Check out our latest on location shoot! | Atlanta Boudoir Photography

It’s not every day that we get to shoot on location, and this past weekend we had access to a gorgeous location for a round of boudoir mini-sessions (available to past clients only, btw!)

Le Maison Rouge is a burlesque style event space in Atlanta modeled after Moulin Rouge in Paris. It’s sensually dark, has a collection of beautiful velvet chairs, and the lights all glow a dim red. There are sequins, a stage, a bar, a throne with a lion theme…. you get the picture, right? It is also PERFECT for a very specific style of boudoir session. Had it not been for one of my past clients I never would have considered renting this space. She and I have photographed 6 (!!!) times together, and that is a LOT of boudoir. Each time we get together we are looking for ways to reinvent her look and channel the next level of creativity. This time was no different, and we took it up a FEW levels in boudoir for this round.

The full story (and image set) from our on-location boudoir shoot at Le Maison Rouge is coming soon, but for now please feast your eyes on these insane few images from our day.

Also: this gorgeous bodysuit for her boudoir session is from Amoralle! Check them out for gorgeous pieces!

Ready to book your boudoir session? We’re honoring our 2018 pricing for all 2019 bookings until December 31, 2018! Book now to snag this year’s options!
Get in touch here!

This body chain is now a part of our studio closet! | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

What do you do with those accessories or lingerie that you’re pretty certain you’d never wear outside of your boudoir shoot?

We get this question every few weeks, and my answer is always the same: Give them to me!! I will take great care of them, and those unique pieces that helped create your perfect boudoir look (but don’t really have a place in your home closet) will get put to great use!

Exhibit A: This body chain was recently donated to the boudoir closet after a client’s session! It’s obviously great as a body chain, but I’ve used it as handcuffs/ties, as well as a collar (and a few other things ;)).

Could it be perfect for your boudoir session, too? It’s here waiting for you! I can also easily pop it into my luggage if you’re not having your session here in Atlanta… it doesn’t exactly take up a lot of room ;)

Ready to book your boudoir session? New bookings for 2019 can take advantage of our 2018 pricing before it changes on December 31! Click here to get in touch!

When the holidays kind of suck (A personal post) | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

Let’s just put it out there: sometimes the Holidays really suck.

“Happy Holidays! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy all of the things!!!” Is it appropriate to flip someone the bird if they say that to you? The holiday season, or any holiday ever, isn’t happy for everyone.

The holidays can honestly be anything but happy, and I’ll come right out and say it: this holiday season isn’t exactly looking particularly happy for myself, my family, my boyfriend’s family, and a variety of the people that I have in my life. Generally I love a good email from Sephora and a spruce-tree candle, but right now I hate it all and also I’m avoiding them… along with any stupid, dumb, cheesy, warm-toned, Hallmark Movie. I did buy a tree, but it’s about as “Charlie Brown” as you can get while still making an effort.

Over the 2018 year there existed a litany of life circumstances (can we just call it SHIT?) that had myself and those around me wanting to crawl into a dark, warm bed, only to return after it was all over. And while I’ve only recently encountered certain circumstances that are making me dread the holidays, I know that “Holiday Hell” has existed for so many of you before now. It’s been years since you could look fondly on family gatherings, on special recipes, on memories that you now look back on with pain because they feel false. 

Since August especially we have experienced the deaths of two very important family members. Once on my boyfriend’s side and once on my side. During and before those deaths we have been faced with sickness, tragedy, and accidents with our family and friends. During an exciting trip to upstate NY in August we learned of the passing of Frank’s mom’s partner of nearly 20 years. During this past week we learned of the passing of my aunt, the matriarch of our family (and where I get my affinity for black and bling). Both passings were after we had already made plans to visit because the inevitable was going to happen. We never made it for our last good byes. 

For this holiday season we, and many of our friends, are experiencing a “first” holiday without loved ones. I say “a first holiday” because for the next year there will be many more “first holidays” without them. While I feel sad that this is our first holiday without each other, I also know that there are so many of you that have had countless holidays without those you love, and also without those that you wish loved you.

