Props and Baby Bumps

New goodies and props are popping up in my prop collection and I simply could not be happier.  

I've been browsing the shelves at our local dollar store as they begin to pull out the Valentine's Day and even some very early Easter items.  This is when I can always find things like strings of huge chunky faux pearls to use for a finishing touch over a soft lingerie look for boudoir.  I'm most proud of a collection of lace fans that I found a few days after Christmas as they were ditching the "last minute gifts" that did not sell.  Score six for a dollar in different colors and no worries if they break or rip.

Soon I'll be going back, this time to look for items to use at my up-coming baby celebration and of course I'll be keeping an eye out for props.  One of my all time favorites came from a friend's baby shower where she used flowers in clear crystal slides (made to look like flowers pressed in glass).  Placing this just off center and shooting through it focused on a posing child or baby gives a lovely dual image without having to fuss with layers that may not line up in post process.  This also lets me have a reminder of that party as a paper weight on my desk when meeting with clients or editing in the evenings.

Colors are a big deal for me this year.  I've found that my tastes always seems to float to soft teals, greens, yellows and blues with toddlers and young kids, and deep jewel tones of burgundy, violet, and jade when it comes to adults.  I love a classing pin-up girl touch of red for boudoir, but it has started to land in the overkill zone lately with Rockabilly influence seeming to forget that there are color choices beyond black, white and red.  I'm a sucker for a bold blue because it does such good in the right light, making even simple images floaty and full of an ethereal sense of heavenly beauty.  

I'm going to do some color study images soon for sharing, something to take my mind off how much the pregnancy is slowing down my desire to get out there and shoot.  I also have another shoot in the works with a fellow boudoir photographer as part of celebrating my pregnancy and trying to reclaim some of the strength and drive this has sapped over the last month.  I'm obsessed with doing a henna belly shoot, so I'll be having a ball with sharing those shots in the near future.

Earth Day & Spring Blooms

The flowers starting to bloom in front of my door.

My "day job" has eaten up a ton of time this month.  I agreed to take on extra hours when a co-worker left unexpectedly and we needed to fill the gaps in the week.  The income certainly has not hurt, but it makes time to shoot harder to find.  With the grass growing and the snow all gone, flowers have started to appear on the little patch of green between my front door and parking space and this makes me want to shoot even more.  Spring has such wonderful light for catching the natural world. 

Taken to show the new dye and make-up purchased 
from my "other job" at LUSH: Handmade Cosmetics.

To go with the change of seasons, I changed my hair color again.  This time going darker and working with the shorter trim I have now.  My skin has the wonderful pink glow that means my fragile balance between too much sun (I'm a lovely Victorian alabaster most of the time) and not being able to resist going out into the garden has shifted to the sunny side.  I think over the next few days while I am home it will get worse.  I plan on spending much of my time outside starting the long task of preparing my garden and playing with the tiny monster boy.

All this and planning out a photo shoot for the little man's birthday.  I avoided Easter photos with him but I cannot escape that his second birthday is coming and as a photographer mommy I will have to think about what to do for this year.  Two years is a hard age to shoot as he wants to run, giggle, fidget, and generally be a crazy little boy.  His favorite object at the moment is his blue kickball, and I suspect that will appear in this year's photos as well as the "guitar" he so enjoys (my husband's old PS2 controller) and his favorite shoes ever (my gardening boots).

Check back soon for wedding shots and some great wildlife items from a trip to the rescue and rehab center for injured animals!  Tonight I leave you with a look at one o my favorite parts of spring... baby things!  These kittens are from our neighbor's most recent litter of fluffy toe nibblers.

The Torture Of Just ONE Good Shot

I  am the mother of a very precocious little monster.  At eighteen months, he has grown up with a camera constantly documenting his every adventure.  What I share here is a small fraction of the memories that fill albums and frames in my home; but they all come at a price.  Hours of practice and careful planning to devote the time to each shoot.

The shot above is one of two successful images from a period of twenty minutes on Saturday afternoon.  He was occupied with the cat stalking through the tall grass, a bird flying past, the dog waiting to cuddle with him, and finally a pile of doggie left-overs from when that same cuddly dog had to visit the bushes.  Which is why I wanted to point out that toddler photography requires the understanding that a single great image is all you may receive and it may not be the one you desire.

Every year in my early days working chain store studios and selling retail photography, this was the time of year that made me cringe.  Families and parents that otherwise felt photography was a waste of time and money would begin booking sittings while some ideal image of two toddlers sitting with model perfect smiles in a catalog perfect holiday scene danced in their heads.  I often watched new hires and veteran coworkers being insulted and abused for failing to make their children magically behave like perfect darlings.

