Boudoir Photography Tutorial

So, you want to try boudoir photography?

You have probably looked on sites like 500px.com and have seen all those images are on every page! All those beautiful women in very seductive poses... how hard could it be right? Well... take it from me, its not as easy as it looks... but with some help and lots of practice... the images can be very rewarding.

If you made the decision to try Boudoir Photography you have probably searched images to your heart’s content and started thinking about the setup and who you can get to model for you. You then put your feelers out for people interested in modeling and you may even have gone to Model Mayhem to register and search. If you have, you probably reached out to a few, if you haven't, you should take a look. But if you found a model… great… but where are you going to shoot it?

Studio time can run hundreds of dollars per hour, add up the model costs to get that professional model and you are facing upwards of $200 per hour just to get the model and studio space.  Not to mention $500 for a decent speed light set up, $400+ for the flash gear and another $200 in back drops… and that’s just the bare minimum. Take a look at the price of a strobe set-up. There are options, and I will get into that in future blogs. www.Photoflex.com has some very economical solutions that you should be aware of.

What about props, wardrobe, make-up and hair stylists? Before you know it you are looking at $1000 to $1500 before you clicked the shutter once.

But let’s say you invested the time and money and you get to the studio, the model is there, your ready… Your repore with the model and knowledge of angles, lead lines, balance and how the human skin reflects light become a real issue you never thought you were going to have a problem with…  you could take hundreds of photos and only come away with a few images that you consider keepers.

So how do you make these ladies feel so good? How do you handle lighting? In this tutorial we will tackle those subjects.

Boudoir is not just about getting full body shots of your client in her sexy lingerie; it’s all about the subtle sensuality that your photos can exude! Its not about sex, it’s about the setting, the emotion a photo evokes adn the connection you create between the subject and the people looking at your images. It’s also about what the photo does not show that separates a good boudoir photo from porn.

Natural light or proper lighting is going to be your very best friend! Natural light and proper lights are not harsh on uneven skin or cellulite and it makes your post processing a whole lot easier. Use natural light or a dedicated realistic, soft, light source as your optimal source of light… flash gear is more for light fill, special effects and eliminating shadows and for creating a bright atmosphere. I rarely use speedlites in boudoir to light a model. I use constant lighting, natural lighting or strobes... But we will save that for another tutorial.

Your subject… if you have employed a professional model your shoot will be that much easier. If you are using an amateur, she, or he, may need to be prompted and may have some body insecurities that will create a situation that is not optimal for getting your best photographs.  My advice is to hire a professional lingerie model that is used to being in front of the camera in beautiful attire and half naked.

The mood of the studio… this is often over looked. How you set the mood for the studio is important. Music, privacy, environment all play a part in a successful shoot.

Privacy is important so that the model knows there will not be strangers walking in and out of the studio. They need to know that they can get comfortable and not have distractions.

The environment should be light and airy, make them feel welcome and comfortable. As for the temperature… remember, they will be wearing next to little clothing… warm the room up so they are comfortable.

And play some music… and no, not “Marvin Gaye, Lets get it on” or some “boom-chick-a-wow wow” tune. Play upbeat modern music of todays hits… get them singing and relaxing to music that they know.

Setting the tone for the shoot determines the quality of your images…

The following are some examples of poses that you can try at home in real situations, using props that anyone can get their hands on… Here you will see how to take photos of your spouse for posterity and private collections… or how to take photos for clients to ensure the photos are the most flattering.

Just by having the model get on the hardwood floor you can catch reflections and add some more interest in the photo.



Black and white is a classic look. For this photo, the simple props added an element that tells a story.



Eye contact... the eyes are the window to the soul... find a model with expressive eyes...

I hope you all give boudoir photography a shot, it is a lot of fun and rewarding when you get that one perfect shot. 

If you do want to save some money and come out and shoot professional models in a studio space with professional photographers like Jay Terry helping you get the best shots; check out our workshops in 2013. We will be holding 4 boudoir workshops in 2013… a valentine’s workshop, a summer workshop, a Halloween costume edition and a Christmas edition.

Check out these workshops at the Photographer’s Lounge here.... http://www.photographers-lounge.com/workshops/boudoir-workshops

Check out your instructor, Jay Terry's work here http://jaytphoto.ca/

Kev
www.photographers-lounge.com

Composition Workshops for Photographers

Do you want to learn how to take better photos? Check out our composition workshops that we run in South Western Ontario.

Small to medium sized groups, lots of laughs and you will walk away a better photographer.

See these workshops at the Photographer's Lounge website

Digital Photo Academy comes to Canada to teach photography

The Digital Photo Academy is coming to Canada and they have asked my good friend, Tom Baker, www.mylifeinhdr.com and Kevin Pepper, www.kpepphotography.com to be their instructors in and around the Toronto and South Western Ontario areas.

To join these informative and enjoyable shoots, simply contact the DPA Booking Agent toll free at 1 877 372 2231 or to register on line, go to www.digitalphotoacademy.com and click on Toronto. From there scroll down and the directions to enroll are clearly explained.

the Digital Photo Academy is an organization that offers photographers learning opportunities through photography classes in the field where we teach composition, exposure, metering and other basic advanced shooting techniques

Rick Sammon seminar - Kitchener - September 2012

Rick Sammon, a Canon Explorer of Light, is one of the most active photographers on the planet. The dude just can’t sit still!

