LA Chronicles: An Awesome Boudoir Session at LACMA

The LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been on my travel bucket list for years. I have always seen Wendy and WongFu Productions here and I knew I just wanted to go and shoot here.  Never in a million years did I think I was going to do boudoir here.  

What an incredible session it was!

We shot an incredible dancer named Shala here.  In fact, you may recognize her because she starred in a Superbowl commercial this year (Superbowl 50) alongside Arnold Schwanagger for Mobile Strike.  Check out the video here.

Shala isn't a fighter, she's actually a badass dancer based out of the UK.  It was by coincidence we were both in LA at the same time.  It was an honor to get to shoot this awesome artist.

Tips for Shooting a Night Boudoir Session at LACMA

1.) Be Confident

Boudoir can be super intimidating if you allow it to be.  It doesn't make it any easier when you are shooting your session outside when there are tons of people around.  Therefore you need to silence all your insecurities, listen to your photographer, and just own the moment.  In a matter of time everyone else will disappear around you.

2.) Wear Light Colors

There is a lot of light out there and wearing light clothes will really pop against the darkness.  

3.) Be Polite

It doesn't matter what time of day it is... there will be a lot of people at LACMA.  We shot this session around 1AM on Sunday morning and , while it doesn't look like it, there were a TON of people around.  Therefore we had to ask people to move.  People typically respond well to you if you are polite.  Plus, after everyone saw Shala dance they were super inclined to move to see her move.

To learn more about how awesome LACMA is please check them out here!

Have you guys ever considered an outside session?  If so, where would you shoot? 

CONTACT US!

7 Ways to Prepare for a Boudoir Session in Joshua Tree

Every Thursday this month (except for Thanksgiving) I will be posting about our LA adventures.  I'm baffled how it has been 6 months and I haven't shared these photos before.  In our first post of the series, I wanted to go into detail about our Joshua Tree photos.  More specifically, I wanted to use this pre-post of these series on things you should be prepared for when shooting boudoir in Joshua Tree.

1.) Leave an Hour Earlier than Planned

LA TRAFFIC IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION.  Let me repeat!  LA TRAFFIC IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION.  I have driven through Austin, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Atlanta but Los Angeles traffic takes the bloody cake!  The place you could be going to might be 3 miles away but it's going to take you 30 minutes to get there.  Therefore, if you are looking to move around LA then leave an hour ahead of the time you THINK you should be leaving.  
 
Driving to Joshua Tree took us an additional hour because of the immense traffic in Los Angelos.  It's not like there was an accident or anything.  It's just the nature of the traffic beast in this city.  It doesn't help when you're shooting in natural light.  

As you know when you are shooting with natural light you are fighting against time, SO LEAVE EARLY!  

Believe me when I say just leave an hour earlier.  
Trust me.  You'll be thanking us.

2.) Check the Weather & Bring Warm Clothes

Yes, I know.  Not all deserts are warm.  This is elementary school knowledge.  Being the adults we are we should have known better.  I knew we had fucked up when we pull into Joshua Tree and everyone was wearing coats, beanies, and scarves.  Jazzy and I looked at each other in terror as we saw people passing us all bundled up.  

I had no sleeves and no jacket. Ms. M was in cut off shorts and a tank top.  Jazzy only wore a thin jacket.  In our defense, LA was almost 80 degrees when we left for Joshua Tree.  Therefore it never occurred to us to check the weather in Joshua Tree.  Had I done that I would have known it was in the high 40's.  

The first rule of all travel is to check the weather.  We did not do this.

3.) Bring your Own Set-up Station

Joshua Tree is not only a park, it's a national park.  The keyword is "National"... NOT "Park".  In my mind parks have benches.  We had made plans to use the benches at this park.  We would have used these bench for Jazzy to do makeup and a place for me to sit and clean my lenses.  None of this happened.  NONE. OF. IT!  

There was not a bench here.  There was not a bench there.  There was not a bench anywhere!  

Jazzy had to do Ms. M's make-up in the back of our hatchback in the freakin' cold!  I cannot make this up. I'm so happy I have pictures of this.  Therefore, when coming to Joshua Tree make sure you have a portable makeup station where your client can sit when needed.

4.) Do Hair & Makeup BEFORE you get to the Park

Going back to point three there aren't any benches (or at least we didn't come across any) so it is my suggestion that you don't do hair and makeup while at the park.  Again, please see point three.

5.) Plan your Session around the Sunset.  

Once golden hour hits the sun sets pretty quickly so it's very important you are efficient with your time.  This actually goes back to point number one.  Make sure you leave an hour earlier than planned because the traffic can be crazy.  This will also ensure you have enough time to get all your looks in and find a great secluded area without the need to rush.  

