When you look at yourself in the mirror, you are seeing the "real you" in a natural, or close-to-natural light. You make your adjustments according to where you plan to present yourself, boardroom, bedroom, or beach, and head on out. But as good as you may look in the mirror, the camera may not agree. The lighting in a studio is intended to highlight certain areas or create dramatic shadows in others. It's a lot more "fine-tuned" than the natural light from the sun or the artificial light from General Electric. As a result, what looks good in the mirror might not translate so well through the camera lens.

This is particularly true with the eyes. Even with copious amounts of mascara your eyelashes can fade into the background, sometimes even getting overpowered by dramatic eye makeup. In fact, too much mascara can make you look like you had an accident with pudding and copier toner. That is why false lashes are a must have for your boudoir pictures. Here are some tips for selecting the right lashes for your shoot:

1. Stay away from the shiny, plastic-looking lashes. Nobody's lashes are glossy, and these will catch every glint of light they can. False lashes are supposed to provide the dramatic outline of a "come-hither" stare, not flash like a neon sign on a seedy nightclub.
2. Full lashes that connect at your eyelid can sometimes feel heavy. You might be comfortable with this, but in case you aren't, consider lashes that attach at the tip of your natural lashes.
3. Do not skimp on the glue! Now, that doesn't mean to use a lot of it. It means to be sure you're using a good glue. Nothing destroys a sexy pose like having your eyelashes fall off!
4. Match the lash to your style. If you aren't using a lot of makeup, go for a lighter lash, a little subdued, to match the look. Nothing like a little quiet understatement to get the point across! If you're going for the "pin-up" look, thick, full lashes are the way to go. Knock him out with a glance!

Nature has programmed people to look at the eyes first and foremost, even above any tantalizing features elsewhere. In boudoir photography, it's the eyes that will offer the invitation to the viewer. What do you want your eyes to say to that special someone?

Professional hair and makeup is included with every boudoir photo shoot along with false lashes!  Our makeup artist's will style your look to match your outfits.  Contact us today to talk more about the look you want for your boudoir pictures.

I'm now completely booked for all boudoir shoots before Valentines Day 2014.  Available dates are on the calendar for shoots after Valentines Day.

Ah, Valentines Day, that special day every year that you make that extra special effort to show your man how much you love an appreciate him. Want to get your handsome man something extra special but don't know what? Don't scramble to look for Valentines Gift Ideas for Him when you could have a professional boudoir photo shoot!

Imagine the surprise, and maybe even blush, on his face when he sees you all dolled up, and looking like your drop-dead gorgeous self! What guy wouldn't love to have beautiful photos of his beautiful girl?

Boudoir photography isn't just for the man in your life either. You get to have the fun of getting all dressed up and feeling extra-special. This is as much for you as it is for him, you get to see just how stunning you are!

You don't even have to go all the trouble to gather everything you need. We provide two different bedroom sets, along with various lingerie, furniture, backdrops, and props. We also provide professional hair and makeup with an all female staff to keep you comfortable. We know all the tricks to help you look and feel your best. Don't know how to pose for the camera? We help with that too!

Feel free to bring your own lingerie and props too! Bringing your own props can make your photos that much more personal. Maybe he's got a favorite sports jersey, or maybe one of his work shirts? There are endless possibilities!

Boudoir photos are sexy, timeless and an extension of your beauty. There are a few things however, that can make your photos really stand out and one thing is certain, the art of the smokey eye for your boudoir pictures can make you even more beautiful.

Although the smokey eye has been around for decades, it has become even more popular in the last few years. For one reason, it adds depth to your eyes that more subtle looks cannot duplicate. With photographs of any kind, you always want to be just a little heavier on the makeup so that it shows up. Although you don't want it too heavy where it masks your beauty, lighting tends to make makeup look more subtle. A smokey eye is perfect for creating a look that not only stands out in your photos but will make you look your best.