So, let’s be honest. The holidays are not always happy. They f***ing suck sometimes. Holidays, which are supposed to bring us together in love, joy, thankfulness, remembrance, and reverence, are often clouded with hurt, sadness, anger, apathy, loneliness, and distance. 

At this point I know we could add to the list of negative feelings, but that isn’t the point of this post. Mostly I want to let those of you that feel alone, anxious, pissed off, sad, and allllllllll of the other emotions that aren’t displayed in a Hershey’s or a Gap commercial that it is OK and that someone else out there feels what you feel. 

Hugs to all of you, I’ll be flying to upstate NY for a few days and immediately flying to Savannah, GA for gatherings at opposite ends of the country, but without opposite situations. For those of you in pain, in love, alone, sick, tired, hurt, isolated, pissed off, and on the edge: much love and virtual hugs. The holidays can suck so hard, and you’re definitely not the only one to feel that. 

I’m thankful for all of you that follow along and support OWN. The community of clients, photographers, and friends is incredibly encouraging during hard times and for that I will never feel an ounce of sadness.

-xoxo

You might want to snag this up... | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

We’re nearing the end of the year, and that means we have a few changes coming up!

If you’re wanting to get on our schedule before we retire our 2018 pricing then you have until December, 31, 2018 to book your session and lock in our current 2018 prices for the 2019 season! That’s a lot of dates to throw out at you, but basically what you want to do is GET ON IT!

Let’s make 2019 your OWN year!

Ready to book your session? Get in touch right here!

Representation | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

Atlanta United has made it into the MLS Playoffs, which has nothing to do with boudoir…or does it?

This past weekend, Atlanta’s own MLS team won their match and will be advancing in the playoffs. The MLS team has a HUGE following here in Atlanta, which is so rare for an Atlanta team. We have quite the reputation of being terrible fans :)

To celebrate their advancement I of course wanted to pull some representation from the boudoir archives! This image from a recent boudoir session is doing everything it can to distract you from keeping your eye on the ball. Maybe we should put it on the sidelines to distract our opponents?

Good luck to the 5 stripes!!!

Here's what I learned this weekend about posing my clients... | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting a few (or seventy) of my fellow boudoir photographer colleagues for an annual retreat in Boulder, CO!

Now, business retreats aren’t known for being loads of fun. I mean, you’re usually sitting in a conference room for 8 hours a day drinking burnt coffee and trying not to let your butt fall asleep. However, get a room full of boudoir photographers together from all over the world and the business retreat gets taken up a few notches.

One of the classes that I took was focused on the art of the selfie. Forget your iPhone selfie, we’re talking full-on remote control camera and huge lighting strobes. We boudoir photographers cannot be counted on to take a generic selfie. Oh helllllllll no. If we can’t take a great photo of ourselves then how will we take a great photo of you, right? I’m not sure that logic is exactly sound, but it’s what I imagine is going through the heads of my clients.

So… what to do with all of my newfound selfie knowledge? Try it out, duh.

I had an amazingly gorgeous AirBnb on the side of a mountain that just screamed for me to shoot in it. On top of the two boudoir sessions I had already booked I decided to get a little bold myself and attempt my selfies.

The behind the scenes includes:

• me running back and forth to the camera to set the timer

• nearly falling on my side as I try to “pop my hip” and stick out my butt (I feel for my clients now)

• eyes closed and mouth agape as I didn’t get into position in time

• ducking into the bushes as a car drove by so as not to show off the boobs to innocent bystanders

• my camera falling off of the makeshift tripod I had made

The behind the scenes is not for consumer consumption, but here is a final result from one of my attempts.

Now, what did I learn?

I learned that I need to be WAY more patient with my clients when I ask them for certain poses. Posing is HARD. Keeping your balance is even harder. Knowing what a pose actually looks like as you’re doing it is impossible.

There are times when I ask ridiculous requests of my clients… like: “Hey can you wrap your left elbow around your back and touch your toes to the ceiling while also smiling and playing with your hair.”

or

"pop your hips to the left while standing on your toes and pushing your boobs together and also can you flip your hair back and forth 80s hair-band style?”

