Hey ladies! 

Let me just say--boudoir sessions are killer! Ah! This is one of my favorite types of portrait sessions. Whether you are wanting to gift your beau something special for your anniversary, or even day of the wedding, or just want to feel really good about yourself--this is something you should think about doing. There is something so powerful about it, and yes, I promise you will feel like a rockstar afterwards! Who doesn't want to feel like a hot babe in their own skin?! 

I wanted to write this blog to give you ladies a few bits of advice, some preparation tips, and some of the things that I ask each client to bring to their session. This is a fun shoot, and to document all of those amazing characteristics about you we should hone in on some specifics to prepare.

Let's start with the fun stuff--hair and makeup! I always suggest to have your hair blown out the day of your boudoir session. One, it feels absolutely amazing, and two, you look amazing. This is such a good time for you to go out and have yourself pampered-you deserve it! I don't feel as though an up-do is needed as those long locks are beautiful when down. This session is about feeling natural, and having your hair down gives us more options for you to play with it, etc.

For makeup, I would suggest to have it done professionally. Professionals know what makeup looks best on camera, but also it just gives you a time to relax before the session. Most of my sessions portray more of a natural look, so I always suggest to go that way when having your makeup applied. However, if we are going for a more moodier type of session, I love a good smokey eye. If you need recommendations for the triangles best hair and makeup studios, I will be glad to give you my list of recommendations. 

Treat yourself to a manicure, ladies! We will be doing some close shots, so your hands will definitely be modeling in the photos. If you are feeling extra fruity, treat yourself to a pedicure, as well. You deserve it.

Next up on the list is outfits! Yes ladies, I love a good pair of heels and sexy lingerie! The list below goes over some items you should looking out for and packing while preparing for your session.

• Veil -- If you are planning on gifting this as a gift to your significant other right before the wedding, or even as an anniversary gift, then I want you to bring your veil! Endless opportunities here and it just feels classy.
• 5-6 outfits. Try bring outfits that portray different types of mood. For instance, you can bring your favorite pair of jeans and a white button down blouse. Bring different types of lingerie to showcase different sides of you. 
  • For lingerie, bring something light and ethereal. Creams, nudes, ivories and blushes are a perfect match for this!
  • Bring something dark and moody, like black or navy lingerie. A deep grey works well, too.
  • Bring something that is just downright sexy. Think a long open back black dress, even lace. Think classic, bold, and sexy.
  • Bring something fun and enticing. For me this would be something pink and flirty, for other people this may be red lingerie with cute kitten heels. This is your time to be something you have always wanted to be, so take that excuse and go shopping for something that is totally you.
• Heels and/or stilettos. There is nothing sexier than a good pair of heels, ladies. Bring your favorites!

One of my first passions were the workings of family photography. I enjoyed the emotion, the laughs, the rambunctious children. I felt all of those all over again with this group of gals. Stefanie and George are expecting a little one this summer and all of his/her sisters are so excited to meet this gracious one! It's so fun to hear that the parents are planning on finding out the sex of the baby on the day of; I think it's precious and really shows patience in the truest form.

A while back we had originally scheduled this session on a day that rained so so hard! We rescheduled, and ironically had the same forecast for this day. We waited it out and it was during that time that I got the cutest images of the girls running around with their hair wet, mouths open trying to catch the raindrops, all just as happy as a clam. I remember that feeling and it was a great feeling. We had a blast and I am so excited to showcase some awesome family photography!

Oh, my heart for these two! NZinga and Kevin brought so much energy and love to their downtown Raleigh engagement session! I, honestly, could not keep my eyes off of them. So contagious, vivacious, and just all around sweet people in general.

These two live not too far from the wondrous streets of downtown, so we thought it would only be appropriate to photograph them in their natural habitat--of course when they are not traveling! Both have their eyes set on Guatemala for their wedding next April and just the imagery they were giving me when talking about it makes me so giddy. I am so happy for these two and have been over the moon about the magic we made during their engagement session! 

One of my favorite images is that of them inside the cutest little bar, Bittersweet. Seriously, that light is my jam and they were all about being in the moment. If you ever get the chance, go visit this place! 3 items the place specializes in: cocktails, desserts, and coffee. All 3 of us had a great time here at the end of our play date!