Not sure what to wear for your boudoir photos?  Stylist Emily McClaren has all your needs covered!

When it comes to deciding what to wear for boudoir photos, there are some who love the opportunity to search the websphere for getups and accessories. For others, it’s panic inducing. Suddenly they’re faced with a million-and-one questions–“Do I get the black bodysuit, or the nude? Wait, can I even pull off a bodysuit? Aren’t only celebrities like Rhianna and Lady Gaga able to wear that sort of thing. Should I google them to see?” And suddenly, they’re lost in a spiral of browser tabs and self doubt.

For those of you who can relate to the latter, good news, we have just what you need. Meet Emily McClaren-fashion aficionado. She’s got your covered. From concept to actual shopping, she’s there to help along the way.

We recently partnered up with Emily for a fun, fresh, spring model session with one of our beloved past clients. Check out our collaboration below and read about Emily’s styling process.

If you’re interested in having Emily style your session or to find out more, message us at [email protected] or call 773-273-9063.

Step 1: Concept

[70’s inspired boudoir session]

First, I begin with finding out the vibe we are wanting to convey for the specific project. I like to start with a conversation with each client, regarding the “feel” they are looking to present for that occasion. This question helps me get into the mindset of the client. I often find that clients struggle with finding exact pieces they are looking for; it is much easier for clients to express the type of look they are going for using specific adjectives (i.e. edgy, cool or soft and sweet). It seems easier to come to a consensus when their own verbiage is used, maybe even alone with a theme (i.e. a decade or location).

Step 2: Inspiration

In addition to talking about the “feel” or look, I ask clients to share any inspiration photos they’ve collected. This further allows our visions to mesh. It’s also an easy way to determine what they like and dislike about a certain style or photo. I also ask for permission to view their social media. This helps me visualize who I am dressing, their personal style, as well as best tones and colors. [natural, low-key vibe]

3. Comfort Level

The next question is probably the most sensitive. I ask clients which (if any) areas of their body they wish to conceal more than others. I also ask if there are any looks/styles that do not suit their personal vision. I do enjoy pushing clients out of their comfort zones. I respect the vision of the client, but it is my job, especially with boudoir, to bring a client beyond the realm of everyday wear and into a little fantasy. Furthermore, it is my passion to allow clients to feel beautiful and confident in our collaboration. I do my best to find a balance between keeping them comfortable and confident.[Intimate and implied boudoir session].

Step 4: Color, Textures, & Styles

Sometimes it’s easier to determine what we hate vs. what we like when it comes to style. We all have our lists of things we would never wear and no amount of convincing is going to prove otherwise. For example, if someone hates the color pink or would never wear anything with lace, I’d do my best to avoid their dislikes. I do ask for flexibility in the collaborative process, because something that would normally make a client not choose a certain piece of clothing, might actually enhance the final look. In the end, I will always respect the feelings of the client.

Step 5: Logistics

It is my goal to respect the timeline and budget of each client. During the logistics discussion, this is where I will confirm measurements, as well as possible first fitting dates to ensure everything looks just right.

From this point on, I begin sourcing and narrowing down looks that I feel will address each component of the project. I provide multiple options from which to choose. This stage of the process can require some back and forth until we can land on the very best selection.Step 7: Final Touches

After we nail down the exact pieces the client will be wearing, we start talking about any accessorizing we wish to add to complete the look (i.e. necklaces, earrings, rings, shoes, etc.).

Ultimately, my job is to help bring a client’s vision to life. For me styling and fashion is about storytelling and showing off the very best of a client!

Ms. K was on fire for her Groom’s Gift Boudoir Photos

It is rare, but there are some women who come in for their boudoir shoot confidence a blazing. These women are like a supermoon, they just don’t come around that often. Ms. K is one such woman. She was absolutely ready to go when it came to her first look.  For most, there’s at least a 10 minute warm up period.  Like that first cocktail at the beginning of a date, this is where we’re getting to know each other a bit and loosening up.

Ms. K needed no cocktail. From the first frame she was comfortable and feeling the whole experience. There are probably a 101 reasons why she felt so relaxed, perhaps because of her amazing hair and makeup, maybe because she’d recently lost 60 pounds and felt great about her progress, or could it have been that MS. K just felt really good in her own skin and enjoyed being photographed.  Whatever the case, we want to bottle it up and create a special elixir for all our future clients (and us too) to drink before being on camera.

Bottoms up to this lady for showing us how it’s done.

Thoughts on a Boudoir Photoshoot from a Real Client

Our week was completely made when we read this recent boudoir Chicago photography shoot review from one of our clients. “Maggie and Kelly and my makeup artist Anjelica made me feel/look like a freaking goddess.”

YES! We say it again and again, but we realllly mean it. We want to make each and every one of our clients look better than they ever imagined and feel like a goddess. It might sound cheesy, but we’re owning it.  This is it. This is what we want and it’s pretty stinkin’ to hear our mission was accomplished.

