I loved themed boudoir photo shoots!  They are so much fun.  These themed kind of sessions are not for everyone.  But, what I like to do is mix some traditional boudoir photos in with the themed session.  Today, we’re talking about what to wear if you are going for a super sexy corporate theme to your photos.

Here are some of my recommendations:

Pencil skirt

Oh yes, the must-have item for a corporate look.  A tight pencil skirt that will hug those hips and thighs.  There’s just something about these items that are super sexy.  Forget the shirt, just a bra and the skirt.  When looking for skirts, make sure you find solid colored items with very little patterns.  A pinstripe would be alright but nothing more elaborate than that.  And, when picking the bra to go with the skirt, pick a bright color.  I love having a black skirt with a pink bra!  This pencil skirt is from H&M.

Blazer & Tuxedo Jackets

Well, why not add a blazer to that super sexy skirt and bra.  Imagine a black skirt and blazer – brightly colored bra and panty.  We’ll start with the bra just peaking thru the blazer, then have a series of photos as the blazer comes off.  See, ideas are running thru my head and it can be so stunningly beautiful! As with the skirt, keep patterns limited.  Length and fit is very important when using these jackets for your session.  The blazer shouldn’t be overly long and the jacket should be form fitting to hug those curves.  This tuxedo jacket is from Target.  I love the trim of this jacket!

Heels

What corporate session would it be without some killer heels?!!?  I’m NOT talking about those boxy old heels you wear every day or even those pointy toe leather pumps.  You have to up the ante on your heels when you are theming your session like this.  Think of 3-4 inch heels with straps.  I would recommend black but some other neutral and dark colors would be OK.   These black heels are from Zappos.

Glasses

I’m not sure what it is about glasses that makes people go crazy – maybe it’s the librarian fantasy – but these are a must for a corporate themed photo shoot.  Even if you don’t wear glasses, they can be incorporated into your photos.  These Coach glasses were found on MyGlasses.com.

Lingerie

There are some lingerie items that are specifically designed to look corporate!  This pinstripe halter corset would go great in a corporate themed boudoir session.  In your search for outfits, be sure to include checks for something like this – I found this item on Zulily.

STOCKINGS ARE A MUST!  Get a great pair of stockings with a garter belt!!  And thing about brining a white button down shirt!

Anything else you would wear for a sexy corporate themed session?  Leave your comments below.

More information on my boudoir services for those in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas can be found here.

Spray tans & general tanning are a hot topic for boudoir photographers. Should you or shouldn’t you?  It’s a hard question, and I know I have a few followers who own tanning businesses so I’m sure they’ll leave their comments on this blog post.

There are a few concerns with tanning and spray tans in particular as it pertains to boudoir photography.  Here are a few things to consider:

1) Orange skin

A lot of spray tans make the skin orange in the photographs.  And, if not executed properly, it could be even worse.  The trouble for boudoir photographers is that the skin tone will set our camera meters into a tizzy.  Did you like that technical term?  But seriously, there is a large risk to getting a spray tan prior to your session.  Also, the spray tan can stain the bedding, props and chairs used in your photo shoot!  (Yes, it has happened) No one wants to look orange in their photos and it’s not something that can be fixed in the editing of your photos.  Even tanning beds can give you orange skin – excessive tanning has the same orange effect that spray tans can have.

2) Strong tan lines

Spray tans can give you very strong tan lines, which cannot be taken out of photos.  Tan lines are even a possibility with tanning beds and sunbathing – I even warn my summer clients about tanning outside because they will show in the photos.  Take precautions as necessary to limit tanning prior to your session.

3) Unnatural skin tones

Yes, spray tans can give you very unnatural skin tones – hello, blotchy skin.  Trust me when I say this – Natural skin tones are the best!  I don’t care if you are as pale as can be – it’s easier to add some warm tones to the photos than try to take out all the color in a attempt to make your skin look right.

4) Wrinkles

It’s no surprise to anyone that excessive tanning causes deep lines and wrinkles in your skin.  This happened to me recently – a client was, by her admission, addicted to tanning.  She had deep lines and wrinkles in her forehead that couldn’t be taken out of editing.  Tanning just has negative effects on your skin in general.

For most people, a boudoir photo shoot is a once in a lifetime experience and you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can for a successful session.  The risks of spray tans & excessive tanning are just too high and the possibilities of issues are things that cannot be fixed in the editing of photos.

I have only found one instance where a spray tan was OK.  I had a client who was an avid golfer – she was golfing 5 times a week!  From being outside this much, she had terrible tan lines from her clothes.  She received regular spray tans to account for her tan lines.  In this one case, I did recommend that she continue with her spray tans in order to cover those tan lines from her clothing.

If you MUST, please do so 4-5 days before your session.  Give the tan time to set in.  Just be cautious.  And choose a place that you’ve had this done before.  DO NOT choose to have your first spray tan right before your boudoir session.

What are you thoughts on tanning for your session?  Leave your comments below.

More information on my boudoir services for those in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas can be found here.