Denver, Colorado Boudoir Photographer: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Giveaway Winner!

Back in October, we ran a contest for breast cancer survivors and current fighters, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The winner won a FREE Bombshell Shoot. This is our largest package and includes hair and makeup, 4 outfits/ sets and a music video of their photos. We had a lot of amazing entries, but Ms. L won out in the end. It took us awhile, but the four of us (Melina, Lindsay, Ms. L and I) were finally able to find a day to come together for this shoot.

Between the mimosas, pampering and gorgeous collection of lingerie Ms. L brought, we had a blast and shot for over 2 hours!! Ms. L was kind enough to let us share her photos and her story. Thank you Lindsay and Melina for volunteering your amazing services. And thank you Ms. L for being so open and sharing your story with all of us. It was a great day!!

Ms. L's Story
On September 13, 2003 I woke up, got my two daughters off to school and came home to take a shower and do what any single mom does on her day off…. In the shower I was doing my self-exam when I felt something that I had never felt before. I got out of the shower and went to call the doctor. They told me I could head over to see them right away. The doctor felt it too and tried to make me feel better by saying that it could be scar tissue. .. but knowing me he advised that I go get a mammogram.

They took me back, did the imaging and then the radiologist came into the room and let me know that he was glad that I had come in that day. From what he could see I had two lumps that were cancerous. He was kind about what he had to say and the nurse gave me a hug and helped me to my dressing room. I made an appointment that day to have them removed.

I drove home, walked into my apartment and stood there for a moment. I then noticed that there was a noise coming from my bathroom…. In my rush to get to the doctor's office I had not turned off my shower…...funny what can happen when you are focused on something else!

That night I had a family dinner. I let my family know that I had breast cancer and that I was going to have surgery in a few days, but that on the 17th I was going to have my 32nd birthday, and that I wanted the family there and that I wanted chocolate cake…. 


I let my daughters know that I was not going anywhere. It had just been two years since the girls and I had settled the divorce, and they were just getting use to it just being the three of us….


The surgery was a lumpectomy. Then the radiation started. I had 65 treatments and developed an infection in my blood and lymph system.

It was a long year but I got through it with the love and support of my family and friends. And today, seven years later, you would never know that I was ever sick. I'm still here and I feel very blessed.

Love that purple!!

LOOOVE this!

My absolute favorite. Thank you Ms. L!! <3

Denver Boudoir Photographer: Annual Denver Hotel Marathon, March 1st!

It's time for our annual Denver hotel marathon! On March 1st we will be shooting at the beautiful Loews Denver hotel. We only do marathons once a year so this is a special offer! We've also created an insanely affordable and inclusive package just for this event. If you've been thinking of booking with us, now is the time, as we will not be running any other sales or specials for the rest of the year.

Not sure what a hotel marathon is? Let me answer some FAQ's for you:
1. Is my shoot private?
Yes! You will be scheduled back to back with any other clients to ensure your privacy. We have also booked an amazing king suite with two separate rooms. Hair and makeup will be done in the living room, and the shoot in the bedroom. During your shoot it is just you and me, no one else can see you.
2. How long will I be there?
Including your makeup, it will probably take us about an hour and a half from start to finish. If you're adding on hair we need to know when you book so we can allot the correct amount of time. Please do not be late. If you are, you will be eating into your shooting time resulting in less photos for you to choose from.
3. What should I bring?
Bring 2 outfits that you'd like to wear, and any specific props/ accessories. We will have our accessories collection from our home studio for you to borrow from as well. If you would like to do some "hint of nudity" shots, this does not count as an outfit, and can add even more photos for you to choose from for your album or calendar, which is included in this package.
4. What is the benefit of a hotel shoot, rather than shooting in your home studio?
It's always fun to have a beautiful hotel room as your background. The luxurious linens and room decor add some variety to your shots. I will also bring one of my most popular sets from my home studio so you will have a lot to choose from.
5. How do I book my spot?
Call me (Erin Michelle) at 720-202-2203 ASAP! We have very limited spots available and it is first PAID, first served. We cannot hold spots without a 50% non-refundable deposit from you.

