Excuses to use to book and get your boudoir shoot done.

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Yes, the ladies have to sneak around and keep it on the down low from their hubbies, or hubbies to be, or even their “too curious” friends.

The Excuse:

Here are some good excuses for the day off.

  • Spa day “I bought a Groupon for a spa day with makeup application so I will be gone a couple of hours”
  • Hair Dresser “Yes, I just went to the hairdresser but she has to fix a highlight and it will take a while”
  • Wedding Makeup trial  “we are doing another test – not sure I liked the first one”
  • Your crazy friend is having a glamour shoot and you are coming along for support. 

Keep it simple, as soon as they hear something girly like makeup and hair, their mind strays. This way you can come home all done up and even maybe go out with your nice makeup and lashes.

The Lingerie:

Now the trickiest part I think is to sneak out with a bag full of underwear and sexy things. Especially difficult when you live together. Good thing they are not heavy.

  • A good gym bag can carry most of it. 
  • If you can stash it in the car the day before great. 
  • Leave it at a trusted friends house.
Or just blame it on a friend/sister that is borrowing some stuff for a photo shoot. Don’t give details 😛

See? It all fits on a large handbag. The shoes are the bulkiest item. 

Note: Don’t stress about getting one of his items to wear that he might miss, like his hockey jersey on game night. I’m sure he will like the other pics:)

And lastly, you can shoot on what you are wearing. That white t-shirt with no bra or his favourite band shirt.

5 Traveling tips from a photographer

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I am trying really hard to make “snowbirding” happen. Yeah like a verb.

My dream is to work winters in Mexico (after Valentine’s day so I can finish those orders) 
And stay until is warm in Toronto (maybe May). But with kids and their school and all that stuff I can’t, this is the longest I have been away before my youngest starts kindergarten and I did not organize it very well. I need to share some tips I learned along the way.
I was gung-ho about staying for free at my mom’s place, being in the warmth and eating tacos. Lot’s of tacos.
Realization number 1
We brought too much stuff. By we I mean my daughter and husband. I am almost done creating a capsule wardrobe since I wear black all the time I do not worry about looking like I am wearing the same thing. I am, and pfft, I really do not care. In the other hand, my rainbow inspired daughter and husband have all the colours to mix and match and specific things that go with specific things.
Next time we are keeping it to 3 casual outfits, one warmer outfit to travel from the cold to here and in case it gets chilly, 3 summer outfits and one formal one, that is it! #blackoutfitsallmatch #greyisacolour #makeupdoesnotcount
Realization number 2
If you are staying with family, have a backup plan. Learned it the hard way. Thanks to Airbnb and Trivago (last minute hotel). #familytelenovela #pricklypears #iambeingnice
Realization number 3
Camera gear is heavy AF. I normally shoot with a Nikon d800 (team Nikon!) but for a lighter version, I travel with my backup Nikon D7000, 250 grams lighter. UGH. So with my intention of grabbing a lot of photos for stock and backgrounds I have to lug what feels like 20 kilos of gear. And then I end of taking lots of photos with my phone, just because I am too lazy to carry the 20 kilos. So I end up using my camera for exactly 2 days out of the 45-day trip.  I need  this compact camera. I will try to be good so I can get it for xmas, pfft, not likely. #LGvsNikon  #VantagePoint
Photo with a cell phone, improved with a filter. We had to take a photo of the muffin tree. Good thing it’s a short tree.
Taken with Nikon D700, fast enough and sharp enough
Realization number 4
The internet, you need it. Unlock your phone before you leave the country! Then buy a sim card for your stay and get a pay as you go package. 
#wifisavessanity #shades #selfies #becausethatismyangle

Realization number 5
Google maps IS your best friend. Cities like Guadalajara are not in a grid. More like a puzzle piece. And even if you do not have a data plan, map the location you are going to, and do not close the app, your location services on your phone will let you know exactly where you are at all times, even if the map doesn’t update, your location will with the blue dot. #googlemap #savesrelationships #iwasright #noneedtoaskfordirections #lostgringo #googleknowswhereyoupee
And lastly, calories during vacation do not count, especially when you are walking around and getting lost. #allthetacos
This is what I mean for stock photo, I usually shoot people, so it is a nice change to shoot pretty blooms.  #realphotos 

