5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Makeup Artist for youR Boudoir Shoot

“Do I really need to hire a make-up artist?   I do my own make up every day.”

This is a very common question/statement I get asked from clients.

Unless you’re a professional makeup artist yourself, the answer will…

ALWAYS.  BE.  YES. 

Let me be honest with you.  When I have professional hair and make-up artist contact me to do a boudoir session with them 90% of the time they hire someone else to do it for them. 

Why? …

..Because they understand the value in hiring a professional artist.

Today I’m going to give you 6 REAL reasons why you need to hire a professional makeup artist for your boudoir session.

1.) Investment

Your boudoir session is an investment.  There aren’t many things in this life that go up in value after purchase, but a boudoir is one of them.  You paid for an amazing photographer and purchased the perfect lingerie and outfits for your session.  However, you are now considering cutting cost a little bit with hair and make-up by doing it yourself... or letting your cousin, sister, aunt (whoever) do your makeup because they do such a great job on themselves.  Doing makeup on you is not the same as doing it on someone else.  Let me tell you that paying the additional $100-$150 (depending on the boudoir studio) is well worth the price tag.

Great makeup enhances your boudoir photos.  Do you really want to take the risk of doing a reverse smokey eye and ombre lip on yourself if you have never done one before?  The day of your boudoir session is NOT the day to try your hand at applying false lashes or a makeup technique you have never done before.

I really wish I could attach photos of my clients who did their own make-up versus my girls who hired a make-up artist.  However, I do not want to put anyone on blast so I won’t do that, but there is a night and day difference between the women. 

Most boudoir studios will have in-house or contracted hair and makeup artist they can recommend to you.  These professionals have typically worked with the photographer on a long term and ongoing basis and can anticipate the photographers shooting style and perfectly incorporate that with what you are wearing to the session. 

At Wonderland Boudoir our makeup artists typically stay with us the entire length of your session.  Unlike many boudoir studios our makeup artist touches you up throughout your session to make sure you look flawless in each frame.

The last thing you want to do is love EVERYTHING about the photo EXCEPT your make-up.  You don’t want to regret doing the makeup yourself (or resenting your family member for doing a poor job).  Boudoir sessions focus A LOT on the face.  Have complete confidence in your session by hiring a professional makeup artist.  The extra $100-$150 on a makeup artist will be a drop in the bucket when it comes to gorgeous photos and peace of mind.

2.) Quality

Makeup artist invest a lot of time and money into their craft.  They research different styles and know by heart the brands that will work best for not only your skin but for the overall photos.

Also, there is a quality to their work you will not find anywhere else.  Each makeup artist develops a style and skill that they call their own.  This is called passion.  The makeup they do for you is evidence of their skill and brand.   Essentially, you are a walking billboard for them.  If you are being photographed they NEVER want to do a bad job.  That’s why they put in so much time and effort to provide you with a quality result for your boudoir session. 

 

 

3.) Professional Grade Makeup

All of the makeup artists that I have ever worked with apply high quality HD makeup for boudoir sessions.  For session such as boudoir, engagements, and weddings they use makeup that is more heavy and not for everyday use.  We aren’t talking drug store brands here.  No.  There is nothing wrong with anything you may have purchased at CVS, but if you are looking for Grade A flawless make-up your makeup artist is going to have it. 

The brands makeup artist use for boudoir sessions is built to last for all day use and under hot lights.  Professional grade makeup takes real effort to remove.  You want something that will last the entirety of your session and even later into the day.

4.) Technique

Makeup artist are professionally trained and state certified. They know what they are doing.  They have techniques that we commoners can’t do.  Keep in mind that a photo a 2D image.  This means that everything is flat in a photo.  However, professional makeup artist know tricks to make your photo 3D.  They add color, highlights, and contouring to make our cheekbones, eye, and hair pop!  Let’s not forget the blending game!  There is nothing like a makeup artist that knows how to really blend!  Blending makeup is probably the most important technique that any artist can do and it’s the one that most people who aren’t makeup artist tend to forget.

