Phoenix Boudoir Photography Queen

Aug
31

California Dreamin’ (part one)

Gila Bend is exciting. That’s right! It’s exciting because it’s the first milepost on your way to San Diego. Thousands of “Zonnies”, like migrating birds, make their annual trek to Southern California, usually San Diego, to escape the oppressive heat of the Arizona desert. I am no exception, and this year I made my way, as usual, through Gila Bend, Yuma, the sand dunes, El Centro, through the mountains, and then finally descending to the ocean shore. It’s so exhilarating to know that the scruffy road that carves it’s way through the dusty town of Gila Bend, ends with the glorious, crashing, cool, salty, sparkling, fluid heaven on earth known as the Pacific Ocean.

This time, however, I took the time to stop and photograph a few interesting bits in Gila Bend. Someday, I will explore it more thoroughly. I love finding hidden gems in the ordinary. Here are a few:

I love the desolation of it.

Next time I intend to stop more on the way. The sand dunes and those wind turbines are calling me, along with a bunch of other stuff I haven’t discovered yet. This year, my daughter Paige and I went by ourselves. This was great, except that she can be a bit impatient when waiting in the car while I take dozens of photos of what must be meaningless junk to her! I do better when traveling alone I think. More on that in California Dreamin’ (part 2). Next here is my daughter Paige, 20 years old, in surfer town, Imperial Beach:

Surprise!

Ahh, Imperial Beach. So underrated. The United States’ most southwestern town. Tons of surfers, uncrowded beaches for the most part. Very few tourists, mostly locals. Bad for them, good for me! The relative unpopularity of Imperial Beach, as compared to other California beaches, makes it much easier to photograph my clients at shore side. The town is eccentric and laid back. I can stay in a local hotel and walk across the street to the beach. Unlike it’s northern neighbors, it’s user friendly. Here are a few of my favorite places:

GREAT food! 1 block from my hotel, right across the street from the beach. Dine in or take out, great wines as well.

I have eaten at this restaurant for the past 3 years and never been disappointed. http://www.yelp.com/biz/aroma-thai-imperial-beach

Katy’s Cafe is my favorite place for breakfast in Imperial Beach. They have fabulous healthy fare, and great coffee. Friendly staff makes it as cozy as it looks here. http://www.katyscafeib.com/

Mostly locals eat here, and you can pick up on the local gossip. WiFi is abundant.

Bottom right is my breakfast. I loose weight while on vacay.

Didn’t get a chance to use Christine’s services at D’ames Day Spa, but we had quite a great conversation. It’s a beautiful spa. Next time, I intend to plan ahead and get properly massaged and cared for. http://www.damesdayspa.com/

My apology to the photographer of the lifeguards, I couldn't resist!

Finally, last but not least, my clients: First Molly VanKlaveren, the beautiful daughter of Danny and Megan. Arizona residents, like me, who make the escape.

I can't believe Molly walked up to the shark mural and did exactly what I wanted!

Queen of the World!!!!

Then there are the Nuttings’, James and Corrine. I have photographed them since before they were married, and now I photograph their beautiful girls, Tori and Holly. California residents, they are willing and ready when I arrive. I love them like family!

Adorable!

Well that’s all for now. Part two to come soon. Northern California, a whole new adventure. I never thought I would love anywhere more than the Southern California beaches, but I was wrong.

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Jul
8

Senior graduation portraits

A very special Phoenix Graduate!

Usually when I get a call from a mom with a boy graduating from high school, I can sense that it just might be a challenge. Most ‘guys’ don’t relish ‘picture taking’, especially at the tender age of 17 or 18. However, I did not get that feeling when talking with Monique about her son, Adrian. So we scheduled our usual senior session, which consists of starting with studio shots and then going to an outdoor location we mutually have decided is suited for our graduate and their personality. When Adrian came in with only 2 outfits, I was a bit concerned. He had a suit and his ‘Brown University’ t-shirt and jeans. Thankfully, my fears were totally unfounded as Adrian’s personality made up for any lack of an extravagant wardrobe. I would describe Adrian as a cross between Jack Black, James Spader and Bill Gates. At first glance, irreverent, but you just know there’s something going on inside that head and a stealth intelligence with no need to brag or to put up a facade. Just a few studio portraits:

As it turns out, my instincts were right on. Adrian is an exceptional person. He has recently graduated from North High School’s IB (International Baccalaureate for us mortals who don’t know what IB means, I had to ask) program and will be attending Brown University in the fall. He will be studying biology, while completing pre-medicine requirements. (Is THAT all?)