What I will be doing now is sharing all those moments that could have made lovely photos that fell victim to the evil toddler photobomb! Yes, even professionals suffer from those moments.  In fact, with my son visiting my studio on a daily basis at times, I have a plethora of material to choose from for this entry.

The image to the left is also for Saturday, though taken at my home with studio lights up while attempting to take an updated headshot for his portfolio**.  As you can guess, he was having no part of Mommy and her camera being in his face.  This is a rather typical response from toddlers to anything which they no longer want.


The next image, on the right this time, was taken at a family gathering on Thanksgiving Day.  This is a common moment of poor cooperation through extreme sleepiness on the part of the child.  My son had refused to nap and was about two hours past his usual time for unconsciousness following his watching of Sesame Street.  I was already forming the idea of this blog entry and was pleased to get this "gem" for our examples because I cannot begin to count the number of parents with infants and toddlers that do not understand how vital it is that they consider feeding and napping times when booking with photographers.

As the manager of a few chain studios I often gave advice to parents as they booked about outfits, props, and the often ignored "how to time your booking".  The factors were simple, children who are over tired or just woke up from a nap will be puffy-eyed and grouchy.  Children who did not have their snack prior to sitting for the camera should not be expected to just wait because they will get focused on food over smiles.  Sleeping newborns should be allowed to nap and wake up on their own; babies tucked into a gift wrapped box can be the best holiday card you will ever find.  I stuck this information into the Brain-File of advice along with having your child partially dressed for their sitting as you arrive so that you can put on their shirt or dress and make sure it is free of stains.

The example here is from another day I was in the studio just to shoot my son's photos.  This was at the same session that involved his destruction of a birthday cake, though I intentionally planned to do that last.  At this point it was late June and I wanted to take photos of his beach outfit before allowing him to make an epic mess.  I had put the hat on his head, but he insisted on holding it, leading to a natural failure with this second image.  I fell victim to having an idea in my head that he would leave the hat on, and instead he fought it and eventually tossed the hat on the floor before we moved on to our next phase.

Toddlers making a mess or doing things you do not expect can also make for lovely moments.  Keep in mind that there is often a way to make something beautiful without having to retake or ask your photographer to create a false image through large amounts of image manipulation.  That photo of your little angel looking off into the distance and not making eye contact with the lens can be just perfect. The cozy little monster sleeping through his photos could make for a perfect "Sugarplums Danced in Their Heads" moment to share with family.  And that kid with the grin that shows every missing tooth... he is just perfect even when he's asking Santa for his two front teeth!

It Figures

Photographer Credit  :  Akelis Studios Photography
Model Credit  :  Black Lizzie

Tonight will be a lesson in working with a fabulous curvy figure for bridal and classic boudoir!

I am not a size four.  Actually, since becoming pregnant with my son, I have gained weight and topped out at an uncomfortable size 16 shortly before giving birth.  I am back down to a slightly more tolerable weight and becoming comfortable with the permanent changes around my stomach and hips.  This leads me to some insecurities in my clothing choice and understanding when talking with boudoir clients about heir own bodies.

Tonight I want to discuss how boudoir can be even more wonderful when you have truly womanly curves to play with as you pose.  Hips should have a sway and legs ending in heels do much to make that happen.  But if you are a tall woman looking for the classic "poses on the bed" style of boudoir, there are great ways to primp and pose.  Remember to inform your photographer of what areas you are uncomfortable showing and work with them to plan how to show the parts you adore.

Most of all, make sure you choose bold colors.  Lingerie colors are a fantastic way to complement a figure or hide something you want to avoid.  Blues and purples dial up the most amazing view because they draw focus and accentuate the eyes of the subject in their own way.

And finally, I suggest that the most beautiful thing you can wear is your confidence.  I rarely take implied nude or true nudes when shooting. The fact that not all clients are confident being so exposed is something that makes very good sense.  Respecting their wishes means finding a ton of fun poses and ways to express seduction and beauty without ever having to remove a single stitch of silk or lace.  But for those brave enough to bare it all... remember that coy and confident women each have a charm all their own.

Beyond what you wear, how you pose can be the best line of defense against having nothing you like out of a boudoir session.  Each photographer will have their own unique shooting and editing style, but some will even have a few tricks up their sleeve when it comes to posing for your shape. My model for this set of examples has a wonderful pear-shape and uses it to her advantage.

One hint I do have for everyone nervous about people seeing "too much" is to remember that when a photographer lines up, you have the right to ask if everything is covered properly.  It seems basic, but taking just a moment to ask can make sure you like the look and reduce their work in post production.  This goes for busty women worried about a little too much hanging out when they tilt forward AND for the girls worried about anything unsightly peeking out from under a skirt.