5.) Photographers Hate Photoshop

Most photographers hate Photoshop.  They much prefer to get every last detail right in camera.   Yes, makeup is one of those details.  Many clients think that Photoshop is the be all end all, but Photoshop is a tool… not an answer.  In fact the photo of Toni to the right was one were the only two things I did was remove blemishes and make the color pop. That is all.  Before arriving to the boudoir studio Toni went to a celebrity MUA in Dallas to have her makeup done.  Let me tell you, the money she paid was well worth it because not only was the makeup perfect for her outfits, eyes, and face shape it also allowed her to receive her photos back much faster because I didn’t have to take the extra time to touch anything up on her face. Who doesn’t LOVE getting their photos back sooner than anticipated?

6.) Relieves Stress

Having a professional take care of your makeup alleviates the pressure of making sure you did it right.  While this is listed as the last reason it’s actually the number one reason you should hire a makeup artist to do your makeup for a boudoir session. 

You have so much going on already… work, planning for your boudoir session, buying lingerie, and let’s not forget your personal life.  When you hire a professional makeup artist all you need to do is show up. 

I always tell my clients to create a Pinterest board as inspiration for each look they want to do.  This helps you, me, and the makeup artist because it provides a visual idea of what you want your end result to be for your session.  Since a makeup artist can’t read your mind it’s important to send a visual idea of what you are looking to accomplish.

CONCLUSION

Hiring a professional makeup artist is an investment that you need for your boudoir session.  There is a quality and technique that professional makeup artist have that most people don’t because they haven’t studied the form.  Makeup artist use expensive high quality makeup that isn’t necessary for everday use but is necessary for your boudoir session. Photographers like to use as little Photoshop as possible for your session so it’s important to make sure your makeup is right in camera to help speed up the editing process which helps you get your photos back sooner.  The most important reason you need to hire a professional makeup artist is that it leaves you stress free.

In the comments below let me know if you have anymore questions about why you should hire a professional makeup artist for your session.

7 Ways to Feel Comfortable for Your Boudoir Session

I get it!  You want to do a boudoir session, but you are scared senseless about doing one.  You want to make the plunge, but don’t know how to calm your nerves.

Never fear!  I have seven ways for you to feel more comfortable in front of the camera and in your boudoir session.

1.  Consult with your Boudoir Photographer

The number one thing you need to do before a boudoir session is consult with your potential photographer.  Don’t just go online, see beautiful photos of gorgeous women, and then pay the deposit.  You will need to CALL the photographer and SPEAK to them (if you can’t meet with them in person).  Make sure you get a good vibe from them and see if they make you feel comfortable over the phone.  Make sure you ask the photographer detailed questions.  Even ask them the questions you think are silly but have been on your mind.  The photographer shouldn’t be bothered in the least bit with your questions because this is something that is really important to you and time should be taken to accurately answer any concerns you may have.  After speaking to your photographer they should make you feel more comfortable about your pending session. 

2.   Hire a Professional Hairstylist and Makeup Artist

When booking a boudoir session hire a professional hairstylist and makeup artist (HMUA).  Don’t cut corners here!  You are already making an investment in a boudoir session just pay the extra $100-$150 (depending on the studio) for a professional HMUA.  Many women think they can do their own hair and makeup, but hair and makeup that you do for everyday life is WAY different than makeup you do for a professional shoot.  

Two quick reasons why you need to hire pros:

1. It takes the pressure off you.  It’s one less thing for you to worry about before your session.
2. HMUA use professional grade styling tools and products for studio sessions. 

You have been running around, working out, eating right, and buying clothes for this session.  The last thing you want to do is stress about how you’re going to do your own hair and makeup.  Leave it to a professional. 

3.  Get your Nails Done Before a Boudoir Session

I CANNOT tell you how many times a woman has forgotten do her nails before a session.  Now you don’t need a French manicure or color polish in general but make sure your nails have at least a clear coating on them and are cut evenly.  Bad nails can easily break a photo. 