I so had a total blast photographing Adrian. Adrian, being a fan of photography, challenged me to be more creative than most of my clients. We could venture out of the box a bit, but of course not forgetting to get the ‘mom’ shots at the studio. Once at the park, we experimented with the fish eye and some dynamic angles. As it turns out, Adrian’s mom, Monique, was pretty hip and totally enjoyed the ride as well. BTW, Monique could be mistaken for Adrian’s slightly older sister instead of his mom! Adrian brought his Canon Rebel to use in a few photos.

Adrian currently works as a veterinary assistant at Animal Care Hospital, which reflects his family’s love for animals. Mom Monique currently has 11 cats! Adrian loves photography, and mentioned that his Canon Rebel had ‘lens envy’ for my Canon 5D with it’s various lenses, most notably the fish-eye. But he’s off to a great start by getting the CORRECT BRAND of camera right off the bat! Adrian also enjoys ‘tinkering’ with computers, to use his words. I don’t think I have heard the word ‘tinkering’ since the Nutty Professor movies, but that just fits right in with Adrian’s personality. Smart, fun, and quick witted.

So I wish good luck to Adrian way off in Rhode Island. I know they will enjoy him there!

2 Comments »

Jun
30

Wedding Photography

Princess meets mountain man: Beautiful Arizona Wedding!

I am very excited to be making my first wedding photography post! No…not my first wedding. I did my first wedding in 1976. But this is my first POST about a wedding. After all these years it’s really nice to be able to share some personal details about a couple, rather than simply posting the photos to a website. Pictures ARE worth a thousand words, but sometimes it’s nice to know the back story. So….meet Matt and Dana, avid hikers and climbers! They describe themselves as ‘late bloomers’, because they are over 30 and getting married for the first (and last) time!

Beautiful couple in a beautiful Arizona wedding location!

Being a very special couple, they chose a VERY special location for their wedding. Check out “Off The Beaten Path”, a wedding venue in Rimrock, Arizona. Leave it to hikers to find this fabulous out of the way location!

These photos are just the tip of the iceberg. This place is awesome!

Cozy bride’s room with air conditioning! Cooler than Phoenix, but when wearing formal wear, air is a must when getting ready.

Notice the garter. Totally vintage garter belonging to Dana's mom. Since her mom has passed, a VERY special garter!

Dana, the beautiful bride and her flower girls. Stunning!

Lovely arizona bride, from hiker to princess!

The groom and his guys. A very laid back bunch, and fun to work with. They really helped out, as the couple did all of the decorating themselves. I was the only ‘professional’ at this wedding. Hard to believe when you see how lovely this wedding has turned out. A very talented bride, helpful bridesmaids, and willing groom and groomsmen made it work.

Matt sat like this for a few minutes. I have never really witnessed a groom contemplating the ceremony this much. He was a very happy man. He loves Dana, it's plainly obvious.

Wedding details, and remember, all done by the bride and family. Love it!

This is one of the the most beautiful venues I have ever photographed. It’s “Off The Beaten Path” owned by Vicki Womack, who originally just made the gardens for her own enjoyment. Then her daughters got married there, and after that she has made it available to brides and grooms from all over. She has no website, does no advertising. All of her clients are from ‘word of mouth’. So here is my word of mouth! Call Vicki at Off The Beaten Path at 928-567-4694 and book your wedding there so I can shoot it! The street address is 5660 Bice Road, in Rimrock, AZ. But call first, it’s tricky to find.

Dana's 80 year old dad gave her away. Tears all around.