My Boudoir -updated January 2017

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Where the magic happens… yes photographic magic.
Anywho I needed to post an updated picture of my place and I took this picture before clients came in on the weekend and preserve the pristine appearance that usually lasts 5.2 minutes.
🙂

SO! I moved it to another apartment I share with a neighbour. It’s like having a super tidy roommate that disappears when I have to shoot. Not like the 3 other roommates I have at my place. Lily is not the neatest.
And I discovered that the huge window made a difference in the sessions! Love the natural light now. I hardly need extra lights anymore.

It is a little bit small, but mighty, I have shot up to 5 people in here, but ideally I shoot individuals or couples. When you bring a friend I just move them around.

And some recent samples. I am loving all the natural light. 

Types of boudoir photography

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Did you know that there are differences in boudoir photography? This is my simplified version of what you can get when you show your boobs. I kid.

Pinup
This one it is a bit more costume-y, for the fans of retro and really dig it. Anyone can pull it off with the right makeup, hair, outfit, and attitude. You have to be more outgoing and flirty and “out there”.
A nice article of the history of pinups by Boudoir Louisville – here

The background is plain and any colour. The outfits require more planning. Click here for info and to book!

Artistic or Implied Nude
Well, yes, you do have to take all your clothes for this one. It’s more a play of light and shape, more like a piece of artwork to put up on your wall. Barely any eye contact needed really.
Here also there is a comfort level needed, it also helps if you have an idea in mind that we can interpret. For this one, I would go for a simple white or black background.

“Fashion Magazine” boudoir
A little more brazen and plenty of eye contact. This is the Maxim style cover. TheVictoria Secret catalogue. Fan in the hair. Touching body.

“Getting ready” boudoir
My specialty. A little peek into the sensuality of you getting ready, or getting undressed. Some tossing around the bed included.
The idea is capturing you in a natural setting and the result is a little more voyeuristic.
Bridal Boudoir falls into this category. Using the elements of your wedding attire 🙂

The fun part? We usually do a combination of all! Because why not? Since most people do this usually once, except for a very special few (hi, gals!) Book your regular session and we can go from there 🙂 Click here

So there, class dismissed. Children be good. Do your homework. 

Turn Your Photos Into Artwork With These Canvas Prints – Guest Post

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If there’s a photo that you’re proud of then there’s no better way to enjoy it that with a canvas print on the wall so you can show it off to everyone who visits your home. It could just be a perfect selfie where you’re having a day where your hair looks fantastic, or it may be a holiday snap with your children, or a photo of your favourite pet. Whatever it is, looking at transferring your photos into personalized canvas prints will allow you to show off your photo in a form that is likely to last even longer while providing you with a form of artwork which can allow you to really put your own personal touch on your home.

Photographer

If you want a photo that you can turn into a canvas print, then turning to a professional photographer is always a good idea. They can find provide you with the best lighting, angles and more to really get that picture perfect. They also have the patience to deal with energetic children for family portraits or fidgeting animals so you know you can get that perfect picture that you may not be able to get at home. In addition to this, photographers may even come with a stylist or designer so you can make your picture even more personal with a pin-up or boudoir look to really escalate that personal touch. Whether you hire a photographer to come to your home, or you want to go to their studio, there are plenty of ways that you can create a truly perfect photo without having to struggle with timers and bad angles.

Editing

In some cases, a photo on its own isn’t always one that you’re going to want up on your wall. However, before a photo is turned into a canvas print, and normally not long after the picture is chosen for the one that you want, it will be edited in order to remove any blemishes, adjust lighting and saturation and other aspects that can truly help to enhance the image and make it even more captivating than ever – like a true work of art. In some cases, the editing of photos can even make the photograph look like a work of art, with a watercolour or painting effect all included. While photography is a form of art, you can go one step further and edit your images to make it look truly like a one-of-a-kind image that you will want to place on your wall.

