This blog post got lost in a server move a few months ago, along with all your lovely comments:( So sad. But, I’m re-writing and re-posting today so this shoot can live on!
If you’ve been following me for a while you know I absolutely love this woman. Olivia is such a dynamic, fun person to be around, and I really admire the body positive attitude she advocates. If you need a little more of this positive influence in your life, I’d recommend following her on Instagram here: @curvycampbell While you’re at it you can follow brilliant makeup artist Debbie (@debbiepurkissmua) and me too (@stormy_rebelandromance).
Anyway, feels like ages ago now but Olivia, Debbie, and I got together to play pin up for this shoot.
People are always trying to get me to do pin up, but I just don’t like it that much. I don’t think I’m cut out for all the fake smiles and posey poses. This is how I like my pin up – undone and a little reckless, on the edge of something dangerous.
Too cool to clean the kitchen, obviously.
Love these Coca-Cola cans as hair rollers.
I think it’s important to point out that I made no changes to Olivia’s body shape in these. You know why? Because she’s beautiful exactly as she is.
She was killing these poses.
How great is Olivia’s makeup here? Debbie always knocks it out of the park. She’s the safest pair of hands I know.
Don’t smoke okay? Smoking is bad. It’s not half as cool as we made it look here.
Is there anything more decadent than a vintage fur coat?
Olivia, Debbie, it’s always a pleasure. Still one of my favourite shoots.
Aurelie is such a lovely person, and I think someone that everyone can relate to in one way or another. We met a few years ago when she got in touch for her first boudoir shoot. At that time, Aurelie had just lost a bunch of weight and although she was looking great, she was feeling crap.
It’s one of those things that can just blindside a person – you get healthier and thinner and are SURE you’ll feel amazing, only to find your mind hasn’t caught up to your body. Anyway, she was struggling to feel at home in her new, thinner shape and decided to do something about it. It was great to photograph her then, and the results were amazing – both in terms of how the images actually turned out, in what they did for Aurelie’s self-confidence, and in the reaction from her Mr too:) Win win win.
All that in mind, I was delighted to hear from Aurelie again recently. After a super challenging year, she was ready to come back for round 2 and a fresh dose of confidence.
I love working with clients a second time. It’s about 100 times less scary for them, since they already know what to expect and that they will love the results, so things usually go smooth as butter.
This teal colour is great for summer.
Showing off your wedding ring in a whole new way;)
This navy blue bodysuit is a great choice for shoots, especially if you’d like something that will cover your midsection but still allow you to move.
Love this light on Mrs. A.
I love how natural Aurelie looks here, especially because this position is not half as easy as it seems.
Obligatory booty shot;)
One of my favourite frames from the bedroom set.
She nailed this one too.
A red lip, because we can. This is a nice way to nod to pin up if you like the style but the cheesy props aren’t your style.
Our library door is officially on, and I’ve been playing around with a few different ways to incorporate it into shoots.
New tattoos, and a gorgeous black lace number. All Aurelie’s lingerie has come from non-designer, high street retailers, so keep in mind that you don’t need to splash out on expensive digs unless you want to.
The temple doors.
And the best for last – Mrs. A absolutely KILLING in these. A few years ago, no amount of money or persuasion would have convinced Aurelie she could look good in a topless shot. I asked casually if she wanted to do anything topless during our first shoot a few years ago, and she literally turned to me and said, “I will never do it. No. Never.”
But lo and behold…here she is, looking amazing and eating her words:) I’m so proud of her. It’s very hard work learning to like your body, but it’s so worth it.
Miss Lucy and I got together some time ago for a London boudoir shoot, and I thought I’d share the results with you today:)
I’ve had my eye on this penthouse location for a while, and a shoot with Lucy seemed like the perfect opportunity to give it a try. It’s sky high, with a wrap around balcony and killer views of everything. We felt very fancy hanging out up there. It’s also got two bedrooms that are decorated differently, so it’s a great venue for photo shoots.
