This was Kate and I’s second shoot together, and we were joined by lovely Sadaf on makeup.
One of my favourite things about photography (and great makeup) is it’s ability to transform an appearance. I got a frantic call from Kate the day before our shoot where she explained that her normally brilliant colourist had taken a few too many liberties and turned her hair into “a horrific shade of trailer trash blonde.” Oh mannnnnnnnn….
We couldn’t reschedule since Kate was also about to move away to Oz, so we opted to just go with it. Kate rocked up and I’m not gunna lie – her hair was glowing in a sort of radioactive way. We had a good laugh about it, and then got down to business.
Side note: how great is this lilac silk number on her?
With genius makeup skills from Sadaf and a little clever toning and post processing work on my end, we successfully got Kate up an’ out the trailer park;) We were all really pleased about it lol!
Hello, I’m Kate, and I stop traffic with my little red dress.
Gahhh. Such a stunner. I defy you to tell me that curvy women aren’t having a moment right now.
Feather bra. Because we can.
If you come shoot with me, odds are very high I will make you lay on the floor at some point. You’ve been warned.
We were just experimenting with this set idea – the backlight coming over the top of the backdrop was fantastic but it does create some flyaway hair problems that are sort of annoying to work though.
This pose in particular is so feline feeling. We were joking about creating a posing book for photographers and models where each pose has a cringe-tastic name. I’ll call this one Sex Panther, obviously. You stay classy San Diego.
I think I could learn to like shooting on solid black almost as much as I like shooting in the backlight. It’s got that same gorgeous fall away effect around the body, which is great for any body type and always flattering.
If these images had a soundtrack, it would be Iglu and Hartley’s, “DayGlo” on account of Kate’s magical glowing hair.
Up close and personal with these. Images like this are ideal for an album – they add so much movement and interest to the image story.
BOOOOOOM.
Also, curvy ladies please note how killer these high waisted knickers look? It’s a great way to add a little more coverage without sacrificing style, and they are easy to pick up this season:)
We brought the volume back down a little for our last look. I love this detailed long line bra top Kate’s wearing – perfect for a romantic, moody set of images.
Simple window light and gorgeous curves. If you love this look but are not so keen on your midsection, there are some great options that combine this strappy look in a fitted basque. You could think also think about layering a bra like this over simple black shape wear, or combining it with a sheer robe/dress/kimono/etc like we’ve done in the images below.
Double trouble.
See, look at this. Still an edgy bit of detail up top, but now Kate a totally covered midsection and the outfit still looks fab. Bonus: we can show a cheeky bit of leg with this side slit. If you’re not a fan of your thighs, a side slit just might change your mind.
Thanks Kate! Lovely seeing you again, and best wishes for the big move!
She is lovely and gorgeous and was preeeetttyyy nervous about doing this.
She’s not a big smile-for-the-camera sort of girl, but I tricked her into it a few times:)
Apparently Miss L was blonde until a few weeks ago, but I can’t imagine it. I think this colour suits her perfectly.
LOL I’m so funny. Or weird. Whatever works.
Shapewear done right. A tight LBD would also do the trick for this look.
Lauren came to help as part of some 1-1 training I was doing for another photographer. It can be a little tricky to shoot and teach at the same time, but the bonus is you get a few lovely candid shots like this one while no one is looking.
Dangerous curves on this lady!
Our second set in the bedroom was lighter and lacier.
Gah…such an incredible face.
A lacy top like this is a nice way to do something that feels a little more romantic, soft, or bridal.
The fit on these are always a little weird though, so it’s worth trying a few on to find the best option for your body shape.
Dreamy. Do you like the new bedside lamps? I’m so pleased to have found them.
AND THEN THIS HAPPENED
I’ve been avoiding shooting with this mirror because I haven’t had a chance to distress it yet. In person, it’s really gold and looks too Liberace for my taste, but now I’m kicking myself for not using it sooner.
How incredible does Lauren look here? I’m buying whatever she’s selling.