If your photographer "shoots from above" they can complement wider pear and hourglass shapes with the right tilt.  This leads to the eye naturally flowing from the face to the cleavage, but can also put fun angles to use.  I refer here to the image above with our model in the sapphire selection; take a good look at how her legs and hands are placed.  If you bring the palm placement closer to the knee and shrug the shoulders up and forward, this pinches the chest to add cleavage.  If you bring the camera down and to one side, this becomes a great pose to complement an apple shape by focusing on eyes and lips over a coy shoulder shrug.  As it is currently posed, there is something inviting yet almost masculine about it, giving a fierce tone and showing off the bold choice of wrist accent.

Suggestion number two is one I keep as a pose for every client because of how it relaxes the face and neck.  I am talking here about the pose to the left, with legs up straight against a wall or crossed and knees bent on the bed, hanging the hair and top of head off of the bed or pose platform.  We naturally focus here on eyes, but by standing upright the photographer can play up curvy hips and stems.  I have this pose in several forms, but chose to change it here to show off shoes which match the eyes and add a touch of the "something blue" for our wedding theme.  Remember to narrow your profile by bringing arms in and bending elbows and wrists slightly.  Keep lips in a soft pout and give the camera eye contact to keep your viewer interested.

Finally, I refer here to the image at the very top.  Face it, a perfect way to make any album lovely is to keep it simple.  I could zoom in here and crop down to a headshot without the beauty of the model being lost.  She is not nude here, but the lack of lingerie is implied (hence the term)by the positioning of a prop.  This pose can also be done without the implied nude element if shapely details of clothing design are used.
 

Bedroom Eyes

Dyed my hair the other night.  I do this often, but this was my farewell to the color I have been using since shortly before getting pregnant in 2010.  I wanted to make sure I used up the last of the somewhat expensive dye products I had been using to keep from feeling guilty.  I normally use natural Red Henna mixed with lemon juice and grape-seed oil to produce a light red-blond, but have come to a point where I want to change that system.

This is one more step in the long process of changing my look and going back to the fun edge I had while in college and my early photography career in New York.  I enjoyed that time because I could let my clothing, hair and make-up choices really express my personality.  Having a corporate job often feels like I have to be less myself because everything must be "a natural look".  Somehow, nails polished with blue or purple will never be enough "self expression" in my wardrobe.

I'm an eye make-up addict.  I love the bright fire shades, something with oranges or reds can photograph beautifully even when the lighting is not stellar because of how the shades blend well over most skin tones. 

I bring all this up because the look of the photographer can be just as vital as the look of their images when presenting "the whole package" to potential clients.  This weekend I am going from working and photographing an event at the retail job, right to a boudoir sitting with a brand new client.  The party at my retail job is our Halloween celebration and I am going to be in a costume for that day.  The bring issue I have been facing is figuring out what to do about hair and make-up for this costume so that it will not be a problem when I then switch to being a professional at my sitting that evening. 

Boudoir make-up:  not my favorite image from this set, but good for today's purposes.

This goes into my next point, don't think you have to use a tone of make-up to achieve a great "bedroom" look for boudoir images.  There are some shades and colors that will allow you to use much less to achieve a wonderful look because of how they naturally work with the camera.  The idea is to draw attention either to eyes OR lips, and very dark colors on each with a pale face between is going to look even more vampy or clownish if lighting is off even a smidgen. 

Brown Mascara & Gold Eye Shadows.

Browns:

Please, PLEASE!  Remember that while it may dominate the shelves... black is not the only color of mascara and eye liner known to the cosmetics world.  Chocolate browns are wonderful on redheads and blonds because they are not nearly as harsh.  I suggest them for green eyed clients and really anyone who does not wear make-up in their day to day look because they blend well with softer shades.  

Golds:

If you have bronzed skin this can really work well to show off that glow without going very Jersey Shore.  You want to work with a golden brown around the brows and a honey tone gloss for the lips.  They make a dewy, natural look without being completely nude faced. 

Golds can also be amazing if you go for a mixture with other colors.  The addition of a gold shimmer over a deep blue, red, brown or even an olive green will enhance the iris perfectly.  Just a dash of shimmer at the corner of the eye is a fantastic way to add a touch of drama to an otherwise simple look.  A brush of very mild bronze or gold across the nose and cheeks can also enhance freckles on a lovely speckled complexion. 

Rose Pinks:

Rose & Chocolate Tones.

 If you are a pink addict or even just the kind of girl that wears make-up all the time then these are the kind of colors you should plan to use for your boudoir images.  Make sure you go for it all over too, a soft blush on the cheeks and from brow to lash should be enough if you do a deeper rose color for the lips.  Keep in mind that the brighter the lip, the softer your face pallet. 