“Off The Beaten Path” is crammed full of little nooks and crannies of beauty.

Gorgeous wedding party. They put up with me putting them in the bushes!

I loved the families! Dana and her sister are very close.

At night we have the ‘twinkle lights’ and cool mountain breezes.

Notice the ‘hiking/climbing’ cake. Cakes done by a friend ‘culinary student’. Food by The Thai Palace in old town Cottonwood, Arizona. They did an amazing job! 928-639-0444 www.thaipalaceaz.com

Dad got up and danced with his girls!

All in all a lovely wedding, great food, fabulous couple, wedding party and family. Can’t ask for more! Thank you Matt and Dana for allowing me to be a part of your wedding. I will always remember it! Love you!

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Jun
21

boudoir photography

Phoenix Boudoir Photography : How to prepare for your photo session

Hair and makeup are an essential tool for a successful Boudoir Photo Session.

I get asked a lot of questions about Boudoir Photo Sessions. Mostly, about airbrushing, or what a girl should bring to a session to wear. But I don’t get as many questions as I used to about how a girl should prepare for her Boudoir Photo Session. Preparation is extremely important. You think it would be obvious for a girl to do her nails, shave her legs, etc. But you would be surprised how often I get a client who doesn’t want to show her hands because of her nails!!! Really ladies, it’s BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY! That means showing your body! including your hands! More importantly, however, there is some mental preparation. The mental and the physical are linked and can affect each other. Without your nails done and your hair cut the way you like it, it can affect how sexy you feel. Which is the most important thing! I can help you with expression, I have some tricks, but ultimately, the sexy, comes from you!

So below I have a list of the most important things to consider when preparing for a Boudoir Photography Session.

1. Do your nails and toes. It’s a good excuse for a spa day. Get a good mani/pedi or do it at home. Your nails don’t have to be long, just a nice manicure. Color is optional. It’s usually best to stick with a color that’s fairly neutral, so it doesn’t clash with any of your outfits. If you don’t like nails or have a job that isn’t nail friendly, the Lee Press-on type of nail will work. They look very real in photos.

2. Hair. Your hair is THE most important factor in the style of the photo. It affects the entire tone of the picture. I have the most excellent hair and makeup artist, Lorri, who styles the hair and does the makeup for my girls. But it’s best to have a cut you like and to be mindful of your roots. I do 3 dimensional photography. The top of your head is likely to show, so make sure you have timed your appt with your stylist correctly. Don’t change your style or color right before a session!!!! Also, you know your hair. Is it best freshly washed? Or does it style better after a day? Do you like your hair best right after your trip to the stylist? Or do you like it better after it has settled in for a couple of weeks?

3. Come to the studio with your hair and makeup as you do everyday. We do not need you to come bare-faced, unless that’s what you want. Do come with dry hair, but you can style it normally.

4. Schedule your appt taking into account your ‘cycle’. Not that I care, but I know you will feel sexier without your monthly visitor.

5. Tanning. Ugh! I get asked about this a lot. Tanning is okay, if it’s what you normally do. The most important thing is an even skin tone. How light or dark you are is really not that important. In fact, a very dark tan really does not photograph as well. If you don’t like tan lines, then the tanning bed just to even things out a bit is a good idea. But don’t overdo! I can’t fix a sunburn! Unless you want all black and white photos! You will not feel sexy with a painful sunburn!

Your attitude. Feel sexy? It will show!

6. Working out. If you normally work out or are active, you know what activities will help you to feel sexy and lean. Do that the day before, but not the day of. Your muscles actually swell after a heavy workout. So unless you are doing a fitness shoot, you don’t want to bulge! If you don’t work out, that’s just fine. I KNOW how hide your flaws. And anyway, working out does not guarantee a flawless body.

7. Shave your legs and take care of your bikini area. The camera doesn’t always pick this up, but YOU will feel sexier, and THAT will show.

8. Eating before a session. I like to do Boudoir Portraits first thing in the morning. Most ladies are thinnest then and they feel thinner. But it is good idea to have a little something before the session. Also, if you want a glass of wine to relax you, you really need to eat a little. I don’t want to scrape you off the floor!

