Boudoir is not a Scary Experience / Boudoir Photography / Ashley Reida Photography

Boudoir is not Scary

I get it.

You're nervous.  You've never done anything like this before.  I've been there.  I've been in your shoes and I know what it's like to walk into a boudoir studio can completely unaware of what to expect.  You don't know this person.  You're about to really, really expose yourself.  Inside and outside.  You're about to strip down to your lingerie and maybe even be completely nude in front of a complete stranger.  I mean, what's not to be nervous about.  Unless you're already a completely confident and carefree women, you're bound to have the jitters about a boudoir experience...  but in reality, it is not a scary experience!

It's a fun, empowering experience that can change your life and boost your self confidence.

Once you get here we'll start chatting.  We will go through your wardrobe and talk about the items your brought.  I'll ask you questions and I'll get to know you.  My hair and makeup artist will start on your outer transformation and bring out all the beauty and we'l chat just like old girlfriends.  When we get started with the session, we'll usefully start with your least revealing outfit and I'll explain EVERYTHING to you.  You don't have to worry about facial expressions or posing....I will guide you through it all.  We'll only take off as much as you are comfortable with revealing.  You'll never be pressured into anything you're not comfortable with.  My mission is to ensure you have a great time and that you're result will be a more empowered version of yourself.  Some have even said their sessions were therapeutic!

Some things to remember...

1. My makeup artist and I are both regular, real women.  We understand every emotion you're going through.

2. We've had boudoir sessions taken too.

3. You'll never bare more than you're comfortable with.

4. Your images do not have to be shown to anyone or in any way.  I know you've seen work I've done, but all of those images have been given permission.  It's completely up to you.

5. We do everything we can to ensure that you have a great time.

6. We really have seen every body shape, type, size, and color.  Your body is unique to you but we've seen it all so you have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about no matter what.

What my past clients have said.....

"I was very nervous because of my self image. Being told by too many people that I wasn't good enough to do the pictures, no one will want me because I'm not a 10. But from the moment I came out in my first outfit and saw your reactions, I immediately felt comfortable and had a blast. Everyone's negative comments went out the window and I felt amazing every minute." -Jordyn

" I was very nervous about exposing my body because it has many imperfections however not but 5 minutes into my session and you and jade both complemented my figure and I felt beautifully comfortable" - Lindsay

" I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect since I’d never done something like this before. How was it going to be being naked in front of a photographer I didn’t know? How was my body going to look in the picture? What were people going to think when they found out I’d done a session? But when I got there, my nerves went away!! Ashley explained each pose and even showed me what to do. Both photographers were funny and down to earth, they played music and talked to me throughout the session! Ashley showed me only 1 picture on the back of her camera that day and I was blown away!! " -Heather

" I was so nervous but wanted to do it again. And once I got to your house, I felt comfortable and had so much fun." -Tiffany

Just basking in the sun....not nervous at all

Just basking in the sun....not nervous at all

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Angel Of the Week: Trista / Boudoir Photographer / Ashley Reida Photography

This week, meet Trista, 35 year old mother and CNA

Photo collage of girl of the week

Photo collage of girl of the week

Meet 35 year old CNA, Trista!  Shes mother to 5 kiddos and was in desperate need of a confidence boost.  This fun bubbly lady came into our studio last year and was willing to try some new things! We had a ton of fun with her!

She came in, busted out some new confidence, and now sees herself in a different light.  Finances were a bit of an issue for her but this experience is something she valued and felt that she needed for herself. She says to anyone having hesitations, "Just do it, you won't regret it"

Check out some of her photos below!

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Lingerie Alternatives

Lingerie Alternatives for Your Boudoir Shoot

Some women hate lingerie.  Some women think its too revealing.  And some women want something a little creative and out of the box.  And the truth is...you don't HAVE to wear it...and you don't HAVE to be naked to avoid it!  There are plenty of lingerie alternatives for your boudoir shoot! You just have to think a little outside of the box and gather up all the cute anti-lingerie accessories you'll want to have before your photography session.  Below are some excellent lingerie alternative ideas!

lingerie alternative white sheets

lingerie alternative white sheets

-Husband/Partner's button up shirt with bra and panties to provide more coverage

-Jersey with your or your significant other's favorite sports team paired with undies.  What better way to celebrate football season!

