Adventures in Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography for couples

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:49:00 +0000

I was checking my google analytics of my page, because ofcourse, I am a nerd and like to see how many people read my crap- anyway, I saw that one of the main hits was for boudoir photography for couples.
I have a package called sweetheart package for $269- very clever I know- on my website, but I get requests for quotes for sessions where the couple gets to keep the images and want absolute privacy and want to do whatever they want. Just in case they run for prime minister one day.

So in a genius burst I am creating the ultimate intimate package - sorry I kind of got carried away- that includes me, as the photographer for one or two hours- no rush, also me retouching makeup, 1 gig card and you keep all the images, and you do whatever you want as long I don't get splashed for $569.

You will have the option to send me images that you like for retouching- but they are all yours, photographer released and everything. Like if you decide to build your own sexy website or something. Or make a sex slide show with them and "leak"it to the press, I don't know.

Some conditions will be applied to keep it koscher. So there I won't have to custom quote anymore for couples or intimate portraits.

Allo Montreal!

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:34:00 +0000

I am going to be in Montreal July 12 all day- and I will have my boudoir express for the socialitee. Know someone? Hotel to be disclosed downtown.
The session will include- one hour with mua, you do your make up- but I will approve or make you put on more :) -two outfits and two 8x10 prints with low res 20 image session disk for 199.99 I'm kidding. $169.00 because I like 69. Regular 250.00
awesome!

Couple session

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:36:00 +0000

Some people call it E-session, as in engagement session, I reserve my thoughts on that- oh I can't...lame! Anyway I think is super important for a photographer have this time to get to know the couple. We get to court each other and see what we are getting ourselves into. After all, we are spending at least 8 hours together, plus the emailing- or calls, after. That is equivalent to like 3 or 4 dates. That's almost commitment. Here is one image of one of my recent couples. yes only one! because I am frugal. And there are some awesome ones that I will spread out.

Ha!

Like a girl

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:56:00 +0000

never satisfied... with the furniture arrangement. So playing around with templates. I need bigger pictures, and I wanted my columns to look more organized. Almost there, I think. Maybe is too black? Never in my life I thought those words would come out of my mouth. Never too black!

I bought the boudoirdiary.com domain to give it a whirl. Sounds sexy. I was surprised it was available.

Anyway I found a glamour shot image from way back when I was working there. I have to say the girls I worked with there where not settling down for the feather boa. I'm soooo glad. This is from 2001- crap made me feel old. And if she didn't have that thing or her neck you could not tell. Or yeah- maybe the hair is a bit puffy, but it was pure glamour.

Minding my business

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:56:00 +0000

Here I am googling Boudoir photography for kicks. Darn there is some holly-eighties-crap out there batman! HUGE. No wonder people think your image is going to look like this:

Not if I can help it. Of course there are some awesome photographers out there, but my only pet peeve is that there are those multi-talented photographers that will take a picture of your puppy, and your son's baptism, and then your naked pictures.

I am like: really? Are you sure? Can you see me as a baby photographer? Which I was for part of for about a year, but in the behind the scenes. I learned my lesson. I get a tick in my left eye when a hear a squeaky toy.

I am all about the multi talents- but I think a website should be dedicated to one part. Clients have asked me to do family shots- which I gladly do.

All right, there is my rant of the day. And here is proof also that I also put out for people I like. :)

p.s. no squeeky toys where harmed during this session.

Men do it too

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:44:00 +0000

Although rare the adventurous one, once in a while one other than my boyfriend lets me take boudoir pictures. Most men come here as a couple and get some done by themselves but those rare guys that actually want a feminine perspective on male nudity come to me. That sounded a little bit weird- but true.
I mean it is a challenge, there are bits that aren't that pretty or that can look "porny" not sexy. But I am a master of nudity. ha ha. I keep telling myself that.

So see? I don't bite. Tell your men.

The secret

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:27:00 +0000

People have asked me: how do you make somebody feel comfortable naked?

First of all- I have to say that the secret is that I understand that is not easy to feel comfortable in front of somebody fully dressed clicking away.
I know what it feels like! I've done it a couple of times myself, and mostly with guy photographers and I've learned what and what not to do, the naked way.

I find that 90 percent of my clients are really nervous about it- only a handful go like- ok! let's get everything off now! I start the session slowly and it helps if I am doing the make up because it gives us time to chat a bit. You'll soon realize I am silly. I am a goof. I am an ultra nerd trying to be cool.
And I almost get away with it. I can not say " squeeze your boob harder" with a straight face. However many times I say it.

more nudes

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:53:00 +0000

This is my life! naked people on the weekends :) I am not complaining, another super nice client, and very satisfied- if I say so myself- but I have the emails to prove it!. Hard to narrow down the pictures, very hard! This one is my ode to one of my heroes.