Personalisation

One of the best things about canvas prints is that it allows you to put your own personal touch on your walls at home. This can give your home a feel of family and love, depending on what the picture is of. One of the main aspects of the photographs is that they tend to be made up of memories, and it is these memories that you will want to cherish forever. Whether it was a family day out or a photo of your latest holiday destination that you particularly like, you can truly create a personal touch by transferring these photos in canvas prints.

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Thanks for this post! And I agree! You should print at least one large photo of your session 🙂 and what a great way to make it artwork. If you need help selecting which image to crop it so there is no face showing and be able to hang it on your room let me know! (we do not want to traumatize the kids).

Tips for Boudoir Photography in Hotels

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I just got this question on an email and remembered that I have been meaning to write a post about this. And doing it before anything else distracts me.

VIDEO HERE or just keep reading 🙂

The question was: have you done Boudoir Photography in a Hotel?

Why yes I have. And let me impart my wisdom. Note: with these tips, the photographer comes to you and you are in charge of booking and paying for the hotel. They do not apply for marathons where the photographer is booking several appointments at one tim 🙂

1. Look for hotels that are newish or have been recently renovated. 
I was at the King Edward hotel in the renovated suites. Oh, my lordy. I wanted to move in. Clean colours with hints of red. And my dream headboard. So do check pictures of the hotels and make sure you confirm you are getting the new ones.

Nice hotels I have been in Toronto:

Close to the entertainment district for dinners:

Le Germaine – it has those blinds from the washroom I can shoot through, warm tones
The Ritz Carlton
Trump – it’s so pretty! more of white and grey tones and cherry blossoms – not that I like Trump he has a nice hotel

Close to the Eton centre:
Cosmopolitan
Pantages
Cambridge suites (just went to this- pleasantly surprised! and economic)


2. Book for a Saturday or Sunday, book me 3 pm then enjoy the night.

I was told that Sundays to Monday you can get cheaper rates. If you can get in early that is great. I need to start your appointment at 3 so in winter I still have daylight.

3. Hide the alarm clock, phone, remote controls.

Even those water bottles in the night stand. I usually do a sweep to do that but if you do that ahead of time is great.

4. Contain your wardrobe to one area.

Usually the washroom works, unless you want to use it in pictures if the shower or bath is extra nice. But we usually do that until the end. We do not want to mess the makeup.
Even plan for a milk bath shot! You just need to buy a big jug of creamer.

5. Share the expense.

Maybe get a one or two friends to pitch in for the room and make it a girls night. Or surprise your other half by making plans for dinner (you come to the hotel early), so you can meet him after the shoot and stay over. Maybe even show him an outfit or two you got for the shoot.

So maybe even do a boudoir shoot for his birthday or anniversary, where you book the hotel and have the session, then surprise him with the printed book and he will be like:  heeeeeeey, I know that place! And now you have a gift that makes them re-live the experience! I get bright ideas sometimes!

Book the Renaissance Toronto on a Blue Jay game!!! Have the session for you or both of you and then enjoy the game. 🙂

What happens during a Boudoir Photography Shoot

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I can’t believe I never wrote this blog post, in my ten years of blogging and boudoiring. (yes I am inventing that word)

What goes on a Boudoir Shoot?

Lot’s of giggles that’s for sure. And depends on the photographer but pretty much this is the drill:
Outfit selection
Most people come with more than it is needed, just in case – the extra pretty pink set, and the loose sexy underwear in the drawer.  It goes on the bed, and we sort it, so I can plan your shoot:
“This outfit for the window, this one for the black background, this one for rolling around the bed and this one to take off”.