Lucy is a plus size model, currently signed with Hughes here in England, and this was our first time working together. Curvy Kate graciously sent us a bunch of fun lingerie to shoot with, and we supplemented with a few pieces from Lucy’s own wardrobe too.
I love a good lingerie / jacket combo. Skyline and boats are optional.
Big statement earrings, stockings, and heels pull the whole look together.
A black lace ensemble and an antique styled French bed was next on the agenda.
Such effortless posing by Miss Lucy.
High waisted knickers are a love ’em or hate ’em kind of thing, but they do photograph brilliantly.
Oh hello my pretty:)
We were really hoping for sun to fit this punchy pink Curvy Kate set, but it wasn’t on the cards that day.
Not a problem though, we just pretended instead.
Our third set was this lovely slouchy sweater. It honestly never fails.
Pair with red lips, heels, and stockings to turn things up a notch.
Low messy pigtails complete the look. Love this image on the right, Lucy has the perfect expression.
I was dubious about this chair, but I actually really liked these images in the end.
Double trouble, in Technicolor and black and white.
I climbed in a potted plant to get this shot. The life of a photographer is eversoglamorous.
How cute is Miss L here?
We tried a few dark and moody shots in an all black look too, just because we could.
Sophisticated sexiness if you ever saw it.
Lucy it was great to finally work with you! Thanks 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 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:)
Some of you might remember the first time Jada and I got together. We met in a Victorian mansion in London, and had a great boudoir session where everything was soft, pretty and glamorous (see a recap here).
Jada and I were hoping to do another shoot together in NYC, but of course she was due to leave the city two days before I was meant to arrive, so it didn’t look like it was going to happen. We whined and complained, but finally just gave up and promised to set something up when we both got back to London instead. Then (as always seems to happen with great shoots) things magically fell into place at the last minute. Jada was unexpectedly booked for a job that kept her in the city for a little longer, I ended up with half a day free, and the rest is pretty self-explanatory.
I really love working with clients and models a 2nd time. The 2nd shoot seems to be more fun for everyone, since we already know each other and can be more relaxed about the whole process. There’s obviously less nervousness and panic to battle through, and more willingness to just give something a go. I find it tends to be a little easier technically too, since I usually remember what worked best for a person the first time and can build on that. Plus, you get to try something totally different – new clothes, new location, new attitude, whatever. It’s nice to showcase a different side of someone.
This location was the perfect round 2 setting for Jada and I, since it couldn’t have been more different from our first shoot if it tried. We were aiming at a set of images that captured a NYC feel – gritty and urban, with a touch of girl next door. I think we got there, or close enough anyway:)
I love a good slouchy sweater for boudoir shoots. It’s casual but still looks great. Something like this is an ideal option if you feel a little conscious of what you’re going to be doing with your hands or aren’t so keen on your midsection.
If Jada was a verb, that verb would be smoulder.
Similarly, a t shirt works just like a slouchy sweater, but it’s a little lighter and even more casual. It’s an ideal choice if you’re not into dressing up and heels, or if you want that “Sunday morning” feel.
It’s always funny to me how we can take things from happy /fun/commercial to downright seductive with just a few quick changes.
On to our first proper lingerie set, which Jada rocked, as always.
It’s such a pleasure working with strong women like Jada. I think they could teach the world a lot about what it means to accept yourself, and about how to develop a sense of self worth that isn’t tied to what other people think about your body.
I’ve decided after finishing these images that we need to go tropical. Maybe destination sessions in Thailand? How amazing would that be?!
I didn’t bring a lighting kit with me to NYC, and by this point we were quickly losing sunlight. We decided on a wardrobe change and then a daring jaunt up to the roof.
Mandatory warehouse window shot.
On the roof at sunset. It doesn’t get cooler than this.
So much city, so little time.
A slightly moodier version…
And one last shot as the sun went down.
A few more on our way down. These are super gritty and dirty, but I still think they turned out pretty cool without looking too hootchy.
