always like to ask my subjects what their favorite part of their body is. The answers are always so different. For some it’s their eyes or smile, for others their legs or arms, and still others, their back or feet. Years ago, I asked a dear friend who, much like myself shortly before, was feeling down about herself. She had plenty to say about what she didn’t like but hadn’t given any consideration to what she did like. So I […]
ou wanna hear something funny? One of the most difficult aspects of photography is hand placement. There are all sorts of unwritten rules to consider: show the backs of male hands and side of female hands, don’t let the hands become a distraction, don’t crop at the joints, etc.. Not only that, people have no idea what to do with their hands once you draw attention to them. I’ve had models and clients alike remark to me “You know, this […]
sometimes look back at my old work because it’s a good gauge to see how far I’ve come. As many of you know, I never had any formal photography training. Everything I’ve learned has been through trial and error, years of study, and analyzing the work of others. As I peruse my older work, I see lots of “safe” (and boooorrrring) composition: subject placed squarely in the center of the frame, no modifiers, and looking straight into the camera. Pushing yourself out […]
erhaps I’m dating myself here, but when I hear the word “anticipation” I can’t help but think of the Carly Simon song from the 70s. One of the beautiful things about boudoir, and sensuality in general, is heightening the experience with anticipation. The build-up of things to come, whipping us into a frenzy so that when the time actually comes, we can’t stand it anymore–we must have it! The power of the imagery is that we use our imagination, applying our […]
hat is sensuality? Is it nudity? Attitude? Clothing? For me, it’s probably a combination of a lot of things that I can’t really put my finger on. It’s so subtle that it seeps into your soul. When you look at it, you think “Gosh that’s sexy!” and you don’t really know why. Other times it hits you square in the face. As a boudoir photographer, I try to find what’s sensual about each person. Certainly this is an intimate art […]
still remember when I first learned the word “serendipity,” discovering good fortune by chance. I was in 5th grade and it was the title of one of our textbooks. One of the greatest things in photography is to envision something, shoot it, and have it come out way better in post than you ever intended. “What’s your favorite thing about your body?” I asked. She responded shyly, “Probably my legs.” “Then that’s what we’re going to make sure to capture during […]
ourage is sexy! When life throws you into a battle you didn’t ask for and you come out not only victorious, but also a newfound sense of who you are and what you want, that’s freaking sexy! “I’m sorry it smells like bacon in here. We just made breakfast,” I said. “Oh that’s something that never needs an apology,” she responded. Meet Ms. T, a beautiful and self-loving woman who took breast cancer by the horns and said “Not today.” […]
still remember the day I decided to accept compliments without qualifying them. Surely, you know what I mean by qualifying: “Hey, your hair looks amazing today!” “Oh, thanks. I guess I get lucky once in a while.” It was erroneous thinking; that to be humble one must reject compliments or reply with self-deprecating humor. Or worse, thinking that the compliment wasn’t genuine. I don’t know about most people, but I don’t give insincere compliments. If I don’t think something, I just […]
am always impressed by powerful women. I’m not talking about muscles, though Kay has accomplished a strong physique. I’m referring to the power that comes from self-love. You can always tell a woman who has learned to love her body. She just moves differently…confidently. Part of what I do during a session is guide the woman into the poses I need for the shot. The other part is harnessing her inner confidence and allowing her the freedom to express it with her body. […]