Look ma, no flash

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:41:00 +0000

So some picture from a recent event I attended of my friend Eric Mattei. I have to say I have a love-hate relationship with flash so I used it as little as possible. I just grab my 50mm lense, crank the ISO of my camera and click away and dont worry about grain. Grain is sexy.
And I am so into this blogging thing that I am neglecting the creation of my other baby- coming soon.

more FAQ's Wedding edition

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:44:00 +0000

First of all, yeah! I know! I need to update my galleries. I have some cool new shots and they are still not up there. Ok, soon I promise.

Now- since is the season, and everybody is in love and feeling the preassure to fit in to a wedding dress, I am collecting some interesting information for brides to be. Because grooms don't really care. Unless your name is Lindsey. (I apologize for the joke at the expense of my boyfriend- yes that is his name) he will be a groomzilla, I've been warned. All I care are about the pictures anyway. And that is fun. And the booze. Oh and the food must be good.

Ok! enough of that. Here are some of the most common questions.

What are the advantages of hiring a professional photographer?

One of the main reasons is experience. A professional wedding photographer will have all the right equipment.
And here is my kicker- "my cousin just bought and new camera and he said he will do it for 250." Or, " I saw an ad on craiglist, my whole wedding and gazillion prints for 399".
I can say so many things here, but I will be polite. Do you want the pictures that will forever capture one of the most important moments of your life to be done by a newbie? Do they even have back up gear? Extra lenses? Or can they herd your aunt to the family portrait with authority and conviction? Retouching? Light? Composition?
Hell I have 3D pictures of my son's birth! I can't wait till his old enough so I can scar him for life!

What questions should I ask a wedding photographer?

First availability, then negotiation of the package. I am pretty flexible in this area- since my main focus is boudoir, the most important thing for me is that the couple likes my work and are
passionate about having the traditional and the not so much for their wedding. I'm supper excited about this couple that want Yoko and John Lennon style pics for their engagement shoot.
Woo me, and I will put out. :)
Also personality is super important- go for the photographer that makes you feel comfortable. Meet a couple, it is a lot like a blind date. Remember you will have this person the whole day of your wedding telling you to put your shoulders back and suck in your gut, so you better like him/her. Ask anything- don't be shy.

How can I help the photographer on the wedding day?

One of the main things is to help the photographer organize people. Herding I call it. This I think is a Maid of honor chore. Give her a list of the pictures you want for the group shots and let her help me with he herding.

Should we provide lunch or dinner for the photographer?

This one I know is a bit tricky for couple on a budget. Some photographers have it in their contacts that they must sit in a table close to the couple and have full service. But it is not always possible int the real world. Most places or caterers provide you with a Vendor meal option for us minions like the dj, musicians and photographer. I love buffets.

I too like to bring an assistant for weddings over 100 people. Again this is up to the couple. And no, is not my date, I actually need a slave to carry all my junk and take some extra candid shots and in generally keep me hydrated. Once my camera jammed and my assistant came to the rescue of shooting the couples kiss during the ceremony. I still have nightmares about it. Super assistant to the rescue.

Deposit and refund policy.

A professional photographer always requires a non-refundable deposit in order to hold your wedding date for you. This provides security for you, and provides a way to break up the cost of a wedding photographer. Even if by some emergency the photographer can not make it, he will provide a back up.

And in certain occasions that the couple breaks up or is very sick or something. But really, this is to save the date for you, and if something happens, the photographer can't book this date again and is loosing money. Other photographers have a refund only if they can book the same day.

I am read- woo hoo!

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Mon, 26 May 2008 00:12:00 +0000

My first actual live commenter- thanks Richard! I know my friends read this and some potential clients to see what the hell they are getting themselves into, but other photographers honor me. I while back I received an email from Julie, and now this commet. Make me feel appreciated :) See Nicole? comment once in a while! Jenn too!
Anyway! I was about to post the now famous head-on-demi-moore's body. I found it and it makes me smile. Here is my friend Eliza in all her glory- now a super mom of twin girls.
Cheers!

More Cryptic Canvas

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:22:00 +0000

It turns out is now my favourite hang out. What else can I ask for, free drinks, cool people, and friends come to meet up there, I just wish they where more often :) Oh and people making out. That was the artist and the muse I think.

My FAQ's

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:09:00 +0000

Or what I like to call my Faaaawks. You can almost hear my accent.

1: What to wear to the photo shoot?

If it where solely up to me I would only let people wear black, white, red and hot pink. Pastels remind me of ice-cream. Uhm well maybe that is a good thing. Avoid fussy prints, and flower motifs. I encourage animal prints.

Bring a special dress and two lingerie items. One can be a simple t and cool boy shorts and another one something more naughty. Transparent, lace, vinyl, leather, all welcome.

2: What should I bring with me?

If you are having your make up done by me I encourage your own foundation if its really awesome, and your own mascara. But I have lot's here, I am an addict.

Jewelry the bigger the brighter the better.

Shoes- the newer the better. Clean them really well, even bottoms.

Your outfits of course.

3: I have a pouch/flabby area. I'm worried about x not looking nice in the portrait.

Guess what, me too! And all the women I see here. I highlight the nice bits and I am on the look out for anything that wouldn't be a nice composition.

