MayDay Boudoir Day Reflection - 5/1/16

Well, it's the last Tuesday in May which means the MayDay Boudoir Day was a month ago already (WOW)! All of the editing is done, all orders that have been placed are in, and I'm a little sad it's over! However, this particular boudoir event was special, and a bit of a landmark in terms of my artistic career. With one (actually...two....no, three....) so far scheduled ahead in the near future, I do have stuff to look forward to.

I had last done a Boudoir Day in April 2014, and it was one of my favorite things I had ever done. It was so rewarding, and while I like other forms of photography, I felt a belonging and meaning for my work through Boudoir. It was a random thought on a random day in march where I didn't even tell Toby about my idea. I just thought to myself I've gotta do this again. So I made a quick little photo graphic, emailed some people to gather a team, and ran with it. I was spamming so crazy with social media feeds, wanting it so badly to happen. We ended up booking four lovely ladies for this event!

Everything went SO well! Hotel Ruby Marie gave us their most beautiful suite from last time with plenty of space and beautiful vintage, Victorian era furniture with sunlight dripping through. This historical Madison landmark provided us with plenty of space and amenities to shoot in, get hair and makeup done, set up the champagne and other refreshments with the gift bags and product samples, as well as for the clients to feel comfortable and change in. I don't have enough good things to say about this place.

Our team included myself, Kerry Conway from Hybrid Salon working her hair and makeup magic, and a couple of dear friends that helped host as well as assist with lighting, donate to the gift bags, and hang out with our clients and make them feel happy and comfortable. We had so much fun this entire day! We had a group of very different, very awesome ladies. We had two brides-to-be: one a fitness instructor and massage therapist, the other a pure romance consultant who also works at a local news station in her town. One lady was single, back to school for Psychology, and on her way to Spain for the Summer. Another was another fitness instructor and part time barista in a relationship doing this for herself and her personal training business.

Whenever I wrapped up a shoot, I would tell the client that the shoot was over unless they needed anything else. Each time, without fail, the client would proclaim something along the lines of: "Oh my god that was so much fun!" They didn't even see their photos yet. After we finished our work for the day, we did ourselves a favor by toasting with the remaining bit of champagne we had left over from the event.

Afterward, I immediately went home and uploaded them to my computer and began the long editing process. I shared and blogged images in the meantime, and I was floored by the feedback I received on the images. I loved reading through the comments from friends and family of the clients saying how beautiful and amazing their loved one was. This brought tears to my eyes.

xx emily

PS: Below are some images from Instagram as I always share some behind-the-scenes of every event and photoshoot I can. This way followers can get a taste of what the day is like, and maybe they'll see it for themselves someday. For future Boudoir Day events, or to book your own, please visit emilybartos.com for more information.

Product samples and refreshments for all.

Each client got their own "Unicorn Gift Bag" full of awesome goodies.

Kerry working her magic.

More makeup magic.

The crew!

Cheers to a successful day!

Check out our amazing room we got for #BoudoirDay 📷💋🦄 #hotelrubymarie #boudoirphotography

A video posted by Emily Bartos (@emily_bartos) on May 1, 2016 at 10:44am PDT

Kat's MayDay Boudoir Day Photos (Session #3) - 5/1/16

Session three? Correct. Session #2 must remain secret until a certain time, therefore we will skip ahead to the third session from MayDay Boudoir Day!

Kat is a dear friend of mine, and happily offered to attach her name to these photographs. Our friendship started from an introduction of a mutual friend (of course, another photographer) and we connected during a time in our lives where we were both trying to find new beginnings. She did this shoot for herself, to have fun, and to clearly look AMAZING! What I like most about Kat's photos are that you see many sides to one person: someone soft, sensitive, eclectic, spirited, vivid, edgy, sweet, and down to earth.

Kat knows herself well, and her originality is what makes her so uniquely awesome and gorgeous inside and out!

MayDay Boudoir Day Session #1 - 5/1/16

I knew this client was going to be a blast right when she walked in the door carrying a kettle bell (you can't see those!) as well as veil netting sticking from her backpack.

