How To - Get The Best From Your Boudoir Shoot

Boudoir photo shoots have lately become the new buzz word.  More and more photographers are learning the techniques and offering boudoir shoots alongside wedding packages and women are seeing the appeal in having personal photos taken for themselves as much as a gift for the other half.  If you've not yet experienced a boudoir shoot, you may be missing out on something.

My first boudoir shoot 2009
Steve Holcroft Photography

The term boudoir isn't such a new idea, after all, it comes from the french term meaning 'a lady's private room'; a personal place where a woman dresses (and undresses), grooms herself and spends time on her own.  What is new is the concept of capturing intimate moments on camera taken in true surroundings.  A bedroom or bathroom becomes the setting for a staged photo shoot made to look unstaged and of the moment where the woman comes into her own and centre stage.

 Boudoir Shoot
Howard Michael Photography

You're probably wondering what on earth I'm talking about.  Well, it's pretty simple.  A woman is her most beautiful when she is herself, caught in a moment of time, maybe vulnerable, sensual, but always womanly.  Fashions may find us wearing strange shapes and androgynous outfits but stripped down you can't beat the timeless style of feminine lingerie.  Beautiful bras, basques and corsets, stockings and suspenders embrace the female form, daring to suggest attraction yet maintaining innocence.

Bridal boudoir shoot
Madame Boudoir Photography

The problem with the popularisation of boudoir shoots is that they're easily taken away from the context they were intended and easily cheapened into nothing less than a glamour shoot.  Glamour and boudoir are polar opposites but often confused.  The difference is between suggestion and availability; the gentle touch of the skin and the squeezing of cleavage, the cheeky glint in the eye and the sexual pout of the lips.  Boudoir shoots properly done are shot within the walls of a house, be it a hotel or true home, and performed using skilled lighting.  The use of a studio is acceptable if a set is staged and genuinely looks real; a badly hung curtain and one highly set light is a poor excuse of a boudoir set.  The smallest detail adds interest and an angle to work from - applying perfume or styling hair sat at a dressing table or fastening up stockings create story.  Scratched and worn out heels instantly delete any glamorous air as does peeled away nail polish.  Boudoir is all in the detail, mood and whole picture.  Without it, at best you have a lingerie shoot, not boudoir.

Pin Up Boudoir
Flobelob Photography

What's great about having a boudoir shoot is that there aren't hard and fast rules.  Poses and facial expressions kept natural and soft are the most effective and using the curves you have are loved by the camera.  Cleavage doesn't need to be squashed and squished to look beautiful, a voluptuous bum doesn't want to be hidden, curvy hips show artful shape and stockinged legs only know 50s screen siren.  Working whatever you do or don't have is what exudes confidence, and when you remember to have fun too, it's the perfect boudoir recipe.  Just don't lose all the feathers out of the pillow.  ;-)

Remember 

1. It's up to you which are your 'best bits'.  If you or your other half love the shape of your bum, make this centre stage.  If you don't like your thighs, try angles that are more flattering or wear briefs and stockings which will make you feel better about these parts.


2. You don't have to make 'a face' for the camera, and you definitely don't need to pout or even look at the camera.  A effortless glance away looks attractive without arrogance.


3. You can wear your usual lingerie if it makes you feel confident but buying special sets can make the experience more exciting and pleasurable.


4. A little body pampering the day before can work wonders with your esteem and make you your best - light reflecting body lotion is the best product for gorgeous glowing skin on camera!


5. And lastly, take back up pairs of stockings, you're guaranteed a ladder if you forget them!

Becky x

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RANT: What Not To Do On A Photo Shoot

Today I wanted to talk about what not to do on a photo shoot.  The answer's simple.  Don't cancel it!

In the time I've been modelling I've never in my life had a photo shoot cancelled when I'm stood on set of the location.  Well, everything happens for a first time and that decided to be today.

I had a photographer contact me after seeing my online portfolio on a subscription web site, interested in booking me for a shoot.  I tend to do most of my bookings online and use online profiles for displaying my stats and any other information I wish to add along side my photos.  In my profile description I say about who I am, where I'm from, what kind of work I do, that sort of thing.  Adding a bit about my fibromyalgia helps people understand my abilities and limits and on each of my modelling accounts I always have the addition that I bring Sean as chaperone with me.  If someone doesn't like chaperones, then they know where they sit with me and that's their right to decide.  If you don't like them, there's no point approaching me.  No one's time is wasted.  But I always have brought a chaperone and always will.

