When you think of the ideal date night for you and your partner, what types of activities do you imagine?

If you love to turn up the romance… Maybe you imagine a private, candlelit dinner as the date of your choice! Or if you prefer a date that’s filled with adventure… Maybe you’d rather go on a hike (through some of the gorgeous outdoor sights we have here in the Pacific Northwest) followed by star gazing.

But if you want both romance AND adventure, I have just the date night activity for you… A couples boudoir session!

I recently offered a Date Night Boudoir Special that was the best of both worlds… It was an amazing opportunity for partners to connect romantically AND was a way for my clients to try out a new, adventurous activity. On top of this, a couples boudoir session definitely gets points for being a unique date… It’s something way different than your average dinner and movie night!

If you've checked out my blog posts before... You've probably noticed that sometimes I'll have model calls! I'll have models stop in the studio if I want updated photos that highlight new sets I've created OR if I need marketing images to promote new a package that I'm offering.

Sometimes, I have a need for BOTH of these things... which means that I have to set up a multi-purpose model session (just like this one) to get the job done!

Today's post is ALL about my most recent model call! Like I mentioned, this day in the studio ended up having a few purposes... I realized that I wanted more photos taken in some of the newer sets of my studio, like my bathtub set and piano set. Clients use my living room set and bedroom set most often, and I don't always get to shoot new content in those two newer spaces... so why not dedicate a special day for this content?

There are many different “styles” of photography out there. I definitely fall into the “documentary/lifestyle” variety — photographing what’s going on/candid moments rather than lots of posed images. But for business branding photos there will be some posed moments, and these are my TOP tips that I give all of my clients during their sessions!

When it comes to my boudoir sessions... I offer my clients a TON of variety!

In my bedroom set, you get to choose the color and fabric of your sheets. And if you're not a fan of this traditional bedroom set that's typically used in boudoir shoots? No problem at all! You can choose one of my special sets like my piano set or kitchen set! Not to mention, I also offer tons of wardrobe options! In my client closet, you can find everything from matching lingerie sets and teddies to jewelry and pumps... The choices are endless! You can even choose from the standard boudoir experience or build your own budget-friendly session... just like this client and this client did.

With SO many options, you might think that my clients would have wildly different boudoir experiences! But no matter which options you pick, one thing is true for everybody...

Boudoir is guaranteed to help you LOVE your body and feel confident about it!

Before we jump into today's post, I have a question for you... What do you get when you combine a group of powerful women, a stunning outdoor setting, and a whole lot of confidence? If you put them all together... they become a recipe for the PERFECT group boudoir session!

And I'll tell you, outdoor group boudoir shoots are a ton of fun for everyone involved... even me! As a photographer, I have outdoor sessions pretty often (especially when it's wedding season), but it's not every day that I'm able to have boudoir sessions outside. I've organized outdoor boudoir shoots in the past, but they happen pretty rarely. Because of this, it feels VERY special when we're able to coordinate everyone involved, find the perfect shoot location, and make it happen... like we did here!

These types of sessions are also SO much fun for the models who join me! I usually bring along props that can be used during the shoot, and sometimes all of the props are themed… just like they were in this case!

Now you might be wondering... Why were the props all themed? We were having a Witchy Group Session!

When is the best time for a business branding photography session?

The answer to this question is…

It depends!

Really helpful, huh? lol I’m going to go into more details below, but the best time to schedule your business branding photography session really depends on your business and your goals for the images. Read below for the seasonal breakdowns!

Before we jump into this next post... Take a moment to think about your own personal style! How would your own personal style translate to a boudoir setting?

If you have a darker, alternative style, you can always add a strappy harness on top of your lingerie to make your boudoir look feel more personalized to you. Plus, you can consider a leather top or corset to really add a gothic feel.

If you have a retro style, you can add classic Mary Jane pumps that will complement modern lingerie pieces just as well as they complement a vintage look! To take your retro outfit to the next level, include a garter belt with stockings or even thrifted, antique jewelry.

