In this electronic age, where digital everything rules, it’s nice when digital media comes in a pretty little package.

And that’s why I am so in love with my new Susan Eckert Photography flash drives!

Sure I can always electronically transfer a zip folder, or burn images to a CD/DVD, but these flash drives provide an updated, modern, fun alternative to sharing images. And so far, my clients are loving them!

With these thumb drives, clients who purchase image files don’t have to remember where they downloaded their images, they can easily load their images onto several computers/laptops, and they’ll always have a handy, attractive drive holding onto their precious art.

When these arrived, I was so impressed! The metallic case, which keeps the digital media safe, looked even better than I thought it would with its modern clean style – and it’s printed with my new logo!

And did I mention how cute the thumb flash drive is? A soft, feminine color and a cool swivel cover make for a really fun way to share image files! What’s better is that these  are SOOOO easy to use! Just pop em in and voila – there are your images! So, even my clients who aren’t computer savvy will find them a breeze!

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Susan
LIBoudoirPhotography
Susan Eckert Photography
631.398.4487

I’m going to tell you a story. And I’ll do my best to be concise. But there’s a moral to the story and it quickly follows so I hope you’ll bear with me…

The Story

My in-laws visit from time to time…from out of state. And when they come they usually bring gifts for my 3 children, which makes my kiddies glow with eager anticipation the second the in-laws step into the house.

Problem is, my in-laws LOVE a great deal! And to be fair, who doesn’t? I myself regularly explore smelly vintage shops, cluttered antique stores, and disorganized garage sales on the hunt for that ever elusive “Great deal.”

But the challenge is this: knowing the difference between a low price and a truly great deal, which I define as a a totally unique, amazing, or high quality thing that’s matched with an attractive price considering what you’re getting.

So, back to the story. At some point in my in-laws’ visit, they’ll break out the tissue wrapped items and dole them out to the jumping beans my children always somehow become at that very moment. Lovely family moment. Warms everyone’s hearts.

Until…sometimes….and kind of often…we find that what’s in the package is already broken. Simply doesn’t work. Or, we’ll pop a gift DVD into the player, make popcorn, and freak out once we realize that the DVD is a compilation of many VERY VERY old cartoons obviously relegated to the back shelves because they contain horrifying, racist depictions of cartoon characters, and very weird, if not outright disturbing plots. (At which point I’ll pinch my lips and glare at hubby until he finds a way to politely turn it off. And then we burn it.)

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that we don’t appreciate the gifts. We certainly appreciate the gesture! It’s just that…and here’s the morale of the story…you can’t lose sight of quality and value when you’re on the hunt for that ever elusive “Great Deal.”

The Value of Photography

Since photography has gone digital anyone can hang a sign and become a “photographer “virtually overnight. And the newer ones usually charge next to nothing for their work…until they figure out that there’s a whole hell of a lot more to being a professional photographer than just snapping pictures using automatic settings. So eventually they get smart. Or they get out.

Even though I had an art background, when I first started shooting I too had an ok, but kinda-crappy-for-a-pro sorta camera. But I fell in love with the field of photography, specifically boudoir. And once I actually got up the nerve to charge for my services, I too charged almost nothing. In fact, I distinctly remember paying attention a couple times and realizing that not only was I not making any money, hey, I was actually paying out of pocket to deliver my stuff to clients. Whoah! Way to go pro!

Many years, formal photography education, and tens of thousands of invested dollars later I’m a whole lot wiser. But holding my ground is tough in a field where there’s always that new batch of newbies charging next to nothing and delivering the best they can with what they have.

I’ve seen so many talented photographers shut their doors. Say forget it. Move on in new directions.

Maybe one day that will be me. But for now, I’m sticking to it. Clinging to my sense of self worth. And educating consumers who come my way about the value I offer…when they’ll chat long enough to hear it.

Truth is, sometimes, and for some people, a low price is the only variable worth considering.

But me? I’m gonna hold onto my preference for delivering the highest quality and value at a fair price because the rest is simply wasted time and energy.

Have a great week!

Susan

631.398.4487

Boudoir Website: LIBoudoirPhotography

LIBoudoirPhotography on Facebook

Along with warm weather comes wedding season, and with wedding season comes anniversaries – and guess what? Women are increasingly turning to boudoir photography for a unique take on precious gift ideas for their beaus!

And this Long Island boudoir photographer is newly equipped with her Wonder Woman superhero mug (sure to regularly be filled to the brim with lots of caffeine) and creative ideas aplenty!