After much discussion with this photographer in question, a shoot date materialised and over the weekend it was agreed that today (Wednesday) would be the day.

The shoot was booked for 4pm this afternoon at Swinton Park hotel near Masham, North Yorkshire.  With my wardrobe extensively prepared, off we drove to the destination.  As I always do, I sent a text to the photographer just letting them know we were on our way.  It seemed odd to me that I didn't get a reply for quite a while later and approaching the hotel I text again saying we'd arrived.  Parking up I wasn't sure where abouts the photographer was and so waited in the car park, looking around for someone who looked like they were waiting.  No one appeared which didn't sit well with me.  After a third message he'd replied: "on my way".  We waited some more, and then finally a man with a camera over his shoulder began to walk over.

Usually there's a bit of banter when you acquaint yourselves with each other but it didn't feel right.  There was no interest when Sean said we used to live only two miles away from the hotel, and it all felt a bit strained.  Then the photographer said 'so, what's happening then?' and proceeded to say that he apparently didn't know that there would be someone with me and said how uncomfortable it made him feel.  He said it would feel like someone looking over his shoulder.  I realised it was getting a bit ridiculous when he made it clear it was more that he had a problem with men.  It was seemingly okay that if I had a woman with me (or in his words, a make up artist because 'they're women'!) then there wouldn't have been a problem.

What I couldn't understand, and still can't, is the explanation for his change of mind when I'd made it all perfectly clear before hand.  There was no change of plan, I didn't spring anything on him at the last minute.  I turned up for the shoot and was being faced with what was effectively a cancellation.  A termination of contract.

The photographer then decided to admit that he hadn't read my profile until this morning.  Even then, could he not have emailed to say he wanted to cancel instead of have me travel all the way to the shoot and waste petrol on top of my lost earnings?

But this isn't an argument about chaperones.  There will always be those who don't like them and the rest who don't have a problem.  This is about absolute poor attention on his part.  It baffles me how he finds it acceptable not to read people's profiles when they contain important information - including my blatant reminder that I bring a chaperone!  And surely he must have been daydreaming whilst reading my emails.  How was it fair on me that because of his incompetence and ignorance that I lose out?

Not only was his ignorance seriously frustrating me but he had the gall to say I wasn't 'respecting him' and that he 'calls the shots'.  And turning away and walking off like a child mid conversation is simply idiotic, rude and an utter joke!  Unprofessional doesn't even cut it.

To say I'm miffed doesn't even begin to describe it either.  Where is my cover for costs and time when I have done everything to be completely honest and open?  The photographer said I wasn't willing to compromise.  His idea of compromising consisted of him getting his own way, expecting Sean to leave the room, therefore eliminating my right of a chaperone.  Like heck am I going to agree with that!

The state of play?  I'm out of pocket for petrol, a wasted day that could otherwise have been booked and paying, and pay for the day's work.  When I have been all of transparent, he should respect that he owes me remuneration.

Becky x

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A Boudoir Brief

A quick bulletin - or boudoir brief as I like to call it!

I posted in my blog Diary of a Cavy Girl earlier in the year about my involvement with Style at Home magazine.  I'd been a featured stylist in the January '12 issue where I'd commented and provided tips throughout the magazine.  It was great fun so I was delighted when I was asked to contribute toward June's special Queen's Jubilee edition.

I was in the supermarket today and discovered the magazine is actually out now, and I found me -

I had highlighted my favourite Jubilee commemorative pieces which I've been admiring and planning to buy, but they're unfortunately not mentioned which is a shame.  Needless to say, it was awesome to be asked and again published in the mag which isn't to be sniffed at.  :-)

This month also sees the launch of Cosmopolitan magazine's Blog Awards again looking for the best new or established blogs in 2012.  I've submitted Becky's Boudoir because I love working on this blog and I love every single reader!  I haven't run this blog for very long but it's already come on so much since it started.  I would be ever so grateful if you wished to nominate my blog too, it would mean so much.  The page to enter is here on Cosmopolitan's website and the blog address to enter is http://beckysboudoir.blogspot.com, but like I need to tell you ;-).