4. Try on the Wardrobe Before Your Session

Trying on your boudoir outfits before your session will make you feel more confident.  The last thing you want to do is buy a piece of beautiful lingerie off the shelf and not try it on until your actual session.  That is just a potential recipe for disaster.  Don’t take that 50/50 chance of the piece not working out. A lot of companies will not let you return lingerie. 

Two Quick Boudoir Wardrobe Tips: 

1. If you are someone who wants to hide their tummy DO NOT purchase a simple bra and panty set. Purchase a chemise or a teddy.  If you are not 100% in love with your legs buy a garter and stocking set (which ALWAYS) looks hot. 
2. Shoes are ALWAYS important.  Make sure the heels match the lingerie.  I suggest that the heels be AT LEAST 4 inches tall.  I know, fashion hurts, but the results will be well worth the pain.

5.  Practice the Poses You Want

Practice your boudoir poses in front of the mirror before your session.  C’mon now!  Lets all be honest here!  We have all practiced modeling poses in front of the mirror.  I do it with my dog.  I mean it got so serious that my dog actually now knows how to pose in front of the camera! YES!  He will serve face with the best of them! 

Okay! LOL Back on track.  Make sure you communicate to your boudoir photographer what types of poses you really want.  I suggest emailing them a link to a Pinterest boudoir board you create as your inspiration for the boudoir session.  Having a visual idea of what YOU want from your session helps both you the photographer out. 

I know Pinterest can be a really hard place to find a cohesive set of poses that you like so I suggest checking out the Boudoir Divas 1500 poses e-book.  #YAAAAAASSSS girl 1500 poses!  What I like the most about this books is it highlights poses for  WOMEN OF EVERY SIZE!  I’m sure you can find at least one in there you like.  Check out the e-book here.  The Divas are friends of mine who also have two other detailed posing guides that I keep in my studio for my clients.  I would suggest purchasing them for your own personal collection too.  Find them HERE!

6.  Remember Why You are Doing This

Remember why you are doing this boudoir session.  What goal did you achieve that deserves such a glorious acknowledgement?

• Did you lose that final 20 pounds?
• Perhaps after a year in crossfit you want to show off your new toned body.  You didn’t deadlift for nothing now!
• Maybe you want to celebrate your woman hood with a maternity session!
• Are you celebrating a 30th, 40th, or 50th Birthday party and want to embrace your current sexiness?
• Is this going to be a sensual wedding or anniversary present that you have been secretly planning? You know he’s going to love it!

Whenever you begin to see doubt seeping through just remember why you are doing this.  Keep in mind there are plenty of women who felt exactly like you before their session.  These women came out loving the entire experience.    

7. Trust Yourself & Relax

You have to just trust yourself at this point.  You have contacted the photographer and feel confident in their work and vision for your project.  You hired a pro hair and makeup artist and trust in their ability to make you look amazing.  Your nails look fabulous.  You have picked lingerie that you tried on and practiced the poses you want in front of the mirror for the past week.  You are focused on why you are doing this.  Now you have to just trust in yourself.  Just sit back relax while getting pampered by the HMUA as you’re sipping champagne. Take comfort that you are doing something really amazing for you!

In the comments below let me know some questions you would like answer that will ease your fear of a boudoir session!

What is Boudoir?

Wonderland Boudoir is a high-end boudoir photography studio in Dallas, Texas.   We aim at providing fun, safe, and empowering sessions for every woman who walks through our door.  In January, as a vendor for Bridal Show Inc’s Dallas Bridal show, I met tons of women educating them on the fun and excitement of boudoir. In fact, I kept hearing this same thing over and over: “All I have been hearing about is ‘boudoir’!  What exactly is that and why does EVERYONE want to do it?!”

What Is Boudoir?

Boudoir once meant a room built to spend time with one’s husband. For Wonderland, boudoir means defining YOUR sense of sexiness and releasing your inhibitions.  Boudoir should be fun, safe, empowering, and liberating.  Your fantasies should be unlimited. Women have been blessed with beautiful, individual bodies; we should embrace and celebrate our natural beauty.