This woman is an easygoing, relaxed soul with a badass edge: oozing with self-confidence. She was nothing short of a delight with an infectious laugh and possessed a smile that likely wins the heart of all her massage clients and the love of her life (who she is going to marry in June!).

This girl knew the definition of work it. Which she did, and it shows in the photos. She also stated that while she is getting married, these photos are for HER.

Boudoir Unicorn: Boudoir Shoot Flight Plan - 4/25/16

Hello Lovely Unicorns!

So....you've booked a boudoir shoot. You've never done this before. What can you expect? What do you do besides show up and get your pictures taken? Well, I've designed a little guide here to help!
I've written this specific to my Boudoir shoots and the clients that have already booked, but I think that this post will be a great for any prospective clients who are interested in getting a boudoir shoot done with me or another artist. You can never be too prepared!

FAQ....

Here are a few repeat questions I've gotten from clients everytime I've done Boudoir shoots. I'm always happy to answer them, but naturally I'll list a few here for convenience, and as always...if YOU have any questions, just ask! :-)

Do you provide a wardrobe, or do you provide one for us?
Our unicorns dress themselves!
Other photographers may provide wardrobes if they've accumulated a collection, but personally I do not provide anything. Women come in all different shapes and sizes, and keeping your shoot personalized with your style right from your own wardrobe! Some ladies choose to go lingerie shopping for their shoot to treat themselves to something new and pretty, but if you have a budget to keep in mind, I am sure that you have more than enough clothing to work with. We will get into specifics later!

Do you provide digital files?
Usually not, but occasionally I do. As a photographer, I choose to not offer digital files with sessions. I always outline this in all my contracts and emails, but they are always available for purchase. If I include them, it is for a special reason such as a booking incentive, and that will be outlined.

How long does it take to edit a boudoir session?
If I'm editing a Boudoir Day, it can take a few weeks to a month. I always outline this on the individual session contracts. If you have a special request, let me know!

 How many files do you deliver?
Boudoir Day shoots are usually culled to an edit of 15-30 images. Quality over quantity!

How long will this take?
Boudoir sessions typically take 30 minutes to an hour. You'd be surprised with how many shots we get in such a short amount of time! Normal on-location portrait shoots typically take longer because you have to move around from location-to-location!

I bet you didn't know...

You don't need to worry about self-confidence for this shoot! IT IS OKAY TO BE NERVOUS!
You could be second-guessing yourself, shaking, or crying...WE'VE GOT YOU, GIRL! We're here to make you feel gorgeous and look amazing. Just be yourself, and let us do all the hard work! It's natural to feel a certain reluctance in bearing skin. Most of us don't walk around like this everyday, and it's okay to feel vulnerable. I've never had an experience where a client didn't eventually loosen up, relax, and have fun!

If you're doing this as a gift to a signifigant other, don't forget yourself!
This is SO IMPORTANT. This is why we try to pamper the living daylight out of you at these sessions! Besides, your loved one adores you and wants you to see yourself through the same lens. They see amazing things in you, and if you have the same mindset...it'll show even more in the photographs.

In the end, it doesn't matter how much skin you bear.
Boudoir is not just sexy photography. Boudoir is about the experience. If you are just interested in dancing around in a sundress, that's more thank okay! You do you, girlfriend.

Getting Ready & Prepared!

 Like everything, it's best to plan ahead and not leave things until the last minute, and for a boudoir shoot getting ready is REALLY easy! Procrastinate if you will, I know a lot of us are awesome at that, but in the long run this will go better for you if you take the time to get ready mentally and otherwise.