Finally, a few final images we took in the elevator on the way down. I was about 90% sure these weren’t going to work, but the first shot totally surprised me and then I took about 50 in 10 seconds. No external lighting used, just the one dingy lightbulb inside the lift, high ISO, and me insisting Jada kept her face angled upwards.
We wrapped up, went back downstairs, took 45 minutes to order a pizza (neither of our phones were working in USA and neither of us had USA debit cards, so it was a mission), and then spent the rest of the evening eating too much pizza, chatting about confidence and body image, and about the intricacies of “making it” in the fashion/creative world.
Keep an eye out for this one ( follow her on Instagram @jadasezer ), she’s got her head on straight and is all about empowering women and representing for curvy girls. I think she’s destined for big things.
Jada, you were brilliant as always. It’s such a pleasure working with you. Until next time (preferably on an island, yes?!)…
She’s British Ghanaian woman, a fantastic plus size model, an advocate for health equality, and has impeccable style. It was such a treat to photograph her in the Big Apple.
An odd thing struck me as I was working on these images though. I grew up in a small, rural American town. It’s a place where the benchmark of feminine beauty is very narrowly defined as a thin, blonde cheerleader type who shops at The Buckle and Abercrombie. Tans and fake nails are key, tattoos and piercings are scorned, and a nice car or truck means you’re making good money. It’s also a very homogenous place – in my entire community, there was not a single African American person, and 90% of the people belong to the same church. It’s a place with plenty of positive attributes, but tolerance isn’t one of them.
Although Philomena is undeniably and obviously beautiful, I feel confident that my high school would have tried to tell her that she wasn’t. In a million little ways she would have been too much for them – too black, too curvy, too bald, too different. Too threatening to their small town ways.
I was struck by what a SHAME that is.
I don’t think Miss P would have listened anyway, but still… I hope that if you’re a woman reading this and you are struggling, that these images will inspire you to take heart. The opinions and criticisms of those around you are not necessarily correct or important, and there are many different ways to be beautiful (and only some of those have anything to do with physical attributes).
If you feel less than, perhaps the people trying to bring you down are just threatened by your potential. Maybe, you’re surrounded by idiots who don’t get you. Even more likely, is it possible you’re letting the little self-hate voice inside your head speak too loudly and too often?
Here’s the truth; you are beautiful as soon as you decide you are.
Anyhow, let’s start things off with a sultry black and white of Miss P. Three separate magazines wanted to publish this shoot, but unfortunately we weren’t able to give any of them permission due to some contractual issues, so you’ll just have to revel in Philomena’s beauty here:)
A simple white cotton lingerie set reads relaxed and casual. How cute is her cheeky grin here?
Effortless expressions and bare feet – a lovely combo.
I love this deep blue on Miss P. A strong colour like this is a great way to add a visual pop to a boudoir album, and I thought it contrasted really nicely with this vintage velvet chair.
I stuffed all this netting into my suitcase and dragged it across the ocean just for these shots. Totally worth it if you ask me, P looks positively dreamy.
For you photography people, I used only window light and a reflector for these images.
A last few of my favourites from this blue lingerie look.
Simple. Beautiful. I hope CoverGirl calls Miss P. soon, she’d be amazing for that.
For the next look we added in a black sheer wrap. This is a great piece for boudoir shoots since it gives us lots of fun posing options, and can also work well to help downplay any body areas you’re not so keen on.
Miss P and I used it to try to take flight.
Moody and seductive is always so much better than trashy and obvious. Le sigh.
I wanted to make sure we got a few silhouette type shots for Miss P to show off her curves. These always seem to look better in black and white than in colour.
Oh, you know…just hanging out in a NYC loft looking fabulous:) Love a good bodysuit. If you don’t want to show your stomach, this is a great wardrobe option.
Sometimes you just have to stare straight down the camera like you own the place. Miss P can teach you how.
We finished up our shoot with a few simple, clean images to show off Miss P’s shape and natural beauty. She’s doing a lot of commercial work at the moment, so images like these are quite important.
Miss P, it was lovely to work with you. Wishing you all the best and loads of success!
