Need more help falling in love with yourself? Click HERE to contact me and schedule your own no obligation consultation.

Want a supportive environment to practice your budding new relationship with yourself? Join my VIP Facebook group by clicking HERE.

Beautiful booties

March 15, 2018

I decided to do a few “best of” blog posts this year. I used to do a Tushie Tuesday post on the blog but now I keep that to my Instagram on the Tuesdays I remember to do it. I wanted to do one post that is a compilation of some my favorite booty shots over the years. This is also to give you an idea of what to look for when you’re shopping and want lingerie that will show off your assets (lol see what I did there haha). Booty shots are one of my most requested shots. When I ask my clients “what are some of your partners favorite physical attributes” the answer 90% of the time is “My eyes and my butt.”

For every type of booty there is a bottom that will show it’s shape best. When you schedule your session with me we’ll set up your style consultation and you can ask me for tips on choosing lingerie that is going to suit your style best. Everything from patterned tights to g-strings have their place in your lingerie stash and can all be booty enhancing.

Let’s start with the item that’s going to give you the most coverage and work down from there. Patterned tights! I love the way they look and here is why. They are curve hugging booty enhancers. Also great for when you want to be suggestive without showing off your goods.

Next up are slips and body suits. I love them for when you want a little bit of booty to peek out in the shots. They are especially fantastic at styling your outfits to really suit your personal style since they come in such a huge variety of styles.

Panties are classic piece for great tushie shots. They come in more styles and colors than I can possibly list and you can find fun ones pretty much everywhere. Whether they are a g-string, thong, boy short or bikini really just depends on how bare you’d like to be. It’s all about choices.

Adding accessories like this strappy body harness is a great way to get a super sexy look and completely change up a black panty.

Lastly is the one essential wardrobe item we all own, our birthday suit!! It fits everyone perfectly, requires no additional shopping and takes up no space in your suitcase making it the perfect way to dress your booty.

10 Tips for Boudoir Ready Hair

March 14, 2018

10 tips for boudoir ready hair

Victoria’s Secret model hair is synonymous with boudoir hair. We even say their models all have bedroom hair. I’m not sure about you but my hair never looks like that in the bedroom. Mine looks more like I’ve been caught out in a storm and maybe a family of birds is hiding in it. Of course for your boudoir session your want your hair to be gorgeous, big sexy hair, not bird nest hair. I’ve compiled a list, my top 10 tips, for making sure your hair is ready to be styled perfectly bedroomy in your pictures.

Share hair styles you like with your photographer and/or stylist prior to coming in for your session. Pinterest has great ideas for this.
If you color your hair, be sure to touch up your color 2 weeks to 3 days before your session. To early and you could have root re-growth, too late and you might have color residue on your scalp.
Don’t try a totally new look right before your photo shoot. If you hate the hair cut you won’t love it in the pictures either. Keep it simple with your pre-session trim.
Send your photographer and/or stylist a recent selfie with your hair down so they can get an idea of what sorts of styles may look best on you.
Use your favorite deep conditioning masque or hair treatment the week of your photo session.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drinking your water in the weeks leading up to your session can help everything from your skin and hair to your energy level. Stay hydrated!
Eat your fruits and veggies friend! Nourish your hair from the inside out. Not willing to eat your veggies? You may want to consider taking a multivitamin then.
If you have dry, flaky, scalp be sure to wash your hair more regularly. If that doesn’t work you may want to use a dandruff shampoo in the weeks leading up to your session. If you have any questions or concerns about the styling process please feel free to ask me. I’ll do my best to answer. If you have a medical concern about your hair, flaking that won’t stop for example, be sure to speak with your dermatologist for suggestions.
The day of your session arrive at the studio with clean, completely dry, hair.
Relax and get ready to feel glamorous and look amazing.

Richmond boudoir is a boudoir photography studio in Richmond, VA. Schedule your no obligation consultation today click HERE for my contact page.

Studio Ambassador Miss A

March 12, 2018

Model For A Day, Interview

I launched my Studio Ambassador program back in January. This interview is from the first woman to do her session. Miss A. Thanks again!

I have a fantastic lineup of wonderful women coming in over the next 2 months to do their boudoir photography sessions and to share their boudoir experiences with you all. I am so excited about this program. It is allowing “everyday” women to show you that a boudoir experience is for you too. You do not have to be a model to do a boudoir session. In fact, aside from a few select images on my site, everyone you see is a client who gave me permission to share her experience. Allowing me to show you that “real women” just like you can do this. I am loving these sessions already.