No matter what your personal style is... there’s always a way to bring elements of your style into your boudoir session! I’m always happy to talk to my clients and help you decide which of the pieces in your closet would translate well to a photography shoot.

When it comes to all of the different sets that I’ve highlighted in my Studio Set Series… I can definitely say that ALL of them were a labor of love!

For the living room set… I took time to choose a couch and blanket that would match my floral wall, picked out plants, and even shopped for boudoir-related books to go on the shelves. For the fireplace set… I searched until I found the perfect mantle on Facebook Marketplace!

I put SO much hard work into each of my studio sets, truly making them a labor of love… but once they were set up, they were totally set up!

When it comes to my rose petal set, though, it’s a totally different story! Not only did the rose petals take forever to prepare when I first bought them... It takes a lot of effort to snap the “perfect” shot as the petals fall and to clean everything up, too.

Who/What types of businesses need branding photography?

Well… the short answer is ALL of them!

But short answers don’t make for good blog posts, so here are four different industries and examples on “why” professional business branding photography is beneficial for each of them!

Before we jump into today’s post, take just a minute to imagine the ultimate themed boudoir session…

To give you some ideas… Think a session with a vintage theme and retro hair, makeup, and styling! Or a session with a masquerade theme that features a mask as an accessory to a sexy satin slip dress!

Now that you have the idea for your themed shoot, think about how much a session like this might cost… What may surprise you is that you can have a beautiful themed session on a budget… and I promise, it truly is budget friendly!

After creating my recent “Build Your Own” Session special… I realized there was a need for an a la carte boudoir menu for my clients with varying budgets, so I made it happen. (To see these a la carte options for yourself, check out my consultation guide!) This new menu allows you to add extra studio sets and services to your boudoir experience, or you can choose to keep it minimal.

Preparing for ANY photography session can feel overwhelming. You want to make sure that you look good and likely worry about what to wear or how to pose. You want to make sure to get at least one good image to hang in your home. But when it comes to a business branding photography session, you may feel a little EXTRA nervous as these photos are not intended for personal use, but rather to be in front of the public with as many eyes as possible viewing them!

Here are a four tips to help you be (and more importantly, FEEL) better prepared for your business branding photography session.

If you could build your own boudoir session… what would you include?

Would you keep it simple with just the bedroom set? Or would you get adventurous and try out some of my special sets… like the bathtub or dressing room? Would you want a Hair and Makeup Artist to create your boudoir look? Or would you feel more comfortable glamming yourself before the session?

…And these questions are just the beginning!

I realized that being able to build a customized shoot outside of my boudoir packages would give my clients SO much room to choose… Which is why I created a “Build Your Own” Boudoir Session special!

In all of my years working as a wedding photographer in the Pacific Northwest... I’m sure you can imagine that I’ve seen ALL kinds of weather while covering a wedding! I’ve dealt with sunny days, overcast skies, super hot temperatures, and the freezing cold, too. At this point in my career, I’ve learned to be prepared for just about any weather!

For Sienna and Tyler’s wedding, though, there was a unique weather forecast that had us all a bit nervous in the days leading up to the big day... Their Valentine’s Day wedding was predicted to be very snowy!

The day before the ceremony, the weather prediction came true. We unfortunately did have some snow and freezing rain in the Vancouver, Washington area! At the time, I remember that this weather was overwhelming to see, but believe me... We were all determined to not let some snow stop Sienna and Tyler’s special day!

As a photographer who has been working with clients for quite some time... it’s SO fun to look back at older photography sessions and see how things have changed! When it comes to any type of portrait session, it’s expected that there will be changes over time because of our ever-evolving bodies and personal styles.

With my brand story sessions, though, I usually notice fewer changes over time. Because these sessions focus on you as a business owner, the services you offer, and the types of products you sell... the photos that we capture are able to reflect the very core of your business. This means that your brand story shots will hold up well over time, and you’ll be able to use them on your website and promotional materials for years down the line!