Here is everything that we've included in this amazing package!!

Denver, Colorado Boudoir Photographer: Out with the Old, In with the New!

As some of you may have noticed, our site and name have totally changed! While I loved The Boudoir Maven and worked hard on that website, I felt that I needed to incorporate some beauty and fashion photography onto my site as well. I have some very exciting editorial shoots lined up with my fabulous stylist, Lindsay Schneider so stay tuned for some new and different stuff! We'll also becoming an LLC here shortly and I wanted a more inclusive name. So we are now EM STUDIO. New name and new site, but same great experience!

Some other very exciting new things have been happening around here as well. This weekend my husband and I are ripping up the carpet in the studio and putting in some GORGEOUS flooring, which I cannot wait to show you. Luckily, I have a Bombshell Shoot scheduled for Monday, so we will get the floor in some of those shots. We've also added several new sets and props that I am excited to shoot on. We have a new bright pink (think Victoria's Secret) set, a red tufted-fabric looking set (very sexy) and a maroon velvet damask set (soo luxurious). Most of you have seen the bead curtain, which is my most requested prop and now we have the amazing white mosquito netting which, when backlit, creates such an ethereal glow. I love it.

 The Bead Curtain-super sexy!!

The mosquito netting-angelic!!

My next goal is to add some more furniture pieces from a store my good friend (and photographer) Amy Stephens of Crib Tales Photography introduced me to called The Barn. We met up there and we were like two kids in a candy store drooling over all the vintagey pieces. I can't wait to go back.

Last, but not least, I have not added any music to my website yet and thought I'd poll my faithful readers and see what you thought. Throw out some songs and I'll make a list that everyone can vote on. Have a great weekend everyone!

Denver, Colorado Boudoir Photographer: 2010 Favorite Images Contest Results

The results are in! Thanks to all of you who voted for your favorite image. The winner is...

Ms. M! Ms. M wins a free 11x14 of this gorgeous photo.

I love the facial expression, as well as the fact that this is her hubby's hat. One of my favorites as well.

And, our random voter winner of a $75 gift certificate is... Feliz Garcia!! Congratulations! Please e-mail me for details.

If you missed this contest, we'll be having another in February. Be sure to sign up on our Facebook page to get all of the latest contest news!

Denver, Colorado Boudoir Photographer: Special Thanks for a Wonderful 2010

In April I somewhat randomly, and quickly, fell into boudoir photography. It was love at first sight. The minute I saw The Boudoir Diva's gorgeous images, I knew I HAD to do this. Boudoir photography encompasses everything I am and everything I love as a woman; hair, makeup, laughing, feeling beautiful, jewelry, an excuse to dress up, and the best gift you could ever give your husband etc. My immense love for boudoir is I think why I never doubted I could do it. "I'll just get a bunch of friends together and do it," I thought. And I did. 5 of my friends joined me in April for my first ever boudoir shoot and it could not have gone better. We had tons of fun and I proved to myself that I could, in fact, take a beautiful boudoir photo. That was all I needed!!

It happened so quickly and somewhat easily for me, but I know it could not have happened without the support of so many people. I want to thank you all, for what you've all contributed means SO much to me.

Mom & Dad- Thank you for the financial support, the constructive criticism, the room in your house, and everything else.

My husband- Always there to offer sound advice and support when I am up and when I am down.

My original 5 girls- THANK YOU for trusting me enough to do this for you all when I had never done it before. You will always remain so special to me for giving me the confidence to start this business.

Lindsay Schneider- Lindsay, I really can't thank you enough. Not only are you TRULY the most talented makeup artist ever, you are a constant sounding board, creative well, hilarious and giving soul and I am so thankful I found you on Google ;)

The Boudoir Divas- Every time you wrote me back, every time you mentioned me on your blog it upped my confidence and showed me I could do this. I admire you and hope to meet you in 2011! Thank you for what you have done for this profession!!

