Body Lines - Albany, NY Boudoir Photographer

Not many people think that the slightest curve on their body could be thought of as beautiful - let a lone make a good art piece for their home!   Over the past year - I’ve been drawn more
and more to the lines of women’s bodies.  I’d always noticed the amazing abdominal curve of a pregnant mother - and having worked with some Boudoir clients allowed me to really focus in on the lines
women have!  The main focus of this last Boudoir session was - to capture those curves.  The little details from an artistic perspective.  I’m thrilled with the way the session went - of course having a
client who fully took my direction made it easier for the ideas to flow!     I’m printing some of these to show at both 3rd Friday in Schenectady, NY  next month, as well as Professor Javas in Albany, NY; also in February.
Kind of amazing what you can see when you look closely.  Just another way to think about what a Boudoir session could be for you.
No need for clothing changes - just you, your body and some black fabric…

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2009 in Review…

It’s hard to believe that there is only 2 weeks + left in 2009!  It seems to always start to fly by once the Fall hits.   Many of you know that before photography - I taught elementary ed. in Niskayuna.   It’s a regular practice for a teacher to self-reflect.  Now I’m not talking about requirements, just day to day, or lesson to lesson reflections.  Although my teaching days are behind me - I still find that routine very much ingrained.   I love looking through proofs from a session - and discovering what I walked away with.   I mentally prepare before a session - and generally do have an idea of what my client is looking for, as well as ideas I have in mind.  However, the best photos are always a result of just letting the session unfold in front of me!

In preparation for 2010 - I’ve had the chance to go back through the sessions from the year.  I really was honored to meet and work with so many wonderful families!  Maternity and Newborn sessions begun 2009 - working with many expecting mothers, and some absolutely beautiful newborn babies!  As I reviewed these images, I really noticed how much I do stick to my style, or maybe better said - my vision of what should be documented during these sessions.  I LOVE the lines that my eye is drawn to.  The roundness of a belly - the delicate wrinkles of newborn fingers.  These details are so precious - that I  focus on them.   Two words to sum it up…. ”detailed simplicity” 

Boudoir was a new area that I worked with this year - and how much fun it is!!!  The nerves were always there - but quickly diminished and turned to laughing, joking and relaxed smiles!  The women I worked with were stunning. And I’m thrilled to know how beautiful they felt when they viewed their images.   Hoping to really work in this are more next year - keep the idea in your head … it’s the perfect gift - and although it sounds crazy…Valentine’s Day isn’t far off!!!

As we moved into the warmer months - the family and children sessions became more popular. I met the owners of Felthousen’s Greenhouse and Florist in Niskayuna, and joined them for their Spring Event.   Not much cuter than little kids and baby chicks!    Again, looking at the families I worked with this year - there’s a common thread to their images.  Playfulness!  Of course I’ll pose everyone and ask that everyone look at the camera - but that’s not my goal.   Natural interactions - squealing laughs and tickles….those are the elements that make amazing Family Portraits!

In addition to family sessions, the summer brought some High School Senior sessions as well!  One of my favorite thing to do, is to help Seniors really celebrate who they are!  I love hearing about their hobbies, seeing their clothing style, and seeing the excitement in their eyes as they talk about what the next fall will hold for them!!!

September, October and November were loaded with family sessions, generally with the “HOLIDAY PHOTO” the number one priority!   So many great families!!!

I honestly can not say enough about the wonderful people I’ve worked with this year.  I’m honored that so many of my clients have chosen to work with me year after year - and am appreciative of those who contacted me for their first sessions.

Best wishes for a delightful holiday season - full of laughs, good health, and of course wonderful photos!

Looking forward to seeing you in 2010!

Are you wondering why in the world I’m talking about Valentine’s Day in December? !   Well believe it or not…Valentine’s Day is only about 8 weeks away!  As with any holiday session, booking needs to planned so that there’ s time to shoot the session, process, order, and get everything into your hands!  So in actuality…all of you women in the Capital District need to start looking at your calendars and get ready to book your Valentine’s Day Boudoir Session now!  Boudoir photos are a wonderful, and very appreciate gifts for our husbands, boyfriend.  And feeling good about yourself and your body, is a pretty nice gift to yourself as well!

