Define What Beauty Means to You

A Dallas Boudoir Blog

The Friday before heading out to San Diego I had a conversation with a beautiful woman who was all of 63 years of age.  It was Friday and I walked into the camera rental store to pick up the 24-70mm lens that I would be using for my San Diego trip.  “Martina!”  she greets me, “Where are you going?!” with a smile so big that anyone could get lost in.  I was renting the lens for a full week and not the typically weekend so of course she knew I wasn’t staying in town. 

“I’m going to a boudoir retreat in San Diego" I replied.

“Wow!  That’s pretty cool.  Are you going to learn some new thing?”

“Yes, I’m going to learn how to better use and utilized studio lighting and get some tips about running a proper business from the best in the industry.”

She smiles then yawns.  “I’m so sorry Martina.  I have been so tired.  Recently my husband and I have been staying up to 2AM, but then I have to get up at 6AM and come back here again.  We are working on a video project.  However, I’m really not going to complain.  I’m 63 and I am so happy to be doing what I love at my age.  Many women my age are sitting around and complaining about life.  But I’m not.  I get to come here every day and speak to all the young new photographers.  It keeps me young and vibrant.  I feel young being around you guys.  The fact that I feel young makes me feel sexy.  Many women my age no longer feel sexy.  Women have a tendency to define sexiness by men and the media when in fact we should define what being sexy is to us.  We don’t need to validate our sex appeal by people who aren’t us.  When we own that we will always be that.”

Never before had I ever thought about her age when I came in the shop.   She was right.  She always came off as a beautiful and graceful woman.  Even at an mature age I can totally see what attracted her husband to her.  She has beautiful full blue eyes, a sexy frame, and gorgeous silky gray hair that could only belong to an artist.  I would liken her to a sexier version of Helen Mirren.  We all know how hot Helen Mirren is at 68.  She would be Helen Mirren’s hotter younger sister. 

“I had to warn my daughters that one day their beauty was going to fade and I don’t want them to be thrown off by that, but I wanted to let them know that sexy is not physically beauty.  It’s how you carry yourself and how you see yourself.   If you don’t feel and carry yourself as beautiful.  No one else well.  No matter what age you are.”

She made me think. 

What is beauty? 

During the retreat I was informed that the photographer is the one that defines beauty.  The Photographer decides what  is to been seen an how it’s to be showcased.  However, I think it’s half and half.  Society influences the media just like the media influences society.  It’s the Yin-Yang effect.  How about we as a society change how we define beauty?  Once we do that, the media will have to turn face as well, because the point of media is to change with society.  As a society we have say in what beauty is therefore we must (re)define that. 

My goal with Wonderland Boudoir is to show through my work that every woman is beautiful.  Your age, complexion, or dress size does not validate if you are beautiful in this world, but your confidence and how you hold yourself does. Let’s stop letting the world define what beauty is.  Let’s define beauty to the world.

I know that at the age of 63 I don’t want to be in a retirement home and not feeling beautiful.  I want to be out in the world giving the young girls a run for their money. 

In the comments below let me know what beauty means to you.

Hi-Key Lighting for Boudoir Photography

A Dallas Female Boudoir Photographer…

While in San Diego I FELL in LOVE with Hi-Key lighting.  I think that once I get this style completely down that Hi-Key lighting might come to be one of my signature styles for my boudoir photography.  During my stay I was able to meet and simply adore Hannah.  She was the model for all the Hi-Key looks featured today.  Yes, she looks like a super model but the reason is she is confident. 

Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have. 

No matter your age or waist size the beauty of confidence can always be captured, and Hannah had confidence to spare. 

Of the two styles I have to stay that I LOVE the red body suit the most.  Many people think boudoir is about lounging around in lingerie while having your photo taken.  No.  Boudoir is about the experience capturing your beauty through confidence on camera.  You can wear a Natori lace bra and panties, a bandage dress by Bebe, or just simple jeans and t-shirt and still look incredibly sexy in front of a camera.  This is why I love Hannah.  She encapsulated all of that. 