9. Clothing selection. This is probably the hardest for most ladies. When you are doing what is probably a once in a lifetime photo session, you want to get the most out of it. So, try on a few things and see what you like. Think of clothes and lingerie as a ‘tool’ to make you look sexy. Check out my post “What to wear for your Valentine’s Day Photography” for some descriptions of different lingerie, and what it can do for you. Also, use your imagination! I think it was Einstein that said: “Imagination is more important than intelligence”. Look at magazines to see what you like. Raid your closet and your friend’s closets! Play on his profession or yours. I once had a client who worked at the county morgue. She brought a body bag in for her session, and we made it sexy! What does he like? What do you like about your body? Use lingerie and other clothing to show off. You are in the spotlight! Model for the day! Work it!

10. I have saved the most important thing for last. Your mental ATTITUDE! Sometimes a client is just determined that she will not look good. She will tell me about every part of herself she doesn’t like. Point out every flaw (perceived flaw). I will attempt to change her mind, and I am usually successful. But this must occur BEFORE the session is finished. If I haven’t changed her mind about herself before the session is done, it will show in the photos. No matter how beautiful she really is, you will see in her own eyes what she feels about herself. THIS is the key to good Boudoir Photography. So, my advice here is to believe me when I say, no matter what you think your flaws are, I can make you look your absolute best. Not because I am a magician, but because I see the real beauty that you are. I am not shackled by your preconceived notions of your self image. I simply see what is in front of me, and it is beautiful. Only waiting for me to expose it.

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Jun
8

boudoir photography

Ten Reasons why Boudoir Photos are a great gift for Father’s Day

: Boudoir photos can make a man see the ‘mother of his children’ in a whole new light. It’s a good thing!

Hello All! I am sorry I have been away, but wanted to get my blog set up a little better. It was getting frustrating having it not look quite right. The learning curve for me was a little too long! I’d rather be shooting photos then learning Wordpress. Anyway…

It’s probably a little too late right now, but I’d like to let you all know how wonderful Boudoir Portraits can be as a gift for Father’s Day.

The idea occurred to me by accident many years ago. I had several calls one week from ladies wanting information on our Boudoir Photography as a gift for Father’s Day. It totally surprised me. It never even crossed my mind that half naked photos would be a good gift for a husband for Father’s Day. But there it was. So we ran our usual ad in the New Times, and the feedback was quite overwhelming! So ever since then I have experienced a wave of boudoir work in the weeks before Father’s Day.

It is a totally splendid idea and can really be a force in improving the intimacy in a marriage. Think of it. Man and woman meet, court and then marry. Up until the time a woman has children, she is seen by her husband mainly in an intimate way. But once she becomes pregnant, all sorts of new angles come to the surface. The relationship changes. He sees her as ‘mother’. Not HIS mother of course, but a mother aspect. In extreme cases it actually becomes the ‘Madonna Complex’, but that is a topic for another day. Most folks don’t go that far. But the point is her husband just doesn’t think the same way about her. I ask many ladies “Does your husband think you would do this?” (take naughty photos for him) The answer is no about 90% of the time.

But this is only one of many fabulous reasons to give Boudoir Photography as a gift, for any occasion. Father’s Day is not off limits and in fact can be the best reason. After all, how did he become a Dad anyway?!!!!!!!!! So here are 10 reasons why boudoir photos are a great gift for Father’s Day or any day for that matter:

Number 10: Sexy lingerie generally doesn’t smell like baby spit up, since it is never in the vicinity of an infant.

Number 9: Stilettos are easier to wear during your photo shoot as you will not be required to lead a toddler anywhere.

Number 8: Your boobs can be viewed as sex objects once again, and not a food station. (think: push up bra, not nursing bra)

Number 7: You will have a reason to find your long lost ’sexy clothes’ instead of doing the laundry for everyone else.

Number 6: You now have motivation at the gym. One look in the mirror at your butt is all it takes. I know this, because I have seen my butt in the mirror. Scary! But just chant to yourself over and over again: Photoshop, photoshop, photoshop….. I can lift and separate!

