Take a quick moment to think about the clothes in your wardrobe... Do you have any cozy sweaters sitting in the back of your closet that still have the tags on them? What about a pair of gorgeous pumps that you couldn't pass up... but they're still unworn? Or maybe you ordered lacy lingerie that you haven't found the time to wear yet!

If there's a specific piece of clothing or an accessory that came to mind when reading those questions... then think about bringing that item into the studio for your boudoir session!

A boudoir shoot is a wonderful opportunity to shop around and bring in some fun, new clothing, but it's also a chance for you to look at the pieces you already have and give those items their time to shine. If you need inspiration and aren't quite sure what items of yours would work well in front of the camera... just keep on reading!

For today's post, I'll be highlighting a session where my client and I both had a similar idea... we each brought an item that was previously unused and didn't get the appreciation it deserved.

When it comes to my brand photography clients, I love working with every single one of them! Not only because I have a ton of fun meeting my fellow business owners in the Pacific Northwest... I also enjoy learning more about the products they create, the industry they work in, and the services they offer.

Because of this, it's super enlightening to work with branding clients who have businesses that are completely different from mine... but it's also a cool opportunity to work with clients who create art like I do!

One of these amazing clients is Tattoo 34 in Portland, Oregon. I previously photographed a "Block Party" event that was held by Tattoo 34, and at this event, it was VERY fun to capture the healed tattoos of some of their clients. The focus of that day was on documenting the artwork itself... But in this post, I'm highlighting a brand photography session that I had with Toby Linwood who co-owns Tattoo 34. This shoot allowed me to get a behind-the-scenes look at the process of tattooing from start to finish. (Even though I have my own tattoos, I never took THIS close of a look at the whole process!) I was also able to capture photos of their beautiful studio, and these photos can now be used in their marketing materials.

Ever since opening my photography business in 2017, I've worked with so many different boudoir clients... and each woman has her own unique reason for booking a photography session with me.

Some clients end up scheduling for reasons that have to do entirely with themselves! Whether it's to gain more confidence, capture their bodies at a specific time in their lives (like during a pregnancy), or even to highlight their body art... I've had clients step in the studio for each of these reasons, and all of them are perfectly valid and wonderful.

Then, I have other clients who decide to book a session with their partner in mind. Even these women have unique reasons why they're choosing to gift their partner with this sensual surprise... and no two reasons are ever the same!

If I asked you to pick out a head-to-toe look for your boudoir session that is especially sexy... what clothing items and accessories would you bring with you to the studio?

After working with my boudoir clients for quite a few years... I have to say, I think I have a pretty good idea of which "sexy" items most women would choose for themselves!

Many clients would pick out a black lingerie set that has tons of intricate, lacy details. If we add in sleek heels, a red lip, and voluminous curls, too... we get a "classic" sexy look that's VERY popular. While some women might prefer this "classic" style for their shoot, others may go with a look that's either a little more or a little less covered up. When choosing a "sexy" outfit that has a bit more coverage, many would pick a lace teddy... but if you want to show more skin, going nude (or just topless) for your session is also an option!

When it comes to you personally... No matter which "sexy" outfit you'd choose for yourself, I guarantee you didn't land on a sweater! A sweater is probably pretty low on the list of clothing items you'd typically think of when you imagine a boudoir look...

Sweaters are oversized, cozy, and comfortable... making them a perfect piece of clothing for chilly winter days. But what if they could also be "sexy" and used in a boudoir shoot?

How long your Business Branding photography session takes relies on a number of factors. Some are short, sweet, and to the point, others require a little more time and attention. Here’s a breakdown for you on things that could effect the timing of your branding session to help give you an idea of what to expect, and what to plan for!

What are the top 4 locations in Vancouver for your branding photos?

This question is impossible to answer.

Why? Because everyone and every business is different. Your vibe is different. Your goals for your photos are different. The job that you do/services that you offer are different. The “best” place is not a thing across the board.

That being said, I do have some recommendations in terms of TYPES of places to consider when planning out your photos! Those are outlined below for you!