Tomorrow I shall be working behind the scenes on a photoshoot but be assured I have new images on the way.  I also have some fantastic shoots lined up with some awesome lingerie and equally lustful accessories.  Watch this space!

Becky x

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Shoot - New Lingerie Images In

I'm going to share with you some beautiful images I received today from a recent lingerie shoot I had with Howard Michael Photography of Selby, North Yorkshire.

Mike wanted some intimate and sensual shots along with some more glamorous looks and it was decided that we'd shoot from my own home to maintain a cosy atmosphere in the photographs.

I often work home shoots and because we seem to move house fairly frequently there's always a good variation in the styles and parts of the house used.  It's always interesting too to see the house from a camera's perspective and although I love the view from the bedroom window - which is a church and graveyard -  I'd never considered it to be so photogenic.  The trees in full blossom lent the images a really serene look, and it looks so lovely.

For half of the shoot I wore a black corset with cream hold ups.  I love wearing corsets!  I adore the way corsets nip your waist in and demonstrate a good cleavage line, they're so flattering, the way they emphasise your natural figure.

For second part of the shoot I swapped the corset for a gorgeous bra, suspender belt and cute knickers to match the hold ups.  The bra is one I bought a while ago from La Senza before they started shutting down a lot of their stores (sadly paid full price) and I'd not had the opportunity to wear it until this day.  It's beautiful with cream lace trimmings and a pretty floral rose pattern: so fitting for a feminine country feel.

I love doing pretty lingerie shoots as much as sexy corset wearing pin up or boudoir shoots.  I'd love to hear what your thoughts are on these pictures, and which you think I suit more.

Becky x

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New Boudoir Photos In...

At the beginning of this month I had a boudoir shoot with Madame Boudoir. The shoot went fantastically well and I felt an instant rapport with photographer Kim Nicholls. After looking through the all images and deciding which were my favourites, today I received the final set. I'm blown away by how amazing they look.

Looking at the pictures you wouldn't think I was feeling quite unwell that day which I hope shows the dedication I have toward my work. Sometimes I may not have health on my side but I sure as heck will fight it!

I have so many favourites it's been difficult to narrow them down but I would have to say I'm drawing more toward the main image I have selected as my blog image (cosy bedroom boudoir) and the bridal image further down the page. Kim has captured the best in me and made a perfect set of images with her artistic eye and technical flare. If you're looking to get some boudoir photos done for your portfolio or as a surprise prezzie for your significant other, Kim is the woman for you.

Becky x

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From Head to Toe You Gotta Glow!

Being a great model takes preparation. It isn't all about sitting looking pretty for a few hours! Research, planning and practice aside, good grooming is where it's at. Without a well maintained base canvas it's very difficult to paint a pretty picture. I'm good with these analogies! :-D

Prepping your body to be the best shape for a photoshoot is something I can't stress more about. If we don't keep fit and eat relatively healthily then our skin and wellbeing isn't the best we can be, and making the most beautiful body you can be has to be every model's priority.

I was thinking about what rituals and grooming processes I always believe in and go through as I prepare for a shoot. Some are everyday mantras while others are the little touches that top the icing on the cake. Here are a few of what I consider to be the most important.

Skin

Conditioning your skin is probably of the biggest importance since your skin is the largest organ of your body. I like to use a natural bristle brush and 'dry brush' my skin, at least once a day before a shower. Starting from my legs I sweep the brush up in the direction toward my heart then brush my bottom, arms and then my belly. It's a great way to get the circulation going and it also buffs dead skin away which is great for avoiding in growing hairs. I have found this to be the best way to exfoliate.

Hair Removal

I have literally tried it all! Shaving was where it all began but since it's effect doesn't last very long I was soon looking for a long lasting method to remove my body hair. For many years I used to use epilators. They are basically home use machines that look like shavers, but operate like a series of little tweezers, pulling out hairs by the root. I long overcame the pain but ingrown hairs plagued me, despite regular exfoliation. I tried salon electrolysis but the process was too long and tedious - and the burning sensation was too much to put up with! I've now settled with waxing and my skin has vastly improved. Razors still work out cheaper but the effects of waxing is far superior. I recommend not to scrimp and save on cheaper brands as I find them ineffective, unlike the leading brand that works every time.

The secret is to find what's right for you; your pain threshold and your pocket. Trial and error never hurt anyone (hang on...?!) but it's the only way to decide what method you're most comfortable with.