The best way to create a smokey eye is to start with a neutral color base that covers the entire eyelid. On the far edge of the eye start with a darker color of your choosing (deep purples, browns, etc.) and blend it upward and outward towards the crease of your eye. Blending is the key to making it look natural. Using the same color or even another dark color to line the eyes gives it a finishing touch. One way to ensure you get the best look is to use an eye primer first so that your eye shadow doesn't look greasy or shiny. You can always look at video tutorials online or practice till you get the look you want.

No matter what colors you choose for your smokey eye look, you can guarantee that your photos will look sexy and beautiful and you won't have to worry about the color looking washed out because your eyes will stand out.

If you want to learn more about boudoir photo sessions, simply contact us.

 by Opie Janzer

A romantic date is a hallmark of Valentine's Day. A planned out date shows adoration, commitment, and willingness to invest in the relationship. Valentine dates, however, do not need to be expensive or particularly extravagant. You can even celebrate Valentine's Day in your home. Suitable for busybodies or professionals, Valentines at home will offer you and your loved one convenience and ease of mind, while still being romantic and sensual.

How To Plan A Romantic Valentines Day Date At Home

Picnic Right at the Fireplace: Before your loved one arrives from work, fire up the fireplace and place the sofa closer to it. Show that you paid attention to your partner's needs by bringing out their favorite wine or champagne. Bring out cherries, strawberries, or pomegranates to bring out the flavor in the drink. Make a home-cooked Valentine's Day meal, one that includes appetizers and desserts. If you are not a viable cook, then order out. Place all the food on fancy plates and get rid of any containers that will give the setup away. No one will be the wiser. For a particularly romantic touch, introduce your partner to a handwritten letter once done with dinner.

Spa Nights At Home: Fill your bathtub with warm water and place a couple of rose petals. Here's a tip – roses tend to be expensive during this time of year. You can ask your florist for a box of plain petals. These petals will be cheaper than the stemmed kind. Have a couple of your partner's favorite chocolates to nibble on by the side of the bathtub. While they are in the shower, ready the bedroom. Place a couple of warm, clean towels in the room. Bring a basin of hot water and a number of spa supplies. This may include body exfoliators, moisturizers, and body oils. This idea is suitable right after dinner.

To learn more about how you can show your adoration to your partner via photography or other Valentine ideas, contact us.

by Opie Janzer

Valentines Day is coming and you don't want to be left with last-minute gifts. He means the world to you and you want to put some thought into the most romantic day of the year. Here are four ideas for the perfect Valentine's Day gifts that are sure to knock his socks off.

1. Boudoir Photos: You. Lingerie. What else could he want? Sign up for a boudoir photo shoot and show off your sexy side. He loves you...he already thinks you're the sexiest woman in the world. Now give him the proof! You wearing some sexy lingerie and an album of boudoir photos would be a perfect gift or Valentine's Day.

2. Rose Petals: They're not cliche at all! You know how you would feel to come home and find a trail of rose petals from the front door leading to a bed with a blanket of rose petals? Well here's a little secret: he'll feel the same way! Give it a try, it'll impress every time. 

3. Love Notes: The world is dominated by emails and texts. But there's no replacement for a handwritten note. tell him how much you love him in a personal way. He'll keep the note and treasure it forever.

4. Dinner: You know the saying, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach?" It's true! Cook him dinner for Valentine's Day, but make it special. This isn't a pot roast or sloppy Joe night. It's a romantic, candlelight dinner night to show him how you feel.

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. We hope these ideas will help you make it perfect and memorable. And for help with those boudoir photos, contact us today.

Happy New Year Everyone!  2013 was an exciting year here at the boudoir studio.  We expanded the studio to include a new hair and makeup room and a stunning new french bedroom set featuring pink and cream colors.  We are now processing your photos the same day as your shoot while you go eat lunch.  This means you can view and order your photos right after lunch.  We shot a total of 116 boudoir shoots in 2013 and will most likely shoot even more in 2014.  A very special thank you to Kristen Packard, Cali, and Flavia for making all my boudoir clients look stunning with professional hair and makeup.

If there are two things you want to do when having boudoir photos done, they are to stand out and look glamorous. One of the easiest ways to show off your look and be more glamorous is to go bold with lip color for your boudoir pictures.

