Capturing Timeless Elegance: A Renaissance-Inspired Boudoir Photo Session for Valentine's Day

As Valentine's Day approaches, the quest for the perfect gift to express love and admiration intensifies. For those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, a Renaissance-inspired boudoir photo session offers a perfect blend of timeless elegance, sophistication, and sensuality. Let's explore the allure of transporting yourself or your loved one to an era of grace and style through the lens of a camera.

Setting the Stage

A Renaissance-themed boudoir photo session provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. Think rich tapestries, opulent drapery, and soft candlelight – the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of love and passion.

Undress to Impress

Consider flowing fabrics or gowns, corsets, and garments adorned with lace and pearls. These timeless pieces not only add a touch of historical charm but also enhance the overall elegance of the photographs.

 Posing like a Muse

Channeling the grace and poise of Renaissance-era portraiture, the posing during the photo session becomes an art form. Embrace classical poses that emphasize the curves and contours of the body while maintaining an air of sophistication. Your photographer will guide you through each pose, capturing moments that exude both confidence and vulnerability.

The Power of Natural Light

In Renaissance paintings, artists masterfully used natural light to create depth and highlight the beauty of their subjects. Similarly, a boudoir photo session in this style can leverage soft, natural light to accentuate features and evoke a sense of timeless romance. Choosing the right time of day and utilizing available light sources can contribute to the overall ambiance of the photographs.

Boosting Confidence

Beyond the visual aesthetics, a Renaissance-inspired boudoir session can be a transformative experience for a woman. The intentional focus on capturing the beauty of the human form in a tasteful and empowering manner contributes to increased self-confidence and self-love. The resulting images serve as a testament to the timeless allure of female elegance, celebrating both inner and outer beauty.



For a Valentine's Day gift that transcends the ordinary, consider the enchanting world of a Renaissance-inspired boudoir photo session. Whether you're the subject or the gift-giver, the experience promises to be a journey into the realms of elegance, sensuality, and self-discovery. Embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories that capture the essence of love in a style that stands the test of time.


Book your mini session or a gift. Only a few limited spots are available this month, reserve yours today!



Capturing Autumn Magic: Tips to Prepare for Your Fall Mini Session

As the leaves begin to turn and a gentle chill fills the air, it's the perfect time to schedule your fall mini photography session. Whether you're planning a family portrait, headshots, or engagement photos, the autumn backdrop offers a warm and picturesque setting. To ensure your photoshoot is a success, here are some tips to help you prepare and make the most of your session.

 

1.    Makeup and Grooming:

 

For Headshots and Engagement Photos: Keep makeup and grooming natural and in line with your everyday look. It's important to appear as authentic as possible, allowing your personality to shine through. Ensure your hair is styled neatly and groomed.

 

For Family Photos: Natural makeup works well for family portraits too. Avoid heavy or dramatic makeup unless it's part of your usual style. Consider your family's preferences and ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident.

 

2.    Wardrobe Choices:

 

•           Embrace the Fall Palette: Autumn is all about warm and earthy tones. Think deep reds, rich oranges, mustard yellows, and earthy browns. Also, beige. These colors harmonize beautifully with the season's natural backdrop.

•           Coordinated, Not Matchy-Matchy: Instead of wearing identical outfits, coordinate your clothing. Mix and match colors and textures within the fall color palette to create visual interest. Layers can add depth to your ensemble.

•           Seasonal Accessories: Scarves, hats, and boots can be stylish additions that complement the fall ambiance.

 

3.    Preparing Kids:

 

Capturing genuine smiles and candid moments with children can be a rewarding part of a fall family session. Here's how to prepare them:

•           Keep the Little Ones comfortable: Dress them in layers to stay cozy in changing weather conditions. Make sure their outfits are comfortable, and their shoes are suitable for outdoor activities.

•           Snacks and Entertainment: Bring snacks and small toys to keep them engaged and content during breaks. A well-fed and entertained child is more likely to cooperate.

 

4.    Choose an Experienced Photographer:

5.         Hiring a skilled photographer is crucial for achieving stunning fall photos. An experienced photographer will know how to work with light, choose the right angles, and capture the magic of the season. They'll also guide you through the session, helping with posing and making sure everyone feels at ease.

 

6.    Make It Fun:

 

·      A fall mini session is not just about the end result but also about enjoying the process. Encourage your family or partner to relax and have fun. Candid moments often result in the most heartwarming photos.