I’ve posted about Boudoir before - and just want to recap a bit.   Yes, Boudoir means “bedroom” and generally are considered sexy/beautiful pictures.   Most women that contact me are a bit nervous, and sometimes embarrassed!  All of those jitters quickly diminish as we chat about what you want your boudoir session to be, and I fill you in on the details of how one typically goes!  The biggest thing I want clients to know, is that I work very hard to make them feel comfortable, confident and beautiful!  We’ll talk about angles, whether or not you like your profile or straight on shots better.  Parts of your body you love, and even the ones you don’t care for!  These sessions are shot in the comfort of your own home.  And again, we make it what you want it to be.  We’ll use different rooms in the house/apartment - and a lot of window light for that soft glow.   I also like to focus on the lines of the body.  So in some shots,  I may be focusing on your legs, back, shoulders — and you get to relax as I work some magic behind the camera!   I will be getting some “testimonials” from women I’ve worked with, as hearing about someone’s experience is generally what people really want!

Here’s another shot from previous sessions, and a testimonial from a future client… 

TESTIMONIAL

“Thank you so much for taking so much time with me last night!  I know I had a ton of questions…I didn’t mean to keep you for so long. But your patience and understanding and wanting to make me feel so comfortable makes me know that you are the only person I could ever feel ok about doing something like this with!!  So please, take that as even a higher compliment than taking the most beautiful pictures of someone.  The pictures I am sure are wonderful, but to be able to make someone feel comfortable enough to show her “bedroom” side to someone other than the man she loves, is huge.  So thank you for this.”

This week I got to work with a wonderful, beautiful, sexy wife…who decided to give her husband a surprise boudoir photo gift! I love these sessions, and couldn’t think of a better present.

Now if you can’t possibly imagine getting into lingerie in front of someone other than your significant other —- let me tell you, these sessions are so relaxed and fun - any nerves will quickly flee! We chatted, laughed, and of course took some beautiful photos! Due to the nature of the sessions - I obviously can’t post many pictures - but am hoping to get a few quotes from ladies that have done them. Hearing it straight from the women themselves is probably the best way to relay the vibe of a boudoir session with me!

In the meantime, enjoy some beautiful, sexy pictures!

Over the last few years, I think I’ve really learned that you can’t be set in stone with anything - in life, or in buisness. I always welcome feedback from clients, and try to tweak things to meet their needs. I’d been playing with the idea of including some prints with my digital collections - but just couldn’t seem to settle on anything that felt like the right compliment. After talking to a few people, and one recent client in particular (thanks A!) I’ve decided to give proof sets a go! Basically with any collection - Mini or Standard - digital or prints I will be including a complimentary set of proof images from the session. It does seem like a perfect way to say thank you, and for families to really remember their session. Clients will be given the choice of selecting a set of 4×6 Proofs - or a disc with websized Proofs for their personal use. Would love to hear your thoughts — feel free to leave a comment!

As I posted earlier, I was luck enough to photograph this blonde beauty. I’ve done several past sessions for her and her family - nothing just focused on “MOM” . It really was a last minute Father’s Day gift idea - which proved to be an amazing session! Like anyone, it’s easy to get nervous in front of the camera. But, as I told her - you just need to relax, take the guidance of your photographer, and think loving thoughts. All the rest will unfold on it’s own. Obviously I’m a bit limited on which images I can share - but really wanted to give you just a taste of what a Boudoir session can be. I really can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t love a session, where you feel beautiful, and sexy. She was thrilled - even saying “I’ve never had a more beautiful picture taken of me in my life…” and her husband was thrilled with his gift of dreamy pictures of the love of his life…

Yesterday, I had my very first Boudoir session…and I think I’m in love. Not that long ago, a fellow photographer friend took some beautiful pictures of me. Not boudior, but just ones that make you feel great about yourself - especially as you see yourself starting to age. I’ve been wanting to play with Boudoir Sessions for women for a while - and the perfect opportunity arose. She’s gifting them to her husband - Photographs for Father’s Day… perfect little present don’t you think? So, if you’ve ever thought about doing “sexy” pictures of yourself - I strongly encourage you to really consider booking a session. If you haven’t - think about it…who couldn’t use a feel great about yourself & your body pick me up. I will try to post a few - just want to clear them with her first…