 Why Do Women take Boudoir Pictures?

Boudoir can be done for any number of reasons:

• Boudoir Presents for Him

Many women host sessions as a wedding gift for their future spouse.  Other popular reasons include anniversary gifts and Valentine’s Day presents.  Imagine giving your lover a collection of beautiful, one of a kind pictures for his eyes only. He'll be hard pressed to match that present!!

• Boudoir Present for You  

Boudoir sessions aren’t limited to gifts for that special someone in your life.  More importantly, boudoir sessions should be for you.  Many women have sessions for themselves as birthday presents.  Others have a session for body change reasons, like maternity photos or reaching your goal weight.  Have a session after you've run your first marathon or you've gone ice skating for the first time, so that you can celebrate all that your body does for you! Do a boudoir session to celebrate YOUR sexy! 

• A Boudoir Present for ALL

They are also great for bachelorette parties and a Girls' Night Out!  Yes, we do host boudoir parties (The Queens Court) for you and up to five of your closest girlfriends, for a fun filled day you won't forget!

Why Should I Have a Boudoir Session? 

First and foremost, a boudoir session should be done for you.  These sessions are fun, powerful, and liberating.  Feel like a celebrity and have a team pamper you with hair and makeup.  We then help you pick out the best outfits or lingerie for your desired outcome, and finally you get to do your session.  Wonderland Boudoir helps with posing and making sure you feel comfortable all the way through.   If for some reason you still feel tense, there is always champagne!

Feel Comfortable

We at Wonderland Boudoir know it is intimidating going into a room with a person you don’t know and sharing the most intimate parts of yourself, but there is nothing to be nervous about. We are a fun and understanding team that is here to support you during this session.  We help guide you through the process and teach you how to properly pose to help strengthen the beauty of your photos.  In almost all of the sessions, you will see me posing right along with you!

In Conclusion…

Take the leap and feel liberated by investing in a boudoir session. I have been photographing boudoir sessions for years, but I still LOVE the reactions when women see that they look like THAT GIRL in their photos.  

Be that girl.  Get that same feeling.  

Book a boudoir session.

To book or get more information on sessions, head over to the contact page and call or email! 

Question: Let me know in the comments below what some questions you have about boudoir sessions. Tell me about your fears and concerns. 

Giveaway:

Share this post on Facebook to qualify for a $40 gift card from Yandy.com!  Winners will be announced March 9th , 2015!

Welcome to Dallas Boudoir Studio, Wonderland Boudoir!

Welcome to the Dallas's new Boudoir Blog!

Thank you all for joining in the relaunch for Wonderland Boudoir’s blog! 

WHO ARE YOU?!

I am Korin, the principal photographer of Dallas boudoir studio Wonderland Boudoir.  I have loved photography since I was a little girl.  One of my first memories was going through my dad’s things when we first moved to Texas and picking up his camera.  I took the lens off his Pentax 35MM and examined the inside.  I loved the complexity of the camera and since then I was hooked.  By the time I reached high school I signed up for photojournalism and I was hooked with the art of photography.  There was no turning back from there. 

I loved working in the darkroom.  The idea of rolling and developing my own film felt like a safe haven to me.  It was the place where I felt at peace and I just enjoyed working with my hands to create a beautiful image.  After graduating high school I attended university and didn’t pick up a camera the entire time… but one never forgets their first love.   Then in 2008 or 2009 I purchased my first Nikon DSLR and never looked back.  Since then I started a successful photography company, UrbanJunglePhotography, which focuses on headshots, family, engagements, and weddings.  Then in 2014 I established the brand Wonderland Boudoir. 

WHY BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY?

When one is first getting into paid session with photography many people will take whatever gigs comes to them.  Honestly, I think that‘s a good way to go about it because, in my experience, I knew after two years of trying to figure out my strong suit, that I loved working one on one with people.

