Atlanta Boudoir

OWN Boudoir Blog

This boudoir blog details up-to-date information, boudoir sessions, boudoir tips, and photography insights from OWN boudoir studio. This blog is the best place to find current boudoir work, travel dates, product descriptions, and internal musings! Can't get enough of this boudoir blog? Check out my Instagram! It's full of new boudoir sessions and photography.

Posts tagged wardrobe idea
Getting the help you need | Guest post | Atlanta boudoir photographer
***today's post is a guest post by our lovely client manager, Kelsey! While she lives in Charleston, she still does a mean job of perusing the internet and shopping for all of our clients! Since she is originally from Atlanta she also knows the city's best shops and restaurants for all of our ATL boudoir clients!

You did it, you booked your boudoir shoot!! Maybe it is your first shoot or your 100th (I haven't had anyone that's done 100 boudoir sessions, though some are well on their way!), either way once your boudoir shoot is booked and your questionnaire is answered, you will get a fun text from me, Kelsey- Sarah’s client manager extraordinaire. Once you book, you may be thinking "NOW WHAT!?!?", "How do I dress myself to ultimately be UNdressed?", "Will the makeup artist make me look like Mimi from the Drew Carey show?", "Where the heck to I park in Atlanta, or in ANY city for that matter?".

That is where I come onto the scene to set your nerves straight and help you snap out of it. Your first contact with me will be a “welcome text” (or phone call! It's your choice) in which we will begin getting to know each other so that I can better help you with the styling process.

To begin, it is always nice to see your inspiration. We'll go over any ideas, themes, motivations, or images you love and want to use as a focus/inspiration for your upcoming shoot. You can even send me ideas that you ABSOLUTELYDONOTWANTEVEREVEREVEREVER. This gives me a great idea of what you are looking for and will lead us in a great direction for choosing lingerie. 

 

In addition to wardrobe, hair and makeup, I am avaliable to answer any questions you may have. Think of me as your own personal “ok google” or “Alexa”… “Alexa, where can I buy thigh highs?”, “Alexa, where is the best place to get a spray tan?”…etc. Basically ask away, I am here to help and if I am not sure what the answer is, I will do my best to find the answer or direct you to our incredible studio manager, Larissa, or photographer, the amazingly talented Sarah! 

While you are sending me gorgeous images that have inspired you, if you are comfortable, a picture of yourself is a great addition to images you can send me. You can send your Facebook profile picture, bathing suit shot, or your favorite picture of yourself. An image of yourself is important because it allows me to get an idea of your unique hair color, eye color, and body shape. Sending a headshot of you to our makeup/hair stylists also allows them to tailor any preparation advice that they might have for you. Your photo allows me to personalize your wardrobe by sharing what pieces will photograph best on your body type and which colors to use/avoid. I promise NO ONE, except myself, Sarah, and your stylist, will ever see these images! These images are used to help create your OWN personal shoot that is geared towards your OWN personal style. 

Once I receive your images, I will help you decide on which pieces will look best on your body-type on camera. I will also send you a list of tips/tricks and shopping advice to help steer you in the right direction. Victoria’s Secret is great, but there are SO many other amazing lingerie stores out there just waiting to be discovered. Here in Atlanta we LOVE AnnaBella Fine Lingerie in Alpharetta. Pam (the owner) is fantastic at finding different styles for your body and budget. While you are shopping, totally send me images of the pieces you are thinking about and I can help you narrow it down. You can send me website links, pictures of your lingerie— no need to try it on, laying it out on the floor will work just fine— you can even send me images from the dressing room! I am here to help you look and feel your best. 

 

While we're in the shopping-stage of planning, I will not only help you narrow down which pieces will look best on your personal body type, but I will also help you narrow down your choices so you’re not bringing your entire closet into the studio. I am also always willing to help you browse the internet to find the “perfect” piece. Is there a piece of lingerie you love or a specific look you want, but you can’t find it on the world wide web? I am here to be your own personal google and help you find just what you are looking for, or at least something similar! 

 

Once we have narrowed down your ideas, theme, and wardrobe, we will begin discussing hair and makeup ideas. Should you be having one of our hair and makeup artists doing your 'beauty' prep, we will discuss what “look” you would like. Do you want more pin-up? burlesque? natural? rhinestone eye shadow? big eyes? dark lips? The sky is the limit!!! This is another point where sending images comes into play. The more images you send, the better; please do not feel bad that you are overloading my phone, I love it, keep the images rolling in! These idea images are great to send to your stylist before your shoot so they have an idea of what you want and they can plan accordingly. 