Also, make sure you find out exactly what time the sun sets on your day of your shoot.  My favorite place to research sunrise and sunset is at the site Time and Date. 

6.) Bring an Extra Person with You

I can't stress this point enough.  After doing makeup in the cold for an hour Jazzy was through.  I wish I had an assistant with me to help with a reflector and holding equipment.   When in dusty areas I hate putting my camera down and having an extra set of hands would have been more efficient.

7.) Separate & Organize Outfits before Getting There

This particular day we did not organize the clothes in specific bags.  This caused us to lose some time shuffling through everything looking for particular items.  Even when we found them they required to be cut off from certain types of packaging but none of us has scissors.  So make sure everything is packed into individual bags and make sure everything is readily available to be put on right then.  If I had to make a point 8 it would be to bring scissors.

I hope these 7 tips help you prepare for a boudoir session in the dessert.  Of all the points highlighted which one brought you the most enlightenment?

Contact Us!

If would like to book a boudoir session with us please fill out the form below or go to our contact page and give us a call.  We typically return calls and emails within 24 hours!

Fergie's M.I.L.F $ Tells Women to Celebrate our Sexiness during Mommyhood

1I don’t give a fuck what anyone says.  Fergie’s M.I.L.F $ video was outstanding.  I am loving the fact that she is promoting the healthy ideology of women having their own careers while still owning that sexuality that has made them, them.  You can be a leader, a businesswoman and a mom, all while still being hot as fuck doing it.  Don’t let the world or society tell you what your limits are as a woman especially if you are a mother. 

The thing I don’t like is “feminist” knocking Fergie saying this video doesn't represent feminism.  Feminism is defined as the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.  

We as women need to stop wasting our time judging each other and join forces.  The highlight of M.I.L.F $ is that the cameos are all iconic women who are not ashamed their sexuality (Kim Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen, Ciara, Alessandra Ambrosio, Gemma Ward, Tara Lynn, Devon Aoki, Angela Lindvall, Isabeli Fontana, Amber Valletta, and Natasha Poly).  All these women have made a career for themselves by loving and owning who they are as women.  While the world told them to cover up while yelling, “you’re a mom now!” they went about their business and climbed to the top.  These women have succeeded in owning that femininity and showing other women they could have it all too.

The narrative we women face every day is HOW we need to ACT as ladies.  Women shouldn’t have to “act” any certain way.  This is why I love boudoir photography.  Boudoir allows women to just let go and be who they have always wanted to be, themselves.

One of the other narratives that society tells is that we can’t be sexy and a mother.  Why?  Who the fuck determined that sexiness stopped after you became a mom?  Sexy does not mean slutty.  How is a mother a slut for owning her sexuality and femininity?  Where did this bullshit idea come from?

So, I decided to look up the word slut.  Per Google, slut means a WOMAN who has many casual partners.  Why is slut only used towards women?  Why can’t a woman have many sexual partners?  Why are men celebrated for their promiscuity and women are put down?  Also, what is the male version of slut?

Why do we as a society confuse sexiness with sluttiness?

I mean real talk… Why are Kim Kardashian and Amber Rose called sluts?  We have to be all be honest here... Kim wasn’t sleeping with every dude in the world.  She just made a sex tape where she was having sex with one person who we ALL know she was in a committed relationship with.  Same with Amber Rose.  She was in a long-term relationship with Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa, but because these women decide to show off their curvaceous bodies and own their femininity they are now… sluts?  Even though it’s been proven they haven’t earned that title?

To own, love, and rock the fuck out of your mommyhood and womanhood is something ALL women have the right to do.   We as a society don’t have the right to tell a woman to do with her body or how she should act or look after she gives birth. 

Own your femininity.
Own you sexuality.
Stop letting the world validate who you are as a person.

At the end of the day you have to live with yourself.  Don’t allow yourself to be mentally imprisoned based on another person's opinion of femininity, sexuality, and womanhood.

Thanks Fergie

We Found Boudoir in a Hopeless Place | Dallas Boudoir Photography

Alexis is one of my favorite people in the world.  She is a fashion stylist and model who recently relocated to New York City for work and love.  She came back to Dallas in late December to visit family and friends for the holidays. While in town she requested that I shoot some photos of her for her new blog, Lone Star in the City.  Since Alexis is amazing I couldn’t say no to her!

WHAT HAD HAPPEN WAS...

If you guys weren’t aware on December 26, 2016 major tornadoes hit the North Texas area demolishing blocks and blocks of neighborhoods while many people lost their lives.

Yeah, we were shooting on that day.  In fact this was supposed to be a twilight boudoir session over the city of Dallas.  However, due to turbulent and unpredictable weather we brought the boudoir session inside of my building.  

