Sarah’s shoot was BIG. I don’t even know how we got so much done, but it’s varied enough that I’m splitting it up into two parts. We’ll do light and bright this week, and the moodier, edgier sets next week so be sure to check out both:)
Sarah was in the studio right after our Frida Khalo inspired shoot with Crissy (coming soon), and it seemed like we ought to try to get a few more images out of all those leftover roses. Sarah’s first look was a vintage, 70’s feeling set so we went for a hippie sort of vibe to kick things off.
I love these bright orange high waisted knickers. I don’t know where she found them but they are amazing.
Sarah’s tattoos are especially colourful and bright, so I wanted to make sure we created a few images to show them off. I think she looks so stunning here.
And of course every woman needs a really great booty image. The boys also like these;)
These pretty red bottomed Louboutin’s are part of the studio collection, so you’re welcome to borrow them for your own shoot. I’ve got a few pairs now, so if you’re within a few sizes of a UK 6 1/2 we probably have a pair that will suit you.
Next up, a few jersey images for her Mr. 🙂
It’s such a cute set of images in an album, and it makes a great birthday or anniversary gift for a football fan.
Then this happened. I’m in LOVE with these pin up styled boudoir images. Sarah has the absolute perfect body for this look.
Those little sailor shorts!!
Oh so cute! Just wait until you see the rest of her session next week though…you will swear it’s a totally different person.
Sarah it was amazing working with you! Thanks so much for a great shoot:)
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 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!
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:)
She’s a yoga-doing, vegan-eating, entrepreneur-minded stunner. Also, a salon owner and dreadlock extraordinaire at The Eclectic Chair in Idaho Falls, ID where she does great work. She cut and coloured by hair while I was in America and I’m so happy with it, which is really saying something.
And now…I’ve captured her soul in my camera:)
We created this outdoor set for Shante’s boudoir photography session, but when Tia said she was up for a shoot as well I couldn’t resist adding her to the mix. I mean – look at her real life hippie hair!
I’m still so amazed by this light:)
This lacy shawl is ideal for a bohemian theme. It’s also a really forgiving cut, so if you’ve overdone it on the cake lately something like this would be a great wardrobe option.
Dreamy. Those earrings are perfect.
Tia never smiles on camera, but I tricked her into it.
See? I’m funny.
And if you don’t think I’m funny, I’ll just fall off something or do a chicken dance. Whatever it takes. You can only be so serious when your job is basically playing dress up and taking pictures of people in their underwear.
Look two with big hair and really dramatic, dark lips. This is probably a stronger look than would suit most people, but it certainly makes a statement.
Love love this image.
These look so different in black and white, don’t you think? I prefer the colour versions for most of this shoot, but I liked the soft light spill at the top on this one.
The golden hour is so bewitching.
Tia, it was such a pleasure working with you! Already looking forward to next time:)
Are you in need of some inspiration for your next London boudoir photo shoot?
Some of my best ideas have been sparked by the major fashion houses, in particular their fragrance commercials. They are often glamorous, beautiful, and a little mysterious, which is the perfect mix for a boudoir session.
There’s nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from the brands who have the resources to do things exactly how they ought to be done. Y’know, how you’d do it if the sky was the limit and Chanel wrote you a blank check. Here are a few of my favourites, enjoy!
Whatever you want to call it, we had a lot of jewellery, tassels, and sun flare going on for this shoot.
Putting a bed outside is an idea I’ve been blabbering on about for so long that I’m even sick of hearing myself talk about it. I’m so pleased we finally made it happen though. Isn’t this light incredible?
Like lots of things this past trip to America, our shoot location had to be changed at the very last minute. Luckily, we were able to make this little group of trees in the back yard of Miss S’s childhood home work. When in doubt, light over location.
Coco Chanel said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Great advice, but the trick to pulling off this sort of look is to do the opposite. Just keep piling it on. When you think you have enough, add some more. Then look in the mirror, and add one more thing. For more irreverent styling advice, visit Shante’s fashion blog, The Confashional.
Isn’t this floral shawl great? Miss S found it at TJ Maxx (TK Maxx for those of us in the UK).
We pulled this entire set together in about an hour – everything was scrounged together from stuff we found in the garage and around the house. A big thank you to Tia at The Eclectic Chair for her fantastic work on Shante’s makeup and ridiculously good hair extensions.
Happy happy. Love those feather earrings.
Hazy hot summer sun.
A slightly more moody feel to these.
Oh, did I mention we found some more animals to annoy? Neighbourhood horses came to play!
Once again, I was reminded how challenging it is working with animals. Horses are by far worse than snakes, but we still got a few fun shots out of it. Miss S is working it like a pro here.
A quick makeup and wardrobe change for our second look. Deep dark lips are one of Miss S’s signature looks, so it only seemed right that we add it in to the mix.
Check out those custom boots!
And to finish this post, a few frames shot in the dying light of day. Shante, I’m so glad we did this. You absolutely killed it;)
We played “Chloe gets married” at the warehouse the other day…
…don’t you think she’ll make the most stunning bride?
Perfect hair by Gemma, and fantastic-as-always makeup by Debbie. Bridal slip is Chloe’s own, and it worked perfectly.
Many of my bridal clients love the idea of using their wedding veil in their photo shoot, but often times they either don’t have it yet or are concerned about getting it dirty. Enter the ebay veil. This beauty was 8 Pounds and arrived in three days. Possibly the best purchase I’ve made this year!
Lovely lovely Chloe.
This is a boudoir shoot after all, so we stepped things up with a white bodysuit for our second look.
It’s worth noting Chloe’s red nails, which can be a little distracting. Red is a great for making a statement with dark or strongly coloured lingerie, but I’d suggest a more neutral nail colour that will transition through all of your wardrobe choices, particularly if you are planning to include a traditional white or ivory “bridal” look in the mix. We threw this shoot together on very short notice, so there was no time for a jaunt to the nail salon.
We did this set with no jewellery at all, but you could quite easily add some in if you wanted. A small necklace, diamond studs, or a gold bracelet to match Chloe’s metallic shoes would all work well.
A slightly pulled back view of this new warehouse venue. It’s very similar to the old one, so it’s great to have each as an option.
Simple, clean makeup seems to be the best pairing for a bridal boudoir set. I like a step up from natural, but not so much that it grabs your attention.
The new warehouse does have this incredible wall panel, which I fell in love with straight away.
You know I’m a sucker for the backlight.
Look 3: white lingerie separates and nude stockings. It retrospect, I wish we would have done this look barefoot or with different shoes – maybe patent nude heels. It looked great in person, but I feel like the shoes seem a bit heavy in the final images.
This mask on the left is from Tanith at the Masque Boutique. Her metal masks are incredible – if you need to look mysterious anytime soon I’d give her a shout.
Something about black and white images makes you sink into them – they always seem to feel older and more authentic. I’ve been playing around with these genuine polaroid textures and grain settings lately, I think I’m starting to get the hang of it:)
I mean…you can only be pretty and lacy for so long, right? Our last set was black on black, with a strong red lip, smokey eyes, and a lace wrap borowed from Gemma.
And see? Now the nails are purrrfect.
Chloe’s come to steal your soul in this one:)
And that’s a wrap! Chloe you were a dream to work with, thanks again for a fantastic shoot.
Something about black and white images makes you sink into them – they always seem to feel older and more authentic. I’ve been playing around with these genuine polaroid textures and grain settings lately, I think I’m starting to get the hang of it:)
And that’s a wrap! Chloe you were a dream to work with, thanks again for a fantastic shoot.