 

If you are doing your own hair and makeup outside of the studio, I will remind you to have hair and makeup completely done before your shoot. I will also send tips/tricks to make sure you are taken care of because the lights and camera are bright and we want the best you to shine through! 

This is a special time for you, this is a shoot designed and planned just for you and your OWN personal style. I am here to help you have a fun, lasting experience that will stay with you for a lifetime! Being nervous is totally normal, I mean it is not everyday you pose in front of a camera in lingerie. I am here to calm those nerves and help you see how incredibly powerful, beautiful, and amazing you truly are as a woman. No question is too “silly”, no prop is too “strange”, and nothing you can send me will ever make me “blush”. BRING IT ON, I am here for you to help you find your OWN beauty! 

Where do I shop for my Boudoir session?
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I am SO glad you asked.

You know where to buy your jeans (I love J.Brand).

You know what cut of Kate Spade little black dress looks the best on you. 

When you try on a sweater from Theory, you know where the shoulders should hit. 

Recently you just discovered that in order to prevent years of bunions you should go up a half-size in those Tory Burch flats.

The Burberry trench coat that you’ve coveted for years is the perfect coat for you because you know that it cinches in your waist just right (plus it keeps you warm...a key quality in coats).

 

But do you know what looks best on your body when there isn’t a coat/jeans/dress/sheet/bathrobe to cover you up?



Shopping for lingerie is the hardest. It might be the worst (if we're talking about shopping).

We don’t have that many options for a GOOD fit. Bras and underwear are sized in generic A-DD and Small-XLarge. There is rarely a brand that allows us the courtesy of the ‘in between’ and off-the-charts sizing. I remember getting fitted for the 1st time. I could have sworn on all of the homemade macaroni and cheese in the world that I was a 34DD. I knew I'd been a 34DD since 4th grade (not as great as it sounds, but easily allowed me to figure out the powers of manipulation when it came to teenage boys :) ).

I wasn’t even close. 

In waltzes Pam from AnnaBella Lingerie with a 36F. 

I’ve got some knockers, y’all. 

My sizing revelation has helped my current wardrobe situation incredibly. Not only do my boobs now sit where they should (and look better in my Target tank tops), but my boobs look good WITHOUT any clothing covering them up (a key factor of boudoir photography). I should probably move to NYC or San Francisco where I can walk around shirt-less in a bra with no issue. That's definitely a no-go for Atlanta.

The point of this is… you guys need to know where to shop and to figure out what size you wear in all of the 1.76million lingerie brands out there. I am here to help! That is part of my service to you. You should never ever ever feel alone in your quest to be flattered by lace and elegance. Let me be there for you. Call me, text me, email me. We can go shopping together!! What a fun way to break the ice….right?

Over the past year I’ve gotten a few recommendations from clients on places that they’ve had great success, and so I want to list them for you! Check them out, order a few things, check the return policy before you commit, and look GOOD in your boudoir session and underneath your sweaters. 


Thigh Highs/Hosiery:

Amazon (the mecca for EVERYTHING)
Anna Bella Fine Lingerie


Search for brands like:

Wolford
dkny
Berkshire


Corsets

Corsetstory.com - Carries a variety of corset styles from costume to industrial waist-training. 
Amazon
Agent Provocateur - More expensive, but heavy-duty and super figure flattering. I do have one for the studio so ask about it if you’d like!


Bras, undies, tradition lingerie sets

AnnaBella Fine Lingerie - Located in Alpharetta, GA with online ordering. Call and ask for Pam. Tell them I sent you! They are sweet, non judgmental, and promote your confidence. 

Brands:
Natori
Cosabella
Calvin Klein (softer)
Mimi Holliday

La Perla (store located in Atlanta, incredibly helpful)

Shapewear

Amazon - no ‘shorts’ please :) skirts, dresses, tops are perfect

Spanx - there is nothing like the original!

Gowns/robes

Brands:
Free People
Natori
Anthropologie
Agent Provocateur
La Perla
ASOS - online, great return policy and fast shipping
Etsy - Great source for unique, handmade lace and sheer robes. Beautiful variety.


And there ya have it!!!! Enjoy perusing those sites and stores. Give them a call, say exactly what you want. EACH store I mentioned carries all sizes and so you can be a 28AAAA or a 48HH and find a gorgeous set for you. 

I’ll elaborate more on what styles and sizes are better for certain body types, but as I mentioned before please get in touch to talk through your selections with me. It is not uncommon for me to receive a text message at 8pm on Friday night that is full of someone’s lingerie selections. 

No shame, ladies.