Yes, these shots took place in the stairwell of my building!  I love how the moody emptiness is also an unspoken and unseen character in these photos.  These photos emphasize her adult allure and sexiness.  . 

Check out this video we made with Alexis.  It’s crazy how just the most simplistic of places can spark the most incredible settings.  

THE BOUDOIR OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

BOUDOIR OUTFIT

This whole outfit came from Victoria’s Secret.  I just adore gold hardware and exposed zippers.  I feel like exposed zippers are a node to vintage quality and craftsmanship.   This exposed zipper on this corset top proved to elevate the game of sexiness when it comes to seductive designs.

The matching panties to this set were so incredibly tantalizing.  Too bad they are no longer on sale.  It’s so hard to find geometric cut outs on panties, and these were perfect for that.  

The skirt was my FAVORITE part of this whole look.  First of all who doesn’t love silk?  Only crazy people.  There is just SOMETHING about silk that makes you feel instantly high class, sophisticated, and sexy.  Turn that into a tulle maxi skirt and you are asking for any woman to bring out their innermost Upper East side sexiness.  

BOUDOIR HAIR

The hair was just simple.  I wanted to do a high poofy and messy bun that sat on the top of her head, but because the outfit was so slick and Spanish inspired we opted for the more for a sleek look to embrace the aura of the feel. 

Later in our session I asked Alexis to take her hair down because it was "too" perfect (if you notice in my photos I have a thing for messy-sex-in-the-morning hair.  I wanted to something more grunge, real, and could evoke an emotion of relaxed power and longing.  

We leveraged Alexis hair as an element of storytelling.  Look how well Alexis brings in her hair to help elevate the allure of the photos.  

BOUDOIR MAKEUP

There is a reason they refer to Jazzy as the King.  He knows what he’s going.  I love how he took a chance by placing a bold red lip on a woman of such a dark complexion.  He helped add drama to the overall look by creating an intense smokey eye look.  Doing this created a sense of mysterious coy power.  

This couldn’t have been more fitting for such a crazy night.

ONE MORE NOTE

One camera you should ALWAYS have on your shoots is the Fuji Instamax.  We has SUCH a blast with this camera.  You have to check out the fun photos we took below.  

Be sure to follow Alexis’s new blog, Lonestar in the City. It is a fashion and lifestyle blog that documents how Alexis will navigate her way through New York City as a Texas Native.  

Question of the Day!

In the comment section PLEASE let me know your favorite photo of Alexis and why.  Also let me know if you have a Fuji Instamax and what you think about it.

If you’re interested in a session with us please feel free to fill out the form below and a member from our team will reach out to you within 24 hours!

Have a Great Day!

How to Style Your Boudoir Session

Dallas Boudoir studio Wonderland Boudoir loves to make you feel ready for your boudoir session.  One of the most important elements of a session is your style.  What you wear to a boudoir session can make or break your photos.  Today we interviewed New York stylist Alexis Coats.  Alexis is a recent graduate of UNT.  She is also a model and a freelance stylist in New York.  Today she will speak to us about how to properly prepare your style for a beautiful and flawless boudoir session.

The Basic Principles of Style

Style is not only important in everyday life it’s important for your photos.  When preparing for your boudoir session you need to dress for your body and not for trends.  “All women should dress to their body type and not the trends that are out there… don’t risk looking your best by wearing a trend that may not be flattering on you.”  

Alexis goes on to explain, “Dress for yourself and not what you see in the magazines. You don’t always have to follow every single trend.”  This is very true.  Trends are not classic looks.  They come in and out so fast is can sometimes be waste to try and keep up with every cool look out.  Take careful consideration before fully investing in a piece.  Consider how this trend works with the rest of your wardrobe and how it will fair season after season.  

Black is a color that Alexis suggest that all women keep in their closet.  Black goes with everything and when you're ever in a fashion rut you can always count on black to be a perfect base that you don’t have to think about twice.  

When it comes specifically to boudoir and lingerie you need to make sure that you wear lingerie that fits.  Alexis suggest going to get a professional fitting to get your correct bra size.  Not only will this professional fitting look better in photos it will make you feel more comfortable which will help you to be more confident in front of the camera.  

Favorite Lingerie Brands

Lingerie is an essential part of boudoir photography.  One of Alexis's favorite brands is the Aerie intimates line from Aeropostale.  Victoria’s Secret is also a great source for beautiful boudoir lingerie and can be budget friendly if you catch the right sale.  Alexis also suggested the site Adore Me.  Adore Me is a new subscription site based around the beauty of lingerie.  

When signing up for Adore Me you are first asked take a fashion quiz that helps determine the type of lingerie that best fits your style.  Once you have completed one of the easiest signs up that I have ever been through (It was literally your email and then create a password!  That’s it!)  you are taken to your showroom.  If you order within the first hour your first set is only $20!  