So, dear clients… forgive me for asking the impossible. I failed MISERABLY posing, and I only came out with about 3 final selfies that I deem viewable by the public. I promise that I’ll be more understanding in the future… and feel free to call me out and shut me down when I’m asking you to be a human pretzel :)

Ready to be made into a human pretzel with me? Book your session (or get more info) right here!

Come meet me!! | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

Are you nervous about a boudoir session? Interested in getting to know the woman behind the lens? Would you like to know that you'll be photographed in a safe space?

Come meet me!!!

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of talking to and meeting with a boudoir client before they booked their boudoir session. In our conversations the question always comes up about whether or not I get to meet with my clients before their shoots. The answer is most often "no". This blows my mind as much as it blows the mind of the clients I was talking to. Honestly I’m surprised that more of our boudoir clients aren’t coming in to meet me before stripping down into lacey-bits.

It then dawned on me that you might now know that you can hang out with me before your boudoir session!

So here I am saying: come meet me! Get in touch with me and let's set up a meeting at my Atlanta studio (unless of course you want to fly me to wherever you are!) so that you can check the place out, see the studio, take note of what color my nails are that day, etc. (right now they are purple and sparkly because I was a Flying-Purple-People-Eater for Halloween). 

Meeting me or talking to me beforehand (we can do a Skype call!) can really help put you at ease for your boudoir session. If you're coming into your boudoir session as nervous as you've ever been, then let's talk or meet up! I don't bite and I have great snacks. 

Book your boudoir session consultation now!!

A gorgeous couple's boudoir session | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

***This is a revisit to a past post showcasing one of our first “official” couple’s sessions of 2018. We often get asked about whether or not we photograph couple’s boudoir. The answer is “yes” we definitely photograph couples! The catch is that you won’t see many of them on our website because of privacy requests. For that reason I wanted to share this session, which we gained permission to share. Yay for couple’s! Want to have your own couple’s session in 2019? We’re game if you are!

Here is a glimpse into one of our first couple's boudoir sessions for 2018. 

One of our biggest announcements for 2018 was that we were OFFICIALLY offering couple's sessions as an option with our boudoir packages. We're a few months into 2018 and we've had SO much interest in bringing two significant others together to document their intimacy. Here is a peek into our very first couple's session of the year. 

2018 Boudoir Mini Sessions are here!!! | Atlanta Boudoir

Once a year we get a brilliant idea of a theme that we know our boudoir clients would absolutely love. More often than not this theme isn’t one that most of our clients want to create an entire session around, but it is definitely a theme that they’d be interested in if we downsized the session!

This year’s theme? Burlesque!!!

Throw on your corsets, your velvet, your frills, and your heels. We’ve booked a Burlesque club here in Atlanta and are hosting a day of mini-sessions!!! We have 5 boudoir mini sessions available on November 25th, 2018.

Here is the link to schedule yours: Book your mini session here!

We’ve had a LOT of fun creating some inspiration boards for these sessions, too. I’m basically just watching and rewatching Moulin Rouge in order to prepare. There will be some serious Nicole Kidman and Dita Von Teese channeling happening in November!

See you there?

Here’s a glimpse at our inspiration :)

Here's the deal on keeping your boudoir images private | Atlanta Boudoir photography

Your boudoir images are really the very definition of "sensitive material", and we totally understand. We have a variety of privacy options for our clients so that each boudoir session can be done without any question of how your images will be seen!

I will say I'm a bit surprised that we don't get MORE questions about our privacy policy when it comes to boudoir images! I'm flattered of course that our clients are coming into their sessions ready to share their images with the world. However, for those that have a few more reservations about their images being seen we've got a few options for owning your digitals in confidence. 

When you book a boudoir session with OWN boudoir, whether you're coming in to our Atlanta studio or we're coming to you, we sign a contract to set the expectations for the shoot! Our standard contract outlines what is included in your session, any additional fees, the location for the session, etc. It also lets you know just how your images will or won't be used. For our standard contract (the one that goes out to everyone, unless you ask specifically for a different one) your photos are shareable ONLY if they are anonymous. 

Anonymous photos by OWN's definition are those photos that don't include any full faces, personal tattoos (like those that say your name or anyone's name), company logos, or very specific physical traits (example: birthmarks, prosthetics, etc). 