Your lip color is the perfect way to enhance your look and in combination with false lashes, smokey eye makeup and a foundation that makes your skin look polished, you can look your best.

For instance, don't be afraid to go with a vivid, rich color like a luscious red or coral. Even pink lips can stand out as long as they are rich in pigment. You don't even have to choose a traditional color but bright red and pinks are a popular choice in boudoir photos. One reason to choose a bold lip color is that photos sometimes don't show your makeup as well when the colors are light. It's the same reason you see newscasters wear a lot of makeup, the lighting can make the look more subtle than intended.

You can also enhance your natural beauty with a bold looking lip color. Those with thinner lips can plump up their look by using moisturizer then outlining the lip and adding a vivid color. Adding lip gloss to the finished look also creates a glamorous look but you don't have to gloss the entire lip; just the center of the top and bottom lip is sufficient in creating a sexy, polished look that is glamorous yet natural.

The point is to make your photo shoot an extension of your natural beauty but more glamorous and sexy than your everyday look. If you want to learn more about how you can be captured in a photo that will last a lifetime, simply contact us.

by Opie Janzer

Wanna get naked?

That's not exactly the first choice for most people when walking into a photography studio, even if they're going in for boudoir photos. But it's something you should at least think about. Here's how to make up your mind if nudes are right for you.

• Are you comfortable? This is obviously the first question to ask. but don't make it a knee-jerk reaction. You are not fat or ugly. You are you, and that's who should be represented in your boudoir photos. That being said, if you're not comfortable being naked, the photographs will reflect that. You want to be sexy in these photos and being comfortable is being sexy.
• There are degrees of naked. You don't have to bare all for a nude boudoir shoot. If you're only comfortable with bare shoulders or a bare back, that's fine! You can cover up parts of yourself, or go for the "full Monty". It's entirely up to you. 
• Who's your photographer? Because you'd better like them and be comfortable around them if you're thinking about doing a nude photo shoot. Get to know your photographer so they can put your mind at ease, calm your nerves and answer any questions. It also helps them to know what you're comfortable doing and whether you'd like to try and test your limits. This should all be done well before you ever step in front of the lens. 
• Lighting is magic. Well, not quite magic, but lighting can do wonderful things to ease your mind. If you're concerned about how you look (even after reading the first tip!), your photographer has a lot of tricks up their sleeve. Remember, they're the experts, they know how to flatter. Talk about it with them first.

Going nude for boudoir photos can be liberating...even a little daring. It's not for everyone though. If you're considering going naked, take some time to think it over. Then, contact us to talk it over. We can answer any questions you have and put your mind at ease.

by Opie Janzer

On your wedding day, you'll promise to love and care for your new husband in sickness and in health. If you're looking for a way to also say, "And, how about we keep it hot, too!" you really can't go wrong with boudoir photography. Boudoir: the best grooms gift!

First, let's talk about what it is. In French, boudoir refers to a lady's bedroom or dressing room. It comes from the French verb, bourder, which means "to be sulky." Ooh la la! Taken tastefully and with your taste in mind, boudoir portraits become classy, sassy, and outrageously fun. 

I love what Carrie Denny, Philadelphia-based all-things-wedding writer at phillymag.com, had to say about her experience with a boudoir photo shoot last year. Denny went in a wary skeptic and after her experience boldly declared that every bride ought to consider a boudoir shoot.

According to Denny--and I couldn't agree more--the magic of the boudoir shoot happens when you enlist the help of a photographer you trust. With the right photographer, a wardrobe that makes you feel sexy, and a welcome and comfortable atmosphere, the boudoir shoot becomes a fun mini-party with girlfriends. To make it literal, bring those girlfriends along! 

It's easy to see the appeal for your groom. A sexy portrait serves as a permanent reminder of the gorgeous woman they married. But it's pretty terrific for you as the bride, also.

I love the way brides transform during a boudoir shoot--when they tap into the beautiful and bold women underneath. Although you may be doing what you don't normally do, looking differently than you normally look, and even feeling differently than typical, what comes out during this shoot is charmingly real and authentically you.