You know, my greatest passion is shooting women in their 40s, 50s and 60s. And I get that boudoir requires trust. So I was so happy to meet with a prospective client in my Long Island boudoir studio today – someone in that range – for a chat regarding what boudoir is all about. We got along great right off the bat and she signed up for a session on the spot. She thanked me again and again for spending the time to meet with her and answer all her questions, sharing stories and experiences that made her comfortable with me the person as well as me the boudoir photographer, the fine art nude photographer, the intimate photography photographer.

Her gratitude made me reflect on an experience I had a year or so ago. Hubby was asking me (bugging me?) to do a shoot for him. So I myself signed up with a boudoir photographer in another state. BUT she’d never get on the phone with me and instead opted repeatedly to have her assistant speak to me instead, even when I explained that I was a colleague and specifically requested a conversation with her. Needless to say, I ended up canceling the shoot. If she was this inattentive and uncaring already what would my experience with her be after the shoot? I didn’t want to find out. But it reinforced a valuable concept that’s oh-so important at my studio – everything I do – it’s about my clients first and foremost – about their experience, their happiness, their aesthetic, their comfort level, their joys, worries, celebrations, insecurities, concerns, and fears. All of it gets wrapped up in a tangled beautiful mess that is the experience of a WOMAN.

Since 2008 I’ve dedicated my life to these women – their vulnerable explorations of boudoir and their validating outcomes. I know 2013 will bring more of the same, even as I branch out in my exploration of new areas for my own creative expression.

And so, I look forward to everything the summer season will bring! There’s A/C in the studio, so let’s move forward in our celebration of everything that’s hot! (And I’m guessing that includes you!)

Come by the boudoir studio for a visit if you’d like to chat.

Have a happy Summer!

Susan Eckert
The Original Long Island Fine Art Boudoir Photographer
2000 sq ft studio located in Bohemia; Also offering location shoots throughout the NYC area

10 Advantages to Hiring Me as Your Boudoir Photographer

631.398.4487

Pastel colors. Brighter, longer days. Sunshine. Blooming flowers. I LOVE springtime!

Spring is a great time to do portrait sessions outdoors. Gardens, arboretums, beaches, nature preserves, and parks are green and blooming and serve as a perfect backdrop for beautiful portraits! And if you live here on Long Island, you know there is no shortage of all of the above. It’s why I love living here on the south shore of Long Island. Within minutes, there’s such a range of beautiful, natural spaces – perfect backdrops for my fine art, nature art, and portrait art.

If you’re thinking about portraiture this spring or summer, consider a gift card from Susan Eckert Photography. They’re good for 6 months and can be applied however you like. Here are some great ways clients have presented photography as a gift:

• Hubbies presenting their wives with gift cards for a boudoir session in celebration of an anniversary
• Siblings came together and presented mom and dad (grandma and grandpa) with an anniversary gift
• Relatives came together and presented a new mom with baby’s first newborn shoot
• Family presented mom-to-be with a studio maternity/pregnancy shoot
• Mom and dad presented daughter and future son-in-law with an engagement shoot

In fact, I’m currently running a mother-daughter special shoot offer - consider purchasing a gift card and presenting mom with it as a mother’s day gift!

Time flies quickly. Children grow so fast. Family members come and go. Photographs captured and printed professionally are a wonderful way to capture life’s most precious moments and hold onto them forever.

Cherish today and consciously note your many blessings!

Best wishes for a wonderful week,

Susan
Susan Eckert Photography
LIBoudoirPhotography

631.398.4487

Susan Eckert is a Long Island boudoir and portrait photographer specializing in life’s most precious transitional moments – whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary, the addition of a new family member, or the achievement of a major life goal, consider partnering with a professional photographer who will partner with you in the creation of beautiful portrait art.

Spring is here (even though it may not yet feel like it quite yet)!

Passover and Easter are upon us. Birds are chirping. Grass is growing–though I’ve yet to see signs of mine since Sandy brought seawater to our doorstep and probably killed it all. Bygones…

BUT that means mother’s day is right around the bend and have I got a great idea for you — a mother-daughter beauty shoot! What better way to celebrate the special bond than to capture the beauty between mother and daughter.

Whether you love artsy black and whites…

Or beautiful, soft images with a retro feel….

I’m offering a can’t miss deal for a one of a kind mother’s day event. Special dates will be held aside for these shoots and here’s how it will work:

You’ll have:

*A 45-minute shoot, with choice of backdrops
*Masterful editing & retouching by me for your favorite three shots (I suggest one mother, one daughter, and one combo shot)
*Your choice of an 10×30 mounted collage print like the black and white one above or 3 mounted 8x10s for individual framing
*BONUS: your chosen 3 favs as 5x7s which you can share with other family members if you choose
*BONUS: your three chosen images as FB/web files for email and internet sharing

All for 550 (an 820 value and a savings of 270)

Consider adding on a licensed makeup artist for a super polished beauty look.