 

In conclusion, a fall mini session offers a fantastic opportunity to capture the beauty of the season and create lasting memories. By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your autumn photoshoot. So, go ahead and embrace the crisp air, the rustling leaves, and the warm hues of fall for a truly memorable photography experience.

This year we are hosting fall minis on October 8 (sold out), 15 and 18 (limited spots left). Contact us for availability and to book your session here.

Boudoir Photography How To

Boudoir photography is not only a great Valentine’s or anniversary gift; it is also a perfect treat yourself session or a self-esteem boost. If you are attracted to the idea, but keep hesitating due to anxiety or shyness, I feel you. It is natural to feel tense doing something outside of our comfort zone. Virtually every boudoir client I had went through the same feelings sequence: shy in the beginning - at ease during the process - proud afterwards - and smitten with the results. Sounds worth a try, doesn’t it?

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Let me address some of your concerns by answering most frequently asked questions.

Q: My body is not perfect, is boudoir right for me? If I do this, how do I make sure my flaws are hidden?

We all have something we dislike about ourselves. Even most beautiful models I worked with had their own “ugly duckling” issues. Well, guess what? You are the only one who sees you every single minute of every single day, and are so used to yourself that you forget there is no one in the world exactly like you, and that people around tend to see only the best and most interesting side of you.

There is no such thing as perfect size, shape or age for boudoir photography. This experience is a form of self-love and self-acceptance, the same way a bubble bath with a book/movie and wine/ice cream can be. With the only difference that it will make you feel truly good about yourself!

If you still feel strongly about something specific you want to hide, don’t hesitate to share it with me, so I can find the most flattering pose and angles for you. I will also make sure to take care of everything during post-processing. As a woman, I do understand these issues quite well. My main priority is to make you love yourself in these images, and cherish them for years as you would a piece of art. Or have someone love and cherish them for you ;)  

Q: What do I do with my face? What if I simply don’t have Scarlett Johansson’s bedroom eyes?

 A: The hottest things to capture in photos are confidence and your unique candid smile. So start the session by being completely yourself: smile if you feel like it, be moody if you feel like it, or even give me a nervous look if that is how you feel. In fact, do get it out of your system, give me all your anxiety. :) We will go from there, and soon you will be laughing about something we are discussing, or feeling sexy, and we will get the perfect shots we need without you even realizing it. You can never go wrong with being yourself in a photoshoot!

Another way to ease yourself into the session is to turn your head away from the camera at first. Just sit or lie down, stroke your arm or leg, and slowly stretch in different poses. Channel your inner cat. Focus on yourself, your comfort and your breathing. It’s all about you. That way you can start ignoring the camera and act naturally, which makes stunning images.

Q: How do I strike a pose if I’ve never done it before?

A: You don’t need to worry about posing, that’s what I am here for. We can discuss all the details in advance over the phone, and I will give you tips depending on what kind of images you are looking for. During your session I will guide you from start to finish, from where to look to relaxing your fingers. We will work through a variety of poses that you might have chosen, as well as poses that I know will look gorgeous on you. All you need to do is trust me, breathe and enjoy your wondrous sensual self.

Q: Is a makeup artist or a hair stylist included?

 A: Yes, it’s a complimentary optional add-on!

If you prefer to DIY your look, I recommend going with the look you usually wear to events and are most comfortable with. Or choose a natural look (a bit of blush, mascara and natural lipstick). Together with clean slightly tamed bed hair it can make some of the most romantic and hot boudoir photography. Here are some easy tips for a perfect bed hair from Bridal Musings.

Q: What should I wear?

Apart from standard lingerie or nude, it can be a man's shirt, any plain T-shirt, a bathrobe, small pajamas, or anything sheer. You can have high heels on or be barefoot. The most important thing is to make sure your movements are comfortable and you feel good in the outfit or lack of it.

If you prefer something brand new (i.e. you are a shopaholic like me) and want an advice on lingerie shopping, get a negligee – few people have them handy, yet they help create some of the most sensual and feminine looks.

Q: What is the best location for boudoir session?

A: The perfect option is a studio. If you are feeling too anxious, your home can also work well if it has enough daylight. Fabrics and bedding should be solid color, without patterns, so the focus is on you.

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Outdoors boudoir is another possible option. You will want to choose an early morning time on weekends, when parks, beaches and other public locations are empty, and have a friend assist you with changing. Bonus for early morning sessions: beautiful golden hour light. 

