Are you sitting down?
Ok. I’m going to trust that you’re sitting down– because why would you lie to me, right? We go so far back. No BUT SERIOUSLY, I wouldn’t want to start this blog post, and have you all still standing up or something. It’s just that I’m worried I’d be liable for some of kind of mass-faint reaction. And then all the firemen in the nation would be tied up investigating this completely baffling national faint I caused, and they wouldn’t be around to put out any actual fires.
Well actually… that’s wrong.
Because this session is en fuego.
Ahh, and that surprise twist I mentioned in the graphic up top? Oh, just a little thing I call *THIS SESSION WAS SHOT BY HER PRO PHOTOGRAPHER HUSBAND* that’s all.
Erika’s shoot is actually an anniversary session, you guys, and her husband Mike, of Mike Arick Photography submitted it to me recently. Isn’t that whole situation the coolest? It also brings me to a question I have for you ladies out there: I’m curious, do you think you’d be down for a boudoir session some years into your marriage? Have you considered it? Do tell in the comments, lovers!
Last thing before we get into the session; here’s a little sumthin sumthin in the form of 13 amazing tips, from the man behind the camera, Mike Arick:
As far as a write-up, my wife, Erika, left that up to me. So here’s some advice I can give for those future brides and grooms or those who are already happily married like ourselves…
Being a photographer it’s no surprise that I’m always trying to take pictures of my wife. It’s also not surprising that it probably gets pretty old with me always aiming it in her direction. I’ve begged her for quite some time to pose for a fun boudoir session and for our three year anniversary she agreed to have some fun with the camera in our swanky digs at the Viceroy Hotel in Palm Springs. Every couple has taken photos of each other but most have never taken the time to plan and go through with a fun, flirty, sexy shoot. Trust me, it’s worth it! Erika had admitted numerous times that in order to do a boudoir shoot she had to feel totally great about herself and the way she looked at the time. She had to be tan, she had to be in shape, skin, hair, everything had to be great and only then would she want to do it. I can understand all of that but in addition to the pictures I also knew I was going to enjoy the memories and the experience of doing the photo shoot together. That’s probably what I was most excited about.
Mike’s #1 Tip if you’re considering doing a shoot:
The number one tip I would give to those women who are considering a boudoir shoot or those couples who want to do one together is… realize that your guy already finds you sexy and attractive. Boudoir photos aren’t designed to prove or remind him of that fact. A boudoir session is really about enjoying the fact that you two are head-over-heels, 100%, absolutely in love with one another. The shared memories and the experience are ultimately more important than the photographs themselves. Trust me though, he’ll LOVE the photos. Erika and I had such a fun time during or shoot! We blasted great music, we played, we flirted, we teased each other and had an amazing time together. I would not trade that experience for anything and the beautiful photographs I now have are just icing on the cake.
Besides all that mushy stuff about our own experience here are some tips and advice I would give to those who are considering a shoot…
2. Choose a location that offers a beautiful setting. Boutique or stylish hotels are awesome. Plus, the bed is already made perfectly!
3. Use the whole room. Chairs, tables, couches, walls, showers, floors, windows, and pretty much anything else you can find in a room can be a great backdrop or prop.
4. White sheets not only look great with any skin tone, they also help reflect light if the room is somewhat dim.
5. Use window light if possible. Using flash can be tough and unflattering unless you really know what you’re doing.
6. If you must shoot in a dark room, try using candles or a single lamp as your light source. Soft light is flattering. (just don’t set the room on fire)
7. Bring multiple outfits. Change is good. Pictures of you changing can be even better.
8. Consider getting your hair or makeup done by someone else beforehand. Not only can it help you feel confident but being pampered can also help put you in the sexy mood.
9. If you’re nervous about smiling for the camera at first – don’t. Look everywhere else but the camera and the pictures will still be great. Pretty soon you’ll find yourself getting more comfortable and the smiles and looks will become natural.
10. Enjoy some champagne before and while you shoot. Just not too much so you don’t actually look drunk.
11. Play some music that gets you pumped up! We just played a great Pandora station on our laptop.
12. Look for inspiration online. Find and save poses and other ideas from boudoir sessions you see online.
13. Relax, have fun, and enjoy every minute!
~ Mike (& Erika) Arick
Thanks for the great advice, Mike! And now my friendlies… zee shoot.
If I had a shoot tomorrow, I would hope and pray I looked even *a smidgen* as good as Erika looks. Ahhmazing!
Ok, NOW. Me have two pressing questions for you guys – I’d love to have a discussion in the comments with y’all…
1) How lovely does Miss Erika look in these shots?! Like, on a scale of incredible to professional model (yes I’m currently wrapping up my Bachelorette recap so kindly pardon the reference to scale)…
2) My second more serious question is: if you had the choice of doing your shoot with a photographer you’ve never met, or being shot by your significant other (assuming for the moment that your significant other was a skilled boudoir photographer), I am dying to know, which scenario do you think you’d find more comfortable?
No joke, I’m dying to know your answer to question #2 especially. And I’ll weigh in with you on a personal level where appropriate in the comments. *wink wink* *nudge nudge* *no actually I don’t mean anything sexual by that I’m just being a ridiculous.*
xoxo! - Alison
Photography: Mike Arick Photography