Today's blog post is the latest addition to my Studio Set Series, and believe it or not... I bet you'd be surprised to hear that this boudoir blog post exists entirely because of my contractor. Yep, my contractor! Let me explain...

When I was renting my studio in Vancouver and sharing the space with another photographer, there was only so much customizing I could do... I could easily customize my boudoir sets, props, and backdrops based on my client's vision. However, renting a space doesn't allow you to knock down walls, replace doors, or add in larger windows! Doing these types of renovations weren't necessarily a MUST, but I knew that if I ever set up a residential studio... I would love to customize the space in a way that maximized our lighting sources and opportunities for silhouette shots!

As a photographer, I know all about what it's like to start your own business from scratch. When I got started with my business almost ten years ago, I was able to do a lot of the work myself, but when it came to my branding, logo, and branded merchandise... I knew I'd have to call in reinforcements.

I ended up working with professionals to get set up with a logo and some branded apparel for my own business, and that experience taught me just how important it is to collaborate with companies like McKenzie SewOn! McKenzie SewOn is based out of Eugene, Oregon and specializes in all things related to branding and merchandise. And when I say all things... I do mean ALL things!

Your brand photography session is more than just an updated headshot—it’s about showing your clients/prospective clients who you are, how you work, and what it feels like to work with your business. For most of us, we are not an “island”. There are other people involved in our “Brand Story”.

Before we jump into today's post... I have to say that I've REALLY been looking forward to writing this one! It's now December in the Pacific Northwest, so our typical winter weather is in full swing. (If you're not from the area, think cold air, gray skies, and constant drizzle.)

If you're anything like me, I'm sure you've also been missing the summer sun and heat on your skin. Luckily, I have the perfect cure for the winter blues... This fiery boudoir post!

My client was referred to me by one of her friends (who previously booked a couples session with me), and I'm so thrilled that she took her friend's recommendation! Before the session even started, my client had a confident spark about her and expressed so much excitement for her upcoming session. With all of her enthusiasm and positivity, I knew she would be a TON of fun to work with.

I was already eager to work with her, and when I later learned her reason for booking a boudoir session... I truly couldn't wait for her session date!

As a photographer who has worked in the Pacific Northwest for many years (and lived here for many more), I've definitely seen my share of gorgeous outdoor locations that can be used as photography sets! I would even say that I've become a bit of an expert when it comes to scouting out great locations.

Here's what I've learned...

If you're looking for a mountain view, a lush forest, or a sandy beach for your session... you can easily find it in Washington or Oregon! I've shot countless weddings, engagement sessions, and family portraits outdoors... and it's never too difficult to find a setting that meets the needs and vision of my clients. Usually, the only hard part about choosing a location is having to decide between too many gorgeous options!

When it comes to a boudoir session, though, it can be a bit more challenging to find an outdoor location...

There are a LOT of photographers out there. If you drop a “I’m looking for a photographer” in any local social media group you’re bound to get AT LEAST 100 comments with recommendations. I’m here to help you figure out how to narrow it down and find the BEST branding photographer FOR YOU*.

Before we jump into this blog post, take a moment and think about some of the bachelorette parties you've been to... What types of activities were planned for the bride and her friends?

Many brides have close friends there to plan the party for them, so their bachelorette activities tend to match the activities the bride already enjoys! If the bride is outgoing and loves to dance, her party might include going out for a night on the town and letting loose. Or if the bride loves to stay in and have self-care time, there's a good chance that her friends planned a spa day or at-home slumber party as part of her bachelorette activities.

Using the bride's interests to plan her party is a guarantee that she'll have a fun time... but you'll also end up with activities that she's done before. (And chances are... you've done them before, too!)

So if you're a bride who's looking for a one-of-a-kind idea for your own bachelorette OR a thoughtful friend who's planning a unique party for your friend, I have some inspiration for you!

I'm a wedding photographer, so it's no secret that I really LOVE love... but there's an extra soft spot in my heart for long distance love!

Whenever I'm able to help capture memories for a long distance couple who's getting married, it's especially meaningful. Whether they’ve been long distance for months or even years, I can always see the relief on both of their faces when the big day comes. Once they tie the knot, it means that the end of their separation is here… and it’s the start of a new life together!

