Boudoir photography~ from a different point of view.

Hi there!

This blog is geared toward newer, perhaps less experienced photographers who are venturing into the boudoir scene in particular. I'd like to talk a little bit about what it feels like to be in front of the camera rather than behind it. Why is this important? Because you, as a photographer, and 'posing coach' have a very vulnerable subject in front of you. She may be an otherwise very confident woman but when she's sitting on your backdrop or set, she, regardless of what she's like in her every day life, is looking to you 150% to show her what to do, what to do with her hands, her face, how to pose. She likely really doesn't know. Why would she? Clients don't think about these things or study them 24/7 like we do, right? She may have a visual of what she wants her photos to look like or the image she is trying to portray, but once she's right in front of that camera, it can all disappear from her mind. She's a little nervous, maybe a little cold, facial expressions look somewhat like "Ok.... NOW what do I do?" She may feel silly and make a few silly faces {if you were looking at me right now, I'd show them to you and we would probably crack up laughing :D It's pretty hilarious when it happens to me too  haha}
It's really not funny if you don't handle it correctly.
Talk to her, demonstrate with her, make her laugh and reassure her how beautiful she is. She trusts you at one of her {newly discovered} most vulnerable moments. Don't misunderstand me, this is alot of fun but it really does make people nervous. It's your job to make her forget about that nervousness and make it alot of fun, in combination with the end result of that photo shoot being awesome and with stunning images! You have to be somewhat silly and upbeat while maintaining the utmost professionality.

Is this easy to accomplish as a photographer?

Yes after practicing it a go-zillion times.

But, not always.

You may be having a not so great day or something pressing may be on your mind. Or perhaps you forgot what you learned and went 'blank' for a minute. Maybe you're hugely distracted by something else or you see that the set you created isn't working out the way you thought it would? It could be anything from A to Z. You have to remove yourself from that state of thinking immediately, continue on and never EVER show it or your shoot will show it. Not sometimes; all the time. I haven't seen an exception to this yet.
So, how do you handle that situation? I mean, let's face it, even though we're professionals, we are also human. However, it's crucial that we appear happy and confident no matter what else is occurring. At that moment, you're probably dealing with someone who really had to take her time to think about her shoot and even getting up the courage to book it in the 1st place. She's probably never done this before. Your client is trusting you with alot. How cool is that? You should feel honored that she liked your work so much that she called you. :D That in itself is awesome. I used to freeze up a little bit when I first started doing this~ even now, I'm by no means perfect at it {but you won't see that}. I always use music as my #1 mood creator. For me it works instantly, for me as well as the client. Without giving all of my own ideas away {bad idea w/o getting paid for it~ I learned that also. :D}, I will say it's extremely important to put time and effort into details way before hand. Never ever rush into a shoot 'blind.' Take your time and prepare. Make sure everything looks nice. Make sure you have all of the information your client gave you fresh in your mind and you have things ready according to that. Of course make sure your equipment is set and you didn't forget anything. Etc~~~~

It's also important for you to get in front of the camera lens on a regular basis. Get your pictures done {not just once!}so you can stay in touch with how vulnerable your clients can feel. Experience what it feels like when your photographer stops talking or says something like, "wait- let's change that up..." etc etc. It's a great way to remember what to do and what not to do when you're shooting. :} It really does work. Actions stay in your memory more than a random thought like, "I'll need to remember to do this or that....." :} Try it! You'll see what I'm talking about.

Maybe another workshop is in order....    :)


Best to you!!
xo,
Jen

Jen Le Images
http://www.jenleimages.com/

Dream. Believe. Inspiration~ My favorite words and late night thoughts~

What inspires you?

A beautiful song you never forget because the lyrics hit you right in the soul...and you find yourself pushing 'repeat' because you have to listen to it again....
...or a scene you drive past and can't help but notice it because it's stunningly beautiful and unique- yet will only last for a few short minutes because it's a sunset. Maybe the sound of ocean waves, or rain, and the peaceful feeling it brings you like an unexpected gift. Perhaps the way you notice a person looking at someone when they don't even know it. Maybe the way someone makes you feel just by being around them. . . Or something someone says or does that touches your heart. The sound of a little child's laugh. Seasons changing. My list is pretty endless and I notice many things that you might miss if you blink~
The above things are just a few things that are inspiring to me. :}



Inspiration, if paid attention, can lead to realization of what one's dreams are; which leads to motivation in one way or another, hopefully~ which leads to action to start making your dreams come true. It's all up to you. Dream your dreams, or live them. Dream big. Take a risk or two and don't be afraid to go for what you want, and even if you are, have some faith that you can do it and your fears will pass. It's inevitable, right? Don't let life pass you by without at least trying. How sad would that be? If you aren't sure how to or where to begin, ask someone who might, then ask someone who does. That never hurt anyone and you may be suprised how many doors it can open up for you~ Let yourself be inspired. Believe in yourself and the good things that can happen if you're receptive to them. Dream big then live it.

I love these words~
Inspiration.
Dream.
Believe.

Just a few late night thoughts~
G'nite!  :}