Most of our clients choose this contract for their shoot because they WANT to show their images off, but want to make sure their high-school students, work friends, or nosy relatives don't have a conniption. 

For clients that would like to make sure that there are no photos shared ever ever ever everrrrrrrrr, we have a version of our contract that is so creatively titled as the "Non-Sharing" contract. When we sign this together, OWN waives the right to share any of your images from your session, no matter how anonymous they are. We can even go a step further and opt-out of back your files up to the cloud or sending you a downloadable gallery. 

What if you don't mind sharing all of your boudoir images with our future clients? We ask for a written statement saying that you give permission for us to use your images. This way all of us are on the same page (and also so that I don't have a panic attack trying to make sure that I'm following your preferences). 

While these three options for your images are what is pretty standard here at OWN boudoir, if you have a specific request or question about your boudoir images then let's talk! Creating your perfect boudoir session can't happen unless we talk! 

Send me all of your demands, 

Sarah 

Here's a new way to get information about your boudoir session! | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

We may be a few months late (or....maybe we are right on time), but I've finally figured out a great way to make it easier for you to access specific information about boudoir sessions with OWN! 

Check out our Instagram, but more specifically check out our Instagram Highlights. 

Instagram highlights are a version of Instagram Stories, but think of them as more specific versions of our stories. If Instagram Stories are the overall novel of our day, the Highlights are the chapters within the novel...only those chapters can stay around for as long as I decide, regardless if the entire rest of the novel is missing. 

(Honestly this is the best way I can describe it, so I hope it helps! )

Our Instagram Highlights are centered around a few subjects that are specifically related to OWN boudoir (or boudoir photography in general). These boudoir stories are a perfect way for you to find out very specific details on a variety of subjects when you're planning your boudoir session. If you don't feel like reading through 6 years of blogs for information, then these stories are for you. 

(Although, 6 years of info is a LOT of info, so if you've got some time on your hands or just feel like being extra prepared then you should start reading now. )

Here's what you can find on our Instagram Highlights:

INFO and TIPS

Check here for your INFO and TIPS on preparing for your boudoir session

Life

Click on this story for information about our lives. You know, since we are super interesting.

Wardrobe

Need wardrobe tips? Need makeup tips? Come to this bra… learn

Behind the scenes

See what goes on during an actual session. Take away some of the mystery…or relive some of your session!!!

So... come see me on my stories. ;) I promise to be a really entertaining booby-booty photographer.

Interested in booking your OWN boudoir session? Check us out and get in touch!

Here's when you should book your boudoir session | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

"When should I book my boudoir session?"

Outside of the rest of the questions that you have about booking a boudoir session, the question of "WHEN?" should absolutely be at the top of your list. Picking a date and time is definitely step one because we're going to need to figure out when you should show up (duh!). It'll also give you a good idea of how long you have to freak-out before stepping foot into the studio ;) 

Unfortunately, all too often we have to turn clients away because we are fully booked. I absolutely love when clients are so eager to have us photograph their session, but I hate having to disappoint when we can't accommodate a deadline. 

The answer to the big question?

You should book your boudoir session at LEAST 2-4 months in advance, especially for holiday deadlines (our busiest time of the year!). Booking your boudoir session in advance gives us ample time to plan out the personal aspect of your session. Poses, wardrobe, music choices, etc. are all planned separately in the months leading up to your session. 

Hoping for a miracle that we'll be able to squeeze you in? Please always ask, but just between you and me these aren't the kind of squeezes you'd typically enjoy. 

Ready to make your first step?

Contact us today! 

Can't wait to meet you!!!

Sarah

 

When you see yourself as you've never seen yourself before... | Atlanta Boudoir Client interview

Sometimes even boudoir veterans get nervous. Hell, I’ve seen some of my clients 5 or 6 times and the nerves are still around. Boudoir photography is my JOB and I get nervous getting in front of the camera for my boudoir sessions. Nerves don’t always go away with experience, but as you’ll read in this client interview they definitely disappear throughout the session and evolve into excitement, appreciation, and confidence toward who you are! 