Please share this blog with your friends – if you sign up AND refer someone else who signs up for a session as well I will provide you with a thank you gift: Your choice of a 50 discount,  or an additional mounted 11×14 print.

Email or call me at 631.398.4487 for available openings and to book your session. Note: All sessions must take place by April 15th in order to be ready for mother’s day. Don’t wait til the last minute – limited spots are available!

Have a wonderful holiday week/weekend!

Best,

Susan Eckert
LIBoudoirPhotography Website
Susan Eckert Photography Website

It’s no secret I absolutely love what I do. I’m extremely passionate about photography and even more passionate about cheering on my clients, pushing them past their perceived boundaries in the interest of proving to them that they can be the subjects of beautiful works of art!

In a saturated photography market it’s sometimes hard to figure out who to hire. Price is only one variable – but it’s the one most people tend to inquire about. And unlike buying a mass marketed product available just about everywhere (and where price is the only difference), boudoir photography services vary so much from one photographer to the next. It’s definitely not a one-size-fits all kind of experience, so I figured I’d point out a few variables that I believe distinguish me / my services from the next boudoir photographer.

1. NO Outsourcing: I extend the same courtesies to my clients that I would expect from a intimate photographer I would hire. So, editing is a huge part of my creative process – I NEVER outsource editing of my boudoir photos – your images remain private, in my hands, and worked on only by me, not some group you’ve never met.
2. Skilled Retouching: I’m a highly skilled retoucher and not only am I good at it, I love doing it. My goal is to make you look your very best without making you look like you’ve been retouched; pores and skin texture remain intact; images look polished – just as you would expect from a professional boudoir photographer. Many photographers don’t have/nor do they want to develop this skillset. And others would rather cover you up than allow you to wear skin-baring outfits that might possibly create a bit more editing work for them in photoshop. Not a problem here!
3. Artist Eye: I sketch, draw and paint figures – although you might not be looking for that as part of your boudoir art, it still matters – so much of what’s sorely lacking in many boudoir images I see pertains to the unflattering lines of an image. You’ll never see highly unflattering poses in my portfolio for this reason.
4. Variety: Many boudoir photographers shoot almost exclusively with natural light (a window and a reflector). While that’s a great look, it’s ONE look. I have developed advanced skills in studio lighting as well. What this means for you is this: lots of variety from just one shoot! During your shoot we can do both natural and studio lighting and explore a wide range of looks so that your book is varied and showcases the many sides of you.
5. Large Boudoir-ific Studio Space: I’m a Long Island boudoir photographer with a studio space actually located here on Long Island. My 2000 sq ft studio space is feminine, comfortable, and allows for limitless shoot concepts and possibilities. I collect antique furniture pieces and have a huge supply closet filled with fabrics, backdrops and props/accessories for your shoot. It’s a great place to spend a day.
6. Your Vision Matters: YOU and YOUR VISION are a big part of the process. It’s not all about me and my vision. I’m a humble photographer and invite you to partner with me in the process of bringing your fantasy shoot to life. And if you don’t have a vision – not to worry, together we’ll create one!
7. A Process Perfect for First-Timers: If you’re nervous or shy in front of the camera, don’t worry – I completely empathize! My process pretty much ensures that each of my clients will look her absolute best!
8. Flexibility: From payment plans to customized arrangements, I’m committed to working in a flexible manner that makes boudoir photography a can-do for those who really appreciate the art of it all.
9. Range: I’ve been published for fine art nudes. I’ve been published for fashion photography. So whether you want to wear stylish wardrobes or nothing at all, I do it all. Some photographers aren’t comfortable with nudes; that’s never a problem here. When you hire me for your art nudes, you’re working with a true professional who will never make you feel uncomfortable.
10. Personality : I’ve heard some horror stories over the years. From insensitivity, to arrogance, to cold attitudes on the part of arrogant photographers. I just shake my head. This is BOUDOIR! There is no room for any of that when it comes to intimate photography! Boudoir should be fun and rewarding. I’m a kind soul, entertaining, and humble – but don’t take my word for it, I’m happy to connect you with a recent client or two who’ll share their experience with you.

And although I didn’t include it above (really it came down to “Who creates 11 point lists?!”) quality is absolutely a distinguishing factor. I work with the best cameras, lenses, and other equipment, and am constantly learning, learning, learning so that I can employ new techniques and methods for creating the best images possible….all for you!

I love hearing from you, so reach out anytime with questions or thoughts, and enjoy your weekend!

