What do you get when you have 5 teenage girls at a sleep-over? Well, apparently, I get to do a photo shoot.  These are my daughter’s “ballerina” friends letting down their hair (literally!) Who said bun heads didn’t know how to have fun!

Looking out my window in the MGM Grand, I have a perfect view of  “Hooters.” OK – so not exactly my style but hey, I’m not here for the scenery or the night life. (I know, live it up Sue).  I just sat in on WPPI’s (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) premier print competition. Fascinating. I love hearing the judges’ (5 of them) critiques. It goes on for 8 hours a day for 2 solid days. Of course, most people don’t sit in on the entire judging process. But I like to spend a couple of hours there as it is extremely interesting and educational. You will hear everything that is “right” about a photograph and everything that is “wrong” (at least in these people’s opinions.) I must say, I was usually on target with my own personal judging although, every once in awhile, I totally disagreed with the consensus.

So, I should probably go and put a few nickels int the slots. And then on to a  fun and fast-paced event where both experienced and up-and-coming photographers demonstrate cool techniques, trends, ideas and inspiration in 5-minute presentations.

Boudoir sessions are tasteful photos that hint at sexiness. Every person has their own idea of what sexy is as well as what they are comfortable with. These sessions are fun, sexy, flirty and even a bit sensual all the while maintaining your comfort level.  A good photographer will know just how to highlight your assets while disguising the parts of you that you’re self conscious about.  You don’t have to take your clothes off to be sexy. Clothed, partially clothed, hinted nudity and fully nude can all be sexy. Let your photographer know what you’re comfortable showing in your photos and trust them to keep the parts you want hidden to stay that way.

Boudoir Photography is often used by brides to surprise their future husbands by gifting the images on or before their wedding day. Other reasons for having a boudoir photography shoot include anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, maternity, and for servicemen overseas

Privacy is a concern due to the intimate nature of boudoir sessions. All boudoir images are kept in strict confidence and no images will be shown without permission from the client in writing. All images are printed personally by me.

A lot of photographers don’t like to do formal portraiture.  Think – “stiff, boring.” And, they may feel uncomfortable with or are not knowledgeable about posing and lighting large groups. I must admit – it’s hard. For me, it’s the most challenging of any photography I do. Imagine trying to capture everyone in the  group with a pleasant and relaxed expression, eyes open and all looking at the camera.   And, it certainly challenges my interpersonal skills. I am not going to get a good picture unless the group likes me, feels comfortable with me and I make them laugh.  But formal portraiture does have an important place in photography – especially when it comes to documenting an important occasion or preserving a family’s history. Despite the challenges, I consider it an essential part of my work.

Here are some formals I recently did for a 3 generation family on the 50th wedding anniversary of the parents (grandparents). What a great milestone to acknowledge and celebrate!