I loved reading through her responses and reaction to her boudoir session with me. When we were planning her session I knew that we would hit it off creatively. She already knew the gist of how a boudoir session operates, and so the majority of our planning was selecting the style of imagery (and a wardrobe that would compliment that style). Hearing how much her husband loved the images was amazing, but really the best part was having HER love all that we created. 

Read on to experience what she did in her own words,

Sarah

1) How old are you... or if you prefer, what music were you listening to at age 14?

        Im 31 years old. When I was 14 I was all over the place with my music! HA! I loved me some Usher! I would jam out all the time to, You Remind Me, You Got It Bad, pretty much all the songs on that 8701 album! Music was so good during that time, I also jammed out Ja Rule! Jennifer Lopez, the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, Missy Elliot, Nickelback, gosh I could go on!

2) What does a typical day look like for you?

        Well, I stopped working in my career about 5 years ago to help my husband. I have a degree in Health and Science with concentration in Radiology so I used to work in hospitals and clinics taking x-rays. Currently, I am the marketing director for our businesses and also accounting manager.

3) What prompted you to consider booking a boudoir session?

        I guess sometimes you just get a wild hair and feel the need for some sexual pics! HA! Really it had been over 6 years since my first boudoir shoot! My husband encouraged me a lot to do it, not only for him but for myself. Since my last shoot I felt like I had grown and molded into this new person and wanted to tap into what that person had become.

4) Fears and hesitations are super common when it comes to boudoir. What fears or hestiations (if any!!) did you have before your boudoir session?

        I guess since this was my second shoot I didn't have any fear or hesitations about doing it. Thank God! My first shoot I was so nervous and had no fucking clue what I was doing, however, now that I have had a session with you I feel like the photographer could have done a way better job making me feel comfortable and guiding me into poses etc. This time around if I was concerned with anything it was making sure I was expressing my sexiality in the manner I envisioned. Picking the clothes, scenes, etc. Once I got all my outfits I cleared my head and went  into this shoot with a different mindset which allowed me to just have fun and forget about what I had on and how my body looked and hair etc. Sarah you really are so much fun to work with and you have this way about you that makes it feel like we've known each other forever. Your guidance through the poses were amazing, you knew how to help move me to positions that complimented my body and face. The pictures you took were the prettiest I've ever felt, and I think as women we are our own worst critics and are so damn hard on ourselves, but I can truly say that I liked all the pictures you took and never felt so sexy! My husband is in love with them!

5) Thank you so much for choosing OWN!! What was it about OWN boudoir that made you choose us?

        As I was researching photographers, for over a year i'll add, I was most captivated by the way you used the lighting. I was drawn to the dark lighting and thought it was so hot! I also loved that you did different styles of boudoir and could really just make it custom to what you want.

6) How was the actual session different from what you expected?

        The session blew my mind! I had no idea it was going to be so badass! I felt so comfortable with you and had the most fun! I honestly can't wait to come back and do another one!

7) What was your favorite part of the entire experience?

        Wow, so I feel like the experience takes you through a roller coaster of feelings. I mean who doesn't like getting their hair and makeup done! That was awesome!  I also feel like that is a great time to get to know each other and chat(maybe have some champs :) I will say that during the shoot I had this feeling of calmness come over my body which allowed me to just go with flow and allowed my body to just do whatever it felt doing, that was an amazing feeling. It's hard to be stark naked and feel that way, lol. Then once the shoot was over waiting for the images is so hard! But def worth the wait! I was blown away by the images and so was anyone that saw them! I swear I looked at them a thousand time and still look back at them!

8) How has the response been to your images?

        Well anyone who saw the images their minds were blown! I have a girlfriend who is a professional photographer and was blown away at the lighting and images.

9) What is your advice (other than JUST DO IT!) that you have for other women interested in a boudoir session?

        Oh gosh I wish every woman would do this atleast once in their life. I swear you get this feeling of empowerment that just feels so damn good. Yes, having this done for your significant other is probably what initiates wanting the shoot done, however, that completely changes once you are in the moment and you have your images. Hell, I look back at my images still and think,  damn thats me! It's the right thing to do, so just think of all the positivity that can come from it and don't let the negatives over power because I promise once your done it'll be the right decision.