This was exactly the case for one of my brand story clients, Shea Vollstedt. Shea is an extremely skilled furniture maker who owns Vollstedt Furniture and Design in Beaverton, Oregon. I was lucky to work with him MANY years ago for a brand session.

I know, I get it. Running a small business is not cheap. You’ve already invested a lot into your business to get it up and running. You also have a cell phone that works “good enough” for images for your social media and website, right? So why do you need a business branding photography session?

Well… I’m sorry to break it to you, but No…. those cell phone snaps are not “good enough” and are not going to help you the same way that a professional photographer/quality images will.

Here are four reasons why you NEED a business branding photography session.

When Andrea and Kasey first reached out and asked if I could photograph their wedding, they shared that they were planning a church wedding.

(Here’s a spoiler for you... If you take a peek at the photos in this blog post, you won’t see a church in sight!)

After having some major changes with life and work, they ditched their original plans and decided to elope instead! They tied the knot right on the build site of a new house they were building together, but they still wanted to have a reception a month or two after they eloped... That’s where I came in!

Not too long after their big day, Andrea and Kasey had a fall wedding reception at The Cove in Vancouver, Washington. It was SO much fun to document the celebration and watch them have a ton of fun with family!

As a photographer who offers brand photography packages, I’ve been lucky to meet a huge variety of business owners in the Pacific Northwest! Each of these incredibly hard working individuals ends up inspiring me during our sessions, but I have to admit... I’m especially inspired by professionals who make client relationships their very top priority!

And that’s exactly who I found when I met Korrie Hicks! Korrie is the Principal Broker and Owner of KOR Realty, a real estate company based in Gresham, Oregon. Korrie serves the Greater Portland area, so whether you’re looking to live in Hillsboro, Newberg, or Vancouver... Korrie can help! 

From the minute I met Korrie and learned about her offerings, she made it clear that she’ll always go the extra mile for her clients... whether that means assisting with home staging or even treating her clients to movers and a truck. (Yep... You heard that right! It’s a complimentary service for each client!) This desire to go above and beyond for her clients is what Korrie calls her “rock star agent superpower.” I was lucky enough to see this superpower in action during our first photography session together!

As a photographer, let me tell you... it’s not everyday that you get to photograph a big life event for somebody that you personally know. When you do get that opportunity, it’s always SO exciting, and I always jump at the chance!

I met Katy over 20 years ago at Southern Oregon University where we lived on the same dorm floor. We reconnected after she shared with me that she needed a photographer for her engagement session and her wedding, too! It was a ton of fun to catch up with her, meet her now husband, and also reunite with some old friends at the reception.

When originally updating me on the wedding plans, Katy also shared that she and Michael had been together as a couple for over a decade! Hearing this made me even more excited to capture these memories for such a strong, fun couple.

Being a photographer in the Pacific Northwest, I’m lucky to see so many beautiful wedding venues that are surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. Each venue has mountains and tons of natural greenery as a backdrop, so you truly can’t go wrong when choosing the location of your wedding.

When it came to Bill and Barbara’s wedding, they chose a venue that was stunning AND had a ton of importance to them... their own home in White Salmon, Washington!

They shared that they had the house built together and wanted it to be a central element in their celebration. For this reason, they chose their home as the location for both their engagement photos and their ceremony!

If I told you that I started using a kitchen as a photography set, what kinds of photos do you imagine me taking in that space? Here’s a hint that might be surprising... I’m not taking family portraits in the kitchen!

Especially during the holiday season, it’s common to spend a TON of time in the kitchen with our families... so I completely understand how you could’ve guessed that I’m using my kitchen set to take family photos.

To get the right answer, let’s think a little bit more about food and how much fun we can have with it! Cooking can be a playful experience, and we can also use the ingredients and kitchen accessories to create a flirty feel in our photos... Think about how fun it can be to use flour and an apron in a photography session!

After reading this, do you have your final answer? That’s right... I’m now using a kitchen set to take boudoir photos!