Although you may initially embark on the boudoir adventure as a gift for your groom, inevitably it becomes a gift for yourself. Perfect.

I'd love to help you create the perfect gift for your groom (and yourself). Contact me to talk ideas for your boudoir photo gift.

by Opie Janzer

Does your man fantasize about coming home from a long day at work to find you answering the door wearing a corset and high heels? Or maybe when he sees you cleaning the house with no make-up, hair pulled sloppily into a ponytail, wearing sweats and an oversized t-shirt, he closes his eyes and envisions you sporting a little French maid's outfit complete with fishnets and black spikes standing on a chair waving a feather duster ever so delicately as you stretch to clean the ceiling fan?

Are you too shy to incorporate sexy outfits into your regular wardrobe?

If you are shaking your head yes, thinking that's me, I may have just the right recipe to bring a little sexy into your life. As Halloween presents the perfect time for you to step outside the box or dare to deviate from your usual attire, I have a wide selection of boudoir: sexy halloween costume ideas to make your man's trick or treat memorable this year.

• RISQUE KITTY
  

How about being a sexy kitty on Halloween? Picture yourself in thigh high boots, a fitted, leather mini skirt with a leopard skin tank top and just enough extra make-up to compliment a wild hairdo that is completely out of the ordinary for you, complete with a headband with ears.

• SPICY DEVIL
  

Think red hot, like the little devil you can be only on Halloween, of course. Think scarlet red stockings, matching leotard with a complementary, glossy sash draped around your waist and arm-length, red velvet gloves that harmonize with your devil's horns and bossy pitchfork to boot.

• INDECENT DETECTIVE
  

Picture the most prim and proper, stylish yet conservative, safe taupe-colored trench coat that fits snugly enough to show off your curves, while leaving a little bit to the imagination about what is underneath it all. Maybe balance your gal Friday's outfit with a coordinating fedora or detective's floppy hat and attach those handcuffs to your coat belt positioned to create a slit that shows just enough leg to reveal a naughty, garter belt when you take a stride.

• SUGGESTIVE FRENCH MAID
  

The notion of cleaning house will not enter his mind when he sees you in a freshly pressed, crisp black and white, classic French Maid's outfit featuring a skirt so short he can see the gareters holding up your stunning, thigh-high jet-black fishnet stockings. Let your hair cascade down to frame your dewy make-up alluring enough to invite temptation.

• MYSTERIOUS JEANNIE

Remember the Jeannie in the bottle who made her master's wishes come true with the spirited nod of her head? Think belly-dancer with frilly, risky blouse tied in bow at your bosom, puffy parachute pants and erotic turban on your head. Add sensual, smoky make-up and respond to your man's wildest commands almost on demand with a wink of your eye and bob of your head.

• NAUGHTY SCHOOL GIRL
  

If you went to private school as a girl, you probably remember turning the waist down in your skirt to make your uniform just a little bit sexy. Recreate those teenage years and feed his fantasy of that bad school girl with a button-down blouse secured the whole way to the collar, standard ascot, and perfect, pleated, plaid skirt, matching knee highs, with patent leather shoes. Do not forget to add simplicity to the sensuality with  minimal make-up and classic pony tail.

If you want to surprise your sweetheart with a sexy halloween costume, please contact us to find out more about the outfits, professional make-up and themed Halloween ideas we have.

by Opie Janzer

Mercedes booked my bombshell photo shoot and added on shooting with a vintage car outside.  She had a ton of different looks for her shoot.  After the shoot she purchased an 8x8 album with a photo wrap cover and 45 of her favorite images inside.  Check out just a few of my favs from the shoot.

by Opie Janzer

Check out some of the photos coming out of my new french bedroom set I'm offering at the boudoir studio.  We now have TWO bedroom sets for you to shoot in for your boudoir pictures.  The original bedroom set is the black and red bedroom.  The new bedroom is french boudoir themed with dusty rose pink drapes, a french bed crown, a stunning carved ivory bed from England, champagne and ivory bedding.  Finally, we have another chaise lounge but this one is hot pink.

