Our beautiful client booked a 2 look session – which of course means a lot of range in her gallery!  When she broke out these adorable leg warmers…I instantly knew we’d use them! One of the things I tell clients… is to PACK A BAG!  And I LOVE when they listen to me!  It’s not uncommon for me to hear “I don’t know how or if we can incorporate this….” You’d be surprised at what we can come up with!  Better to have options, then to leave feeling like maybe you should have brought more.  Generally if someone is going for two looks – we start with a softer look, and will use outfits that match up to that feel best.

Sports attire of any kind always works great… and yes the guys love it   Hello Lakers Fans!  Good photo to remind you that is doesn’t have to always be lingerie or have a ton of skin showing to be sexy!  This was actually shot, infront of a small section of blank wall.  Simple, clean – perfect!

We went through a few other outfits, before changing up the makeup and hair.  Anytime we get a black and white outfit – a punchy lip is brought to the session!  The color pop really makes a statement, and gives a very different feel! Especially when you go red

Not only were the polka dots on this piece adorable – the lines were so sexy!  Playful and fun   Take a trip up to Saratoga – and visit Lisa at Fiat Feminae - tons of different, boudoir styled lingerie at her shop!  Although I’m not posting a shot of the back – per the client’s request – this had matching underwear – that had the cutest bow right at the tailbone… just a fabulous fun outfit!  Which is sometimes exactly what you need to wear to really have fun and feel playful!  It’s hard for me to always articulate to clients the transformation that goes on with EVERY client during a session.  I can see the confidence build, they relax – better expressions, and  body language.  Which is exactly when I start the more non-traditional posing!  Many of my client’s will tell you that I say “If it feels a bit uncomfortable…you’re doing it right!”  A hunched over, folded, or even big arch can feel weird – but look amazing with the lines it creates! 

January dates filled up fast – with Valentine’s Day being the big push.  Be sure to check back to see all of the gorgeous clients who started off the 2012 year!

Inquires come in daily – mostly from women – and occasionally from men who are looking to gift the session to a girlfriend or wife.  In past posts here and on facebook I’ve put up questions – a Boudoir 411 if you will.   No question that quite a bit of thought goes into booking a session on a clients end – and understandably they generally have a lot of questions! 

Recently I’ve been asked a few time - “What aged women tend to book these sessions?”    

There’s a range – from their 20′s to -50′s .

The ladies in their 20′s are typically into the high fashion, model like portraits you see celebrities in.  They want a feeling of  Hollywood, or modeling.  I also have found some that call themselves late bloomers – and feel they’ve come into their own – and want to celebrate it!

Women in their 30′s and 40′s are often mom’s – who are looking to get their sexy back !   They’re often consumed by the role of parenthood – and need some TLC – and personal time to focus on only them.  Some have had to work hard at regaining their post pregnant body – and want to celebrate that achievement.

40 and 50 aged clients are sometimes women who have been divorced, or have lost their spouse.  Some are looking to re-enter the dating world – or are simply just looking to see and be reminded of what they have to offer this world.  I also find that some women have settled into the idea of getting older – and have decided to embraced it – and want to document their beauty at this point in their lives. 

Whatever your age – whatever your reason — a Boudoir Session is an unbelievable gift to give yourself.  Lingerie, or not (which is not a requirement by the way)  the focus is on capturing your essence, your beauty.  The confidence these images, and even just the experience of the session alone brings to women is impossible to truly describe or duplicate. 

Drop me a line today -and let’s chat about the style and session type that would be perfect for you.  

So first let me introduce you to the Boudoir Casting Call Winners!

First we have Alex!  Can you believe she use to hate having red hair?  That she wouldn’t leave the house without earings and lipstick because she was mistaken as a boy once and was determined not to have it happen again?  We all have our stories – for her she’s embraced her lovely red locks and freckles   Alex is natural in front of a camera, which is exactly why she was selected to be one of our models for the video. 

Our second model winner was Shannon!

Shannon is a mommy of 3 little boys – and has worked very hard to get back her body.  Any lady out there can tell you that the post pregnancy body is something they could avoid!  Hard work is given her, her body back.  And when you’re a mom, doing something for YOURSELF isn’t always on the top of the list!  It was wonderful working with her – and seeing how incredible the photos made her feel!!

All of the rooms are pretty – and the one we used, featured in the video is their largest.  Words really can’t tell you how cool it is, and perfect for Boudoir Photography.   Check our their site    http://www.morganstatehouse.com/

So this connection, couldn’t have come at a better time as I was looking for a location to use to shoot my BOUDOIR: Behind the Scenes video with Best Bytes Media  http://www.bestbytesmedia.com/Media/Index.html

To catch you up to speed – we ran a casting call and selected 2 women to be gifted the experience, as well as be featured in the video.  Keep watching as their “stories” and sample pictures will be featured here soon!!! 

Here is a sneak peek of the video being produced – AMAZING!!!!!!  Can not wait for the full length feature!  Check it out to see what a Boudoir Photography session with me is really like!!!

BOUDOIR: Behind the Scenes

Here’s a perfect example – this is the shot I was going for…

This particular client was giggling at one point and said “I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD ROAR AT YOU!”  – we both started cracking up as I said “DO IT!!!!”

Fun is the KEY WORD – good for your soul, and great for your photos!!!

Basically looking for a female to participate in a Boudoir Session that will be set up with the intention of creating a behind the scenes look at our Boudoir Event Sessions! The winner will be cast in the video, and get to really experience the whole Boudoir process with Genine and Erica!  Not only will they receive a copy of the video, ALSO a nice collection of photos as well!!! 