XX,
Susan
631.398.4487
Email Susan
Website

Exciting.

Intimidating.

Fun.

Scary.

Empowering.

Enlightening.

Addictive. 

Each of these words has been used by people I’ve photographed to describe the feelings they have going into a shoot regardless of whether it was for a corporate headshot, a model portfolio, or a full-body revealing boudoir shoot. This tells me something about the power of photography. We are instinctively aware that photography is not just an act of capturing what we look like–our features, the lines of our bodies, but that it’s a deeper, more profound experience where who we are gets permanently documented.

Undeniable truths are revealed in images in a way that even the most expensive mirrors somehow cannot. Looking in a mirror, we still see what we want to see. But when a photographic image is created, we see ourselves as we are seen by others…and as we are inside. It’s magical…powerful…and beautiful…if the eye of the beholder is one worthy of the trust placed in her to capture another’s soul.

OK, so maybe you’ve never thought of photography quite like that before! LOL! If so, don’t worry, it’s ok.

But it’s certainly why I work as I do. And why I think it’s so important to make sure there’s a “fit” between me as the photographer, and my clients. I can only ensure there’s a “fit” by chatting or meeting with someone before we decide to work together. It’s also why I do not simply respond to emails asking about pricing by shooting off a link to the latest a la carte menu. That’s so impersonal. And misses the really important point.

To me, choosing a photographer isn’t like buying a pair of shoes commonly available, and where the best price naturally wins out. In that particular apples to apples scenario, clearly price is the only differentiator. It’s the same pair of shoes regardless of who’s selling it. Who hasn’t bought something from someone you probably would rather not buy from only because they had a better price on the same thing someone else was charging much more for?

No, to me, photography is more like choosing a therapist, or an interior decorator for an expensive long-term remodeling project. Both require trust. Both require the ability to establish a close personal relationship. And you’ve certainly gotta live with the long term effects of it all…and so it goes with photography.

So how do you go about preparing for such a photo shoot? Glad you asked. And the answer is by preparing both body AND mind.

Body

Let’s start with the easy stuff. You can best prepare for a photo shoot by:

*Ensuring everything is neatly groomed–eyebrows neatly shaped–stray hairs removed, nails freshly manicured, facial and body hair removed, skin moisturized and free from excessive peeling or tan lines, hair dyed and/or trimmed (but this is not the time for radical changes I assure you!)

*Practicing good posture in a mirror–What conveys confidence? How can you project the attitude or feeling you wish to convey?

*Conducting a full assessment–What are your favorite features? What do you love about your body? Do you have “a best side?”

Take care of the details and the images will be that much more polished. Don’t rely on the photographer to photoshop these things. Photoshop is awesome, but it’s not without its limits.

Mind

Now, the tough stuff. You can best prepare your mind for a photo shoot by:

*Performing a thorough assessment – Why do you want to have professional images done right now? What can beautiful images that capture who you ARE do to enhance your life? Even if you feel you have to have images for other, external reasons (e.g. “My boss wants and updated headshot”) how might revealing your authentic self influence the outcome of your photo shoot?

*Identifying potentially negative self-talk: I always tell my clients “Sexy cannot live in the space occupied by negative self-talk.” And it’s true! Think of negative self-talk as a black hole. It sucks everything else out of existence. There can be no confidence, ease, sensuality, beauty, or strength when negative self talk is the inner dialogue during a photo shoot. And when I see it, the camera for sure is seeing it too. Sometimes I stop a session to ask “What are you thinking right now?” I do this because I know something negative is going on inside my client’s head. And I’m always right. And by calling it out, we can work together to correct or redirect what’s happening in that moment. Sometimes it’s as simple as “This outfit is uncomfortable” in which case we just take it off! So, identify your negative self talk. Whether it’s “I need to lose weight,” or “I’m not photogenic,” write down the things you tend to think about yourself that might not be exactly positive.

*Rewriting said negative self-talk: Literally take a sheet of paper and fold it in half. On the left side write down the negative things you may say to yourself. On the right side, rewrite it so that it’s focused on something positive like “I have a great smile,” “My eyes always look so bright in images.” And if you have trouble with this step, get a bottle of wine, invite a dear friend over, and have her set you right!

*Thinking positive: Expect great images and you’ll get them. Expect a great experience and it will be one. Open yourself up to the beauty of photography that captures the beauty of your soul and you’ll have images to cherish the rest of your life and share with the ones you love most.

I felt compelled to share this with you: I can’t deny the influence of my former training. Before I built up enough courage to pursue my love of photography I was trained in psychology. I hold a Masters degree from Columbia University in the field. And it certainly shapes my approach to my work now. My mission is to cheerlead, to empower, to uplift, to bring joy and smiles and love. But above all, to reveal the beauty of each person to themselves.