For the "Juliette" photo shoot we went with a white bustier bridal lingerie and a stunning floral hair piece.  Her lip color compliments the dusty rose colored drapes.  For the 2nd outfit we went with a nude colored bustier and added in some pretty pink roses for a pop of color.

by Opie Janzer

I'm so excited to announce that the new french bedroom set is ready for photo shoots!  We are still waiting for the stunning carved cream french bed but the wallpaper, french bed crown, rose pink drapes, and hot pink chaise are all in the room and ready for pictures.  This cream and pink french themed bedroom set is a great addition to the already popular red and black bedroom set.

Check out Miss C's sexy boudoir pictures.  I love the black and white one on the bed and her gold corset was stunning!  Classy and sexy.

Check out Jeanette's sexy boudoir pictures we shot in my studio located in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Hair and makeup done by the talented Kristen Packard.

In Person Viewing and Ordering

I'm sure some of you have noticed that I'm no longer doing online galleries for ordering boudoir pictures and am now doing in person orders.  As a boudoir client this might seem like a disadvantage but it's actually a very big advantage and here are the reasons why.

1.  Same Day Viewing!  - Right after your boudoir session I process your pictures while you go out and eat some lunch.  When you come back you'll view the entire set as a slide show. 

2.  Lightroom is faster than an online gallery! - We sit down together and you pick your favorite images by saying "Yeah, I like that one!" or "Hrm, Maybe" or "No, delete it!".  I'm flagged these on the computer in Lightroom. This super fast on the fly flagging is not available in any online gallery since web browsers are slower at displaying images.

3.  Side by side comparison - Often times there are 2 or 3 shots that are similar.  In Lightroom I can put these images side by side so you can quickly pick your favorite one.  This means you won't be having similar photos in your boudoir album.  You'll end up with a better variety of images.

4.  Advice and feedback on images - Often times you'll end up liking 60 images but you want to purchase an album with 25 images.  This means you need to pick your top 25 images and remove the rest.  This is really hard to do alone and often times people will break down and not decide on anything.  This is where I offer up help and advice in picking the top images for the album.

5.  Retouching and Editing - We can discuss what you want me to retouch and edit for the images you select for your album.  It can be something in general where I'll do it for all images or some images you want more editing done.

6.  You can view products in person! - With online galleries your only able to see a photo of the product you want to purchase but if your placing your order at the studio then you can pick up the product and look at it in person to make sure it's the one you want to buy.

7.  You get your pictures faster! - Since I'm processing your photos the same day as the shoot and your ordering right afterwards then you'll have your boudoir album in your hand within about 1 week after the shoot.

Valentines Day is just around the corner and the sexy lingerie shoots have already started.  If you are looking for a gift for him then a valentines day themed lingerie boudoir shoot is the perfect unexpected gift.

I've been getting a bunch of emails about Valentines Day shoots so I thought it would be a good idea to post some FAQs on the blog.

Is there enough time between now and Valentines day to do a shoot and get a book done?

Yes!  I'm doing Valentines day shoots all the way up until Feb 9th.  However, I recommend doing your shoot before Feb 1st if you want an 8x8 Diva album.  If you want a disc or 5x5 Sexy Little Black Book then you can do your shoot all the way up until Feb 9th.

Do you have Saturdays available?

Yes, I have a few Saturday openings available right now.  Also, I'm doing a boudoir marathon on Feb 2nd if you want to do a 30 min VDay mini shoot at the studio. 

What openings do you have for Valentines Day Shoots?

You can check the calendar and book your shoot online HERE

What specials are you doing for Valentines Day?

I'm doing a 30 minute mini shoot marathon on Feb 2nd for $65!  Also, I have 3 product packages for Valentines Day that include an album, disc, and VDay card. 

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that I just had a Saturday open up on my schedule for January 19, 2013 for a boudoir shoot.  If you want to book that day you can do it online here: https://qktract.com/c/2HGz9OIC.html

These are packages for PRODUCT ONLY. Your photo shoot is separate.

Cover options for Diva (8x8 Inch) and Lux (10x10 Inch) Albums