Application details and restrictions will be posted on Facebook tonite at 8 pm!   http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1306383344

A limited number of applications will be accepted for our audition process so be sure to get on it!!!

#1 – “Should I go tanning before my session?”
Well – a little touch of color and sunkissed skin never hurts! But honestly – it’s not necessary! If you do decide to go – BE CAREFUL! Pale skin outweighs burned and RED any day!!!!! Also, if you are thinking of getting a spray tan – do your research! Quality does vary place to place – you don’t wanted to be spotted or have stripes!

#2 – “I don’t want to feel bloated! Any suggestions?” YES!!!! WATER – WATER AND MORE WATER!!! Stay away from salty foods/high sodium for a few days, and drink plenty of water to flush out any water weight you may be holding. Lemon water tastes great – and is a natural diuretic!

#3 – “I have a few pieces of lingerie – but they really don’t fit my style. Do I have to wear lingerie?”
NOOOOO!!!!!! Think about it – sexy is sexy – it doesn’t matter what you wear! Advice: look in your closet – find things you feel great it – a fav. shirt with panties works! A dress unzipped etc. And as you see …in my portfolio – sheets are an EASY fix!

#4 – “I only want to do one look for hair/makeup for my session – do you think I should go natural/pretty or edgy?”
Personally, I say go edgy. It’s great to feel pretty and look like you – but it’s even more fun to really look high fashion/edgy! Plus it’s easier to get into character! And keep in mind – how edgy you want to be it totally up to you!

#5 – “What did you (Genine) do with you pictures after your session?” I ordered an album of my favorites, AND 2 large canvases which are hung in my bedroom. At first I wondered if I’d want them up – but decided this is MY ROOM!!! Love having 2 gorgeous photos on our walls (Billy likes it too)

#6 – “I have a tattoo I got when I was younger and don’t really like.  Is there any way you can get rid of it?”  Most likely… YES!  It does kind of depend on where it is, and how much it’s covering .  But I have edited a few sessions where I use some Photoshop magic, and POOF!  it’s gone!  Once I see you in person, I will really be able to tell if it is or isn’t do-able…. NO WORRIES!!!!  Even if I don’t think I can – that just means we get creative with props, sheets, and angles to hide it!!

#7 – “I was thinking of getting my eyebrows waxed before my session – do you think that’s ok?”  That total depends!!!!  Nice shapely eyebrows always look great, but if that means you’re going to get swollen skin, red and bumpy…. NO! NO! NO!  Biggest suggestion would be to ask yourself how you react to waxing – and if you’ve never done it – stick with tweezers!  Also, my wonderful stylist can easily tweak them with makeup for you!  Surprising what a bit of shadow can do to even our eyebrows!

#8- “Do you bring anything that I may be able to use in my session?” YES!!!!  I have a collection of vintage jewlery, lacey scarves, a red corsette, playful pillows, and a funky fur-like vest!  You are welcome to use anything!!!  It’s not uncommon for us to accent what you bring with what I have!

#9 – “Have you ever shot a Couples Boudoir session?”  YES   A few times actually!   One was a couples session, and the other was the woman’s session and her husband stepped in for a handful of frames!  Think Calvin Klein ads!!!!  They are so much fun, and the couples really loved the photos! 

#10 – “What do you recommend doing with the photos?”  Personally, I LOVE having an album!  They can be customized with text, and there’s honestly just something about holding a book that has incredible images of you, in your hands!  Not everyone wants them displayed on their walls – but for people thinking of doing it – go with Float Wraps!!!  Very cool, modern, and ready to hang!  Last thing I would recommend would be the watermarked digital files.  Although these aren’t for printing – it’s great to be able to have them on your computer, or phone too!  And it makes it super easy to share any of the pics you’d like with friends.

***More to come!!!!

It’s all up to you, and what look you want to go for!  And honestly, who needs lingerie when we have white crisp sheets??!! 

The last Boudoir Event was at the Hotel Indigo on Wolf Rd. in Albany, NY.  I got to work with and amazing bunch of women – one of which is seen here!  She was laughing through most of the sessions – saying how she never has pictures of herself – the kind of laugh that said “I can’t believe I’m doing this!”   – We had a great time – giggled the whole time – and came away with incredible photos for her! 

Boudoir – it’s all about you – what you want, and what you want your experience to be

Boudoir – it’s that simple!!!  Whether you book your session and give it as a gift – or purchase a session for her as your gift…. No doubt that the person received it will be  thrilled.  These sessions are incredible – fun, sexy, playful – and result in nothing less than a gallery of images that are stunning!  I’ve written about this before – and just want to remind all of you that I speak from experience, not just behind the camera, but in front of it!!!!   Last year, I had my own Boudoir Session shot.  My only regret was not doing it sooner!!  I saw myself, my body as I haven’t before.  I felt beautiful, and sexy – and was on a high from the confidence boost for weeks.  I love working with women, and helping them have that same experience…   My cleints are always thrilled with the results even if they had nerves going into it.   It’s not uncommon for me to have them cry – happy cry – when they see their images —– or to say  “I WANT TO DO IT AGAIN!!!!! “  

So – as we approach Valentine’s Day – consider Boudoir j…. I promise – you’ll LOVE it

Fabulous quick video from SeaSaw Studios shot at the October Boudoir Suite Event at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, NY  

The captured exactly what it’s like – take a look!!!