Click here to see more inspiration from this styled shoot on our website.
Click here to see more inspiration from this styled shoot on our website.
ABOUT THE VENUE:
The octagon shaped Don Room with 24-karat gold carved ceiling makes a grand setting for an elegant wedding and the 10,000 square foot “urban” Terrace is a generous location for a pre-reception cocktail party or ceremony. The unexpected Terrace fireplace creates a special glow your guests will certainly take pleasure from. This iconic San Diego landmark is worth a visit when looking for your wedding venue of choice.
Click here to see more inspiration from this styled shoot on our website.
By: Bob Brichmann
What should I get my man for my wedding present or our anniversary? I’m thinking something for his eyes only. How about something that breathes seduction, entices his desire for me and empowers me to be a sassy supermodel for a day?
It’s a gift. It’s an empowerment for women. It’s a venture into a realm of which many women have not gone – one of daring, throwing caution to the wind and, well…I want to surprise MY MAN!
“We like this to involve all of the senses. Light candles, start with calm jazz music and build toward some sexy, clubby feel, perhaps add a little champagne…sexy lingerie they bring from home…most girls have never done anything like this,” explains Heather Middleton, owner and photographer from Shadow Boudoir. You’re creating a pre-wedding gift for him…something of a teaser for the Big Day. It’s a pre-wedding present he finds on his pillow the night before the wedding. “It’s a fun present to remind him of what a good choice he’s made and what’s to come. It’s a chance to show off how sassy or sexy you are…just for him,” shares Tricia Duva from Studio Duva.
It’s not at all sleazy and it’s not really a new concept, either. It’s an evolution from the glamour shots of 20 years ago. It’s natural, classy, yet somewhat sassy, depending on the nature of the bride. It’s not necessarily nude, either. Much of this can be considered art.
“Why not kick off the marriage with a sexy piece of art that is only shared in the privacy of your own bedroom,” offers Marissa Bouchér from The Boudoir Divas. Sometimes a theme is incorporated into the shoot. Perhaps he’s a firefighter and the bride borrows a firefighter’s helmet or his boots for the shoot. Maybe he’s a graduate of Purdue and she wears a Purdue scarf. Several different outfits can be worn during the shoots.
Boudoir studios offer different sets they can create for your particular tastes. The average shoot is 2 hours in length, is completely private and usually involves about four different outfit changes. This, of course, varies based on your package. Packages range from $275 on up, depending on the end product (album, framed pictures, calendars, etc.). Traditionally, the final product is an album for his eyes only. Some albums are 5×7’s and about 10 images. Some albums are larger and can be coffee table in size. They can even create calendars for his private desktop office eyes only.
“Women are becoming bolder and they are emboldened by other women doing this. They are sharing their experiences on chat forums and amongst co-workers and friends. It’s not necessarily for vanity, but to reassure themselves,” adds Boucher. Diane Erth, a recent bride, decided on a special three year anniversary present for her beloved husband. Diane wanted a fun idea he would never expect. She had 2 8×10’s and 1 5×7 made by Shadow Boudoir and the rest put on a disc so she could make her own album at a reduced cost. “You’re only young once, so why not go for it! It’s a once in a lifetime thing and you’ll have fun doing it. I was even able to make a toned down picture of myself and our precious cat that he can display safely on his desk at work,” shares Erth.
There is much to be said for the comfort factor in attempting this type of shoot. How do you strip for a stranger or pose sexily in lingerie in front of a camera for the first time? It’s not as easy as a shoot in the park. “I’d already worked well with Heather at Shadow Boudoir. I loved her. She already shot my wedding. Our personalities fit. Being comfortable with someone shows in your pictures,” says Erth. Many times the comfort factor is built after an engagement session. This allows for a lot of bonding time between the photographer and couple. The photographer can get to know the couple personally – where they went to school, how they met, where their parents live, what they do for a living and so on. This builds a friendship and, ultimately, a comfort between the couple and the photographer.
The bride, ultimately, feels more of a closeness to the photographer and an ease in front of the lens. Of course, when it comes time for the boudoir shoot, things are easier. “We discuss ahead of time what they are and are not comfortable doing. Some want cute, coy, frilly and suggestive and others venture to darker colors and semi-naughty. Sometimes…what you can’t see, is more fun,” states Duva.
“We offer a unique perspective, without being creepy, by having my husband shoot with us. He’s able to dial in on the male appeal on shots and offer a different viewpoint,” adds Duva.
Lighting, shading, props and such all come in to play to help the bride reach the ultimate objective: a comfortable shoot and quality pictures that flatter. While some boudoir studios offer props, and all provide the technical lighting, it’s usually up to the bride to bring the wardrobes.