Lauren is not a professional model. She has no experience in front of the camera, so don’t be disheartened. There’s no reason you can’t look just as confident and comfortable in your own images, because I can show you exactly what to do and how to do it:) It’s a workout for sure, but totally worth it.
Shabam.
I was thinking about the 2012 Spring Summer Agent Provocateur Campaign while finishing these images. I love how the hazy pink light makes everything feel dreamy and romantic, but I still prefer a little more depth to my shadows.
Such a killer pose.
As is often the case with last minute shoots, the lingerie for this shoot was thrown together quickly. I think half the reason I like black lace so much is that you can easily mix and match pieces from different brands and sets to create a complete look. It’s so hard to get whites, creams, and any colour to match perfectly, but luckily black is black is black.
A last few frames on the floor…
…and it’s a wrap. Lauren, you were incredible. Thanks again for a great shoot!
A little press feature today from PHILOSOPHIE Magazine, a magazine created by and for boudoir photographers. It’s great to be able to finally share a few of these images of Kate:)
I would like to mention that the text surrounding these images is not mine. Every photographer has their own style and methods, which is fantastic and how it ought to be, and Teri has offered some great ideas in this article. However, I unequivocally promise that I am not going to ask you to think about a steamy sex scene during a shoot with me. It’s an idea that makes me feel uncomfortable…for both of us:/ I’m not judging, it’s just not my style. I also promise I will never ask you to think about your significant other naked, a celebrity crush, etc. A bit like yelling “Work it baby!” I can only manage to get these words out of my mouth in a sarcastic, mocking tone at best;)
Again, this is not meant to be a judgement or criticism, it’s just that what I aim to do is a little different than most boudoir photographers. For me, boudoir is a lot less about overtly sexy looks and a lot more about confidence, attitude, bravery, and women feeling incredibly beautiful and comfortable – it’s a chance to see yourself in a new light. I personally find that asking a client (out loud) to have “sexy thoughts” makes her feel really exposed and incredibly uncomfortable, or at least that’s how I think I would feel if someone did this to me, lol!
We get gorgeous expressions in a roundabout way instead, with lots of chatting, posing, laughing, killer hair and makeup, and great wardrobe.
Anyway, tear sheets below and lots more to come from this shoot! Enjoy:)
It’s been hectic, but really good too. We’ve had some great women to work with, a few fun ideas for new sets and props, and plenty of good laughs. Unfortunately, lots of shooting means lots of editing. You can currently find me buried under a mountain of retouching work, so please don’t invite me out anywhere fun. I cannot go, I am in retouching exile until further notice. Send snacks.
Anyway, I thought I’d share some behind the scenes snapshots from the last two weeks. These are straight from the camera so please don’t judge.
Springtime flowers for the win. Clearance roses are my new favourite photo prop.
I made this flower crown in about 15 min out of a wire coat hanger and some fishing line. It was brilliant, everyone wanted to wear it, and it photographed like a DREAM. Here’s a few shots of Gemma and I “working” with Chrissy.
We also DIYed a wedding dress out of some fabric and ribbon. It’s obviously no good for full length, but with a little extra pinning it worked great for bridal hair and makeup shots. We shot some great bridal themed lingerie with Chrissy too, can’t wait to show you those.
This idea needs a lot more work, but doesn’t Chrissy’s makeup look stunning?
A super hot sneak peek for Sarah;) Her shoot is turning out great, and I think she’ll probably be okay with sharing some of it publicly, so you might even get a look if you stay tuned!
This is lovely Anna, who came to shoot portraiture with me for a few days. Anna and I met on set at the TeamGlam photo shoot a few weeks ago. When we realised how much we had a lot in common and that we shared a lot of the same goals for our portfolios, we set up a few days of shared shooting. It’s always more fun to learn with a friend.
Curvy girls in the house! Gorgeous Katie, Jazmine, and Amy bravely came down to be our guinea pigs.
I have also fallen in love with using the hair dryer for creating faux breeze. It’s amazing, I can’t believe I haven’t been using it this whole time.
Makeup artist Hayley manning the wind machine for Eleanor’s set.