Hair

My hair is officially super thick and strong. I know, Saks told me :-) It's also naturally wavy and turns frizzy at the hint of moisture. Using a shampoo that suits your hair type and condition is a must, as is using a conditioner every time. I would never bypass conditioner. I rarely use a hairdryer because I find it too harsh and overdrying so I prefer to tie it up in a bun and leave it to dry naturally. The next day if it's still damp I'll quickly blast the dryer so it's not frazzled. I also like to straighten my hair sometimes so I'll religiously use a serum to protect my hair and create a barrier. Recently I discovered a product called Argan Oil and I'm converted! It's derived from a Mediterranean nut and adds moisture where my hair needs it. I apply it when it's only towel dried so my wet hair absorbs the oil more readily. Some people may find it weighs their hair down, especially if you have fine hair that's maybe prone to become greasy quickly, but with big and wild hair like mine, it only does wonders and tames my mane.

Nails

I have never been one for long nails, never have and most likely never will be (unless you want to stick some fakes on me.) I love cute short nails as they make me feel neatly presentable. I like to use little clippers to trim my nails and I'll smooth the tips with a file. A good all rounder nail buffer is a favourite essential of mine because I can quickly move from filing to buffing. A nail oil or good hand moisturiser helps with sliding cuticles back using an orange stick. Nail polish can be drying so I try not to paint my nails unless I have a shoot on. Keeping my nails fresh and bare means they can breathe and condition naturally. Recently I stopped using acetate polish remover in favour of those small pots of polish remover wipes. They not only more efficiently remove polish and are healthier for the nail but they smell divine!

And finally... Eyebrows

Poorly maintained and overplucked eyebrows have to be my biggest bugbear - and also the most facial shape changing part of your face. Okay my eyebrows are not perfect (something a little black eyeliner won't temporarily fix!) but I've decided that what works best for me at least, is the more natural look. Looking natural doesn't mean leaving your brows to grow the size of shrubbery but it does mean trying to keep to your most natural shape. Using good tweezers - my favourites including Tweezerman and Ruby and Millie - I pluck away stray hairs that don't follow the shape of my brow. I'll tidy them up by plucking in between my brows (no mono-brow wanted here) and around the far ends but I try to stay away from above; removing hairs here can make a brow look wonky and may not sit properly above your eye socket. A good brow will emphasise your eyes and compliment your facial structure.

When I'm all washed, buffed, smooth and manicured, I'm confident in being myself which means I'm smiley, chatty and lively, and when I'm looking my best and feeling my best I know images from any shoot I do will look the best!

Becky x

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Indian Summer

It's the 1st of October today and quite unseasonably we're enjoying a bout of gorgeous warm weather - the summer we never got has descended with a vengeance despite the trees shedding their leaves and acorns. What wonderful stuff! I'm sure I'll be wearing a winter coat come a week's time so I'm making the most of it. I hope you are too!

Tomorrow (technically today; it's gone 1am) I am having a shoot I never got round to doing in the past few months. As soon as this heat arrived I knew this was my last chance until next spring or summer. The convenient and handy photographer fiance of mine, Sean J Connolly and I were out location scouting and we found the most amazing beach with lots of interesting cliff and rock formations and pretty pebbles. It was surprisingly quiet too which was great; we only met two ladies walking their dogs and a young couple in a world of their own. The theme commands some level of intimacy and privacy so the stretch of beach we found will be the perfect setting and backdrop. I will be modelling nipple pasties provided by Intimate Jewellery Designs for a mermaid inspired theme. Think sea greens and aqua blues; it'll be simply gorgeous and I'm super excited!

x

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Planning ahead

Amongst everything else that's currently going on, I'm particularly looking forward to a shoot I have this Thursday with a well published commercial photographer. We'll be working on some lingerie, hopefully getting some really nice, natural shots. Will also be doing some lifestyle shots too with my right hand man Sean (other-wise known as my fiance!), which should provide some fun. I'll share some photos from that as and when.

Also in the pipeline is a photo shoot with Wedding Belles of Otley. I worked with the lovely owner, Kellie last year modelling for a video shoot held at the White Hart hotel in Harrogate. It'll be great to work with the team again and to sample the new designer wedding dresses! I may end up liking a dress so much it may force the hand of marriage finally - well, I have been waiting 12 years!

x

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