Rick has published 36 paper books, including Secrets of HDR Photography, Exploring the Light, and Digital Photography Secrets. Rick’s book, Flying Flowers won the coveted Golden Light Award, and his book Hide and See Under the Sea won the Ben Franklin Award.

He is also a leader in iPad and iPhone photography apps. His apps include:
• Rick Sammon’s Light It! – a collection of live-action movies that show Rick’s basic lighting techniques.
• Rick Sammon’s iHDR – an interactive iPad app that shows the user the wonders of HDR photography.
• Rick Sammon’s 24/7 Photo Buffet – an e-book that offers 24/7 access to Rick’s best photo tips, tricks and techniques. iPhone and iPad versions available.

Rick, who has photographed in almost 100 countries around the world, gives more than two-dozen photography workshops (including private workshops) and presentations around the world each year.
He co-founded the Digital Photography Experience podcast (www.dpexperience.com) with Juan Pons and also hosts several shows on kelbytraining.com and has a three-day class on creativeLive.com.

Rick has been nominated for the Photoshop Hall of Fame, is considered one of today’s top digital -imaging experts, cutting through lots of Photoshop “speak,” making it fun, easy and rewarding to work and play in the digital darkroom.

When asked about his photo specialty, Rick says, “My specialty is not specializing.”

See www.ricksammon.info for more information about Rick.  

Introducing The Event

Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 10:00am till 12:00pm
Bingamens Conference Centre in Ballroom BC
425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

Saturday Morning you will be treated to Rick’s first presentation in Canada. He will be demonstrating a Speedlite Shoot.

Rick will demo his favorite speedlite tips, tricks and techniques. We'll have a model, some soft boxes and a background.

Rick will show you how you don't need a professional studio to get professional quality results.


Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 1:00pm till 4:00pm
Bingamens Conference Centre in Ballroom BC
425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

In the afternoon Rick's presentation will be “Exploring the Light”. In this informative and fun-filled presentation, Rick Sammon will begin by sharing his people, wildlife, landscape and travel pictures from around the globe – illustrating the difference between taking pictures and making pictures. For every image, Rick will share a photographic technique, digital darkroom tip, or a photo philosophy. He will cover seeing the light, controlling the light, playing with the light, HDR photography and some composition techniques. 

This is not just a slide show of pretty images. Rick is here to share what he’s learned over his many years as a professional photographer. As Rick “takes” us on a visual journey through the exciting world of digital photography, he will share some of his favorite Photoshop CS5 enhancements. 

Come and learn from one of the best teachers and photographers of our time. To reserve your spot visit us here... http://www.photographers-lounge.com/seminars/rick-sammon/

New Mentor Program Available at KPEP Photography

MENTOR PROGRAM

Mentor Programs have been a historical method of passing information from one photographer to the next as far back as I remember. For you, the benefit of working with someone more experienced, with a program tailored to your specific goals is a sure way of expediting your learning curve.


The times when I personally learned the most in photography was when I spent quality time with people vastly more experienced than me. Whether it was out in the field, sitting at coffee shops talking, or getting advice on editing... these times were when I learned the most. I don’t care how many books you buy, how many YouTube videos you watch, clubs you join... all that knowledge these things fill your brain with will never come together until you find a mentor to walk you through your journey.


The Program that we create for you will be customized to YOU. In the beginning I will work with you to define your specific goals, identify any areas that need improvement and then, through a series of specifically designed assignments, provide one-on-one personal and telephone consultations and critiques. Together we shall implement a work plan that will accelerate your development as a photographer.


Creating an Individualized Program is important because each person has a different goal, and learns at a different pace. For example, you may be looking at developing a part-time photography business, or maybe you just want to take breathtaking landscape photos to show off to your family and friends. No matter what your goal is, I will work with you to make sure we achieve them together.


Program Options and Cost - There are three completely customizable options available in my Mentor Program to help you define and realize your individual goals.


Three-Month Option

The Three-Month Program option provides for one 2-hour personal session every three weeks plus up to one hour of personal or telephone discussions per month, as well as a final two hour follow-up session after the three months period is complete. Personal sessions will include discussions of specific problems or needs, field sessions, photographic assignments, and critiques - all designed to meet your particular requirements and complete your portfolio.

Three-Month Program - $ 350 (Payment: 50% due upon acceptance. Balance due 45 days after start date.)

Six-Month Option

The Six-Month Program option provides for one 2-hour personal session every three weeks plus up to one hour of personal or telephone discussions per month, as well as a final two hour follow-up session after the three months period is complete. Personal sessions will include discussions of specific problems or needs, field sessions, photographic assignments, and critiques - all designed to meet your particular requirements and complete your portfolio.

Six-Month Program - $ 600 (Payment: 50% due upon acceptance. Balance due 3 months after start date.)

One-Year Option

Program option provides for one 2-hour personal session every month plus up to one hour of personal or telephone discussions per month, as well as a final two hour follow-up session after the three months period is complete. Personal sessions will include discussions of specific problems or needs, field sessions, photographic assignments, and critiques - all designed to meet your particular requirements and complete your portfolio.

One-Year Program - $ 1000 (Payment: 25% due upon acceptance into the program; 25% due 2 months after start date; 25% due 4 months after start date; balance due 6 months after start date

How to Contact Me

Please visit the "CONTACT" page of my website and email me with your contact information. I will respond and set up an initial meeting to discuss what type of workshop that will suit your individual needs best.