Image Doctors Podcast
By · CommentsHow To shoot boudoir photography A to Z
I had the honor & privilege of being interviewed by “The Image Doctors” for their podcast. We talked in great detail about how to prepare to shoot Boudoir Photography from start to finish. From the initial phone call from the client to the final output of images, and everything in between. Jason and Rick are true pros and know the business of photography. I hope you enjoy the podcast. As you know if any of you have any questions please email us and we will try to answer them as best we can. Click the link below to listen!
The Perils of Self-Tanner
By · CommentsFemale Photography & Self Tanner
I’ve been meaning to blog about this for about a month now – ever since I edited an image of a GORGEOUS Fitness model that we shot for her portfolio. One single image took over an hour to edit, and there was literally nothing wrong with her body. I spent all that time editing… the very obvious remains of poorly-applied self tanner on her hands.
More often than not, female models (and male) with whom we work try to achieve a tan before our shoot. Tanned skin looks healthy, and we have nothing against a model with naturally tanned skin. An appropriate color of spray tan, done by a professional, usually has a good result as well. However, when a client tries to apply a spray or rub-on tan before a shoot, the result is always disaster. Yes, always.
I hear the protest from our clients and glamour models now, “But I use self tanner all the time and I know how to do it – it isn’t streaky or blotchy and looks natural!” My answer to that is, Yes, I believe that you can do a good job and that it looks natural…. under normal viewing conditions. However, being under color-balanced photography lights is NOT normal viewing conditions. Skin will reflect and absorb light in a photograph with much starker contrast than a viewer would see ‘in person’. This means that no matter how carefully you apply self-tanner, the camera will see uneven tone, blotches, and areas of unnatural color (usually orange). An additional peril of self tanner is that the user often chooses the darkest shade available, which is usually much too dark to look natural. The best spray tan deepens and intensifies existing skin color; it doesn’t dramatically change it.
The moral of the story: if you want a tan for your shoot, then start tanning (either in the sun or in a salon) well before the shoot, so that you have time to naturally build color while doing minimal damage. Know that even when a sunburn has faded to the eye, skin will still looked burned in a photograph — the camera is relentless. If you prefer a spray tan, spend the few extra bucks to have it applied by a professional. We know of several spray tan professionals, one of whom will do an application for only $25. And if you insist that you are the one person who really, really can do a good job of applying your own tanning spray or lotion, then I will allow you to do so… but be prepared to pay for excessive editing time, because it WILL be necessary :-p
Boudoir Portraits
By · CommentsHow To Prepare For You Boudoir Portraits Photo shoot
Here is a quick down & dirty list of dos and don’ts when you prepare for your Boudoir Session
- When you come to the shoot wear loose clothing like a sweatsuit. Don’t wear tight jeans, bras or any other kind of clothes that leave lines embeded in your skin.
- Shower so you are clean.
- Do NOT wear any makeup, not even a little!
- Do NOT put anything in your hair, like hairspray or gel.
- Bring more outfits and wardrobe than you think you will need. Options are a good thing.
- Bring accessories like bracelets, rings, necklaces, hats, berets or anything you wear on your head that you like.
- Bring high heels, stilettos, shoes, boots or any kind of footwear you love. Well maybe not moccasins, unless your wanting to look like Pocahontas.
- Bring an iPod or iTouch with your favorite playlist that we can play for you as we shoot.
- Expect to have fun…after all your not doing this to be stresses out.
- If your using the photos for your husband, boyfriend or maybe girlfriend
, your comfort level or stress level will show up in the images. So don’t stress and have fun! - Bring a friend if it makes you feel more at ease and helps you relax. Just make sure they don’t tell us how to shoot
. - If you choose to tan thats fine. We suggest you stay away from spray tan because it will make your skin look blotchy in the photos.
- If you need to shave or wax, do it.
- A manicure & pedicure is a small detail but it will make a difference in the end.
- Get plenty of rest the night before the shoot so there are no bags under your eyes and you will have lots of energy.
- If you have any good suggestions that we overlooked (and I’m sure we did) when preparing for a boudoir portrait photo session please post them below and we will add them to the list.