• Don't worry about your body! No crash diet or last minute hitting the gym will help! It does not matter to us, or ultimately you if you kill yourself over how you look physically. While this may be a weight-loss or fitness reward to yourself, it is important to love the skin you're in. We're here to make you look amazing no matter what. Above all, being okay with yourself is best for YOU!
• Don't worry about a lingerie shopping spree if it's not in your budget or you don't want to! We can work with what you've got! Seriously! I'll list some ideas below, but bring as many things as you wish! We may not use them all, but we are happy to help you with styling! If you have any ideas prior to the shoot, we're happy to discuss them with you.
• Drink lots of water before your shoot! Stay hydrated! Water is also great for your complexion, and occasionally clients will hold some difficult poses for lengthy periods of time (we'll never do anything outside of your comfort zone) and having enough H20 in you will prevent dizzy spells and so on
• Avoid foods that cause bloating! Avoid any excessively fatty, sugary, cheesy, or carbohydrate heavy foods before your shoot if you are concerned about your tummy in the photographs. Stick to fruits and veggies, granola bars, yogurt, cereal, and other healthy foods. We will even have some refreshments on hand that will cater to this. PLEASE DO EAT, before your shoot!
• Bring your foundation or cover up! This will help the makeup artist match her makeup to what you use and best match your complexion. If you have any allergies, please let us know

Wardrobe Ideas:

Below is a list of a few wardrobe ideas and props that are commonly used in the past and also some suggestions. No idea is a bad one, and there are many more possibilities on this list!

• A boyfriend's flannel, button down, jersey, blazer, or hoodie.
• Your favorite bra/panty set
• A slip or nightie
• High heels
• An oversized tshirt or sweater
• Garter belts and tights
• Lace, or textured fabric
• Pajamas
• Bridal jewelry
• Fashion jewelry
• Blanket
• Bridal Accessories/Veil
• Boots
• Hats
• Dress or gown
• Corset or other lingerie set (there are so many kinds!)
• Button down shirt, pencil skirt, "pinup" clothes--props: old rotary telephones, sassy glasses, headscarves, vintage suitcases, perfume bottles, etc!
• Long pearls
• Your favorite things: Books, makeup, your yoga mat, ball (if you play any ball), art, musical instrument, photos, whatever! Sky's the limit here!
• His tie!
• Wine glasses
• Handheld mirrors

Errands to run beforehand!

These aren't required by any means, but if you've got the budget you may want to consider:

1. A haircut, color, or trim! Freshen up those glorious locks! 
2. Brow waxing/threading or waxing in general ... if you do this. 
3. Paint/trim your nails or get a manicure/pedicure--just one of the details to take into account! Fingers and toes occasionally show up! Especially if you're showing off wedding jewelry!
4. Lingerie Shopping--Hit up Victoria's secret or another store that specializes in "pretty little sexy things"- You can find suggestions for online stores here. I am also a big fan of Fredrick's of Hollywood and Aerie!

The Day Of

 You're probably going to be the most nervous this morning or a couple of days before! Take a deep breath, and relax. Take this time for yourself and take care of yourself. Go to the spa, read a book, go for a nice walk, take a bubble bath! EAT SOME PIZZA! We'll do whatever it takes to give you an enyoyable, relaxing, empowering photoshoot (we usually have goodies for you) but you should take care of yourself to! You deserve it!

After The Shoot 

After the shoot is over, you'll anxiously be waiting for your images! We try to be as efficient as possible with editing, but we want to do a polished, good job too. We'll set up an appointment with you to view the images and talk about products and which ones to order! Coffee's on us! <3

Lastly, don't forget how beautiful you are whether you have seen your images or not. Even when those photos aren't hanging on your wall or in a little discrete book on the nightstand as a reminder, you are amazing, beautiful, and perfect just the way you are. We can only hope that the empowerment you received on this day will last a lifetime.

xx emily

12 Reasons to get a Boudoir Session - 4/11/16

We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle. -Marilyn Monroe

One of my favorite ladies couldn't have said it better (and she is much more charming and eloquent than I). Of course I say you should get boudoir photos done. I'm a boudoir photographer. Beyond what is obvious business, there is a reason to shoot boudoir beyond the fact that it is trendy and beautiful. If anything, that is the reason that matters the least to me. The reasons why I think you should do are the reasons I'm in this line of work.

I've done this post before, but in the spirit of rebranding and kickstarting my freelance business....why not revisit this subject? I'll keep it simple. ;-)

1) You're celebrating a milestone
Perhaps you just reached your weight-loss goal, or maybe you want to embrace your post-partum body. These are just a couple of examples, and every milestone is one's own individual experience. Why not treat yourself and make record of this accomplishment or time in your life?