Rose shades work on tones from the fairest to deeper honey shades; they are not great for ebony skinned ladies though. If you fall into this much darker world, I suggest a similar pattern of application with terracotta and brick reds.  Think of orange shades that have a brown tint to them, you want to go with a slightly muted tone that can bring up the fire and beauty in your face rather than a bold shimmer.

Slacker Moments... I Have Them Too!

I am a slacker right now.  I actually wrote this on Friday night and forgot to hit the button to post it.  I could re-write, but I will be leaving it because I admit when there is something I did wrong.

Close-up taken by my husband after I
returned from work the other day.

I should be on the phone letting tech support have a piece of my mind over the delays with posting the gallery from my most recent wedding, but I know that it will do absolutely nothing more than make me feel guilty for giving some already over worked peon even more of a headache for doing his/her job.  Instead, I have been doing laundry and enjoying some mindless reposting on facebook that sparked a number of discussion on woman's rights and the ability to use that repressed anger to it's maximum benefit at some times.

Now I am going to spend some time looking up ideas for a shoot with a model that I had to reschedule due to time demands from my day job.  I suppose demands is not the word to use, they were kind enough to offer extra work hours knowing I have said I am willing to take any shifts that others cannot fill, but it did mean I called my model to set for a new date.

I have an awesome model for this shoot, rare in that she is willing to do nude and implied nude work without worry that it will become part of my portfolio and might be eventually viewed by others.  Models often choose not to do nudes of any kind because they could be seen by future employers after being leaked, or just do not feel comfortable letting themself be photographed sans clothing.  I do no generally share anything I do with nude or implied nude shoots because it is not what I focus on in my portfolio. 

Akelis Studios Infant Portraits

I also want to continue my work with families and children.  Parents have the right to need to feel that their children are safe; something I completely understand as a mother with a baby that has a modeling portfolio of his own.  Child pornography is something I view as a plague on the world of creative works involving young models.  I usually limit my infant models to being diapered for the sake of my backdrops.  On occasion I will work with a cute baby bottom from an diaperless little monster, though that requires strict posing and editing for appropriate exposure.

This image is a moment where I could have skipped the diaper, but I also know that this little man will get up and run around in the nude.  For those paying attention, this is indeed my little boy.  He is one of my favorite test subjects when I have an idea for lighting or colors because he never has to force a smile.  Our home is filled with framed photos, baby albums, holiday photo momentous, and so many digital images that I could never imagine having them all in film format.

My son being a very cute model.

Playing with Perspective.

New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Just playing with perspective and lines.  I felt this was not my best, but cannot get those wooden beams and lines out of my head.  Honestly, I like perspective images like this because they force the eye to adjust over and over to understand what it is they are witnessing.  It drives my husband crazy that i will take these over and over to feed my collection with more and more distortions and revisions.

Clarence Fahnestock State Park, Putnam County, New York.

Chuang-yen Monastery, Kent Lakes, New York

Chuang-yen Monastery, Kent Lakes, New York

Portland Headlight, Fort Williams Park & Lighthouse, Portland Maine

Bedroom Eyes

I intended to post after work and the toddler's bedtime last night.  Instead I ended up watching horror movies through my eyelids (snoring too) on the couch with the toddler and my husband decided to let me sleep.  I suppose I needed it if I was out so much that he couldn't wake me up to drag me to bed when it was his bedtime. 

Alright, back to work now.  Time to discuss the photos I posted on my pause the other day as well as more thoughts on boudoir and the use of depth in shooting some poses.  We will start with one of my favorites, shown here in monochrome though the color is equally impressive.  I am going for pose so color would be distracting since the lingerie is a startlingly bright shade of unashamed PINK that we picked first for the distraction and ended up giving us great teaching shots.   Thanks so much to the lovely Brooklyn who was my model for this test shoot and did a great job.

This pose is all about eye contact and getting the right light on the hair and face.  What you want to think about in this shot style is how to capture the model's pose without distortion from too much fore-shortening.  This means showing enough of the whole body to keep everything in proper perspective, making sure it does not seem like they are just a floating head/torso.  The second major focus needs to be on getting the right amount of light, which I must say took testing, shooting, moving stands for lights, re-shooting, moving again, re-shooting, and so one... all with a very patient model hold pose through the whole process.  The final lighting was finished in post-production and only required some work to fix a smudge on the backdrop and a bit of editing to the skin.

The rest of the session was focused on legs and getting some great "shape" with lights.  I worked mostly on shooting "Parts" of the model rather than her whole figure so I could get the best grasp of how to turn or move into the right spot to accentuate a fantastic figure.  I expressed before that my love for shoes is a special one, and this let me play on that passion for shoes while shooting.

