Preparing For Your Session

I don't need to tell you what an amazing experience that having a boudoir session is. You already know which is why you've gone ahead and scheduled yours. ^_- I know how important it is to you, and I want to help you prepare for it so I put together a quick list of things that you can do to get ready so that you end up with the best results possible.

• Hairdresser:
• No more than a week before your session, visit your hair goddess and freshen your tresses. This is a great excuse to tighten your style, revitalize your color, and/or get rid of split ends and any stray gray hairs. (Oh yes, I have those, too......in DROVES) This also gives a clean pallet for our MUA/hairstylist to work with so that she can create a look that is perfect and customized for you.
• Skin Care:
• If you decide to have a facial, do so at least 24-48 hours before the day of your session in case any skin issues arise.
• Nails:
• A few days or the day before your session, treat yourself to a manicure and a pedicure. Not only will your nails look and feel fabulous, you won't be concerned about forgetting to remove that old chipped polish or soften any cracked heels.
• Outfits:
• Gather together the clothing and props that you are thinking about using. Remember to pick items that are figure flattering as opposed to practical. A boned corset might not be the most comfortable thing to go grocery shopping in, but it's great for showing off your curves which is exactly what we want. Be sure to include a light robe if you are concerned about being cold between set-ups. I highly recommend bringing an oversized men's white button down. It's simple and sexy. For a 2 hour session, I would plan to bring anywhere from 2-4 outfits. Remember that the more outfits you bring, the more time that you will spend changing clothes. Feel free to accessorize, but keep it to a minimum because we want the focus to be on you and not your bling.
• Relax and Enjoy
• Most of all, just remember that the experience is all about YOU!!!

Compliment vs Creeper

It’s not unusual for me to strike up conversations with complete strangers. I love people, and I always think that there is something special about themselves that they’ve overlooked or have taken for granted. It’s like a need that I have to let them know what that is and bring a smile to their face. I have no problem going up to a woman, that I don't know, and telling her that she smells nice, has great hair that frames her face flatteringly, is wearing incredible earrings/shoes, or whatever it is that catches my eye about her. We’re constantly surrounded by beauty, and a lot of it is strolling nonchalantly passed us as we go about our daily routines.



Walking up to someone and trying to awkwardly explain that they have a look that makes me want to photograph them is difficult for me though. I certainly don't want to be viewed as a "creeper". (@_@) That would kinda suck. Some people just have something about them that draws you in and makes it difficult to look away. This evening, that type of person walked into the same venue where I had just finished an appointment. She had an elven princess look about her, and the synapses that control the creative portion of my brain immediately started conjuring possible photographic concepts centered around her particular look. Instead of running up to her and blurting out some strange version of "OMG! You've just inspired me," I finalized my client notes from the evening and began to pack up my things. I chit chatted with one of my favorite baristas, was rewarded with an unexpected “happy”, and prepared to head home and get started on the day’s client orders.



As I walked out through the front doors, and bid farewell to some of my favorite regulars, I happened to glace to my left. There sat the beautiful young lady and her mother enjoying their coffee. What to do? What to do?? I took a chance and walked over. I’m sure that I was stumbling over my words a bit in an attempt not to sound like the dreaded “creeper”, but I think I was fairly coherent. Had she ever considered modeling? While I’m not an agent, I would love to help her build a portfolio or simply create a photo session customized just for her. To my surprise, the mother informed me that the girl didn’t believe that she was as beautiful as the mom and I obviously did. I gave them my card, thanked them for allowing me to interrupt them, and left them to enjoy the rest of their evening. Whether they contact me or not is of little consequence. What matters to me most, in this instance, is that this young girl truly knows that she is gorgeous.



As women, I think we all tend to think less of ourselves and our worth than others think of us. Every girl should grow up believing in her own beauty, both inner and outer. As those girls get older and become women, we should continue to reinforce that knowledge. Each of us is wondrously and magnificently made.  

And a Little Bit Rock N Roll

Every day, every client, every session I strive to outdo myself from the time before. I live for the unattainable illusion that one day I might be able to perfect what I do so that it reaches the peak of excellence. Each day, each client, each session reminds me that I am always growing and learning to express, not just my own style and desires, but the desires of my clients and of my subjects. It's not unusual to do the pretty pictures with lots of romantic sensuality, but every once in a while I get asked to do something a little further out of the box. This was one of those sessions. This vixen is beautiful with porcelain skin, firey red hair, and a personality that will set you at ease and yet let you know who's really running the show all at the same time. Once she smiles, you instantly feel like her new best friend. But she also has a sexy side that's a bit hardcore. I had such a great time with this that I can't even write anymore. I'm just going to post one of the images and let your jaw drop as much as mine did when I saw it through the viewfinder. Rock and roll celebrity perfection...

Everyone loves a good story. Isn't that what photography is? We do our best to capture the moment with as much detail and emotion as possible in order to tell the stories of our lives. We chronicle memories. Every story has a beginning. Beginnings are the best because they're so full of hope and possibilities.

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of helping one young girl with the beginning of her story. Her name is Mackenzie, and you may very well get to know the sound of her name as her story progresses. I am occasionally asked to do fashion, glamour, and headshot sessions in order for current models to build up and update their portfolios. This was the chance to build a portfolio from scratch. Mackenzie is just dipping her toes into the unkown waters of the modeling industry, but I don't think it will be too long before she's surfing it like a pro. You only have to speak with her for a few moments in order to feel the passion and determination that she has for modeling. My team and I are honored to help her begin this wonderful adventure, and I can't wait to see what amazing things that she accomplishes!

Where do I begin? I've begun to include the blog posts on my schedule. As most of you may already know, nothing happens if it isn't on the schedule. It's my lifeline. With as hopping as everything has been, I knew that I needed to actually set aside time just for this. It's true that I'd like for each of you to know some of the things that we've been working on, and the adventures that we've had, but I had no idea how wonderful it would feel to share the everyday goings on of the studio.

Lately, I've really been trying to get as much outside training as I can. I feel a lot like a sponge that can't seem to soak up enough information. It's almost indescribable the way knowledge can make you feel. It's humbling and empowering all at the same time. I get a lot of requests for me to share my knowledge with other budding photographers, but I just sorta do what feels right in the moment. I don't know how to teach what I do because I'm still learning, too. Quite frankly, I hope that I am always continuing to learn and grow and improve. If I ever feel as if I have learned it all and reached the peak, then it will be time to set my camera down and walk away because then I will know that I have learned nothing. I've done 2 workshops in the last 3 weeks, and I have many more lined up in the next 6 months. If I can find time between sessions and production, I may even try to get a few extra notches in my belt by going back to school. What is the saying? "The more I learn, the more I learn that I have more to learn." So true.



And since we're getting to know each other so well, here is a quick pic of me. This was totally done in the ol' one arm pose, and I think I may have a hint of the dreaded "duck lips" going on. Rut roh! ^_-

"Hi, my name is Tricia, and I will be your photographer today. Buckle up because this is going to be one helluva fun adventure for the both of us!"

So what have you learned lately? Have you tried something new? If you were given the chance to do anything at all, with no limitations, what would you do?