10) What has changed about the way you see your OWN beauty?

        CONFIDENCE!!! It's so important to believe in yourself. We are capable of so many amazing things in our life and all of its controlled by our mindset. If we have a negative mindset or surround ourselves with negative people we will start to become negative as well. Once I cleared out all the negative people and things in my life I became so much more confident in myself which allowed me to be a better person on the inside. I feel like you have to love yourself first before loving someone else. I chose to start believing in myself and being confident in my decisions which led me to feel a different kind of pretty.

This wardrobe piece has been a classic for almost a decade! | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

“I love the white tank top look”

There are very few wardrobe ideas that have been consistently popular for each of the 7 years (whoa nelly) that I’ve been photographing boudoir. Trends of course change as styles change. For example: I haven’t seen a pink-leopard-print-rhinestone-bra circa Victoria’s Secret 2012 in a LONG time. 

Are you looking for a staple boudoir outfit that won’t make you say “Oh hello 2018” when you look back at your images? You’ve got to think about using a basic white tank top. 

Of course white tanks can be anything BUT basic. Add some lace, make it tight, make it loose, cut it into a crop top, spray it down with water, rip some holes in it… we can get incredibly creative with such a “basic” wardrobe item. 

Finding the perfect white tank top for your boudoir session is not a difficult task. Some of my favorite shots were taken with a $2 tank top from Forever21…granted it only lasted for one shoot, but hey who cares?! 

The great part about this look? It’s easy to wear at home (or in someone else’s home ;)). No 30 min dressing sessions in the bathroom while you try to clip on your thigh highs and lace up your corset. 

Here are a few places to shop for the perfect white tank top:

1. FreePeople.com - Consistently has a great selection 
2. ASOS.com - Such a wide variety of options and sizes! Plus free shipping/returns
3. Forever21.com - Looking for a ‘one and done’ tank top for $2? Here is your place
4. Hanes 4 packs of men’s tanks- the classic staple found at most Targets and WalMarts. We usually with cut them to the perfect length during your session

And now... a gallery of some of my favorite white tank images!!! 

Get featured on our website! | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

Are you interested in featuring your boudoir images on our homepage? You can be an Atlanta boudoir client, a Chicago boudoir client, a San Francisco client, a boudoir client from Mars....  it doesn't exactly matter.

Last night we sent out a mass email to our past boudoir clients asking if they’d like to be featured on our website! If you’re a past client and did NOT get that email (but would still like the grace the pages of our website) please let us know! 

See, it’s been a hot neon second (which is a term I definitely just made up) since I’ve added new images to the homepage of our website. We update our blog and instagram constantly, but that first page hasn’t been updated in about a year and a half. 

Cue the “slacker” comments, because OMG I know. Sorry folks. It’s not like it takes up that much more time than a blog post (like this one), it’s just that I have such a hard time knowing what to feature! 

This is where my brilliant idea came in to let my past clients have a say in what get’s featured. As a photographer I of course have my favorite images, but a boudoir experience isn’t about me creating images for myself. A boudoir experience – your boudoir experience – is about you and creating images that you love and that elevate you. 

SO. 

Are you a past client that did not see our email but would absolutely like to be featured? Let me know! I can’t wait to showcase the new homepage!

A great alternative to lingerie... | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

Is a closet full of traditional lingerie really necessary for your boudoir session? 

Once you start planning your boudoir session you of course start gathering a selection of images and outfits that serve as inspiration for your session. If you're looking for garter belts (and gator belts, and monte carlos, and el dorados... sorry, I went off into an Outkast tangent, It's my Atlanta raising coming out), lace push-up bras, frilly thongs, etc then you won't have a hard time at all finding wardrobe inspiration for your boudoir session. 

Well, what if you're not exactly a lace push-up bra kind of person? Where do you find inspiration for your boudoir session when you don't love any of the 'typical' wardrobe choices that are available? 

So many of our clients aren't into 'typical' lingerie but will still bring it in because they don't know what else to bring. I'm all for bringing items that are out of your comfort zone (hello pearl thong!!), but there's no need to bring items in because you feel like you HAVE to. 