During those two years of finding my groove I would have women reaching out to me asking if I did boudoir.  As a shy person by nature I often backed away from it and declined offers.  Then one day I decided that I was going to try this boudoir thing after so many requests.

 I was nervous at first because you are seeing a woman at their most intimate state.  However, after my first session I knew this is where I wanted to go.  For me, it was easier to work one on one in a private setting.  I enjoyed instructing ladies on how to pose to get the pictures they wanted.  Unlike a lot of my family and engagement work, there aren’t a number of people around so my client doesn’t get distracted.  It’s just a one on one session with the client and the photographer.  Plus, as an introvert I like being able to build a bond with someone without having a ton of people around distracting either one of us from the end goal, beautiful photos you can cherish forever. 

What I love the most are the reactions women have after they see their photos.  Every time I see a smile on their face, get a gushing email, or an elated call it makes me love what I do more and more.  We as women are taught to really scrutinize our bodies and how we look based on the media’s standard of beauty.   The idea of beauty is not a cookie cutter mentality.  Each one of us are different, therefore there is no way the standard of beauty can be the same for all of us.   Our goal at Wonderland Boudoir is for clients to celebrate THEIR version of beauty.    Forget society.  Forget the status quo.  Forget the doubt in the back of your head.  Define what beauty means for you and got for it!

WHAT WILL THE BLOG HELP ANSWER?

1.       Teaching women the meaning of boudoir

2.       Why boudoir is liberating

3.       How to get ready for your session (Think Fashion, Hair, & Make-up)

4.       What to expect during your session and how to nail it!

5.       Real tips from professional Fashion Stylist, Hair, and Makeup Artist

6.       Current work from Wonderland Boudoir highlighting our amazing clients (so you can see how much fun they are having!)

WHY SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG?

Subscribe to this blog because this will be your one stop shop for all things boudoir.  We will answer FAQs (frequently asked questions), giving unique answers to your boudoir needs, and of course tips on how to make your photos stand out and unique to yourself.

My team and I have a ton of fun while shooting so we will be showcasing some behind the scenes footage of our sessions with both models, clients, and our travels.  This will be so fun for everyone involved.  We will also let you guys know of any discounts we have with brands so you can up your lingerie game if you like. 

HOW DO I FOLLOW?

You can sub to our blog using Bloglovin’ so you never miss a post!

You can also find us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter

WHAT’S THE GIVEAWAY?

Today we are giving away a $50 giftcard to Victoria’s Secret!  Make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin.  In the comments below lets us know some questions that you have about boudoir that you want us to answer.  The commenter with the most original question will win the giftcard!!!  Contest will close on March 07th, 2015 at 11:59AM.  Winner will be announced on the blog on March 09th!

Tell us what you want to know most about boudoir!

What to Wear to a Boudoir or Lingerie Shoot

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Many women want to know what to wear to their boudoir shoot.  This really depends on your body type and what you want to highlight or hide.

For example, if you want to hide your stomach, don’t just bring a bra and panty set to your session.  That’s not fair to you or your photographer.  You may want to bring a corset or a cute sheer robe.  Also, a sex bondage dress goes a very long way.  This post will show you some items you may want to wear to your boudoir session. 

Bondage Dress or a Little Black Dress

You don’t have to wear lingerie to have a great boudoir session.  Boudoir photography is about FEELING sexy.  You don’t necessarily have to dress in Agent Provocateur to obtain that feeling. 

Bebe and Express make some BEAUTIFUL bandage dresses.  These dresses do a great job by to accentuate your frame while hiding your tummy.  These dresses are perfect just about any woman.

 

If you do go with a bondage dress I suggest that you wear Spanx or some other brand of control shapewear.  The best place to shop for these types of items, in my opinion, is Neiman Marcus.  Yes, Neiman Marcus may be on the more expensive side, but you will get the time and attention of their very educated associates about these items.  I purchase most of my undergarments at Neiman Marcus.  The more you go and befriend the associates the better they get to know and your purchasing style.  They will also email you personally when your favorite brands go on sale.  I LOVE the people at Neiman Marcus

 

 

Sweatshirt:

Trust me when I say that there is nothing sexier when a woman rocks a sweater in a boudoir shoot.  Lets really be honest.  Men love how their women look, but many love the sweet and simple nature of how women looks in just a cute oversized sweater.  I suggest cutting the sweater like I did in the above photo.   A sweater like this adds a touch of innocence.