Number 5: It’s like a mini vacation. I don’t allow kids or men in the camera room, but I do allow booze and other substances….but of course I wouldn’t know anything about that.

Number 4: You can indulge your fantasies…or his! How about a stripper pole? Would this rock his world? Use your imagination for something else besides “what’s for dinner?”

Number 3: Your husband WILL NOT expect it. Enough said here.

Number 2: YOU will be pampered with hair and makeup. You will be treated like a model…and look like one!

And the NUMBER 1 reason Boudoir Photos are a great gift for Father’s Day is:

You will realize it’s actually a gift for YOU, making it the BEST gift you ever gave yourself! You will see how beautiful and sexy you really are, resulting in massively better sex at home! And you will both live happily ever after. THE END.

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Feb
14

boudoir photography

“Love in action” on Valentine’s Day

Mother Teresa cradles an armless baby girl. AP/Photo Eddie Adams, Jacket design: James Sarfati

I have wanted to post this for a week. I struggled and struggled about what to say and how to say it. I decided simply to start with the core of my inspiration, an excerpt from Reaching Out In Love, stories told by Mother Teresa. The book was compiled by Edward Le Joly and Jaya Chaliha. I don’t know what all of the legalities are, but I don’t think they will mind. I know Mother will not mind. So a little story about Mother Teresa:

During an interview with Mother Teresa, two Japanese gentlemen expressed their feeling that many of the Japanese people might hesitate to seek help at her home because it was a Christian institution. “It has a cross,” one of them said, “and the cross is an obstacle to many in Japan. People might look at the cross and they might hesitate to come because they are not Christians.’

Mother told them about the most joyful place she had ever visited and dispelled their fears.

‘In Calcutta, we have a Home for the Dying near the great temple of the Hindu goddess Kali. It is one of the most famous temples in India and we have the home for the sick and the dying next door. They know we are Christians and we help them die in peace with their God. When the Hindus die, we call the Hindus and they take the bodies; when the Muslims die the Muslims take the bodies; when the Buddhists die, the Buddhists take the bodies; when the Christians die, the Christians come and take the bodies. But there is no fear. By being in the institution there, what we have to prove to our suffering people through our actions is that God loves them.’

‘Our love for God in action is our service to the poor. Your love for God in action is to write properly. Your love for God is to write the truth, to spread goodness, to spread beautiful things. this is the way you put your love for God in action.’

Mother Teresa’s wisdom has made me realize that each of us puts our ‘love in action’ for others thru our work and our ordinary daily interactions with others. I am a photographer. Thru my photography I can put my love for God and others to work. I know I am a little crusty, and that most people don’t know I think about such things. But the truth is I think about it all the time, everyday. But like many of us, I don’t always show it, or I am not successful at resisting the negative factors that affect our daily attititudes toward others and situations that arise. I give it my all everyday and I do take my work very seriously, because it is my way of showing love for others. I see them, and I think they are beautiful. I seek to show them how beautiful they are. God wants them to know too.

So when you think of the mundane things you do everyday for your family, and others, or even strangers on the street, just remember that you have an opportunity to show your love for others ‘in action.’

When asked ‘How do we love?’, Mother Teresa said:

‘Not in big things, but in small things, with great love. ‘

It is said that we teach what we want to learn. I will try harder everyday.

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Feb
1

boudoir photography

What to wear for your Valentine’s Day photography

Any girl, any size can look great in the right lingerie and the right pose.

One of the questions I get asked most often by my clients when they are considering boudoir photography as a Valentine’s Day gift for their sweetie is “What should I bring to wear?” Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, I will focus my next few blogs on my boudoir photography, which of course, is the ULTIMATE gift for guys on this holiday of lovers.

Many ladies ask me if I supply the ‘outfits’. The answer is no. You really do need to bring your own lingerie. I know a few photographers who ’supply costumes’. I do not agree with this. I mean, do you really want to wear someone else’s underwear? Not only is it unsanitary, but after he sees your photos, your guy is going to want to see YOU in that outfit! At least if the photographer did their job he will!