Another flower crown, and a comfy & cozy set from Katie’s shoot.
I’m also hoping to be able to release two new lingerie shoots soon – both are slated for publication in magazines so I have to keep them quiet for the time being. I’m told the images will be published “soon.” Your guess is as good as mine on what that sort of timeframe actually means lol! It’s always an honour to see work in print though, so Debbie, Sadaf, Olivia, Katie and I are happily practicing the virtue of patience.
One last thing, we have a really cool location arranged for tomorrow’s shoot. Follow me on Instagram for behind the scenes sneaks: @stormy_rebelandromance
A rare treat today – a few anonymous images from a recent couple’s boudoir shoot. This pair has an edgy, alternative vibe and were great fun to work with. To maintain their privacy, we’re keeping everything cloak and dagger, but you can still get a feel for how things turned out;)
Love a good black and white details shot.
I know this is just one person, but how gorgeous does Mrs. look here? Those shoes too…
Bums and hands:)
Seeeriously. Legs for days.
We did an “Eyes Wide Shut” inspired set with some of the Venetian masks I have available for clients. Obviously you can’t see them here, but they turned out great and it’s a theme I’d happily shoot again.
Anyone else feeling like it’s time to hit the gym? Such good figures on these two.
A slightly different frame here. It think black and white feels more classic.
Good light never fails.
Jeffrey Campbell spiked boots and lots of edgy accessories made for a completely different feel to the second half of the shoot. Part of the fun of a photo shoot is that you can put your own personality and style into it, whether you’re the corporate power suit type, the rock ‘n roll headbanger type, or something in between.
Mr. and Mrs., it was lovely working with both of you!
Wedding season is upon us, and it’s been lovely working with so many of this year’s brides. If you’re engaged, let me personally invite you to consider a bridal boudoir session.
Obviously, bridal boudoir photography makes an incredible, daring, thoughtful groom’s gift. A gorgeous album full of images like these is sure to be a present your significant other never forgets (and it’s so much better than personalised cufflinks), but it’s a great idea for you too. Wedding planning is no joke after all. What starts out as a magical, fun project full of romance and fairytales can often devolve into a stressful, full-time job. It’s important to take time out so the pressure doesn’t get to you. Even if you’ve hired the most brilliant planner and everything is going swimmingly, it’s still a major life event that comes with stress and uncertainty. You deserve a break! Odds are you’ve been hitting the gym hard too, so there’s never a better time to document what your dedication to the treadmill has earned you;)
Here are a few of my favourite images of Miriam, from my recent shoot with Essex based hair and makeup agency TeamGlam.
For bridal boudoir, either white or cream lingerie works best. Pair your wedding shoes, nude heels, or play up the “something blue” inspired by Carrie Bradshaw.
It’s also a great time to experiment with styling, because you can be a little braver than you might want to be on your actual wedding day. Something like this boho lace hairpiece is the perfect example – looks fab here, but might not be quite right for walking down the aisle.
I like white stocking for bridal lingerie looks. If you’re not a fan, a nude set also works well, or you can go without. Avoid black though, it looks weird.
Loooove this look.
Le veil! You all know I have a special place in my heart for a good ebay veil. This gorgeous number was lent to us by one of the TeamGlam girls, and it’s from her own wedding many years ago.
When it comes to boudoir photography, veils fall in line with heels: the bigger the better.
Here’s a great example – these images were captured about five minutes apart using the same wardrobe, same lovely bride, same location, and very similar lighting. If you’re feeling fun and flirty, we’ll do that. If you’d rather appear more demure and romantic, no problem:)
I retouched out one of the veil’s crystals in this one, because it looked like Miriam had a really big nose piercing lol!
A pulled back shot of the scene. Lovely lovely. Stay tuned for more from this shoot:)
I joined forces with TeamGlam recently for a day of bridal and wedding boudoir. It was great fun playing wedding dress up and prancing around a few million pound flat like we owned the place;) Final images and a full film to come soon! For now, check out this teaser film, which is the exceptional work of Alex at Black Frog.
