Welcome to EM STUDIO's Blog (formerly known as The Boudoir Maven). We specialize in classy & beautiful boudoir photography, as well as headshots and glamour photography. We believe every woman is uniquely beautiful and deserves to feel that way. A photo shoot with us will leave you feeling as confident, sexy and beautiful as you truly are! Please visit our website at www.erinmichellestudio.com for more information.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

A Few of my Favorite Things...

As I am gearing up for a BIG week ahead (Bombshell Shoot, headshots and trip to CA next week) I thought I'd stick with a more low-key post today. A lot of stay-at-home mom's tell me they'd like to get into photography, but don't know where to start. So I point them to where I started, BLOGS. Reading the blogs of professional photographer's has helped me immensely. I also check out some other sites regularly for inspiration. So here they are.

1. Ashley Maxwell Photography- Hands down my biggest influence and in my opinion THE best photographer. I aspire to be half as good as she is someday. I went to high school with Ashley and the best part about her is, not only is she an amazing photographer, she is a kind, giving person with killer style and the cutest family on the planet.

2. The Boudoir Divas- I think my reasons here are pretty obvious =) I read their regular blog and client blog daily.

3. The Boudoir Vixen- Another wonderful boudoir photographer in Louisiana. She is also very helpful when I have questions.

4. Forever 21- I've always loved this store, but now I REALLY have an excuse to shop there as they have the best accessory collection for my shoots. I pretty much go on here every day to see what's new.

5. David Ziser Photography- Just had the opportunity to hear him speak and he has got it together. A wildly successful and genuinely nice man.

6. Victoria's Secret- This site is like a free boudoir posing guide. Such great ideas.

7. Studio Moradi Photography- Another girl I went to HS with....really this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as talented photographer's from my high school. Delbarr has a totally different style than Ashley, but I love them equally!

8. Jasmine Star Photography- I don't get on here as often as I once did, but when I was first starting out, this site was invaluable to me. I read every blog post in 2 days and felt like I had gone to a year of photography school.

All of these sites have upped my photography knowledge in one way or another so I encourage you to check them out! What are some of your favorite sites?

Every blog post needs a photo, so here's one of my favorites ;)



Thursday, September 23, 2010

What Can I Send My Military Man Overseas?

Here at the Boudoir Maven, we love our military personnel! We always offer a 25% discount to all military wives and women of the military, but we wanted to kick it up a notch and create a special package just for them as well. After speaking to a few of my military friends (male and female) we put together a package with items that will be useful, easy to ship and FUN to have =)

The value of the contents of this basket is $1300, but we've knocked it down more than half off to the amazing price of $600!! Here is a breakdown of what's included:

(1) Personalized photo mug ($50 value)
(1) Personalized 1 Liter Sigg Water Bottle ($50 Value)
(1) Personalized cell phone cover (many styles to choose from) ($100 Value)
(1) Set of personalized Playing Cards ($75 Value)
(1) Personalized Puzzle ($50 Value)
(2) Mini-Accordion Books with 10 images of your choice ($100 Value)
(1) 8x8 Bombshell Album with 20 images in our gorgeous metallic finish ($350 Value)
(1) 12 month calendar ($150 Value)
(1) Disc of 10 of your favorite retouched images with copyright release ($350 Value)
(1) Personalized photo greeting card (your photo on the front and your personal message printed inside!) ($25 Value)

We hope you enjoy this special offer!

Monday, September 20, 2010

How Do I Get a Free Boudoir Shoot in Denver?

It's a lot easier than you might think! This month only I will be running a great contest and giving away a free mini-shoot. All you have to do is tell me why YOU deserve a free boudoir shoot.

Did you just lose weight and want to show off your killer bod? Are you about to marry the man of your dreams? Do you just need a confidence boost? In 500 words or less, tell me your story and why you think a boudoir shoot is what you need! Please send me your entry by September 30th at 12 midnight. Thanks and have a beautiful day!!

XOXO,
Erin Michelle




Entries must be received by September 30th, 2010.  Winner will receive a free 30 minute shoot at The Boudoir Maven home studio in Highlands Ranch. Photo shoot must take place by October 17th, 2010 or winner forfeits their shoot. Winner will have the option of upgrading her shoot for additional cost. Winner gives The Boudoir Maven the right to post her photos and story on www.theboudoirmaven.com and The Blog. 

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Why Should You Do a Boudoir Photo Shoot?