So….what to bring to the shoot, right? Based on my 20 plus years experience, here are some suggestions.

You need to pick what looks good on YOU. Not what’s comfortable, not what you saw in an ad, but what flatters you and your figure. It’s okay to bring some outfits that are sentimental favorites, like one of ‘his’ dress shirts he saw you in, a sexy dress that he likes or an outfit he bought for you. Pay close attention to what he says he likes on you. What parts of your body does he say he likes? Choose outfits that accentuate those parts of your body that he likes and also the parts that YOU like.

Most importantly, think of lingerie as a tool. It’s a tool you use to bring out what you like and downplay what you don’t. It’s one of many tools that I use in the photo shoot. You don’t have to be a frilly lingerie type to take advantage of this fact. A simple bra and panties set is lingerie. Doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be plain and simple or it can be sweet and frilly or it can be hard and fast, the possiblilities are limitless!

Figure helpers are:

The ‘push up’ bra. Always a great idea whether you have big boobs or not. But a small chested gal can gain a lot of mileage with a good one. Put that with a matching set of panties and some thigh high stockings and heels and there you have it. Underwire is also a good thing, at least in photo shoot world. Save ‘comfortable’ for your sweatpants.

Panties: ladies no ‘granny panties’ please! If it covers your entire backside, chances are it’s NOT SEXY. Go with a french cut, thong or t back. With the proper positioning and camera angle I can make your butt look model perfect. Please don’t look in the mirror at your butt. The mirror lies. When it comes to your backside, it’s all about the lighting and angle. A little photoshop doesn’t hurt either.

Corsets, I LOVE them. I was born with no waist. If you were too, I feel your pain. There is barely 4 inches between my ribs and my hipbones. How can a waist fit there? But I have been trying for years! Anyway, if you are a little thick in the middle, the corset is your best friend. Make sure it laces up, just like the scene from the Titanic. It should have 2 laces. One coming down from the top and one coming up from the bottom. They should meet in the middle of your back. They should NOT tie on the bottom. You want the cinch in the middle of your waist, not on your hips (no muffin bulge please). Also the strings should be almost like shoelaces. Ribbon is okay, but won’t give you as much tension. Remember, breathing is for wimps. As long as you look great who cares if you pass out! You will have the hourglass figure….or die trying. As long as you last until the photoshoot is over. Make sure your boobs fit into the top. There should be an underwire built in. If not, it’s not a good enough corset, it won’t push the girls up well enough and they will shift downward. Most corsets have built in garters. The better ones are removable. Which brings us to our next subject: stockings.

Stockings: thigh highs are the most popular. Just remember some thigh highs are ‘functional’ and some are ‘recreational’…wink, wink. Functional stockings are for work, they have unattractive thick elastic at the top, and usually cut deep into your thigh. This is so they don’t fall down while your filing something in the office. And who cares? No one sees them. Recreational stockings, on the other hand, look ‘pretty’ on top. They usually have lace tops or a simple plain top. Unfortunately, most of the lace tops also have elastic in them. It’s unfortunate because many ladies still want to wear a garter with them. The stockings with the elastic are too thick to fit into the garter attachment, although I can make it work anyway by going between the elastic rings in the top of the stocking. In the last few years, they have finally come out with lace top stockings without elastic! Most sales people, however, don’t realize this and will sell you any lace top to go with the garters. So if you want to use garters AND have a lace top stocking try to find the ones without the elastic. The plain top stockings are intended for use with the garters and look great, but I know most of you like the lace better. Oh, and that thigh ‘bulge’ you have at the top? Don’t worry, I can fix it!

Heels: notice I didn’t say shoes. When it comes to boudoir there are no other type of shoes. Leave the office shoes at home. There is a reason that the thin, high, spiked and stilletto heels have been around for so long. They are FLATTERING TO YOUR LEGS. I recommend a 3 inch or higher. With certain outfits platforms can work, or boots or sometimes even barefoot, but the heels are a boudoir standard. The strippers know what they’re doing girls.