Ashley Maxwell- You may not shoot boudoir, but you gave me the confidence to find my niche and run with it. Thank you for always giving me advice and for letting me tag along with you and Jason in Sept. I wish we lived closer.

All of my beautiful models- Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me photograph you even though you were nervous. Thank you for all of your kind e-mails and comments. Every time I hear that you or your husbands loved the photos, it make me SO happy.

Happiest of New Years to you all!! Now please take a moment to vote for your favorite photo of 2010! (DETAILS HERE)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Denver, Colorado Boudoir Photographer: 2010 Favorite Images Contest

As 2010 is coming to a close, we've decided to run a contest for your 2010 Favorite Image. We are giving away some great prizes too!

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
Anyone may vote for their favorite image. Just click on VISIT OUR GALLERY OF 2010 IMAGES. Each photo has a number. All you have to do is leave a comment under this blog post, or via e-mail (erinmichellephotographer@gmail.com), specifying which number is your favorite.

Voting will end on January 2, 2011 at midnight (eastern time).

For your vote to count, you must be a fan of ours on Facebook!


To become a fan, go to http://www.facebook.com/theboudoirmaven and click "Become a Fan."

DRAWING:
At midnight (eastern time) on January 2nd we will tally up the votes. On January 3rd we will announce the winner!

PRIZES:
The photo with the most legitimate votes (remember, you must a fan of ours on Facebook for your vote to count) will win a FREE 11x14 of the image voted for.

Also, one lucky random voter will receive a $75 gift certificate good towards any future shoot (Cannot be combined with any other offers, discount or coupons. Not valid on "Specials" or products.) So encourage your friends to Become a Fan of The Boudoir Maven and then head over to the gallery to choose their favorite!

Here's one of my all-time favorites...

Denver, Colorado Boudoir Photographer: Ms. Abby and Our Big TV Debut

When I was in 4th grade I decided I wanted to be an actress when I grew up. I was in tons of plays at the local community theater in Pennsylvania, and even won an award for my portrayal of Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird. I was a pretty shy kid, but when I got on stage, I just LOVED it.

As I got older though, my shyness and fear of failure (trying out for a part is scary!) stopped me from acting and I gave up my dream of being in the movies someday. I still am somewhat obsessed with Hollywood and know who everyone is and what their working on, but now that I'm older I also know the movies are not as glamorous as they seem. Long hours on set, waiting around doing nothing...doesn't sound like too much fun.

Still, when a former client and friend offered me the chance to be on Channel 7 news, I was pretty psyched. I put a lot of thought into my outfit, got the house and studio all spiffed up and I was excited/ nervous. As most of you probably know, they were featuring me and my team on their Veteran's Day program. We had given away a free shoot, including hair and makeup, to Abby whose fiance is overseas in Okinawa. Channel 7 wanted to film us getting Abby ready and photographing her and talk about us giving back to the military.

When our cameraman arrived, he immediately began filming. And he filmed for over 4 hours. By the end, we were all exhausted, and we hadn't even done the actual shoot yet! All of us were amazed to watch the 4 hours of shooting the same things over and over again from different angles narrowed down to about 60 seconds on the news. The world of television truly is an amazing thing! But the story came out great and it was a fun process.

So thank you to Channel 7 news, especially Dayle Cedars. Thank you to Jessica for setting it all up. Thank you to Abby and her best friend Brittany for being troopers and hanging out with us for 4 hours. And THANK YOU to my amazing team, Lindsay Schneider and Melina Ayala, neither of which ended up in the story, but who gave their time and skills to the shoot.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day, as well as a link to the TV clip in case you missed it ;)

*I just want to point out that Melina and Lindsay both had to leave so they did not get to touch up Abby's makeup or hair throughout the day. So the beautiful makeup and hair you see here lasted over 4 hours...now THAT'S pretty amazing!