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Tip: Shoes for Boudoir session

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I might have a small shoe fetish. I can’t wear them, but if no one is looking, I will caress them. I have like 6 pairs that I just like saying hi every now and then. I am an awkward high heel walker too. Like my grandma used to say: You walk like a chicken with thorns on your feet. A thorny chicken. It sounds as ridiculous in spanish.

Anyway. Since then I kinda know how to walk if I practice for a bit before I have to actually go anywhere, but in reality the occasions to wear them are very few and far apart. And I feel like a giant if I go out with hubby. So flats are my thing.

As a general tip, when you come to a boudoir shoot, it is nice to have a newish pair of shoes for the shoot. Your heels go all over the place in weird positions that I make you do, but you can see the heels in some shots.

HERE IS THE TOP SECRET TIP: 

“Buy a new pair and return the pair the next week.” You really are not walking anywhere except from one corner to the bed.

A suggested this to a client that wears flats and has the one pair of very used high heels, you know, thinking she is getting a $60 dollar pair at winners or something. She came in with a freaking pair of $1,200 Louboutins. OH NO, SHE DIDN’T, YES she did!

She is my hero now. I am making room on my credit card so I can do that. To at least feel what a nice pair of shoes feels like. Apparently this is done a lot for styling photo shoots and movies. The trick is to use the non-stick painters tape if you are going to practice your walking. If you are just lying down for photos then you do not have to worry about it.

There is something sexy about that darn red sole…

It might be the proximity to the butt as well. 🙂 
It’s funny I started looking in the archives and apparently I have shot a lot of Louboutins. Even those pink ones. Pink and red look good together without looking like roger rabbit. Who knew!
Oh and if your credit card doesn’t have the room for a pair like this like me, just paint a newish pair.
Old jar of red nail polish here I come.
Or Glitter! http://www.couldihavethat.com/2012/03/diy-glittery-soles.html
UPDATE: Awesome client painted her shoes, she used acrilic paint from the art store, and did give it a coat of shellac to make it last. But she actually uses those shoes so she wanted it to last. If you do not care for the lasting effect – just paint works!
Follow Marlen James Photography’s board What to wear to your Boudoir session on Pinterest.

Bridal Boudoir Photography tips

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Are you getting married soon?  Here are some tips for your Bridal Boudoir!

Bring: Personalize your shoot by bringing your veil and hair accessories. Your jewelry, shoes and lingerie. Anything that has special meaning to you like gifts, jewelry he gave you even that teddy bear he won for you at the fair. (I know I am stretching it here :P)

A Toronto based lingerie design company www.LolaAndAugust.com has gorgeous stuff! And the right time to splurge on a bridal item, well look no further. Their rose items are so flatering on every skin tone! And with  Promo Code “MARLENJAMES” 15% off and free shipping

About Lola & August:
Lola & August is a lingerie label from Toronto, Canada. We believe in beautifying the body, not changing it’s shape, and our comfortable designs and luxurious fabrics are as elegant as they are wearable.
Handmade in Canada with imported fabrics, these pieces are inspired by European design for the free-spirited, modern romantic.
Ethical and eco-conscious thinking have gone into the development of the label and line, including the designers’ use of local manufacturing for every garment.

Think about: I’ve seen lots of nifty book ideas and adding a personal touch like dates- songs- and every corny thing you could think of, makes a more memorable and personal gift.

Time: Consider time frame for your appointment also. We need at least 3 weeks for a book to be ready from appointment to book in your hands. If you only want prints, they can be ready within two weeks. Take into consideration that the last week you really don’t want to be running around picking stuff up, so delegate!

Makeup: Take advantage of your hair and/or make up trial and book the same day. That way when he sees the pictures, you look like what you did that special day. But if that doesn’t happen, do not worry! If you show me a picture I can try to copy it.

Some recent samples

Wear white…

Top 5 getting ready for your session tips

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Tips for your best boudoir portraits. –

1. Groom – this one is a given. But sometimes we forget to do nails and pedicure. Like my nails are just nubs. But red nubs are prettier than naked nubs. Your hands are an important part of the composition. Even those new kind of press on nails look good. Just make sure you bring extra glue. Shave or wax a day or two before.

2. Super Moisturize – When you shower in the morning just pat dry just a bit and then slather the baby oil. All over. It will absorb do not worry. You’ll be smooth as a baby’s butt – I couldn’t resist. Or even better, coconut oil, better for you anyway. Just take it inside the shower so it melts a bit, when it gets cold it hardens.

3. Hair – Smooth. Unless you have curly natural hair then I touch it up here with a curling iron for definition. For everybody else, blow-dry smooth. Preferably do not use the flat iron if you want to add “victoria secret” waves.

4. Loose – Wear loose clothing for the shoot. It takes a bit of time for the skin to recover and a hell of a lot of retouching, better safe. You’ll be able to wear your tight stuff here. Especially winter, remove socks as soon as you take off your boots.

5. Accessories – Do not forget your shoes. Clean the soles very well because they may end up in the picture. Any bling that is special. – A really awesome tip from some clients. Go get the shoes you love and can’t walk in them and after the shoot return them. You are either standing on carpet here or lying down.

But whatever works for you and makes you feel confident.

NOTE: Makeup wise – it’s ok to wear your normal makeup before you go out into the world. I would never go out without my mascara, primer, foundation, and blush. EVER.

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