Let's Plan Your Boudoir Experience!

So what makes a boudoir session more than taking pictures in sexy clothing? What makes your session a boudoir experience? The experience is more than professional makeup, lighting and posing or luxury products. All these are part of it, but what makes the experience an experience?

When I became fascinated with portrait photography, I loved how the artist could show the personality of the person in front of the camera. Sometimes smiling, maybe laughing or even a calmer, more serious look would give an insight into their personality and what they may be feeling. I loved looking at portraits even before I bought my first camera. How did they get that, and how was I going to do it? Let me share three experiences I've had that led me to create emotional portraits.

First, when I first started in photography I visited a wonderful portrait studio in Lexington, Kentucky. The owners/photographers are Tim and Bev Walden who are amazing photographers and also warm, caring people. The very first thing they talked about in this week-long workshop was not technique, but emotion. As  a new photographer I'm thinking, "Man, I need to learn lighting and posing." Hold on, Hudson. Tim was sharing how he meets with each family or client before their session and learns about their lives, their struggles and highs.  He talked about how their brand is about capturing a family's love. He said that behind every face is a story. I recently saw him on a video talking about a portrait he did for a girl who had a peaceful, loving expression. He said, " I would have never known what to talk to her about to get that expression if I hadn't had a consultation before the shoot." Before the week was over, I knew that's what I wanted to do, too.

My second story is from a week I had the pleasure to spend with Jerry Ghionis and his wife Melissa. They are internationally known wedding photographers and loads of fun. Jerry explained lighting and posing, and also challenged us to be better every day as photographers AND people. When he speaks at convention he always says, "If you want to be a better photographer, be a better person." Then he said that technique only does not create a stunning image. He has a humorous side that helps people relax. And he also, like the Waldens, gets to know the people he works with before they appear in front of the camera. He says, "I want the photographs I create of you to make people laugh, make people cry and hold their breath. That is my challenge." 

I'm beginning to see a pattern here. My third story is non-photography related, but applies just the same. A few years ago, I passed the audition to sing with The May festival Chorus, a choir that sings with The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. What a thrill to be on the same stage as the players that I had admired for so long. The chorus is directed by Robert Porco who is recognized as one of the leading choral musicians in the United States. So, Hudson, what does this have to do with my photography session? Let me explain. Maestro Porco was a stickler for detail. He was a perfectionist for diction and pitch, which you would think would make for miserable rehearsals. But he had a dry sense of humor and told fascinating stories that made the three hour rehearsals fly by. He was a master at pulling the best out us while making it enjoyable. I couldn't wait for rehearsal every Monday evening. But he did something else that I will always remember. When we were given a new piece to learn he would first talk through the entire text before we even sang a note. He would then explain what the composer was trying to say. This was priceless as everything we sang was in German, Italian or any foreign language. His philosophy was that we should know what we are singing. We could make beautiful music, but it would serve no purpose without emotion.

And that brings us to your personal boudoir experience. All three stories have a common theme- that you can have beauty in art or anything you do. But when there is no emotion or expression, art is lifeless. Another photographer mentor (yes, I have many) said that beauty without expression is boring. I want your boudoir session to be about you and your story. I want to learn why you are having a boudoir photo shoot. Do you want to gain the confidence, or are you already feeling good about your body? Is this for your eyes only or for someone else? How did you come to this conclusion? Your life may be more fascinating than you think. I want to learn about you before we ever get to the photo session. Like Tim Walden says- behind every face there's a story. Tell me yours. Together let's make this an incredible, personal experience for you. 

This is what the pre-planning session is all about. We get to know each other so that when we are shooting we have become friends and not just photographer and client. Yes, we will plan what to wear, what to bring and all other details. And all those things will create an amazing experience, but think how much better your boudoir pictures will be knowing that your heart and soul will be in them. I loved that Maestro Porco tied emotion into perfection. I will always be grateful for that multi-year musical adventure. And my hope is that in years to come that you will always be grateful that you stepped away from your comfort zone and created beautiful art that you will cherish.

Today's post has been humbling for me. I again realized that I have gotten to work with a few of the world's greatest in each of their fields. And the amazing thing is that creating art is not only about technique. It is about learning about each other. It is about building relationships and working together. And it is about becoming better people and sharing. Thank you for reading. I'm sure I will read this again and again and be thankful for the opportunities I have had. 

Have an amazing day!