Also, this line just needs to be acknowledged for it’s amazingness “subtle but extremely helpful direction for my posing so I didn’t look like a drunk giraffe.”

May we all never look like a drunk giraffe. Amen.

With three back-to-back children, Ms. K has been living “in the trenches,” those early years of child rearing where it feels like your status quo is survival mode. When she found out we were looking for real women models for our behind the scenes boudoir video, she emailed saying, “I am no model, but a role model to my three small children and also a working mom.”

As an all female boudoir studio, we loved the idea of providing her a self-affirming space where she could be treated to a makeover, styling by the wonderful Emily McClaren, and all our encouragement to “own the moment.”

It was an emotional revelation to see herself in these pictures. So much so she couldn’t contain her tears. She said she hadn’t felt like this woman in a long time. After years of neglecting her own needs, taking the time to tap into her sultry side was a welcome change, one we hope lasts long after the shoot.

We hear it all the time, after becoming a mom, making time to nurture yourself is always the last thing on a list of a thousand other things you have to do. It’s hard to prioritize yourself when you’re balancing the needs of your family and professional life.

Being able to provide a comfortable, supportive space for women who desperately need some TLC is a true joy. These next two blog posts feature mothers who were really nervous, but eager for the experience of being photographed at our studio. Both are working moms and both are big-time givers (i.e. Elva brought in cupcakes for us and Karen sent flowers afterwards). Each was long overdue for a little pampering and a reminder that they stillllll got it.

We understand how difficult it can be to take time for yourself, so being able to provide a little pampering and evidence of how truly beautiful they both are was a real pleasure. The experience was emotional for us all.  Yes, there were some tears shed. Ms. K’s words when she saw her pictures, “is that me?”

We hope this single afternoon provided both ladies glimpses of that sensitive, electric woman still inside them. We hope they remember her every once in awhile and walk with a little extra sway in their step.

While social media has it’s flaws, one thing we do love about it is the ability to connect to wonderful new people. Like Mara, who we met on instagram through a mutual friend’s profile.  Mara’s a lifestyle model and has worked with our beloved Tanya Renelt {check out her work} on many commercial shoots.  When we mentioned in a previous post that we were looking for new subjects for our portfolio work, Mara reached out to us.  Her positive, charming nature was apparent even virtually!

We were so happy to finally shoot with her a few weeks back.  She’s familiar with the camera, but a newbie to boudoir.  Just like all of our clients, she had the saaaaaaame concerns and trepidations about stripping to her undies.  We assured her she was in good hands and that many, many other women had felt the exact same way as her in our studio.

While Tanya fixed her up in hair and makeup, we looked over some of her inspiration pictures on pinterest.  Her boudoir board was full of approachable, natural, understated photos, with a “less is more feel.”  The white shirt and oversized, comfy sweater was a perfect choice for the results she was after.  For part two of her session, we changed her into a classic black slip, that feel elegantly off her shoulders {those pictures to come next week}.

We had sooo much fun getting to know Mara.  We knew we liked her from back and forth messages, but completely fell in love during her session.  We’re excited to feature her as a Real Woman of Revealed next week in part two, where we’ll share her amazing story of living with Epilepsy, going through four (FOUR!) brain surgeries, and doing her part to raise awareness on the topic.

Whenever a clients chooses us among alternative Chicago boudoir studios we are so grateful. Our hearts get even more full when we are able to hear about the lasting impression their session has made not only on the gift receiver but also the client as well. Last week we got a message from a past client, that completely made our day.  She’d surprised her husband post wedding with a boudoir album and wanted to share his reaction:

“Hi Maggie,

Oh my gosh _________ loved the book. He was so surprised that I would actually go and do the shoot. His very first question was, “who did this?” (meaning, was a dude taking these pics or was it a woman). Hahaha, I assured him it was two wonderfully professional boss ass women that did the photography. After that was resolved, he was even more pumped. Thanks for everything. You guys are seriously the baddest/best boss ladies out there!”
Talk about a spirit lifter. This client was such a blast to photograph. She’s a total tall drink of water with the most down-to-earth personality. My favorite point of the shoot was when she traded her high heels for her high tops. Pairing her Nike sneakers with her beloved Bulls jersey and cap for some laid back pictures highlighting her deep obsession for the Chicago basketball team.

The Right Kind of Reminder

Our Image Box…aka, The Slow Drip

Coined by a past client of ours, the image box is the “slow drip” opportunity. With 20 4 x 6s or ten 5 x 7s, you’ll be able to spread the gift giving out to last as looooong as you can hold want.

The Heirloom Album…you’ve never seen yourself this way before…

Editorial spreads shouldn’t be for the famous alone. We love the heirloom album so much because it’s designed much like a magazine feature, with images paired together to build upon each other and highlight this incredible experience. 

