UPDATED: Boudoir Photography Review (NO pics guys sorry)

Well now that the wedding planning is over, most of usl have gone back to basics…and back to our pre-wedding weight and bodies! YIKES and more yikes. We could do one of three things; diet, exercise, OR embrace our bodies as they be and go for the gold by taking photographs that highlight our sexiest traits and make us feel like a million bucks plus a few extra cents tossed in.

There is a new trend in photography that women are going gaga over. Its called Boudoiur photography. Boudoiur comes from the French term for bedroom. So in essence this genre of photography is about sensuality and capturing those intimate moments. Traditional boudoir portraits are black and white nudes like artists portraits. The more modern boudoir styles are open for intreptation.It all depends on the photographer you are working with and your own creativity which sets the sky as the limit. You can be a MAXIM cover model, a VS runway model, or a burlesque pin-up girl. Just let your mind be your canvas.

And before you think you have to be bone thin to do these, NOT SO! Women of all shapes and sizes can do boudoir. Look at the women artists painted as sexy years ago. They were rubenesque, no in need of a sandwich or two. Boudoir is about sensuality and empowering yourself with your femininity. You are HOT and these style shots help show that to everyone, especially the special guy in your life

I decided to do these pictures as a birthday rpesent for my DH. I was very hesitant at first because frankly, we ALL have body image issues, and I am no different. I was concerned I couldn’t do sultry well, or that my stretch mars would show, etc etc.

BUT now in hindsight, what I take from this experience when I look at the photos s that I am pretty damn hot. Maybe not Adriana Lima hot and VS will never come knockin’ on my door, but the woman in my photos exudes confidence and oozes sensuality and THATS how I want to portray myself always. It was really an empowering experience that I recommend everyone delve into at least once in their lifetime.

I looked at several photographers before settling on Noire et Boudoir
Blog is
Noire et Blanche Boudoir
Her wedding website is:
www.lauraryanphotography.com

Although Laura had never done professional boudoir shots before our session, I LOVE her style of work. She has an artistic eye, is talented beyond belief and really likes vintagey feeling photos and styles herself, so I knew we would work well together. I broached the topic to her casually because she happens to be doing our Day-After shoot as well and she said she had always considered doing this style but never pursued it. I offered to be her guinea pig and the deal was made! :

To say I was NERVOUS was the understatement of the frickin year! But I know her work and its phenomenal which really helped. The most important thing for any photography but especially for intimate photos, is to be comfortable with your photographer and have faith in them because otherwise you will look stiff and awkward in your photos and that’s not what boudoir shots are about. You want to look lazy, sensual and flirty, like you’re inviting your significant other to come hither. That won’t happen if you’re overly worried about your photographer .

I had faith in Laura’s work and when we met in person I felt my last worries melted away. She’s fantastic. We had exchanged emails regularly over the past several months since booking our Day After shoot so we have a friendly exchange and were comfortable with one another which helped a lot. But what really impressed me was her demeanor. She has NO AIRS about herself at all. Some photographers tend to think their artistic gifts make them gods, and Laura is nothing like that. She’s funny and very laid back and open to any ideas you throw at her, and she also is very attentive to details like moving a lamp if it is in the way, rather than just leaving it there and worrying about it later when it may become an issue in an otherwise great picture.

She used to work for someone who specialized in artistic nudes so she herself is very comfortable around nudity which I consider SO important because I=it relaxed me that she was relaxed and then the nekkidness became no big thing. We talked just as easily whether I was covered or topless which I think is important because it shows complete professionalism which you really want in a good photographer.

She was great about posing me too-like she would just demonstrate herself by laying on her side or showing me how she wanted me to put my foot. All important things especially for me because I tend to be a little stiff and awkward and do well with visuals.

She was also punctual which is a big plus in my book and prepared with props and she had both my ideas which I had sent her and some of her own and organization is key with me.

We had decided weeks prior, to do a vintage theme of pinups and burleseqe inspired ideas, a la Mariyln Monroe, Betty Paige and the Vargas style pinup girls. So Laura brought over fabrics to use as backdrops and some of her own hairpieces with netting and lace and I stocked up on fun props like strands of pearls, black opera length gloves, a mask, boa, etc.


Update: This is her blog!

Noire et Blanche Boudoir


Other photographers who do boudoir are:

-Angelica Glass
-Blue Daisy
-Something in Blue
-Fedali

UPDATE: Unfortunately due to several inisghtful comments made by others and some not so thinly veiled threats I have taken the pics down but still recommend Laura wholeheartedly. DEF contact her!

Message edited 4/2/2008 1:18:35 PM.

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

You look amazing...I hope you feel that way!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

jenn - again - they are FABULOUS. Laura better get ready for me!! lol.

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

They came out beautiful. Your hubby is going to love them!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

You look awesome!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

you're GORG and laura rocks!!!!!!

Message edited 3/25/2008 12:29:18 PM.

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Thanks girls! Did ya check out the avatar?...

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

you really look amazing., good for you and good review.

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

you look fabulously HOT! thanks for the review!!! and your DH will be thrilled with those pics!!!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

You made my heart race!!!!!!!!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

you look gorgeous!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Very Nice you looked great. I loved your hair and makeup. Laura Ryan is very talented.

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Holy crap! You are soooo hot!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Thanks girls! If you are interested in seeing the other pics, just FM me for the link. I couldn't post some of my favorite shots because a little toooo much skin showing but the one in my avatar is one of my faves.

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Already saw Thx for sharing Jenn

very very sexy

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Your pics came out amazing!!!!!!!! You look gorgeous!!!!! And I love your Avatar!!!!!!!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Jenn AMAAAAZZZZIIIINNNNGGGGGGG!!!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

so great! thanks for the review!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Nice, I'm sure your DH will love these pics

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

They came out fab!!!!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Thanks Ladies! Give it a try if you are considering it! You feel very "I am woman, hear me ROAR!" afterward!

Message edited 3/26/2008 9:01:18 AM.

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

beautiful, I love this review!

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

i love it!!!!!! i think i would actually do smth like that!!!! thats true..about capturing yourself in the best shape you can be and not only that...just have fun with it!!!!!!!!
i love it

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Thanks again girls. I feel like Im at the Oscars taking ym never endiing bows

Re: Boudoir Photography Review

Gorgeous pics......

this is definitely something to consider as a gift for FH