This shot was inspired with a clearly topless one I saw online and wanted to work from for future boudoir shooting.  I was thinking about trying to get the focus on the legs rather than the bust-line, and wanted to bring the focus through the "motion" of the leg lift.  I think it worked well over all.  The hint of a topless figure from the hanging bra is there to help with the story telling, though the model was actually still wearing the lingerie top.

In this last shot I was going for shadows and a vintage feeling by working on a darker coloration.  My goal here was to keep the face in semi-shadow so we could see that contrast.  I adore the expression here too... something like a request but not a blatant "follow me to the bed" either.  I'm still not completely sold on this shot's success, but I got some solid moments out of it and a chance to work with a lovely up-and-coming model that has a great sense of humor when her photographer is a total klutz.

Some Light Landscaping

Akelis Studios Photography

I am ecstatic tonight.  For the first time in about two months I am getting requests for weddings; I had a two month break from inquiries that worried me for a while.  Not just the orders are picking up, but so is my mood.

I placed my order for a new lens this morning after much consideration and anticipation.  It should arrive by Monday evening, giving me time to play and practice before the next wedding out in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  I am itching to shoot some lovely wedding images in the brilliant autumn colors, and this will give me a new tool to expand my repertoire so clients can benefit. 

This week was taken up with a ton of studying on better panoramic techniques.  I used an older and less reliable method because it was what I had been first instructed with as a second shooter.  The woman who took the time to teach me was lovely, but I agree that the results are vastly different when using this system.  I will also get the chance to cut down the time spent on editing as it will not require so much intensive "stitching" to achieve the same look.

Akelis Studios Photography

I love getting the chance to shoot something a bit different, a bit more artistic, at times.  I adore the riot of colors that comes at this time of year and love spending a little time having the chance to imagine how hose colors will appear.  There is something so alive in this time of year as winter closes in, the harvest time for the northern hemisphere.  Apples, pumpkins, and hundreds of other delicious colors and flavors of farm stand foods have taken over my kitchen and my brain.

I also love panoramic wedding images.  I simply don't shoot them as often because I feel that the method I use is prone to gaps or compression problems when prepared for printing.  This may well have to do with how I edit things, and I am sure it could be fixed buy raising the cost of my services to clients by outsourcing the digital work.  I refuse to raise costs to my clients because it will cut out how much they are receiving for their money, that is poor business behavior and a poor way to treat customers who should be your first interest.

I will share more wedding images and some of the test images in the next few days.  Hopefully you will all see what I mean in the clear difference from these images, one taken while I was in college and learning more skills to put to work in my art.  While I do not want to insult my teacher or my old work... one can only improve or become obsolete.  I plan to improve!

Married Go Round Photography

Please remember that if you like the work on any of these photos, you should look up the studios responsible - each is one I have seen work from and found something I enjoy; all are listed so that you can find them for your event.  

 
Now that I have had a few days to goof off ... it is time to get back to that list I gave you the other day.  Today I am going to cover the ones that will have a special place in my own wedding album. And I'll start with something that can become a disaster so quickly it almost hurts.

Photo Credit:  Ampersand Photography

My wedding gown is hanging in what was once my bedroom at my mother's house across town. At some point fairly soon I will take a few photos of it so details and those lovely “lonely gown” shots can begin the album I will someday build for my wedding photos. I think the biggest part is making sure that the whole scene is carefully planned and executed. My own plan involves a tribute to my grandfather since he had such an impact on my life.

There are a number of fantastic things I have taken but still get that fluttering thrill every time I line up the shot and click the shutter.  The thought put into what I will do before this shot happens is one of those drawn out moments that makes my stomach clench.  There is a little fear that it will not manage to live up to what is in my head, but I cannot wait to see it.

The sequence I have in mind for my wedding actually includes some other great elements that I adore, an idea of childhood memories. One version of this I love is done through use of the rope swing. It is that kind of childhood or celebration salute that blends right into the next style that I adore; though my choice of childish prop is a bit more massive. For that reason I plan on letting it have a starring role in the images of myself and my bridal party.

Photo Credit:  Akelis Studios

I adore my bridesmaid. She is one of the most amazing souls I have ever had the privilege to encounter in my life. We share so much, so many laughs and tears, and I cannot imagine how I could ever go without her at my wedding. The thrill of getting my beautiful best friend to model her ruby red gown for her own portraits in that album is something I am looking forward to greatly. For her I have this image in my head of sitting on one of the lavish painted horses that decorate the classic carousel I most covet.

Yes, I am going to have my bridal portraits on a carousel!

Photo Credit:  Akelis Studios

The goal is for both of us to take a ride along with our children – all boys – and take some perfect mommy moment photos we can share with our kids as they get older. I want to have that moment with the breeze brushing back my veil and those sweet moments with the boy. Eventually we will add in my husband, our best man and his two children, and our other groomsmen. The idea of a wonderful riot of color around my husband and I as we kiss on the spinning ride is something I have held in my head for years.