-Off the shoulder sweater can be sexy and provide coverage and leave some to the imagination.  Plus shoulders are totally sexy

-Lacy or satin robes can be used to cover up lingerie and bra and panties. Or yourself.

-Sexy dresses....boudoir is sexy photography.  It doesn't always mean you need to be nude or partially nude! Bring in your favorite killer dress!

-Bathing suits can make for fun beach type boudoir shoots!

-Sheets covering your body strategically can imply sexiness and possible nudity without exposing you at all.

-Jeans that are unzipped showing a little bit of lacy panty with a button up shirt that's mostly unbuttoned....and a cowboy hat will be sure to set your cowboy on fire!

Have fun planning the pieces that will replace or accent lingerie in your boudoir shoot!

Can you think of some other alternatives? Comment below! I'd love to hear your ideas!

lingerie alternative jersey

lingerie alternative jersey

5 Pieces of Flattering Boudoir Lingerie for Every Body Type

5 Pieces of Flattering Lingerie for Every Body Type

When you book your boudoir session, one of the most daunting tasks is shopping for lingerie because you have no idea what looks good on you. We're here to help! We've gathered 5 pieces of lingerie for each body type: Apple, Pear, Hourglass, and Square shaped women.  Find your body type get a head start on lingerie shopping!

Visit our ‘What to Wear’ page and see all of Ashley’s top recommended lingerie from Amazon!

Boudoir Lingerie for Apple Shape Women

Apple shaped women have larger measurements through the bust and waist but tend to have thinner hips and arms and legs. Lingerie should support the top and accentuate the bottom while still paying homage to natural assets.

1. Corset- A corset is a very popular piece of boudoir lingerie that will slim the tummy and accentuate the bust of apple shaped women.

2. Sheer Flowy Nighties- A sheer flowy nightie is a sexy piece of lingerie that will fall on your body in a flattering way that will balance the hips and give a sexy sneak peek!

3. Deep Demi Bra with Supportive Underwire- Apple shaped women tend to have heavier breasts and need as much support as possible, so make sure your bra is deep cut to show off the gorgeous cleavage and and underwire to support the weight.

4. Lacy V High Rise Panties- Since Apple shaped women tend to have slimmer hips, most of the attention goes towards the bustier top.  Bring attention to your hips and balance out your shape by wearing underwear that have a v shape and a little lace.

5. Cami- A cami will balance out your top figure - especially paired with the above mentioned panties.

 

Boudoir Lingerie for Pear Shaped Women

Pear shaped women are wider in the hips and smaller in the bust.  Pear shaped women need to choose lingerie that will balance out the figure by accentuating the bust and playing down the hips.

1. Ruffle Bras - Choose bras that have a lot of fun ruffles to bring attention to the breasts.

2. Chiffon Gowns - Chiffon gowns are sexy lingerie pieces that will bring attention to the top portion while skimming the hips.  This will keep from bringing TOO much attention to the hips.

3. High Rise Thongs and Boy Shorts - High rise lingerie lengthens the body line.  This can work to the advantage of a pear shaped woman by slimming the hips.

4. Fly Away Baby Doll - The fly away baby doll will bring attention to the topportion of your body by creating an angle to accentuate the area.  The fly away portions skim the hips in a sexy way and balance the body.

5. Padded Push Up Bras - Push up bras will accentuate the cleavage and give the illusion that there's more up top.

Boudoir Lingerie for Hour Glass Figured Women

Women with an hour glass figure tend to have similar measurements in the bust and the hips and a slimmer waist.  Most lingerie flatters women with hourglass figures.

1. Bodysuit - A body suit is a piece of lingerie that is all once piece.  They can come in different materials from leather to lace.  Deep v-necks in these suits add an extra bit of sexiness to these pieces

2. Corset - A corset will accentuate smaller waists as well as compliment ample cleavage. Pair with a sexy thong.

3. Garter Belt - Traditionally used to hold up thigh highs but now widely considered as a sexy piece of lingerie.  A garter belt will draw attention to the smaller waist of a woman with an hourglass figure.

4. Form Fitting Slips - Draw attention to your symmetric curves with a form fitting slip or nighty.  It will hug your curves from top to bottom.

5. Bra and Panty Combos - Bring attention to the bust and the hips wearing supportive bras and matching or complimentary colored underwear. 

