I have been doing this for a very long time and if I learnt one thing in my 10+ years of boudoir photography, it’s that the experience counts. Big time.
I do feel I am equipped to pitch in with my two shiny cents.
People know I am vocal about my appreciation for the fact that intimate photo shoots have broken the stereotype of being “nudie pic fests”. I don’t hide my elation.
Boudoir shutterbugs have to be immensely talented, considerate, adroit and sensitive to pull off what they do. And each frame speaks volumes about the courage of a woman who chooses to go beyond her fears and her limiting beliefs to expose her raw, authentic self to the camera. It is beautiful and symbiotic alchemy. Each client I have worked with has molded my style in some way. And I like to think that the time spent with me blossoms qualities in dire need of nurturing. I am the shrink with the lighting.
So when the process is devalued and attributed sleazy objectives, I do not take kindly to the dissimulation.
But the truth is that most first time clients come in with some misconceptions
Even though we are racing towards a time when women on the graceful side of 50 will think nothing of indulging in a boudoir session to commemorate their long journeys, there is still a lot of murkiness around what can be expected from a boudoir shoot.
It is in the best interest of both my lovely ladies and my fellow photographers to ensure that these three areas are spring cleaned before a single item of clothing comes off!
So let me share some truths with you:
1.Boudoir Shoot is an Investment
The feeling of being infallible and strangely liberated that one takes away from the actual shoot lingers on in the photographs. They are a reminder of strength and beauty. So it is better to handle the experience professionally.
If you come to the shoot cased in tight clothes that leave unseemly marks on your body or if you forget to follow a rigorous nourishment regime for your skin, then your clicks will not respect your true worthiness.
They will not be as dreamy and gorgeous as you envisioned. And unfortunately, there can be no “re-takes” the next day! So even though an intimate session is all kinds of fun, as a client you must follow the guidelines set forth by your shutterbug. Trust her…she wants you to shine.
2. Intimate Photographs Will Not be Heavily Photoshopped.
You will still look like you! That is the whole point of the exercise. The only thing missing will be the wall of shame, inhibition, and hesitance that you might have built around yourself.
Trust your photographer with the technical side of things. Your snaps will be meticulously touched to remove any elements that might mar your natural perfection.
But natural is the keyword here. You don’t want a stack of clicks that leave you with the pasty cast of too much airbrushing. You will be your lovely, vibrant self. And it will be breathtaking.
3. Intimate Snaps are Quality over Numbers
Your shutterbug will NOT share each and every image with you. You will only get the pick of the pack.
Even veteran models do not look like sleek and poised divas in every frame. So do not expect the impossible from your boudoir experience.
It is the job of your pro to sift through the chaff and present the very best – aptly touched – to reflect your best moments of the day. And it is your privilege to worry about nothing else! Get ready to sizzle on social girl. Your moment of pride is just a session away.
There is a lot more I want to share. And I will do that over subsequent blogs. But I hope I have been able to set the right expectations for your intimate journey! Open your heart and mind. You won’t regret your decision.
Intimately Yours,
– Marisa Leigh
P.S Don’t forget to follow Intimately Yours art on Instagram!