Makeup
Now I get your butt in the makeup stool, depending on how much makeup you use on a day to day basis, we can go from natural: make your eyes pop – to glam smokey eye.
This will feel like a lot of makeup if you are not used to any, the thing is, photography makeup is more than the everyday stuff, we need to highlight your eyes as much as possible. And hopefully, it will bring out your inner stripper 🙂

Start
Now you got your full face on, we retouched the hair if needed, it is time show me the goodies! Kidding. We start we the most covered outfit, maybe even some headshots to easy you into the sexy part. And it is nice to have a PG photo for social media with all your makeup done anyway.
Session
Well, I won’t reveal all my secrets, but there is a lot of instruction, showing you what to do first, showing you the basic poses and lot’s of laughs. Because honestly, this is “the most ridiculous thing” you will ever do in front of a stranger. But the results are awesome! I do show you some photos along the way to show you what I am seeing. Most reactions are like: wow! I did not think I could pull this off! 
You are going to 🙂

Wrap up
I like to finish the sessions with a couple of shots between the sheets. To me, those are the most “real” and after tossing your hair and rolling around, you truly do look like you have been busy 🙂
And this is pretty much what happens in all the sessions at my place. You come in a little bit or a whole lot of nervous and that is perfectly normal. And then you forget you are prancing around in your underwear.

5 Types of Lingerie That Fascinate Women – Guest Post

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Because I haven’t been writing much!  This blog is now a monster, in a good way, lot’s of hits, thank you! And a little bit intimidating! So here is someone that has something to say that works for me 🙂 It is nice to get a guys view sometimes, welcome Andrew!


5 Types of Lingerie That Fascinate Women


While there’s plenty of hard evidence to support the appeal of lingerie for men, the right lingerie can be just as fascinating – if not more so – for women. Designed to bring out one’s inner goddess, temptress, or pin-up girl, the perfect piece can appeal to one’s playfully powerful, wild and seductive sensibilities. Here’s a brief guide to five types of lingerie that hold a special fascination for women.


Baby Dolls


A truly classic style, seductive baby doll lingerie first gained popularity during World War II, when fabric shortages prompted traditional nightgowns to take a very sexy turn. Since that time, baby dolls have held a special appeal for both men and women, and contemporary versions often range from playfully flirtatious to jawdroppingly seductive. Best yet, baby dolls tend to be universally flattering, and are ideal for every body type.



Teddies


Many women harbor a secret curiosity about this versatile and multifaceted style. Designed as a single piece, teddies are an ideal choice for reflecting the personality and desires of the wearer. Employing a diverse array of fabrics, textures, and creative configurations, some iterations are revealingly risque, while others are dramatically elegant.





Bustiers


With variations in leather, lace, mesh, and more, bustiers can vary widely, but a few core elements make this a favored lingerie style. Elegant Bustiers tend to create a lengthening, slimming effect through the torso, drawing attention upward toward the bust and downward to the curvature of the hips. Often paired with thigh-high stockings and heels, the bustier can be a striking component of a fierce look.



Camisole Sets


At once playful and sensual, camisole sets are among the most natural and flattering types of lingerie. To choose the perfect sexy camisole sets for a relaxed and luxurious fit, aim for soft textures and simple, high quality details, such as scalloped edging and deep-cut necklines. When it comes to this style, bold colors and delicate detailing are a must.



Corsets


Similar to the bustier but traditionally strapless, corsets highlight a cinched waist and help create a classic hourglass figure. Whether one’s fantasies tend toward the classically romantic or the edgily empowered, corsets are an endlessly appealing style reflecting confidence, voluptuousness, and the intrinsic beauty of the wearer. Darker colors help create a sense of high drama and rich sensuality associated with this seductive style of lingerie.



Finding Your Ideal Style


Ultimately, one’s selection of lingerie should reveal both outward style and internal desire to pose a fascinating appeal for men and women alike. Whatever your personality and aesthetic, the most crucial element to alluring lingerie is discovering what piques your interest and inspires you to be your most creative and alluring self. Browsing for exciting lingerie styles is easier than ever before. When you shop online, you can truly find your personal style from well curated boutiques, like Smitten Lingerie, which stocks a tightly edited collection of intimates for women who love to take charge of their look and style.