4: What's the extend of the retouching? Can I have my head on Demi Moore's body? (jk)

I did that once though, for a friend's baby shower I put her head on that famous vanity fair, pregnant shot of Demi. It was funny.
Anyway, the retouching is to enhance the portrait, not complete change it. The final prints will be retouched for skin blemishes, extra folds (self explanatory I think :), brightening of the smile and eyes and some extra little things I call the Marlen touch. Yes, that is exactly what I call it.

to be continued ...

Day trip

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:27:00 +0000

Another post to show my versatility, ahem, the things I do for the love of the camera. Yesterday I went to a day trip to Ottawa. Yeah, left at 6 am came back the same day, I am annihilated. The day trip was to photograph the winners of a new car for a market research company, which is not my everyday kind of shoot. But it went Ok. I am alive. The camera is safe. The car trip just slightly removed a notch of my patience level. And I managed to pass the time. :)

That lost sign on the post had a lobster drawing. I call the first picture "coffee, cigarettes and lobster." The second one- "view from the car 234"

Widget bling

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Tue, 06 May 2008 23:51:00 +0000

I think I am going a little carried away with the widgets, but once I found one I can't seem to stop.
There is the new one that people can ask questions, another with the little speech bubbles that links all my key words in my blog for better ranking.
Cool eh? more reasons I can't really hide my nerdness.

Have you seen my widget?

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Fri, 02 May 2008 20:08:00 +0000

Ha ha, I love that word, widget. Get mine or get your own! I like widgets :)

Blidget Promo Badgegreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Tease

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:06:00 +0000

Ok I've been a little behind on blogging, but what else is new! There was a session a little while ago that it was really hard to edit because I liked a lot of pictures! And I have to narrow them down for and easy 30-50 tops, but it was hard I tell you.

She was really nice, and a bit shy so because I completely respect the fact not everybody wants their picture all over the internet, I have here just a peek. It was awesome. Light was perfect, hair was perfect and she was wearing hot pink.

You can call me Cleo

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:51:00 +0000

I've heard it enough times that I am answering to Cleopatra, or Cleo for short. So of course I started playing a bit and took some self portraits, these are the less dorky. For someone who takes portraits for a living, it takes at least 10 shots for me to relax. Both tequila and camera shots :)

Inspirational quote of the day:

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:22:00 +0000

"Free your mind and your ass will follow"
Amen

Adventures in Boudoir Photography

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:55:00 +0000

As always, keeping entertained. Forgetting to blog, rats. But this time I've been productive. I've taken the liberty of creating my character, with loads of creative freedom; like I wish my boobs stood that way, or my arms looked that toned, never mind the skin without a trace of any stray hair. And the body- maybe with plastic surgery because I am too lazy to go to the gym.

Its the Marlen James pin up. My homage to my favourites Alberto Vargas and Betty Page. It kinda looks like me, I mean its based on me and my new cool haircut. Its my superhero character, the result of all my nerdoom. Hey I am allowed. Adventures to follow :)

Cryptic Canvas

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:06:00 +0000

Soooo, yeah I am a bad poster; bad girl, bad girl. Here are some pictures of my friends gallery , very nice place in Toronto.

When I do event coverage, I find that the best pictures are the ones no one notices the camera is there.

Playboy bunny

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:45:00 +0000

Another couple of shots from a really fun session, they are a bit cropped to preserve some anonymity, its not like I like to out my clients as "naked-likers". These are pg13, the ones after these are awesome, she got so comfortable and that resulted in some natural shots.

When there are two girls in a room, and one of them is naked it goes two ways: one, nobody minds and is very nonchalant or two, there is a lot of goofing off. This was the later.
The result: the best gift his fiance ever got! :)

No wonder

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:35:00 +0000

I'm on a roll, two posts in two days! I was cleaning files from my computer and I bumped into these... a couple of my paintings circa 1998, craaaap ten years ago! and what where my subjects you may ask? naked people. I seem to have a tendency to gravitate towards nudity for some reason... And they are still at my parents house, I couldn't part with them, but maybe they will be worth a pretty penny one day- make me an offer :)

Erotisan

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:19:00 +0000

I liked this site, I liked how they described my site:

Based in Toronto, Marlen's photography is intimate and personal. She takes a peek into a different sides of your personality with her 'boudoir photography' for women, men and couples.

Cant wait to see it finished. Cool stuff I tell you.
And can I brag a little bit? I'm in the top five listings for a boudoir photographer listing. Ha ha! Not bad for a little site I made and linked away :)

2.0

noreply@blogger.com (marlen.james) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 02:19:00 +0000

My new year resolution was to keep up with the blog... I suck. Ok, I cant believe is already February and the last Valentine's session is next week. Oh, and I hate snow.
Anyway, here is a picture of, what else, a girl, a girl with cleavage. Not any girl, I took the same picture more than a year ago of my friend Mo, and here it is, Mo V2.0. So it made me realized that I am Mo's official cleavage photographer, hey somebody has to!