When I learned that Jaquie and Christopher planned their wedding while being separated by (almost!) an entire state, I couldn’t wait to help them capture memories on their big day. Christopher moved to Eastern Oregon for his new job while Jaquie stayed in Portland, and they were only able to see each other on the weekends.

Thankfully, their living situation was going to change after the wedding… making what was already a highly anticipated wedding even MORE exciting!

Ever since I’ve been offering brand photography services, I’ve been no stranger to traveling all around the Pacific Northwest so I can meet with my clients and learn all about their businesses. Speaking of traveling, here’s a fun fact… For this particular shoot, I set a record for the most distance traveled for a single branding session!

Now, you’re probably wondering why I drove so many miles for just one shoot! The answer? This session occurred over the course of three days, and I photographed seven different properties in that amount of time! Each property was a multi-family complex that just had landscaping work completed by Green Envy Landscaping, which is a company based out of Portland, Oregon that offers custom landscaping solutions. My job for those three days was to capture their gorgeous landscaping work! After those few days, I ended up with a lot more miles on my car along with MANY beautiful shots of the grounds they worked on.

You’ve scheduled your business branding photography session… Yay! But now you’re stressing about the BIG question that EVERYONE asks: “What do I wear??”.

The answer to this question can vary depending on your specific business, branding, and vibe that you want to portray. Here is a breakdown of four different styles/vibes to consider when making your outfit selections!

As a photographer, I’ve had so many different “firsts” in my career… My first time photographing a wedding, my first ever boudoir session, and the first studio I had all to myself! Each one has felt SO special, and it’s so exciting that I have photos to look back on whenever I want to relive these “firsts.”

This branding session includes another “first” for me! This is the first time that one of my images has been used on a billboard. Yep, you heard that right… A billboard!

Normally, I don’t make blog posts for my single branding sessions, but how could I NOT make a post about this one? It’s not every day that I can say that my work ended up on a billboard. Plus, I wanted to make a post to celebrate the incredibly skilled Megan Webb!

If you’re looking for a 100% staged, smile at the camera, business branding photography session, I may not be the one for you. Sure, I CAN do those images (and I will if you really want me to) but my LOVE and specialty is focused around the “real life” and showing your prospective clients what it ACTUALLY looks like to work with you.

It’s TI-IME! (If you read this in Mariah Carey’s iconic singing voice... then you TOTALLY understood what I was going for here!)

It’s time to talk about one of the most wonderful times of the year... the holidays! Not only is it wonderful because of the magic in the air and the special times spent with family... It’s also amazing because of the chance to win TONS of free goodies in my Facebook group!

The best part is... entering to win is SO simple! All you have to do is look out for my “12 Days of Xmas Giveaways” in December, and you’ll be able to enter each giveaway if you’re a member of the group. We’re still a couple months away from December, but it’ll come up fast... so make sure you join this group of positive, empowering women before the holidays sneak up on us.

Last year, I highlighted the woman who won the grand prize of my 2023 giveaways. Now in this blog post, it’s time to feature my 2024 winner!

If you’re a lover of ALL things boudoir... then you’re really in luck today! Why? I recently shared a blog post that highlights one of my model sessions in the studio, and it features some behind-the-scenes photos of me at work!

But if you REALLY can't get enough of boudoir content, today's post will be a fun bonus for you! I'll be highlighting a second model session that I recently captured, and this one goes to show that no two boudoir sessions are ever the same...

Even though boudoir sessions usually include the same bedroom set... each model brings her own style, personality, and energy to the shoot, making each one totally different! On top of this, some sessions even include the use of a "special set," which allows us to try out unique sets like our bathtub set, rose petal set, or kitchen set. And that's exactly the case with today's model session!

For this particular shoot, I knew that I wanted more boudoir content that could be shared online and on my website, and on top of this... I was hoping for behind-the-scenes content that showed both me and my model in action while using the shower set (which is one of my favorite special sets!) and the fireplace set. So that's exactly what we planned for!