Here is a great example of shapewear being used during a boudoir session! 

Here are some ideas for alternatives to your typical lingerie options, and we've worked with all of these during boudoir sessions so we support these choices 100%!

1) Shapewear- This can seem like an odd idea, shapewear isn't exactly known for being photogenic, in fact the whole point is for it to make something ELSE look photogenic. However, lately there has been a trend in shapewear where the designers are adding a bit of personality to an otherwise boring (but highly effective) undergarment. The bonus? Shapewear SHAPES you and so it is great for nipping and tucking in certain bits that you may want concealed. 

Check out this amazing option from SPANX

2)  Sleepshirts- While traditionally worn with pants (and not the first item you consider when you're planning your boudoir session), we're going to forgo the pants for this style and just use the shirt! Sleepshirts tend to be a little baggier and feature buttons all of the way down (or at least halfway). The amazing thing about sleep shirts is that we can 'sex it up' by unbuttoning the shirts, pulling the hem up the thigh, taking the collar off of the shoulder (with fully button-down versions), etc. Fabric is super important with sleep shirts, so go for thinner fabrics that form to the body and avoid super thick plaid that doesn't move. I'd also avoid crazy patterns like tiny sleeping rubber duckies :) 

Check out this beautiful option (and I love the fabric!)

3) Classic Blazer and Trouser/Skirt look- Cue the 'sexy Lawyer', or literally any profession :) I love love love this look and we get it a LOT in studio. Since blazers and trousers/high waisted skirt are typically already fitted and tailored to your body shape they automatically photograph really well. Simply remove the shirt from underneath your blazer and you've made your work outfit boudoir-ready. If you don't want to go topless underneath the blazer (or don't want to wear a blazer at all!) then try adding a simple bra or a bodysuit. This look is powerful and sexy and a great alternative to the traditional boudoir wardrobe. 

Check out this two-piece set from ASOS (just imagine it without a shirt!)

There you have a few great alternatives for the traditional boudoir wardrobe of lingerie and pearls. A few other alternatives? Sweatpants, big cardigans, and of course NUDE! 

Ready to book your OWN boudoir session? Click here for more info!

When you take time out just for you... | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

Before you start inboxing me about where you can get the gorgeous lingerie featured in this post, I'll go ahead and tell you to head on over to Honey Birdette and fill up your shopping cart. This stuff is absolutely gorgeous and every single boudoir session that has brought in this lingerie brand has photographed so perfectly! 

Ok, PSA over :) 

Now, I can't wait for you to read through this interview. You can just tell from her words that this bubbly beauty, mother, nurse, wife, and friend is a joy to be around and is radiating the confidence that was there all along. We had an incredible day together and really made the whole boudoir session an excuse for her to take a 'me day'. Often times we can lose ourselves in the routines of life, forgetting how unique and beautiful we really are. If you're finding yourself in that space then consider living by her example and booking a time for YOU. Book your boudoir session, go have dinner by yourself, get a manicure, lay on the couch and stare at the ceiling.... whatever you've got to do! 

Enjoy, xoxo

Sarah

1) How old are you... or if you prefer, who were you listening to at age 14 :)? 

     I’m 34. 

2) What do you do for a living? Or... How do you typically spend your days?

     I am a nurse. I currently work in an oncology ICU. 

3) What prompted you to consider booking a boudoir session? 

                This is something that I have wanted to do for years. I fell like I always go above and beyond for others so I made a New Years resolution to start doing more things for me. It seemed like the perfect time to finally book my session! 

4) Fears and hesitations are common when it comes to boudoir! What (if any) fears or hesitations did you have with regards to your session?

I was really worried that I wouldn’t get images as good as all the others that I have seen. Boy was I wrong! I was also worried that when I viewed my images I would be able to pick out all the things about my body that I hate, wrong again! 

5) Thank you so much for choosing OWN! What was it about us that made you choose us for your boudoir session?

My initial attraction was simply seeing Sarah’s work. I mean, it speaks for itself. All of the images are so classic and timeless. Once I reached out to get additional info about potentially booking a shoot I was sold! Everyone that works in this company in AMAZING and the personalities are the BEST. 