Robes and shirts: I mention these because paired with a bra and panties or corset, if you are a little heavy, they can shave the pounds off. They will not take the place of proper posing, but can be a definate asset.

Baby dolls and other loose lingerie: I love baby dolls, however, choose the ones with the underwire tops unless you are happy with ‘the girls’ postioning in them. Remember these are unstructured garments. They don’t control anything. I can make them work for anybody, but unless you have a tight bod, things are going to move around…if you know what I mean.

Shelf bras, crotchless panties, etc: I am all for variety. If you like it, bring it. Anything goes! After all, how many times are you going to do boudoir photos? You really need to GO FOR IT! Don’t be afraid, I’ll take good care of you. I know how to make you look great in anything…… or nothing!

I am also including a few lingerie sites I like. If you are looking for something sexy in lingerie with a certain theme, such as a french maid, nurse, etc. Go to www.3wishes.com Loved a lot of their stuff. Not too bad on price for most of it. If you are a large and lovely lady I liked www.hipsandcurves.com very classy and well done site. Of course there is always the pretentious Victoria’s Secret. Nice stuff, but just try and find a bra and pantie that match in your size! I prefer Fredericks of Hollywood. More variety, naughty and nice alike and much more accessable.

Well there you have it, I could go on and on. I am open for any question on the subject. Thanks for reading!

6 Comments »

Jan
27

boudoir photography

I was first…that’s why I’m the Queen

For my first post, I thought I’d try to explain the name of my blog “Phoenix Boudoir Photography Queen”. Since I do so many other types of photography: weddings, children, pregnancy, high school seniors and even commercial work, the name seems rather limiting. So here goes…

Long, long ago….in the land of the ‘Valley of the Sun’ there existed a credo among ‘legitmate’ photographers that photographing women in their underwear was a dirty thing. Not to be talked about or mentioned in the circles of ‘carriage trade’ photography discussions.

But in the shadows there were photographers, including myself, who were legitimate and prosperous and who thought that a client should be able to express themselves to the camera sexually in an artful way. Most of all without being judged as 2nd class or worse yet, low class. Even those who did do it, did not do ‘nude photography’ or alternative lifestyle folks and couples. Boudoir photography was tolerated, but snickered at by my colleages.

I remember many laughing out loud when I discussed it. When a boudoir photo was entered into a professional photography competition, it was automatically assumed that it was my work. Unfortunately, they were usually right. It was hard to score high in the competitions with boudoir work, and to a certain extent, it still is.

Well, it seems, these same folks are now doing boudoir photography. Some are really promoting it, some are ‘hiding’ it by setting it up in an entirely new business name. If I sound angry, well I’m not, just annoyed. I am also vindicated. I feel I was ahead of my time. I don’t feel, however, that tolerance is revolutionary, or that being open to explore things that make you uncomfortable is something unique to myself. But I do feel that I am more willing than most to be open to what my clients want and to intuit their genuine desires and their image of themselves as sexual beings.

All that being said, I am now still ahead of my colleages in the boudoir arena. I know how to get to the core of how a young lady REALLY wants to look. What will get her to relax in front of the camera, stark naked. To express herself without fear of ridicule, and to help her to revive the inner confidence in her looks, sexuality and more. All the lighting instruction, beautiful sets, sophisticated equipment and yes, photoshop, cannot replace that look in the eye of the subject that communicates her inner ’seductive’ self. Her sexual ‘womaness’ to be expressed in HER style, is what I seek to get thru to the camera.

So…..there are the divas and various others who are now ‘discovering’ boudoir. But I AM THE QUEEN. The ‘Grand Dame’ if you will. At least in my little corner of the world. I love photographing weddings and children and all the rest, but what I am most known for is my Boudoir Photography. Now I can finally feel really proud to say that.

Also, my blog will be very honest and sometimes probably too personal and blunt. But as a good friend once told me, “Be yourself, you are beautiful as you are”. She knows who she is, and I want to thank her for reminding me that God makes us what we are. Who are we to question it?

Thank you for reading.

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