I adore the colors and lights, the carnival feeling, that matches the lively party I want for our wedding day. Something between a mad-hatter tea party and the country festival from Mary Poppins is what I have in mind for our reception. We'll have tea-pot center pieces, lemony finger cakes, and my steampunk details for the slightly science fictional side that happens in everything my loving nerd man encounters.

And speaking of the men... how about those manly details that should really get some photographic love? I'm a sucker for those awesome socks. I love those bright color statement things, most of all the ones that match the bride's bright shoes. Who says the girls get all the fun photos anyway.. just because they might all be secret shoe addicts does not mean you have to let them have all the fun either.

Knot.com Image  (photographer not listed) 
(If you are the photographer, please comment below so I can add your credit)

Pick something fun and go with it guys. I secretly dread the photos that will appear when my husband and his friends get their turn with the camera. I foresee a Dungeons & Dragons game theme since we are all gamers that ran table top back in the days before my pregnancy. I was thinking about ordering dice for the groomsmen as a thank you, so they could well appear at some point.

Photo Credit:  Simply Southern Photography

Don't just let your bride hog the spot light with her girls. Take some time and really think about what you share with your buddies. Would you be the guys walking down the train tracks for that “almost an album cover” look to your photos? Perhaps you are military men looking to salute your days in the service. Or are you Star Wars nerds that want to have a light saber duel on the steps of your venue? If you do have that battle, make sure you remember your Padawan training and give the camera a great show!

Speaking of stairs, I love brides or the stairs. Oh, and photographers, make sure that you consider those stairs for the couple as well. They make such a wonderful setting for those scattered groups or large parties that need to fit neatly in a shot without being a panoramic image.

Photo Credit: Fairy Godmother Weddings

Even if all you have is a more modern and slightly dim stairwell, you may be surprised to see what a fantastic shot can be achieved. The fun angles, sharp lines, and extreme shadows that occur there make for a very striking backdrop when the subject is such an elegantly outfitted subject. More romantic styles can be achieve by adding rose petals or soft editing to enhance the glow of marble or mahogany.

They can give such a fun element to the moments before walking down the aisle or getting dressed. This particular shot brings to mind the White Rabbit and his “I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date!” as the bride runs for the alter. Perhaps it is the clock tower on the right side, but I actually adore the fairy tale element it calls to mind.

The grandeur and scale here leads me to the last of my favorite styles that will appear tonight, and the style I love shooting. I am talking about the distortion and scale of an amazingly framed image. The uncompromising shot that has you looking up a Gothic church or down a long row of trees in a woodland path. The kind of image that makes the backdrop outweigh the couple and still manages to tell a story.

I have chosen a venue which lends to this style of image. The beauty and grandeur of the backdrop captures the eye without quite over powering the figures so long as they are dynamically posed. Remember that the key there is having a dynamic pose! Go for the drama of a dipped kiss or wait for a strong breeze to catch the bride's veil in a long gust. Remember that man made structures are not the only setting for something of this sweeping strength. Perhaps a combination of thunderstorms and romance is more they style of your wedding, but there needs to be some “movement” in the image to capture the attention, but it will bring about a wonderful result that will certainly not disappoint.

Photo Credit:  Club Corp.

Deep Blue Eyes

I love when a boudoir shoot can give such great images that I am not looking at them later thinking about how I should have shifted her hand, or moved a bracelet, or changed a light position.  This was one of those shoots.  While not everything was a gem, I adore this shot.  It is one of the moments when I could have shot with my subject topless or completely nude and not even had to change a thing.

I always love shots like this in boudoir because they really focus on how much seduction there is in eye contact.  Keeping this outfit we went for a different type of eye contact and a pose that displays round faced subjects to their best potential.  I usually save this style of shot for late in an album when the intent is gifting a significant other.  contrast was the goal here, though I personally feel that a little more shadow or dark points would work to maximize this concept.

Then there is the idea of what happens when you choose to keep eyes closed, taking direct contact out of the story and keeping the mood low and warm.  The color choice for this shot and second outfit are of the model's selection, though I think the sky blue is helped with the coloration of her tattoo.  Here the focus is to invite the viewer into the image by letting the eye flow based on a change of color.

You may notice there I just made a statement that the photo is not perfect in my eyes.  I believe in admitting when improvement can be made and in this case the model is lovely but the artist side of my brain is focused on what to change and make better in the next shoot.  That is the only way I could ever improve, and I encourage everyone to look at their work and do the same thing.  At the moment I am booking boudoir less often and wishing to increase those sittings, and the best way to improve business is to raise the quality of your product.