Miss L is the nicest person you’ve ever met. Not probably the nicest, she actually IS the nicest, warmest person in the history of people. As in, if Disneyland made a woman prototype to entertain children at the park, it would be her. So when I needed someone to help me teach a 1-1 workshop for another budding photographer, she was the perfect choice.
Valentine’s Day is coming up, so of course we did red.
Red lingerie on red velvet. A winning combo if you ask me!
Loooong legs, and a sort of weird, accidental pose we stumbled into here on the right. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but it’s growing on me. What do you think?
Chunky black heels give this a more contemporary, quirky vibe than a traditionally stiletto.
Miss L’s lacy red lingerie set is from Boux Avenue. They have several great Valentine’s Day lingerie options, all for about £50 for a matching set. Step things up a notch with a corresponding suspender belt and stockings for around £30 more. If you throw on a classic pair of black heels from your closet (or mine) and a signature red lipstick, you’ve got a killer head to toe look for around £80.
It’s worth remembering nails too – Miss L’s sparkly 4th finger looks fab in person, but sometimes a bit weird on camera. My advice is a solid neutral colour that will work with each outfit you have planned.
A grainy black and white is always so moody.
These images we created in the window were my favourite from the shoot.
Oh Miss L. You and your doe eyes are so prettyprettypretty.
Do you need a gift for Valentine’s Day? Hmmmm? Hint hint.
Seriously. You will WIN Valentine’s Day if you show up with images like these.
New studio (updated pictures coming soon), new favourite pose.
I thought that I came up with this “play in the curtain” idea on my own, but I’ve recently realised that I’ve probably subconsciously stolen it from Victoria’s Secret.
#sorrynotsorry
We did this whole shoot in one lingerie set. I’d encourage variation and variety when possible, but in a pinch, one look will do!
Miss L, you were wonderful as always. It was so nice to catch up, can’t wait to see you again:)
We are now back home now and getting over our jet lag. I wanted to write to you as soon as we saw the pictures, but we got a bit busy. So here goes…WOW!!!! really Stormy, it was absolutely exquisite. You really have given us a wonderful experience and a memory we will physically treasure always. Thank you for that. Thank you for making it so comfortable and enriching in every way. I can never remember my mirror showing me that fantastic a body :)))) Lying on a cold floor has never been so rewarding…Please convey my thanks to your makeup artist Gemma too, she was absolutely wonderful with her work and her personality…and you both make a wonderful team. My husband and I genuinely thank you for all that you have created, and wish you and Gemma all the very best and success in all that you do.
“I met Stormy over five years ago, and she was the first camera I was in front of for any sort of ‘modelling’ session. Since then we’ve worked together at least 10 times. She has always been exceptional at her craft, but this was a whole new experience. Having been involved with Stormy since the start of her career I can tell you that she is meant to be doing this.
Over the last year I have gone through a pretty significant transformation, most noticeable is my 70 lb. weight loss. It’s been an adjustment to feel confident in my body, and as a Health Coach I am often overly critical of my figure. Stormy has a way of making you feel free and beautiful just with her presence. She makes it easy to be comfortable with her clear, articulate directions and has an impeccable ability to see all the tiny details like stray hairs or a piece of grass in the way to ensure the shot is flawless.
Looking at the photos from my session was a liberating experience. Yes, Stormy is an unbelievably talented photographer and she knows how to take a beautifully executed shot but that’s isn’t what separates her from others. It’s her ability to capture a women being authentically her. Being around Stormy is a trusting and loving experience where you are free to be as you are and she instinctively knows the exact moment to press the shutter to capture the real you.
Thank you Stormy for helping me to see myself and my body for what it really is. It has helped me on my journey in accepting and learning to love myself more than I can put into words. I have appreciated every opportunity in the past to work together but this time was life changing. You have reached a point in your talent that it almost scares me to know you are going to continue to get better.
If you have even a hint of intrigue to shoot with Stormy, listen to that voice. She doesn’t make you look beautiful, she captures your authentic beauty. You deserve to see yourself as the rest of the world does, beautifully YOU.”
