Sexy & Fun...More Information on Intimates

Fun Lingerie!

Clients often ask "where can I get cute and fun lingerie for my photoshoot?" (I've asked the same question myself and have found the answers). There are few places online that have some amazingly cute and sexy stuff. One of my faves is (the obvious answer)...Fredericks of Hollywood. Fredericks has staple items...from corsets to lace to the unimaginable. And...be certain to check out their Winter clearance items...always a great deal.

Another on-line goodie is Trashy Lingerie. Check out the Trashy Bargains...for under $25 you can get some really cute stuff at a steal of a deal.

The Red Door Boutique is an incredibly affordable on-line store with a great selection of baby doll sets. Sets are always wonderful...everything matches and works perfectly for a photoshoot.
 
A fun but slightly more risque site is Agent Provocateur, but be prepared for some racier stuff here. There are great posing ideas too...so come prepared to work some muscles if you're wearing these items (intimate photoshoots are physical and you'll feel it the next day)!

For leggings...Stockin Girl has every type of legging you can imagine in every color! Stockings look great...with or without garters. Don't forget to make certain you have high heels to pair them with...heals and pearls are great accessories for intimate shoots.

All links are included in my "Favorites"...have fun shopping!!!!

It's My Birthday...and I'm Celebrating

Today is my birthday...and I'm celebrating. Most of us don't take enough time to celebrate what we have...including me. I do, however, spend too much time wanting what I don't have and feeling sorry for myself (thinking others have way more than I do). But not today...today that's going to change.
Today is my 46th Birthday. Any other year I would have told you I was 29 and holding. But this year I'm going to be honest...I have nothing to lose since all my friends on FB have already told the world my true age. So...today I'm 46 years old. AND...today I'm really liking being 46. Life isn't always easy for me...but it's been good to me. And I'm venturing down a REVISED chapter in my life AGAIN with my photography and thrilled about it.
So...here's me at 46. I've used a "Midnight Sepia" affect on the images, which is my favorite application. I took the day off today from work to spend all day taking pictures and playing in Photoshop...that's how I choose to spend my birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME...thanks to everyone who has sent me birthday wishes.

The Studio Lease Gets Signed

A studio...an actual indoor, organized and equipped space to take pictures...sounds amazing! AND...it became a reality today after months in the making. My sincerest thanks to Paula for making this Studio Coop happen for the seven (7) photographers who will be sharing the space.

Here's the details...the lease will be signed soon and the space will be up and running sometime in April. I will continue to update my blog as the details start to unfold regarding sitting times and availability.

This is an absolute dream come true after many years of strictly doing on-location photography. My sincere thanks to all my customers, friends and family for your support and encouragement over the years. Without you I wouldn't be starting this new chapter in my career. And to my fellow Coop partners...I can't wait to build new friendships, learn new skills, and be a part of a successful new business venture for all. I promise to keep my questions to a minimum!
Just a preview...here are a couple of pictures of the inside of the studio prior to our makeover. Hope to see you there soon!

More Senior Memories...

Here are just a couple more examples of Senior portraits. If you feel that my photo journalism style matches what you're looking for in a Senior portrait photographer, I'd be privileged to work with you in the upcoming season. Soon the snow will be melting in the lovely Minnesota tundra and Spring will be upon us. Remember...yearbook pictures are due in early May so get your sessions booked soon.

Youthful Days of Past...

It seems like forever since I took these pictures of Danny. Just another constant reminder to capture all those special moments before the kidlets are grown and you don't have another opportunity. It's funny...I honestly think I've taken a million pictures of my kids since they were born but never seem to have enough. Digital cameras weren't existent when my kids were young...I went broke developing film (God knows we didn't have the money that I invested in their photo albums). We also didn't have the money to pay for professional pictures...thank God that I was born with a love of photo journalism and have been taking pictures since elementary school.

It doesn't matter your talent level. Keep taking those pictures. Keep printing them. Keep posting them on your frig for all the world to see. Keep creating wall art and living with everyday memories surrounding you. There is no greater decoration than photos of your family. So...simply keep shooting. Enjoy!

Paulie Marie Photography

Several years ago I was privleged to do a photoshoot for a friend and her family...Paula Charchenko. During my shoot, it became very apparent that Paula shared my love of photography and wasn't a novice when it came to technique and creativity. Since that shoot several years ago, Paula has gone on to create her own business and continues to inspire me on a daily basis.

Our styles are different...Paula does more studio work and I have historically tended to focus on outdoor shoots. Paula is fantanstic and extremely creative with infants and children; I prefer seniors and adult intimate sessions. With all that said, I want to say a special thanks for all her recent suppport and the time she continues to invest in getting a coop finalized.

If you want to see the work of an amazing woman who has truly turned a passion into a business, visit http://www.paulacharchenko.blogspot.com/. The image provided is one that I took of Paula and two of her three beautiful children several years ago. Enjoy!

What to Wear

Clients often ask for suggestions on what to wear for a photoshoot. My suggestions...Keep clothing simple, avoid white (as I normally use a white background) and stay away from shirts with large brand-specific logos. Texture shows beautiful in pictures, so don't be afraid of mixing different materials (however, avoid materials that wrinkle easily). Some of my favorite looks are layered outfits with bright colors, tights and accessories for both girls and boys, and bare feet or unique shoes (boots, All Stars, etc.). I've included some pictures from one of my favorite children's clothing lines (Stella McCartney...available at GAP), which highlights bright colors and textures. Keep in mind...you know your child best and definitely don't want them wearing something that isn't natural to their normal style. Just keep it simple...