Author Bio: Andrew Hoffman is a freelance writer and journalist from Los Angeles, CA, who has written on behalf of a range of clients including the Livestrong Network and Demand Media. In addition to writing about a range of topics, he enjoys surfing in Santa Monica and collecting classic, first-edition novels. You can reach out to him over here.

Boudoir: to spray tan or not to spray tan

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Back in the day, the look of fake tans was so orange that I did not recommend it. Boy! Have the spray tans have come a long way!
I decided to test it out myself, being a spray tan virgin. I only did the self-tanner thing once with the orange palm result. And was forever traumatized.
So! Thanks to Jenn from schulzbeauty.ca I got to try it out.

FIRST let me give you the tips.

Schulz Beauty recommends:
1) shower and exfoliate really well before your appointment
2) after showering no moisturizers, perfumes, makeup (GASP!)
3) after the spray tan don’t get wet/gym/sweat for 6-8 hours ( 8 hours for best results)!
4) after the spray tan no heavy exfoliation
and lots and lots of moisturizing to extend the life of your tan!

More FAQ’s here 

I followed it to the T, except the makeup, I wore my naked face but never without  mascara. I figured that would not interfere and I look awake.

So I did my scrubbing and my shaving the night before, figuring too that the shaving of the winter fuzz would exfoliate a lot of it. I was a bit wrong. 
And then the sweating part.  I wear extra strength stuff, still some of my armpit area looked funny but nothing noticeable.

And here is what I recommend:

To go there: in the summer is easy to just plop on a dark summer dress and be loosey goosey but in the winter with the layers and all those skinny jeans it’s so hard! I wore my sweat pants. And of course in that area  where her place is located, everybody is so fancy you feel schlumpy. But with a great tan afterward. Bra is truly optional.

Wear: If you are comfortable wearing nothing, be naked. Or wear the tiniest G-string possible and go topless or with pasties. Jenn is cool, and the room is very private. Keep in mind that whatever you wear will leave the tan lines, so wear a bra top that looks like lingerie- like a strapless bra or a demi cup one.

I am sucking it in as much as I can.

Start exfoliating a week before your appointment daily. You can’t believe the stuff that doesn’t get scrubbed that often. Especially in the middle of winter. One spot I missed my inner arms and around my ankles. Yeah, they look clean, but the dead skin shows like dirty tan skin. So use a sugar or salt scrub a week before, and then keep rubbing stuff off during your showers. And the night before do the last one with the shaving.

Avoid white stuff. What I liked about it, it looks great right after the application,  technically after you shower (min 3 hours) it sets you won’t stain, so you can  pretty much have a shoot the same day or the next. But 3-5 days is fine too. As long as you moisturize. Mine was still ok at day 9.

And Ta-Dah! That is right after the magic, and then it develops a deeper tone 🙂 Not orange looking at all! It takes only 15 minutes!

I forgot to suck it in.

This is me and Lily- this is 3 days after the tan, no super white legs and smooth colour all over.

Can’t wait until the next one 🙂 Get yours here http://www.schulzbeauty.ca/toronto-spray-tanning/

Tips: Chic for winter boudoir

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When outside it’s brrr, we can heat things up with your session! There is something really sexy about a lingerie item with a loose sweater and knee high socks. Or even a touque! Gives you that effortless sexy like: “oh why yes, I hang out at my house with matching lingerie sets and just a sweater because it is chilly” HA! Not like my batman pajamas. It is all an illusion.

We can always pretend is winter season, this tip is for all year round comfortable sexiness.
After you have taken some with the sweater, you can showcase your lingerie. A good place I have found to have a great variety is online store Adore me – besides my trusty Winners – at a great price, who doesn’t want to shop online? That is how you found me 🙂

 

The main tips for cozy winter boudoir:
                – Bring at least one lingerie matching set.
                – A couple of sweaters, one could be off the shoulder and another one a cardigan type
                – Knee high socks
                – Touque or warm hats
                – Plaid shirt
                – Or the regular pajama pants and no top work too! (it’s all an illusion :P)

Some inspiration

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