6) How was the actual session different from what you expected (if at all)?

It was a lot like what I anticipated except way more laid back. 

7) What was your favorite part of the entire experience? (primping, the shoot, seeing images, giving the images..etc)

It is so hard to pick just one favorite part. I for sure loved the primping because that is so far out of my ordinary routine. I would have to say I really enjoyed hanging out with Sarah and the fact that the whole day was all about me! 

8) How has the response been to your images?

  Amazing! So far everyone has loved them.

9) What is your advice for women interested in such a session (aside from "JUST DO IT!!!")?

 Make the time and do this for you. It is about so much more than what your body looks like. 

10) What has changed about the way you see your OWN beauty?

 Now that I am older and more confident what I think about myself is so much more important than what other people think about me. 

Check out the new piece debuting in our boudoir closet | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

When you're preparing for your boudoir session it can be quite overwhelming to try and find the perfect pieces that will make the perfect photograph. Insert the studio boudoir closet. 

Over time we've curated quite the collection of items for clients to choose from that we KNOW will photograph perfectly. Having this closet of wardrobe unmentionables saves you a little bit of time and stress during boudoir planning, and don't we alllllll want to be saved from those things? We've got shoes, corsets, handcuffs, button-down shirts, tank tops, etc. Occasionally we'll switch things over, especially as styles change. No one needs to bring in that hot-pink rhinestone bra from Victoria's Secret circa 2002. 

A brand new veil just arrived in our Atlanta studio via Amazon (holla at me, Amazon, if you want to sponsor us)! For a solid $24 we've got the most beautiful veil, accessible to any boudoir client that wants to use it. This is perfect for brides that don't want to (or can't) break out their own veil for their boudoir session. Plus it's just fun to play dress-up with! 

Ready to book your OWN boudoir session? Get started right HERE

A different way to beat the heat | Atlanta Boudoir Photographer

With summer in full swing over here in Atlanta I am constantly on the prowl for ways to avoid sweating. Honestly I barely make it out to my car without a little bit of perspiration, so I actively avoid going outside let along make any movements at all. My boudoir studio's AC unit has been working overtime thanks to the huge windows that take up an entire wall. Of course these windows are GORGEOUS for photographing boudoir, so I'm not entirely pissed at them. Just know that if you're a client coming in for your session over the next few months I apologize for dressing the way that I do. I'd rather not be a storm of sweat when you and I meet! 

Want to know one way to cool off during your session? Incorporate a shower scene!!! The shower scene has been a staple request from clients since I started them about 4 years ago! The very first shower scene had me sold. Once I published the images and clients saw a new, creative,  concept for their boudoir session I've photographed over 100 shower scenes. Here are a few examples from over the years. Use these as inspiration for your OWN boudoir session and come see me! I promise to keep the AC on full blast. 

Thinking about your OWN boudoir session? Come hang out with us and meet some of our past clients at our open house! Details HERE

A look back in time | Atlanta Boudoir photographer

Occasionally I'll look back at my past work to see just how far I've come, but also to revisit some of my favorite boudoir session. 

Looking back on my past work is definitely eye-opening. I can see how my style has evolved over the years and I can also ask myself WTF I was thinking when I edited a photo in a certain way. Luckily I have resisted most of the editing trends over the last 5 years and so my past work is more consistent with my current style than when I was first starting out as a boudoir photographer. We love to get in touch with our past clients and have recently started congratulating clients on their 'Boudoir-aversary'! When we reach out to celebrate boudoir-aversaries I tend to look back at those past sessions. I say this to say, I've now gone down an insane rabbit hole of past sessions and I'm currently deep into the year 2013. 

As I've gone down this boudoir photography rabbit hole I have pulled a few of my favorite images from the past! Here are just a few boudoir images that I vividly remember taking. I've got about 40K final images to go through, so this was definitely just a quick skim :) 

Side note: We're having a little shindig on July 15th! This is for past clients, current clients, and future clients alike! Come say hello, see some favorite images, drink our drinks, and win some prizes. Link for (free) tickets: HERE