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Let me know what you all think about the photos in the comments below.  To book sessions please refer to the contact page, and to see more recent work please check out my Facbook Fan Page!

Thank You!

Shooting with In-Studio Boudoir Lighting

A Dallas Boudoir Photographer...

Recently I traveled to San Diego to attend workshop and retreat with the Goddesses of Boudoir, Marissa and Kimberlee, of the Boudoir Divas.   This retreat inspired a clear vision of what I wanted out of life and photography.  While I still love UrbanJunglePhotography I have learned that I am more into portrait than wedding and family.  I love working one on one, creating an experience with the people that walk into my life. I love boudoir because I enjoy highlighting their individual beauty.

One of my favorite parts of the workshop was working with in-studio lighting and models of all ages, sizes, and complexions.  It’s VERY important that you have a versatile boudoir photographer.  For the next couple of weeks I will share with you different types of boudoir and swimsuit shots that I took while in San Diego learning from the best.  Today we start with Brittany & Sondra.

These shots are both interesting because I don’t typically work with in studio lighting.  Especially spot lighting.  However, the Divas taught us how to utilize them and different ways on how light will affect our photos.  While in my personal studio I may still use natural light for a little longer I think these photos are amazing and I can’t wait to start dabbling in more dramatic studio lighting for my sessions.

Let me know which photos you like more.  Feel free to check out Wonderland Boudoir on Facebook HERE to see more boudoir work!

Have a great day!

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!

Behind the Scenes of Boudoir Shoot

Celina, another one of our beautiful models.

I know!  Long time no update!  I have been so busy recently!  I have so much exciting news to share, but one day at time, right?   So for this blog segment I would like to show you guys some behind the scenes photos of a shoot I held this Sunday at the Belmont Hotel in Dallas. 

The Belmont Hotel in Dallas is a beautiful boutique hotel that sits about a mile or two out of Downtown Dallas proper. The hotel has a breathtaking view of the Downtown Dallas landscape.  Don’t let the compact property fool you, the rooms have so much space!  The hotel provides a fun and relaxed atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else. 

I worked with hairstylist Jill of ExaggeratedGlam and Jazzy Baptiste of Stamped by Jazzy.  I love working with with Jill and Jazzy!  They do amazing work, they are quick, and know how to execute their skills effortlessly.  They are also not scared of going out their element to try something new.  I highly recommend both Jill and Jazzy if you want to look like a million dollars!

Here are some photos.  I wish I was able to have taken more, but I was shooting 4 girls in less than 4 hours so I didn’t have too much time in between the sessions.  Even though it was hard work it didn’t feel like it!  I worked with a great group of beautiful models and a wonderful team who brought together my vision.  I seriously CANNOT wait to show you guys the final product and some of the exciting things that are happening in my boudoir adventure! 

Jazzy's Make Up Collection

Jazzy getting Jordyn, our first model, ready!

Jill from ExaggeratedGlam

See You Guys Soon!

Korin

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.

Wonderland Boudoir of Dallas

Hello everyone and thank you so much for visiting Wonderland Boudoir!

My name is Korin and I will be your awesome female boudoir photographer.  I have been shooting for the last 16 years and about two years ago I decided to go pro.  I would shoot all sorts of sessions… weddings, engagements, seniors, babies, children, and headshots.  However, from the past two years I feel as though I work better one-on-one with my clients.

 I love boudoir because as a woman you want to feel beautiful inside and out.  While male photographers may feel like they can shoot you based on what a man wants to see.  A woman photographer will shoot you based on the sexual inner beauty and being able to bring that out while maintaining photos that can be look back on with pride for many years. 

Boudoir photography is an investment and it’s one worth making.

I will be updating the blog at least 2-3 times a week with current work.  If you like to book a session with Wonderland Boudoir please email me at info@urbanjunglephoto.com.

Stay tuned to the blog for current specials!

I look forward to meeting with you!

Korin