 

Boyshort or Booty Shorts:

 

The best thing to pair with a sweater is boyshorts.  Men really love seeing a full buttock and then the cheeks just peeking out from below.  They are subtly sexy underwear that will never go out of style. 

 

Teddy & Chemise

 

Teddies and Chemises are another great yet sexy option for women wanting to conceal their stomachs.  These pieces come in all fabrics and sizes.

Below are some options that I think would look amazing on a plethora of different women and sizes.

 

Bra and Panty

 

Yes, sometimes we just like the classic bra and panty sets.  There is NOTHING like just regular bra and panties.  Men love to see that booty. 

 

These are some ideas for you on what to wear to a boudoir shoot.  Let me know which look you all like the best in the comments below!

Top 5 Things Needed for Every Boudoir Shoot

Here are the Top 5 Things Every Woman Needs for Her Boudoir Shoot

01 Confidence:  This is the number one thing you need for your shoot. Yes, exposing your most physical self to someone is very intimidating, but it can also be liberating.  Any man of quality will tell you that the most important thing a woman can have is confidence.  I have grown up with my dad, two brothers, and a gang load of male friends and I CANNOT tell you how many times they have complained about insecurity of their women.  Yes, being shy and innocent is one thing, but insecure and relishing on your flaws is not sexy.  Trust me. Just let your inner vixen reveal herself in our session.

02  False Eyelashes: Your eyes are going to tell the story.  We need that connection to make the photos work.  Fake Lashes may not seem like a whole like, but TRUST me, they make a world of difference.  False Lashes are important because they add drama to your face and somehow brings out the inner vixen in women.  They add more definition and character to the face. 

Not only are we all unique as people so are our eyes.  Michelle Pham has created a great article that talks about the best eyelashes for every eye shape.

Click HERE to see some before and after shots of false eyelashes.

03 Great Make-Up:  I am a natural girl myself.  99.99999999% of the time I will be without makeup up.  However, when doing a major shoot it’s best to go all out and not skimp on getting a QUALITY make up artist.  DO NOT do it yourself,  unless you are professional make up artist.   Hire someone of quality.  From my experience a good make-up artist will cost between $75-$150.  Yes, that can seem like a lot of money, but trust me your images will be well worth it.  In fact, when I shoot all the models that you see have had VERY little photoshop done on them.  What you see is the magic of having a great make up artist.  If you’re in Dallas I have a list of the 5 best make up artist that I work with on a constant basis.  They are people I can count on, and if they are not available they will let you know who in their network is. 

04 Hair: The bigger the hair the closer to God.  Is that just a Texas saying? LOL.  No you really don’t need big hair for a good shoot, but full hair is always preferred when you look at your photos.  NO matter what your aesthetic you want to go for glam.  Your boudoir session is an investment in yourself, why not have your best hair forward.  If your in the Dallas area I know many great hairstylist that I have worked with and who have a diverse portfolio.

05 Array of Colorful Lingerie: Yes, you can go for the standard black or white but life isn’t black and white so why should your lingerie be?  I love when women bring vibrant colors and all sorts of cuts and styles to our shoot .  I will go through what you have an help you decide what would like good on your body and with the setting.  Also, different colors work great on different skin tones.  If you have a darker to warmer complexion vibrant jewel colors are always great.  If are warmer to fair pastel colors are always a plus.  Lace booty shorts in hot pink, teal, and a jewel blue are always winners.  Trust that your significant other will love see you in booty shorts. 

If you have any more questions please contact me at info@urbanjunglephoto.com.  Also, leave any suggestions you have in the comment below.