Boudoir Photography – Frances Photography

Generally my clients and I go to a hotel somewhere in Denver to take boudoir photos, but every once in a while I get a client that wants to do their session at their own home, which I love doing!  In my humble opinion, it makes the photos even that much more personal and adds a unique flavor to the images that isn’t as easily accomplished in a hotel room.

There are definite advantages, from my perspective, about working in a hotel room.  First of all, there is generally great natural light from the windows which is directional and easily manipulated for a natural & clean look that lends itself to my particular style of boudoir photography.  Secondly, the rooms are always clean and clutter free, which makes it easy to produce images that are all about the client and, for the most part, free from distracting elements.  Finally, most hotel rooms are decorated simply and depending on the taste of my clients, it’s usually pretty easy to find a hotel that will lend itself to either a classic or a modern atmosphere.

That said, there are also disadvantages to hotel rooms.  Number one, there aren’t a lot of background options given the space available to work with.  While it’s great to have a nice big bed to use, depending on which hotel is chosen, oftentimes there isn’t much more to work with in terms of furniture.  Sometimes the rooms have a bathtub (another great element to incorporate), but not always.  And sometimes, depending on availability, the rooms either don’t have a great view at all or they are facing a direction that, depending on the time of day, doesn’t have ideal available light.  Lastly, it’s an additional cost.

Working at a clients home also has it’s advantages and disadvantages.  More often than not, I am not able to visit the home before the session, so I am going into the session “blind” in terms of the usable spaces.  Most of my clients don’t really know what I am looking for when it comes to light or what is going to work well or what won’t.  Often times clutter in the home can be problematic when it comes to backgrounds too.  That said, being a professional photographer, I am almost always able to overcome lighting challenges and choose locations within the home that will work great for what I am hoping to accomplish with the images.  And finally, it’s free!

If you are thinking about doing a boudoir session in your home I would recommend a couple of things.  First, make sure that you have good natural and available light (ie. windows!) Secondly, clear away the clutter from counter-tops, bed stands, tables, etc.  Less is more when it comes to boudoir photos (no pun intended!)  And, if possible, send a few photos to your photographer so that they can get an idea of the space available.  They don’t need to be high quality or professional, cell phone photos are totally fine.  And last but not least, make sure your significant other won’t be dropping by unexpectedly.  You wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise! 

The last boudoir session I did at a clients home was absolutely awesome and I loved incorporating the elements of her real life into the images.  I had amazing light to work with as there were lots of windows, and we were able to move around the house and use a lot of different spaces.  Take a look and see for yourself…

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I am a huge fan of the boudoir photography trend that has been booming over the last several years and it has quickly become something that I am personally extremely passionate about.  Let’s face it, the female form is one of the most powerful entities in the world.  Companies of all kinds have been using beautiful women to sell things to consumers for as long as consumerism has been alive.  You know the saying “sex sells.” Whether you believe that it’s right or wrong, good or bad, if it didn’t work, no one would do it.  I personally don’t believe it’s about “objectifying” women, as that is obviously something that as a strong and independent woman I would NOT be able to take part in. Instead, I believe that it’s about the power of attraction and the power that comes from confidence.  People are attracted to beauty whether it’s in the form of a breathtaking landscape, a tiny bit of nature, a shiny gadget, a piece of art, or a human being.   It’s not just men that appreciate beautiful women either.  I don’t know anyone, male or female, that can honestly say they don’t like to see a beautiful woman.

Being a boudoir photographer gives me a unique opportunity to give women of all shapes and sizes the satisfaction of seeing themselves as beautiful. It’s not about having a perfect figure or a perfect smile.  It’s about giving women a view of themselves that they might not see when they look in the mirror on a daily basis.  It is my opinion that human beings are innately beautiful creatures.  When I am photographing someone, I look for the right light, the right angle, and the right body position to accentuate their best features.  And there is nothing that gives me more satisfaction then when I give a woman the ability to see herself though my eyes (and lens).  Giving a woman the ability to see herself as truly beautiful is a powerful experience that simply does not get old for me.  And whether the images are for herself, for her husband, for her husband-to-be, or for whomever inspired the session in the first place, when a woman sees herself as beautiful, I have succeeded.  Feeling beautiful is BEING beautiful. And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing.

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February 14th is right around the corner and I have just confirmed my annual Valentine’s Day boudoir special dates.  There are only 8 spots available and will book on a first come, first serve basis.  I have four spots available for next Monday, January 21, and four spots available for next Tuesday, January 22nd.  This special is offered only once a year, so if you have been considering boudoir photos for your special someone this year, the time to book your session is now.  For two days only I am offering a complimentary downtown hotel suite, complimentary professional hair & make-up services by Keegan Steele, and $100 off my standard 60-minute boudoir session fee which includes a password protected online gallery and 10 retouched high resolution favorite images to do with whatever you please.  The total cost is $300. I am also offering 25% off my gorgeous boudoir albums, prints and canvases for any client booking one of my special sessions on either day.  The slots available are 8am-10am, 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, and 2pm-4pm with the first hour reserved for hair and make-up and the second hour reserved for photographing.  You are welcome to bring 2 or 3 outfit changes and props are welcomed and encouraged.  Think outside the heart-shaped box. What are your special someones favorite finger foods?  I am launching a new sub-set of boudoir imagery that will be involving food, so let down your wild hair and do something REALLY unexpected this year.  I dare you. 

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So you are getting married!  Congratulations!!  And being that fashion-forward, on top-of-the-trend kind of diva that you are, you know that boudoir photography, and specifically, bridal boudoir, IS the hot topic right now.  Perhaps you already know you want to do a session.  Or, perhaps you are considering it, but aren’t sure… For that second group, I thought I would share a few words from a recent client to give you a sense of how a session with me looks:

“From the very moment I walked through the hotel room door, Frances made it clear that my nerves were natural, yet unwarranted, and I was immediately put at ease.  Frances exudes a sense of calm, and portrays a true desire for her clients to relax and have fun.  Immediately upon meeting Frances, I saw how truly personable she was and I knew the shoot was going to be a blast!  I got the feeling that Frances honestly cared about comfort level, and through her easy going professionalism, she assessed my style and led the way.  Using her help choosing ensembles reminded me of being in a college dorm room with a dear friend, picking out what makes you look best for an upcoming date or event and getting an honest opinion on accessories, shoes, etc., – it was that kind of vibe.  Nothing strange, judgmental or uncomfortable about it, just a couple of girls having fun!

Sure, a woman you just met is telling you to poke your butt this way or that, to give her “that look” or to slide to the left to get a better “view,” but it is all in the name of Boudoir.  Frances is a talented artist who I would recommend to anyone wanting to capture something special for their man, to celebrate their inner goddess, or empower themselves by doing something bold.  Thank you so much, Frances, for your amazing photography, and gift to this Boudoir Beauty.  Oh, and words can’t describe how thankful my husband is….”

So, to the nervous brides-to-be out there, an invitation: Bring me YOU, I will show you your Goddess. 

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