Miss A was the first one to come see me. She was nervous to start. As are the vast majority of my clients are. Miss Kelsea at K. Dayberry Bridal rocked out her hair and makeup look and then it was time to shoot. She did an fantastic job and it shows in her pictures.

Thank you Miss A for allowing me to share your experience with other women. You are amazing!!!

Don’t just take it from me though. Here are her words about the session:

Why did you pick me for to be your photographer?

While researching local boudoir photographers, your name kept popping up as one of the best. After seeing your work and being a part of your VIP group, I could tell that your beliefs that all women are beautiful and sexy and all body types deserve to be celebrated, aligned with my own.

What prompted you to do a Muse(Ambassador) session rather than a private session?

I jumped at the opportunity to apply for your Ambassador Rep program, because I felt many women could relate to me on one level or another. I am a 42 year old, mother of 3, grandmother of 2, not in the absolute best shape of my life, but I’m not getting any younger and I really wanted to do this for myself. I’d lost and maintained a significant amount of weight in the past 2 years, which is one reason I wanted to do this as part of celebrating that fact, as well as an attempt to accept my body as it is. I’m completely introverted and usually hate to be in front of a camera. So, I felt if I could step out of my own comfort zone and do this session it would prove to everyone that they could also do it. And they should do it.

Q: What were you nervous about coming into the session?

A: Honestly, everything! But, I was also excited.

Q: What would you say to another women who was considering doing a session with me (Muse or private)?

A: DO IT! You are worth it and you deserve it. Ginger was amazing to work with. I never felt judged, ashamed, or embarrassed at all during my session. It was so empowering knowing I was able to get over the voices in my head, that at times try to bring me down. To see the final product and the beauty Ginger was able to capture is the best feeling ever! It’s addicting too, You’ll be planning your next session before you leave.

Q: What did I do for/with you that was most helpful?

A: Showing me how to pose and just keeping the whole experience light and fun really helped keep my nerves at bay.

Q: How did you feel when you left the studio the day of your session?

A: I felt fantastic leaving the studio and already planning my next session in my head. Lol

Q: What could I have done better?

A: I don’t feel you could have done anything better. I feel I could have done things better.

If you want to tell us where your lingerie came from that’s helpful too. I know my ladies like to know where to shop.

Bralettes and panties from Torrid

Feel free to join my Facebook VIP group. Many of my previous Model For A Day clients are in the group and are happy to answer questions about what it’s like to do a session.

Welcome to the dark side

March 1, 2018

When you have images lying around that you never blogged and are completely in love with you go ahead and blog them. Better late than never. I had put some of these images out on my social media at the time we did them but I never put them here.

This session is a little older and features local burlesque performer Deepa De Jour. She came in to the studio to help me with a challenge. My studio has a very light and airy side and a dark and moody side. At the time we did this session I shot mainly in the light and airy room and the darker room just didn’t have it’s own vibe yet. I’d tried for years to love that space and it had yet to happen. I was trying to stretch myself in my shooting and to get this space finally sorted out. I needed to find it’s light. I decided to shoot in 1 corner of the dark side, only. I limited myself to just that one area and her to 1 outfit. Which, by the way, she made. Beautiful and crafty that one!! She’s made so many gorgeous outfits for her performances over the years though that putting this together I’m sure was no challenge for her.I told her what I wanted and she totally nailed it. I wanted to limit myself to this small space to see just what we could come up with on this bed. This is the session that honestly made me love shooting in this space. I absolutely love how the light wraps around the body barely touching it and highlighting all the best curves. I finally found the light in this room. I shoot in this space all the time now and love the images made in this room. I’m thankful she let me play that day. It really brought a whole new dynamic to how I shoot and what images I love most. The room decor has changed a bit but that sexy sexy light remains. Thanks for helping me find that light Deepa!

Couples Boudoir Favorites

February 14, 2018

Happy Valentines day to you all! I wanted to share some of my all time favorite boudoir images from couples sessions that I’ve shot. The intimacy we capture in a couples session is unique. Each couple brings a different experience to the table and I learn something new every time I work with a new couple. Many of my couples are returning clients where one of them has done a solo session with me. She has such a good time doing her session that they come back to do one as a couple. I’ll be honest most of my guys take a little convincing that it’s “Okay” to do this type of session. I sometimes think guys are more self conscious about it than women are. I assure you gentlemen you’ll be so distracted by your partner that you’ll barely even know I’m there. Having said that couples sessions can be done in my studio in Richmond, VA or at a local hotel. Richmond has some great ones to choose from. Then after your session I get the hell out and you guys can make a super sexy weekend getaway out of it. Order room service and never leave the room if you want. You’ll want!! Here is a sampling of my favorites.

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