Alright darlings, in the next two days I will post the second half on my list of favorite wedding photos.  I will also be updating some of my wedding images from this season, sharing favorites with all of you patient darlings.  Until then, keep improving and keep smiling!

Photoshop For My Face

Skincare is an essential first step in preparing for a photography session or wedding, and something that can actually reduce your photography costs. Tonight, that will be our topic and you will get a peek into my world in actual images of my skin and face and items thanks to Google and a few other places.  So we will begin with a photo from about six years ago, when I was somewhat more comfortable with my looks and willing to be on the model's side of the camera. This is an untouched photo from the summer of 206 while I was spending time climbing trees with one of my god-kids and my then boyfriend.

Why am I letting you see this?

This is rare, I actually hate being on "that side" of the camera because I feel like my job is behind the lens. I had my days as a model and those days are well and truly over. I am happy with how I have aged and that I could still pass for much younger. I still get acne since hormones are great, but all in all my skin is soft and in such lovely condition and is quite pale and pink. I have ginger kid skin, it doesn't tan and has pretty little freckles when I spend enough time in the sun.

To keep it clear of the worst acne, I use a multistage process that all models and rides should use to prepare for their day in front of the camera. Make-up is actually not that essential if you make sure to use a good care regiment and should be viewed as an aid not a requirement. Think of it as a prop, there if you want something a little extra, but never meant to be dominating the scene.

iStockPhoto image via Goggle

Stage One: DRINK WATER! 

Seriously people, water will flush out your system, help manage your weight, and improve your skin by actually helping keep a healthy glow. It actually also improves hair as well, though we are covering skin today, hair is another topic completely and not something I am particularly great with in all truth.

The typical requirement is six full 8oz glasses of water per day, and make it plain water or water with a spritz of lemon. Your water should not have calories. I drink about two 2ltr bottles a day when I am shooting at a location and about four glasses of water per day. I also drink juice, milk, and some soda or a glass of wine every now and then, but I am a water with lemon kind of girl and it is awesome.

Stage Two: Proper Skin Cleansers Are Essential.

At minimum, you should be washing you face with a gentle cleanser twice per day and using an exfoliating scrub one to two times per week at maximum. Cleansers are not simply any old soap, but should be something mild enough to maintain a balanced level of skin's natural oils, invigorating to encourage healthy cell growth, and something that will wash clean so it will not clog pores.

I personally use products from my retail job for make-up removal and loving care of my sensitive skin. I still have "teenager skin" which is sensitive, oily in the T-zone, and prone to stress induced acne that got worse postpartum. I have a combination of products, one is a very mild make-up removing cleanser that clings to the mascara and foundation just enough to pull it away without making my skin feel stripped, and the other has an awesome coarse sugar and charcoal combination to exfoliate away the damaged layers and sunblock that can build up quickly if they are not treated daily.

Step Three: Toners And Moisturizers Should Be A Daily Product. 

iStockPhoto image via Goggle

Toners and moisturizers are not the same thing and both need to be used in sequence for proper skincare. Toners prepare the skin by allowing the pores to empty themselves of harmful agents, reduce the excess oil, and allow a hydrating barrier before tinted products. Toners for daily use should NOT be harsh acidic items or require immediate removal. An ideal toner is something to clear out pores and can even be used through-out the day in a spray form to maintain a matte finish to the skin by reducing the build-up of oils and other skin assailants. Toners should be applied after cleansing and prior to moisturizers, make-ups or sunblocks.

Next should be a moisturizer with an SPF or equivalent for protecting against sun damage. Remember that not all are made equal and you will need to find the right one for your individual needs.Those with oily skin might want to look for a product with some citrus agents as they are a natural oil reduction method while anyone finding they get dry or patchy skin should aim for a product with lavender or rose to enhance quality and balance while encouraging a healthy glow.

You may want to consider a lighter moisturizer for day use, perhaps tinted for coverage of mild skin imperfections if you are self conscious or prone to wearing make-up but have oily or sensitive skin. At night your cream should be a little thicker and leave a dewy tone to the skin so it can prevent that water loss that happens at night as we sleep.

Step Four: Tear Yourself Every Now And Then.

Trying to relax while pregnant by using a
mint mask from LUSH.

Exfoliating and weekly skin treats are a great idea even if all you do is lay on the Couch with slices of cucumber on your eyes and a glass of wine to sip. Find or make a sugar scrub that will encourage healthy new growth of your skin. I enjoy making my own skincare at home, and you would e shocked to find out how many of the expensive products we buy are absolutely a waste of money because all of their ingredients are available at your greengrocer for less than ten dollars.