Q: Isn’t it awkward to pose nude or semi-nude for a stranger?

A: Not if a stranger is an artist! Remember all those classical paintings with those chill-looking models? Imagine being a muse and an inspiration like them. Because on the day of your session you are the muse and the most important person to your photographer.

Besides, we won't be strangers for long. :) Before we begin, you can have some champagne or wine, put on your favorite music, and we’ll have a little chat while I am setting up and adjusting the light or you are getting your makeup and hair done. Practice shows that my models relax within the first few shots. In 5 minutes it will feel completely natural, like chatting with a best friend while trying clothes on in a mall.

Q: Will my photos be shared online?

A: Never without your permission! If you prefer to keep them confidential, that is how they will remain. And even if you are OK with them being posted, you will be in control of which ones can be shared.

 

Got more questions or ready to book your session? Shoot me an email: ellena@ellenaphoto.com

Things to do when working with a hired photographer 

Sometimes we do everything right, we do the research, ask for referrals and we hire a professional, yet the end result turns out to be not what we imagined or wanted. To help you avoid this problem, here is the list of things to do and keep in mind when working with a creative professional, your hired photographer.

Before the photo session

  1. Agreement. Sign the photographer's agreement. It protects not only photographer, but also you, your time, investment and the result product. So for example, if the photographer becomes ill on the day of your event, they offer you a backup solution at no additional cost.

  2. Processing. Discuss the style of the photoshoot. Many photographers can work in several styles, like reportage, portrait, editorial (posed, artistic images), and many use both color and black and white options, so if you don't specify what exactly you want to see in the end, the artist will do what the artist is inspired to do. Also specify if you do not want the photos retouched or if, vice versa, you need someone retouched in all of them. A photographer might not see the flaw where you see it. For example, one of my colleagues had a client who considered a birth mark on her cheek a serious defect, while photographer found it beautiful and left it untouched. The girl only needed to mention that she wants it deleted in all the photos. People rarely see our flaws the way we see them.

  3. Payment. Make sure that you are clear about what end product you want (images, prints, albums), the payment and what is included. There shouldn't be any hidden extra costs for the end product. Most of the times there will be a booking fee to reserve your photographer's time. This is a necessary measure, as your photographer is declining all the other clients who wanted to hire him/her on your day.

  4. People. If the photo session has multiple people, let the photographer know whom you definitely need in the shots. Some people are not fans of being photographed, so they might try to hide away if you don't tell them what you want. A photographer is not a paparazzi, so he/she won't chase them. His/her priority will be you and anyone else you point out.

During the photo session

  1. Guests. Make sure your guests know that you hired a photographer and they need to let the pro do the job. If they want to snap your event, they need to do it after he/she has finished shooting (the best way to make sure is to ask).

  2. Directions. Follow your photographer's directions, not your family and friends calling you to turn here or there. You'll be much more satisfied with the images if you do.

  3. Time. Value the photographer's time. It's a job, just like any other, so if your event doesn't start on time or if you are not ready by the time you agreed to start on, it will be counted as work hours, as the photographer allocated the time for you that other people might have been interested in.

  4. Fun. Don't be shy and have fun. Remember, you are the star of this day, and you are the most favorite person for your photographer this day. Enjoy yourself, feel yourself, show your best self to the camera. Trust me, it loves you. ;)

After the photo session

  1. Patience. Give the photographer time. Processing multiple images is a time-consuming work, and could easily take a day or several days, depending on the amount. Considering that your photographer probably has more photoshoots lined up in between processing, he/she probably won't process all the images in one or two days, so this could take from one to three weeks, depending on their schedule.

  2. Priority. Remember that a good photographer is first an artist, and only after that a business person. Her/his main goal is to create beautiful images that make you happy. Be polite. Even if you are unhappy with something, try to first communicate your concerns politely, don't act like at a southern grocery market. My bet is the photographer will do everything they can to make you satisfied.

  3. Appreciation. If you are happy with the images, credit the photographer when sharing them on social media. They've put their heart into this, spent nights lovingly editing and composing for you, appreciate it. If you want to say something nice to them, say it in the reviews, that will be the best thank you. This might be your family photographer for years to come, and maybe even a new friend.

Hope this list helps both photographers and clients have a more enjoyable and happy photo experience. If you have any more tips to add, leave them in the comments, or send them to ellena@ellenaphoto.com