Boudoir Black and White Photos

There’s something classic and gorgeous about black and white photography. Ansel Adams, the master landscape photographer only took pictures in black and white because of how it rendered highlights, shadows, and detail in the scenery he so loved.   I love black and white boudoir photos for that same reason.  It’s perfect for showcasing the beauty of the female form, which curves and bends in a complex way just like a landscape.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re offering a complimentary 8 x 10 black and white photo.  Call today to schedule your session at 773-273-9063.

Valentine’s Day Boudoir

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

This year also marked the launch of our portrait branch.  We decided to take our unique approach to boudoir–a commitment to helping women feel as great as they look–and bring it to portraits. Since this launch, we’ve already had some wonderful glamour, lifestyle, and family photo shoots. As an added bonus, we were able to reconnect with some of our past boudoir clients and photograph them in completely new ways.

In addition to our team of makeup artists,  we also added the talented stylist, Emily McClaren, to our team. She’s great at helping ladies feel their best by taking away the stress from outfit selection. We had the pleasure of collaborating with her on Fox Chicago traffic reporter Jenny Milkowski’s portrait session.  Emily was great at finding the perfect pieces to bring out Jenny’s fun, playful personality.

 

HOW TO MAINTAIN THE SURGE OF CONFIDENCE AFTER YOUR BOUDOIR SESSION

Some people think a boudoir photoshoot is just about taking “sexy” photos.  But at Revealed, it’s so much more. For most clients, it’s a transformative, healing experience.  For women struggling with body image, self-worth, and staying connected with their sensuality,a boudoir session can be a big step toward a healthier, more positive place. It takes courage to be photographed, especially in your underwear. At first, you may feel a bit exposed and vulnerable. But what comes from the experience is so much more than just photos of you looking great; it’s the after-effects of doing something outside your comfort zone. When you’re courageous, when you show up for yourself, you’re choosing to be your own advocate. And when you make that choice, your self-worth comes from within.  It’s less reliant on those around you.  That’s why we believe a boudoir session is sooo much more than just sexy photos.

So how do you keep that surge of confidence?  It’s not always easy, and staying in that place of positivity may mean making a lifestyle change. Here are some tips for keeping the confidence long after your session ends…

1. Say no to body shaming.
   We’ve all done it. Made those self-deprecating remarks criticizing our  “trouble areas.”  But really, what purpose does it serve?  Do we feel better afterwards? Does anything change?  No. In fact, we’re probably just keeping ourselves in that same cycle of negative thinking.  What would happen if we just stopped it all together? Instead of paying homage to our insecurities, we celebrate our attributes: the things about ourselves we love.  Not there yet?  That’s ok. Just start with squashing all that self-hate. The rest can be tackled later.
2. Surround yourself with Chargers.
   There’s a theory that people fall into two categories: chargers and drainers.  Drainers are those people who leave you feeling tired and uncertain, while chargers inspire you, build you up, make want to be your best self. Build your network out of chargers and you’ll have a great support system to keep you feeling great. 
3. Invest your time wisely.
   Similar to the idea of chargers and drainers, it matters where we invest our energy.  Do an inventory of where you spend the most time. Is it in areas or activities that build you up and help you grow?  If the answer is no, ask yourself why, and reflect on how much value that activity is really adding to your life.
4. Do something every day that makes you feel awake. 
   “Awake? What’s that mean?”  It means you’re living outside of the status quo. You’re not settling for comfortable.  Dance in your underwear. Sing in the shower. Strike up a conversation on the El. Sign up for a language class. Remember, the reason you felt so confident post-shoot was because you challenged yourself to do something big and bold. Don’t stop there. 
5. Own your sensuality. 
   Wherever you’re headed, go forward without shame or fear. Celebrate your own unique and wonderful spirit. Embrace your femininity. We don’t mean wear gobs of makeup and high heels every day (although there’s nothing wrong with that, either!), We’re talking about something deeper: your own, unique feminine energy that comes from within.

How to get the best Boudoir Photos?

When I first spoke on the phone with this client, she said she wasn’t super girly, that she didn’t wear a lot of fancy lingerie, but wanted to do a boudoir shoot nonetheless.  “I’m with you!”  I told her.  “When I’m home, you can find me most days wearing what my husband calls a ‘jump suit,’ my gray sweatpants with my gray sweatshirt.”

We love when our client’s break the mold.  We don’t believe you have to be society’s standard of anything to do boudoir. Your photoshoot should be whatever you want it to be.  If you want to wear a baseball cap and a t-shirt, that’s fine by us. If you want to wear garters, a corset, and be draped with pearls, that’s cool too.

This client, a trained carpenter, marathon runner, and tattoo enthusiast was understated and natural.  The lovely Anjelica Bannos put some curls in her hair, bumped up those striking eyes, and added a touch of bronzer, but kept the rest of it pretty clean.  Then, with a great soundtrack playing in the background, and a few directions here and there, we just captured her more-or-less doing her thing.