Face it, not every one is a model. Boudoir photographers can make you feel like one, though. You can enter their dream studio. You can also shoot from the comfort of your own home. Natural light is great. Photographers love shooting from an environment you are most comfortable in. This is where you will be most relaxed. “I got a day of pampering and a supermodel experience during my shoot and now we both have these beautiful pictures to enjoy! Thank you for making the experience so comfortable…what a great studio…what a fun day for me,” exclaims recent bride Liz S about her experience with Bouchér. Here’s a novel idea – bachelorette parties. Bouchér has been successfully promoting these at their studio. They take four or more girls and give them each a boudoir shoot (one at a time, of course) during a four or five hour session. It becomes more of a party, too, with high energy music, music videos, beverages and snacks. Even a professional make-up and hair person can be brought in so each girl gets the supermodel treatment.
Valentine’s Day is also a huge time for this type of gift. Ladies can also register for a gift certificate for the bride’s shower. Now that would be a surprise gift!
“When all is said and done, the pictures are just the icing on the cake. A week later, you are still on a boudoir high. You feel very good about yourself,” coaches Middleton. Empower yourself ladies. You can have a supermodel experience like the models in Maxim magazine. You can give him his very own Vargas pin-up of yourself. Drift away for a few hours and imagine yourself in a famous Hurrell pose. It’s not just a gift for him…it’s really for you.
By: Marissa Bouchér Owner of The Boudoir Divas
My job as a boudoir photographer has been in hearing romantic stories, celebrating with the bride and taking gorgeous photos that mark a time in her life that will go unrivaled. Boudoir photos have now been the go-to gift to give the groom on the wedding day. I adore creating these images that make the bride feel the best she EVER has, comfortable and sexy in her own skin to mark this new chapter of her life. Having this privilege has turned me into quite the romantic, it’s gotten me to mull over how to celebrate such a special time in a couple’s life to the fullest.
Weddings can be a stressful event. We all say we won’t be that bride who flips out over little things, loses sight of the big picture here and there and drives her groom crazy with details he doesn’t care about… but, hey, we do. It’s just the way it goes. This goal that all brides have, coupled with what we do as boudoir photographers, gets me thinking about how to remind the groom the real reason of this event that we both hold so dear in our hearts. The commitment we are making. Leading up to the day where a bride and groom confess powerful vows in front of their friends and family, what can a brides do to keep their grooms feeling centered, appreciated and above all cherished? This isn’t just about us ladies.
At The Boudoir Divas we brainstormed what a bride could do additionally to her boudoir shoot to make her man “feel her love” in the words of Bob Dylan (reference our song lyric ideas!). Together us ladies decided that we think the sweetest thing a girl could tack on to her shoot is love letters to her groom.
Here are some ideas we have to speak to his heart generously
Now ladies, don’t be discouraged if your guy gets a tad bashful or acts aloof to this gift. That’s just how they are. Sometimes they act that way when they are given their gorgeous, sexy photos. It’s just the way they are wired. Overly romantic gestures make them want to run to their man cave…however, we don’t doubt for a second that even if he blushes and shyly says thank you, that this didn’t speak to him in powerful ways.
Written by Marissa Boucher. Owner of The Boudoir Divas, a studio in San Diego dedicated to giving every woman the ultimate supermodel experience.
The 411 on Wedding Photography Jargon
By: Kristen Castillo
It seems like everything in life, including weddings has lingo. There’s B2B (Bride to Be), MOH (Maid of Honor) and G2B (Groom to Be). But do you know what your photographer means when he or she asks if you want a “first look,” a “flush mount” or a “mini boudoir”? Probably not, which is why we asked some San Diego and Temecula wedding photographers to share their insight into bridal photography jargon.
BEFORE THE WEDDING
E-Session
These photo sessions are formally called engagement sessions during which you and your guy pose for shots of you as a couple.
These sessions are great for a few reasons: 1) you get professional images of you and your guy for your use in things like photo albums, save the dates, social media and of course to frame and display at home and at work; and 2) this session gives you the chance to work with your photographer before the wedding day, which ensures you’ll get to know each other better and therefore will be comfortable working together throughout your big day.
AT THE WEDDING
Mini Boudoir
This sexy photo session is done on the actual wedding day after the bride has had her hair and makeup done. There’s no nudity, just sensuality.
“Minutes before she sees her groom, we take her off to the side and do some window silhouette shots or on the bed in the hotel room,” says Stephanie Sundell of Creative Photography Inc. by Stephanie, who calls the mini boudoir photos, a “surprise for later!”
First Look
It’s not necessarily bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the wedding. The first look is “where the bride and groom get to see each other before the ceremony, often set up to be very private and romantic,” says Chris Austin of White Haute Photography. “This is an up-and-coming, and highly recommended, trend that couples should seriously consider as it allows more time for photos, more time to socialize with your guests at the cocktail reception, and less stress overall.”
Formals and Family Photos
Even couples who want un-posed pictures, typically want these traditional wedding images.
“These are posed pictures taken either before or after the ceremony,” says Holly Ireland of Holly Ireland Photography, noting the photos often capture the couple with each other’s parents, siblings and other family members.
Second Shooter
This is a second photographer “who will also be photographing the wedding, normally hired by the photographer for four to six hours,” explains Shayna San Nicolas of Mr. & Mrs. {A Video & Photography Dou}.