Thanks for reading and have a really wonderful day!

All the best,

Susan Eckert
631.398.4487
LIBoudoirPhotography
SusanEckertPhotography

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I hear so much talk these days about shooting natural light. Blah blah blah natural light. It’s everywhere.

Many if not most boudoir photographers shoot primarily natural light – which means they prefer to shoot with window light and reflectors. The result is not all are adept at the use of studio lighting. It takes time and effort to master studio lighting. You have to like the look of it and then you have to want to learn it. This is one thing that differentiates my work from many other boudoir photographers.

Don’t get me wrong, natural light is great. It has a certain glow to it and wraps the body beautifully. I particularly love it when it’s the look my client is going for and I’m happy to shoot that way.

But if you ask me, it gets boring real quick.

There’s so much more flexibility with studio lighting. Switch up the lighting and you get a completely different look and feel! I love shooting in a studio – that’s why I invested in a 2000 square foot studio space some have lovingly called “the woman cave” (because it’s like a hideaway, and although the front lounge room/makeup room is natural light, the lighting within the studio comes from soft lamp light. There are even curtains in the powder room!) Perfect for relaxing and enjoying your time away from it all.

In any case, to show you what I mean about the variety of looks you can get in one shoot, here are images from a recent boudoir session. All of these images were shot during the same shoot. It was fun to move from one boudoir set to another – switching up the poses each time as well as the outfits. And of course, switching up the lighting with each move. We had a blast! And the images are so beautiful!

Happy hump day and enjoy the rest of your week!

Best,
Susan

Boudoir: LIBoudoirPhotography
Portraiture & Commercial: Susan Eckert Photography

631.398.4487

I’m so excited to announce that as a value-added service to my most lovely and wonderful boudoir clients (and that includes everyone), I am now offering a complementary boudoir Art of Posing class once a month!

This class is intended to ease pre-shoot jitters, share lots of valuable information, and give clients an opportunity to practice posing and get to know me – their photographer – a bit better BEFORE their boudoir sessions. But don’t worry, if you’re shy, you would never be put on the spot! There will be a model present. And I will be demonstrating exactly how I’ll be working with you — posing, shooting, demoing, and just having a goofy old time. You’ll get to see exactly how our boudoir shoot together will go.

It’s super ideal! With some of the basics out of the way, we can focus on getting the most awesome shots on the day of your shoot instead of taking time to teach you poses. Plus, you’ll get to practice when you go home and feel much more confident the day of your shoot.

This boudoir Art of Posing class is offered on a complementary basis exclusively to LIBoudoirPhotography.com clients.

But don’t worry, if you’d like to attend and learn the art of posing as well, but you’re not signed up for a future session with me, you’re welcome to attend as well. The fee for those not signed up for a future session is $150.

The first Art of Posing boudoir class will be held on March 28th at 7:30pm.

For further information send me an email or Like my FB page where additional information and details will be posted.

Have a great day!

All my best,

Susan Eckert
LIBoudoirPhotography.com
SusanEckertPhotography.com
631.398.4487

When this beauty reached out and asked if I would provide her with some professional shots, I was more than happy to oblige. Particularly as she was very interested in having some boudoir-type photos in her port.

She left the creative direction to me which was really super fun! I felt honored that she trusted me to do that.

Overall, I’d come up with three main concepts–which covered sets, lighting styles, and examples of some poses we could incorporate. I shared them with her when she first arrived (just to make sure she loved them as much as I did). Turned out, she was equally excited about them and her wardrobe was perfect.

Hubby had come along for the ride, but I explained we’d probably be a while (like several hours worth), so thinking twice about the merit of a thorough waiting room magazine exploration (hubbies aren’t allowed in the studio part of my space), he soon found other places to go and things to do! (Ladies – we do have to keep the mystery alive just a bit!)

Shoot strategy reviewed, she sat down with my amazing makeup artist–Kelly of Glam Me Up. Kelly was thrilled to work with someone who was so beautiful but also extremely sweet! They hit it off immediately just as I knew they would!

There are SOOOOO many beautiful shots from this session. But here’s a sneak peek at one of my favs.

Enjoy what’s left of your Sunday and may it be a great week ahead!

XX,
Susan

Susan Eckert is Long Island’s original fine art female boudoir photographer. She enjoys working with women of all ages, colors, shapes and sizes, and particularly welcomes women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond to experience the empowering and uplifting experience that is boudoir photography.

www.LIBoudoirPhotography.com
www.SusanEckertPhotography.com
631.398.4487