I just saw this article on The Boudoir Photography Network and had to share. Everyone deserves a boudoir shoot! Don't forget my October Boudoir Special. This is the last special of the year and perfect timing for Christmas gifts for your man. Spots are limited and you must book by September 21.
Why Should You Do a Boudoir Photo Shoot?
By Jennifer DeVore, Certified Professional Photographer
Our society is filled with images of beautiful women. They are on TV and film, on billboards, in magazines and on the Internet. Even walking through the mall, you’ll notice sexy photos of models in store windows. They are just about everywhere. The images in the media can be intimidating for some women. The girls on the big screen are gorgeous bombshells that have been primped and preened to perfection by a team of stylists, make-up artists and personal trainers. Sometimes, these perfected images can lead to body image and self-esteem issues as regular girls and women strive to live up to this idea of beauty and perfection. The thing is that every woman has the potential to look just as beautiful and glamorous as the women in media. The opportunity exits through boudoir photography. Boudoir photos can be a fun-filled, pampering experience for any woman, but they also make a great gift for the man in your life.
What is Boudoir Photography?
Boudoir is a French word that translates into a woman’s private sitting room, dressing room or bedroom. So, boudoir photography is a private session that reveals a woman’s sensual beauty. With the right photographer, the sessions can be fun and girly, sweet and sexy and depict a little bit about your personality and relationship.
Boudoir Has Changed
In the ‘80’s and ‘90’s boudoir photographers gained a reputation for being cheesy and “over the top”. Well, all that has changed! Today, with the right photographer, boudoir photography can be contemporary, classy and fresh. The style now is for images that look like they came from the cover of Vogue or W magazine instead of a men’s magazine. Women are looking for a photographer that can emulate these stylish images and make them look their best. Today’s contemporary photographers are using flattering poses, glamorous and sometimes dramatic lighting as well as hair and make-up artists to offer these images to their clients.
Who Should Do It?
Brides are loving boudoir! Brides are looking for a creative and unique gift to give her fiancĂ© on their wedding eve. Imagine the groom’s surprise as he opens a box featuring a classy, stylish album of photographs of a sexy woman as his pre-wedding gift…and that woman is his bride-to-be!
Often though, boudoir clients are single or already married women looking for a confidence boost. For a photographer, there is nothing better than helping a woman rediscover her inner and outer beauty through portraits.
Military wives are also embracing boudoir photography as a way to stay romantically connected to their man serving overseas. Some boudoir photographers may offer military discounts or special packages for wives of deployed servicemen. There can’t be a better way to keep your soldier motivated than with romantic and classy photos of his beautiful wife!
How Is It Presented?
There are many different ways to package and present boudoir images. Canvas wall portraits for the bedroom or a discreet album are just a few. There are even many different album styles including matted art books and magazine style layout flushmount albums. Some photographers will also offer slideshows as an add-on item.
Body Image
It’s probably safe to say that all women have a part of their body that they wish they could change as well as a few that they love. It is the job of the photographer to highlight each woman’s best features while minimizing her least favorite. With flattering poses and lighting, every woman can look her best and overcome any body image issues while seeing herself in a new way. Every woman deserves to see herself and have her fiancĂ©, husband or loved one see her at her best too.
Whether you are a size 2 or 20 does not matter. Every woman is beautiful and can capture that beauty and give it as a gift to her man or even herself.
Modesty
Each woman and even each photographer has a different comfort level with nudity. Some photographers create fine-art nudes as boudoir; some photographers keep the sessions more modest with less or no nudity. Boudoir photography is an art form and there will be a wide range of styles. Be sure to choose a photographer whose work reflects your style and personality and who you are comfortable with.
Privacy
By federal law, photographers own the rights to any images that they create. However, if you would prefer to keep your images private, a professional will allow you to either opt-in or opt-out of a model release. If you do not want your photographer to use the images on their website, marketing materials or any other use, be sure to check the paperwork before you sign so you can maintain your privacy if you wish.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Lovely Ms. D

Ms. D is one of the funniest women I've ever met. Spend 5 minutes with her and you will be cracking up. Apart from that, she is an amazing mother and businesswoman. I was thrilled to photograph her when I was in California, and even more thrilled when she said I could tell you her age.

She is 47 years old and looks amazing, as you can see! We wanted to share that because it's important to know that women of ALL ages can have fun doing a boudoir shoot. I've shot several women in their 40's and 50's already and I think it is even more special for them than it is for the girls in their 20's and 30's.

Thank you Ms. D, you look amazing!!








































































































Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Bombshell Video Preview

I have some really exciting products coming out and this video service is one of them. As a part of my VIB (Very Important Bombshell) package, VIB's will get a 2 minute film with photos and actual video from their shoot worked in. The company I am using is top notch and these videos are going to be beautiful!

Here is a little snippet of what one of these videos would include...featuring 15 of my lovely ladies =)

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

A Group Shoot

This is one of my favorite shoots thus far. I was contacted by Ms. D who was referred to me by a previous client. Ms. D, her sister-in-law, her mother, and her sister all came in for shoots during my Grand Opening Week.  And boy, did we have FUN! These ladies are very close and had such a good time getting primped and hanging out together during the shoot. They patiently waited to see their photos until I was back from my vacation.

Then, when they came back for their Unveiling Session last night, we had even more fun! Today is Ms. E's birthday and she is one of the hottest mamas (and grandmamas) I know! I cannot get over the fact that she has grown children and grandchildren, she looks amazing. We had a little celebration for her and, as we do at all Unveiling Sessions, the ladies got to see their photos in a slideshow set to their favorite songs.

Ladies, you were TRULY a pleasure to work with. Ms. D, thank you for getting your family to come with you, driving so far and being an awesome photo consultant. You are beautiful. Ms. K, you have a quiet, gentle spirit and a gorgeous face. Ms. J, you are fun and crazy and stunning and I loved working with you! And Ms. E, the fact that your family lives so close and does so much together is a true testament to how much you are loved. You're a knockout! Thank you ladies, you are all WONDERFUL! Come back anytime ;)














Ms. D














Ms. K













Ms. J


























Ms. E

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