A second shooter isn’t always necessary but they’re a great help to the primary photographer, making sure all the details are photographed.
“The second shooter is there to capture all the candid moments and shots from other angles to create the full story of the day,” says Ireland.
Forehead Snuggle
Just as it sounds, this term is all about getting the couple to move in close to each other. “Used just for posing and it’s just us I believe that use it,” says Adriana Rodriguez of Love Art Photography. “Either way it always gets the point across and the couple always cracks up.”
Uncle Charlie
This photo jargon isn’t about a specific member of your family. Instead it refers to “any family member with amateur video camera that thinks he owns the show” says Sundell.
Not surprisingly, Uncle Charlie (or “Uncle Bob” or “Aunt Betty” as this person is also known) typically gets in the professional photographer’s way.
Detail Shots
“These are the photos of all the details you spend money on,” says Ireland.
Your photographer will capture all the special elements of your wedding day such as close ups of your flowers, rings, your gown and shoes, your guest book, the food and favors.
Bogie
Referring to a person in the background, bogies are best avoided whenever possible. Otherwise, the photographer will have to remove that person out of the photo during postproduction.
Drag the Shutter
This technique, which you often see on Pinterest and wedding blogs, is typically used during nighttime photography. As Austin explains, it’s “where a slow shutter speed is used in conjunction with flash to stop the action and freeze motion while still allowing more of the ambient light to get into the photo.”
He says dragging the shutter is “especially helpful during dancing, where you can get sharp images while the lights of the reception glow or ‘streak’ across the photo.”
Eat and Run
A term most popular with photographers, videographers, DJs and other on-site wedding vendors, “Eat and Run” refers to when a vendor’s meal break is very short, typically after all the guests have been served.
“If you want to keep your photographer and videographer happy, check to see if your coordinator or caterer can serve the vendor meals while your other guests are eating,” suggests Austin.
AFTER THE WEDDING
Editing
This is the process of narrowing down a large number of images.
“A wedding may have 3000 images,” says Aaron Feldman, CEO and founder of True Photography. “But many of those pictures taken are test shots. Or there may be 10 dancing shots, to get the best two or three images.
“Editing is important so that the viewer is not having to look at repeat images or unflattering images. Instead they see the finished product.”
Feldman explains an editor needs to know the flow of the images so an important photo doesn’t get overlooked.
“The formula is to edit enough so that the images are more powerful and interesting, but not too much where moments are lost,” he says.
Trash the Dress
These photo sessions, which can happen any time after the wedding, are all about ruining the bride’s dress for the sake of great photography. For example, the bride may run in the ocean, wetting the gown; she may paint in the dress, allowing paint drips as they happen; or she and her husband may stand in the rain, stomping through puddles of mud.
Day After Session
These sessions are similar to “Trash the Dress” but they’re “not meant to ruin or destroy the wedding dress,” says Austin, explaining day after sessions are “meant for couples who didn’t get enough time for photos on their wedding day and want to take pictures at a more unique location and don’t want to feel nervous about getting the dress a little dirtier.”
Sneaks
These are a preview of the photos your photographer shot at your wedding. Often a few photos are posted to the photographer’s blog and/or their Facebook page, tagging the bride and groom when possible.
Digital Negatives
Presented on a disc or flash drive, the “negatives are exactly how the image was shot,” says Ireland. “So no retouching or cropping.”
Digital negatives “can be printed at the lab of your choice,” says San Nicolas.
Post
This term refers to after-the-shoot editing using Photoshop. Sundell says post accounts for “about 40 percent of the job.”
Enhancement
This term is about an image’s styling such as boosting an image’s color, choosing black and white or color and even darkening an image’s corners.
“We go image by image and individually enhance every photo,” says Feldman. “We have in house exclusive enhancers, which makes our style truly one of a kind. This is included as part of our process at no extra cost. We want to make sure that the images we put out have that finished look that fits the style of what we do.”
Actions
Sundell describes this photo lingo as a “special way we retouch the photo with layers of Photoshop expertise.”
Retouching
When a photo is retouched, the photographer or editor is “adding or taking away something from the image that didn’t exist” in the original photo, says Feldman.
Examples of retouching include removing blemishes, covering a trashcan with a plant, thinning the subject of the photo and even moving a smile from one image to another.
“Those are all things that are much more labor intensive and should be done to the images that you care about most, such as in a wedding album,” says Feldman, noting most clients don’t want a lot of retouching since “so much of the feel gets accomplished within the enhancement.”
Flush Mount Album
“A flush-mount album is a contemporary alternative to a traditional matted wedding album,” says Ireland, explaining each page is a “borderless photographic print that can include multiple images and backgrounds.”
These albums, which are also known as magazine style albums, are hand crafted and feature thick lay-flat pages.
Parent’s Album
Known as a Mother’s Album or a Parent’s, this album features wedding day images for the parents of the bride and groom. A “great gift idea,” says San Nicolas.