 

Boudoir Lingerie for Square Shaped Women

Women with a square shaped body tend to have smaller bust and hips that line up similarly to the measurement of the waist.  Choosing lingerie that creates curves in the body will help make your photos have the wow effect!

1. G-strings and Thongs - G-strings and thongs will create the illusion from behind of more of a booty by outlining in the appropriate places

2. Ruffle Matching Bra and Panty Sets - Ruffles and bows and Lace are all great go-to lingerie options for square shaped women.  Ruffles especially add volume to the chest and hips.  Choose bras with ruffled cups and underwear with ruffles on the hips to add the illusion of curves to your body.

3. Demi Cup Push Up Bras - Demi cup push up bras add an extra cup size to your bust and create cleavage where it may not naturally exist.

4. V-Cut Underwear - Similar to thongs, V- cut underwear create a similar illusion of curves while being a more modest option.

5. Ruffle Skirts -These are a fun lingerie option that hide slimmer hips and add a sexy flirty vibe to your boudoir photo session.

Boudoir Lingerie for ALL Body Types

Here's a list of lingerie that flatters all body types.

1. Nighties - Full piece nighties can hide the tummy area which is a pain point for a lot of women, especially mothers and is a great piece of flattering boudoir lingerie.  Fly away nighties are a fun option to add a bit of extra flirt to your boudoir session.

2. Fishnet pieces - Fishnet dresses are a fun piece that can be worn alone or over a bra and panty set.  It accentuates curves and depending on the cut and sleeves, can hide trouble areas.

3. Stockings - Stockings are an often overlooked piece of lingerie that can add fun to other pieces you wear.  You can also get shots of you putting on the stockings which will make you feel sexy and that most men love to see.

4. Solid Curve Hugging Slips - Non- see through slips that hug the body will accentuate curves and hide tummy rolls, slimming your figure.  Its a more modest option but there's nothing wrong with leaving a little to the imagination.

5. Lacey Robes - Lacy robes are an essential boudoir lingerie piece.  It can be used to put on to keep covered between sets and can be used in portraits to increase the sexy vibe and cover up problem area.  It's one of the most versatile lingerie pieces available.

Stay tuned! We will soon write about fun alternatives to lingerie for your boudoir session!

 

5 Tips for a Perfect Selfie

Do you want some tips for taking the perfect selfie?

Great!

I used to hate selfies...but then I saw a quote that went something along the lines of "I am so pro-selfie.  There are bigger issues in the world than a woman thinking she is beautiful.  One of them is women who don't think they're beautiful."  That really hit home fore me...so I decided to set up a group for self(ie) love.  You can request to join it here.

Spawning off from that I thought I'd create a fun video that gives 5 tips for taking the perfect selfie...or at least a better selfie!

 

For those of you that don't want to watch my 3.5 minute video, here are the selfie tips laid out for you...although I think you should watch the video because I demonstrate! And it's hilarious! :)

Tip 1. AVOID THE DUCK FACE! 

It's just not cute.  It's not sexy.  Please don't do it. Keep it out of your selfie and in the chicken dance. Or duck dance....is that even a thing?

Tip 2. Separate your chin from your neck.

The easiest way to do this is to think like a swan...stretch your neck up, jut chin forward and then tilt it down.  That keep the double chin from happening in your selfie.

Tip 3. Smile!

Please smile in your selfie....we love to see smiles...it makes you look happy!  If RBF is your thing, that's cool..but work for at least 75% smiles and 25% RBF!!

Tip 4. Make eye contact with your lens!

Don't stare at your reflection! You're connecting with your audience, not yourself!  Also, smile with your eyes! There's a big difference between a connection with a smile and a connection without a smile....so give yourself a genuine smile that lights up your whole face...then either keep the smile or drop the smile but KEEP THE SMILE IN YOUR EYES...simply let the smile just on your mouth drop...and look in the lens...it gives an intense connection with your audience so your selfie can be a big hit!

Tip 5.  Make sure the lighting is good!

There's nothing that ruins a selfie more than bad lighting.  Except maybe a duck face! Yikes.  A naturally sunlit room gives the BEST lighting and is the most flattering....just no direct sunlight on your face please..it will wash you out and you will squint and that's not attractive. Avoid low light areas and if you cannot snapchat has a really cool selfie feature that give you a small flash in the frame!  

Enjoy the tips and make your selfie PERFECT!  

 

 

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