Just like every other subscription based site you have until the first 5 or 6 days to skip the month.  If you don’t you will be charged $40 and that will sit on your account until you use the credit.  Shipping, returns, and exchanges are all free.    

If you want to order but don’t want to do the subscription based services than you can just pay full price for the set, which is $50.  

My First Adore Me Order

Above is my first showroom with Adore Me.  I am loving all these styles! Very sexy and all are very perfect for boudoir! I ALMOST went with Lorelai!  

For my first purchase I ended up going with a classic, Lydia.  It’s a racerback lingerie set.  I wear A LOT of racerbacks (I’m in Texas so sleeves don’t mean much down here) so I think this will work perfectly for me.  I will do a review of it when I get it in the mail… and then speak about it in real a life scenario.  

New York Fashion Week

For Fall Alexis is most excited about the ‘70’s vibe that’s hitting the streets.  She is looking forward to the bell bottoms jeans and comfortable cable knit sweaters.  The best part of this particular revival is that you can find it in just about any thrift store.  This is a great alternative if you want to be frugal while exploring this trend.  

For Spring/Summer 2016 she’s excited about seeing the ‘70’s trend blending over in this season.  Not only fashion, but beauty as well.  The ‘70’s makeup look is way understated and much more natural.

Trends that We Need to Lose

We need to get rid of these sharpie eyebrows!  Not only that but the body modifications.  This is why Alexis is excited about the ‘70’s trend coming back.  “Less is more.  I think this is will help the younger generation accept who they are not try to be something they are not.”

Contact Alexis with any Styling Questions!

Wasn’t Alexis just great?  I have photographed Alexis as a model and a stylist a number of times.  I love her work ethic, drive, and commitment.  She’s is amazing.  If you’re looking for a wonderful stylist please contact Alexis.  She will have a site up soon!  

IG: @AlexisKCoats

FB: Alexis Coats

e: AKC0100@Gmail.com

Remember that you can subscribe to our Wonderland Boudoir YouTube page and to our Soundcloud if you want to list to our interviews in podcast form!

In the comments below please let us know if you have any questions for Alexis!

Moroccan Boudoir in Dallas, Texas

There are a ton of great boudoir studios in Dallas that have the traditional beds, but how about making your boudoir session really stand out?  How about something a tad bit international?   Today we are going to bring Morocco right to Dallas!  Yes, we have a Moroccan Boudoir set!

Morocco is a beautiful country in North Africa.  If all goes well I will be visiting this colorful country in 2016. When I do I plan on bringing back more blankets, sheets, and other items to make this set look as authentic as possible.  

This set was inspired by my love for strong color.  Boudoir sessions have a tendency to look very black and white with a splash of red pinched in.  This set is for the colorful, dynamic, and non traditional woman. With the Moroccan set we want to provide a really relaxed atmosphere that can still to be really sexy.  We love effortless sexy and that’s what this set provides. If you’re looking to give your boudoir session a bit of flair the Moroccan set would be best for you!

In a previous post we really broke down Karla’s outfit, hair, and makeup to a science.  If you want to see all the details of Karla’s look please check out our How to Style a Bridal Boudoir Session.  

Jill from #Glambition did the hair and makeup.  Alexis K Coats styled this amazing session with  clothes provided by Apricot Lane of Dallas.  Most of the furniture here came from Pier 1.  

Not only is the set relaxing so is Karla’s style. In her first looks she’s rocking a bikini top from Apricot Lane of Dallas.  Instead of the typical panty or bikini bottle Alexis opted to layer her in a series of scarves. This provided a sense of texture, fun pops of color, and overall more interesting photos.  Not only do the your boudoir  photos need to look sexy, but they have to really stand out.  

The hair added a dynamic point of interest to Karla’s Moroccan boudoir set.  While there is nothing wrong with with full voluptuous curly hair I have to say that I LOVE the short futuristic side bob that Jill designed for Karla.  Again, it brings interest and texture in such a unique setting.  

If you want to get more details on Karla’s set or any of the three other women we shot please make sure you check out your post on How to Style a Bridal Boudoir Session.  Also, Karla is in a competition of Dallas’s top models.  Please go vote for Karla HERE!  

Without Further Ado here are more photos!

I really hoped you enjoyed Karla’s photos!  Be sure to vote for her as one of the  top model’s in Dallas HERE!

I want to thank Jill form #Glambition for all your help and hard work on this series!  Special thank you to Alexis for blessing us with her skills and Apricot Lane of Dallas for allowing us to use the clothe for the shoot!

In the comments below please let me know which photo in this series you like the best and why!