If you are looking for something pre-mixed but don't want to spend a fortune, there are other options out there too. I am a huge fan of the face masks from LUSH: Handmade Cosmetics because they each do something wonderful and are not a “one for all” answer. Each one is made with something different to sooth, tighten, reduce oil, add moisture, or just help you relax and detoxify from all the daily damage. They smell amazing and contain real natural ingredients like chocolate, honey, aloe, garlic, and avocado. They do need to be kept cold and have a short shelf life... but the effectiveness will make you understand why the attention to detail in each formula makes them so much more than just one more thing for your skin.

Step Five: All Over Awesome Is Important.

Original Soaps Enterprises -
Star Wars fan bundle for $10.

Photography doesn't just involve the face. Sure, we want to see those pretty eyes and lovely smile, but remember to take time for the rest of you. Shower gels, soaps and body products abound, and it is up to your personal tastes to find the ideal for you. I am a fan of citrus soaps, most of all the big bar of lemony goodness that lives in my shower and makes my whole house smell of grapefruit and lemon.

Just as with your face, exfoliating is important for legs, arms, and hands where skin becomes rough and dry very quickly. Exfoliating prior to shaving reduces razor burn and moisturizing after each shower or bath is essential.  Pumice products, sugar scrubs, and other options abound so find one you love.

Be sure to select the right level of hydrating moisturizer for your body too. This should be heavier than your face cream and applied with a minute or two to sink in before putting on your clothes for best results. You may also want to consider something with a soft glowing finish if you are looking for great photographic skin... but stay away from self tanners. Actually, tanning of any kind in the week right before photos or a big event is not always a good idea because you risk the dreaded orange haze that photographers then have to correct. If you want a glow without the tan, a slight bronze dusting powder might be just what you are looking for; giving a sexy hint of summer color while not having a lasting tawny. Be aware of how well your choice of duster stays on the skin if you are wearing white or light shades, you don't want a nasty line on your outfit either.

Legs and feet are important and should be given some love, most of all if you are getting ready for wedding photography. Wedding shoes make for fantastic photos and you will need to prepare your hands for those ring pictures. This means a manicure or pedicure is in order. Simple at home ones work just fine if you are on a small budget, and since I have never hand a professional manicure or pedicure you can bet that has been my solution. Just have a more practiced friend paint your nails if you are worried about the finish needing to look just right, I cannot tell you the number of times in college I painted my roommate's nails or had her do mine before a night out. Pick fun colors and go for broke, color is your friend!

My Rennie Side.

Step Six: SUN BLOCK IS YOUR FRIEND!

SPF moisturizers are fantastic. I use one under my thin base make-up which also contains an SPF rated agent. I am outside at least two hours per day with my toddler, who also wears infant safe sunblock. If you cannot find something you love, I suggest looking at a baby safe product as they are very mild, have a high SPF rating for ginger kids and light skinned lovelies that burn in the bright light just like me.

In 2008 I went on vacation to Las Vegas with the man who was my boyfriend at the time. He and I are still friend and both agree that the trip out there might have been one of the coolest things we ever did as a couple. That trip was a huge adventure and I went prepared for the sun and sexiness with a full bag of tricks for the face and plenty for free space on my digital camera's memory cards.

But even if you don't live or vacation in crazy climates that can dry you out... sunblock is essential.  I use it while working weddings, chasing the baby around a playground, and covering my family shop selling costumes for Steampunk, Renaissance, and Civil War reenactments in the Northeast.

Step Seven: Minimal Make-up Is A Great Idea.

Not that you can really tell, but I am not a fan of make-up in general. I go for a brown and pink pallet over my pale-pinkish skin. I let my freckles show through as much as possible, dotting concealer under my eyes and on trouble spots when needed. It makes everything light and simple and lets who I am show through. On rare occasion I wear a darker eye style or a stronger lip, but that only happens when I am dressed for an event and never when I am working. Actually, I try to wear little or no make-up while shooting because it just creates a mess on the camera.

This is in a folder marked 2008 and other photos seems to support that date
so it is a tad dated but still fairly accurate.

I will never tell a client not to wear any make-up, but I encourage a reduced amount so that their natural highlights and shapes can show. The face has it's own contours and make-up can even be used to change those, tricking the eye and the lens for good or for ill and making work complicated at times. Editing can fix a truly poor make-up job to a degree, but even that does have limits and the costs for editing time can build quickly. In the end, expecting to look like a Hollywood star when not hiring a high quality make-up artist to make that look may not bring the expected results.

Anyway... since you saw that untouched photo of my in the beginning, I'll end with the version of me that I wish could appear every day. Retouched, made-up, and posed to maximize the points about my face that I don't mind so very much.  I'm not sure what the backdrop was, but I'm not going to complain since it allows you to see the the subject better.