2) Getting Pampered
It's not every day that you get to go to a fancy hotel room, get your hair and makeup professionally done,  sip on champagne and raspberries, and then get professional, glamorous photographs of yourself that make you look like a badass, beautiful, Hollywood Starlet. For many, this can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You deserve it.

3) They are a great gift for a significant other
Perhaps you're getting married soon and this is a perfect wedding present, or it's an anniversary, birthday, Christmas, or Valentine's Day present. Whatever the occasion, your significant other is certain to love images of their favorite person in the world looking sexy, beautiful, and confident.

4) They are a great gift for yourself
In the past, I've had a lot of single clients book themselves for boudoir day! Clients who were gifting the photographs for their signifigant other mentioned more than not that these photographs were also happening for themselves. Without saying, I know you're an awesome lady that deserves rockstar experience and a record of themselves looking beautiful.

5) For Memories
Have you ever looked back at old photos of yourself and remember what such an amazing time in your life it was? You'll have plenty more amazing memories yet to be created, but why not cherish this time and who you are in this moment? Wouldn't it be awesome to share these photos with your grandkids someday and they will be like "DAMN Grandma! You were hot!" You could look back to the photos yesterday and smile at how beautiful you were than and still are now.

6) An excuse to wear your lingerie
Other than the obvious.

7) For a self-confidence booster
It's sad, but I read a statistic somewhere a while ago (pretty sure it was with the Dove campaign) that said only 4% of women could truly admit that they find themselves beautiful with no hesitation. This is sad, and the main reason I shoot boudoir. When you are in a position where you feel very exposed and vulnerable, physically and mentally...but are dressed up and brought to a place where they can be empowered. It's an incredible experience for me, but especially for the client.

8) Embrace Womanhood
Women are majestically magical creatures, like Unicorns (hence where the branding came from) and this is a great opportunity to bathe in your individual femininity.

9) Discover new assets
Sure, you've got that beautiful face...but have you ever even thought there are other parts of you physically and mentally that can be found and worked in these pictures? Back to the reason of Boudoir as a self-esteem booster, self-discovery can help with this.

10) Because, why not
You don't need a reason to get boudoir photos done. If you simply find this experience intriguing and you want to give it a shot, that's all the reason you need. You never know what you'll get out of Boudoir unless you do it yourself.

11) Get comfortable in your own skin
Typically boudoir means you're getting pretty close to being naked, which can be a scary and exposing thing for many people. It doesn't matter how modest you are, it's important to love the skin you're in and we can pose you in flattering ways for you awesome body type.

12) Because you're scared
It's okay to be afraid. I know what it's like to go into a foreign experience feeling uncertain, self-conscious, vulnerable, nervous, and uncomfortable. It's a cliche, but how great would it be to conquer your fear? As the photographer, my only goal is to make you feel happy, comfortable, relaxed, having fun, and feeling beautiful. I'll be honest, even though I am confident in my skills as a photographer, I get nervous about making my client uncomfortable and delivering photos that will not be happy with. But you know what? We're in this together. Between myself, my team, you, and the people that love you...there is nothing to be afraid of.

Still hesitating? That's natural. I can only hope for an email with the subject line "Boudoir Photography" and become ecstatic over an opportunity to create images with an amazing, powerful, beautiful woman such as yourself.

Boudoir Day (1) 2016!!! - May 1, 2016 at Hotel Ruby Marie

For the first time in 2 years, I am hosting a "Boudoir Day" Marathon Event. This 5-person only event will take place at Hotel Ruby Marie in Madison, Wisconsin on May 1, 2016. These sessions are back-to-back and include 30-45 minutes of photography, professional hair and makeup, a $50 product credit and more! This event is so much fun, and boudoir is my favorite subject matter to shoot ever. I firmly believe that every woman should have some boudoir portraits done in her lifetime, the experience is empowering, and you deserve to #treatyoself.

The following timeslots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis:

• 12:30-1:45 (OPEN)
• 1-2:15 BOOKED! (A.F.)
• 1:30-2:45 (OPEN)
• 3-4:15 (OPEN)
• 3:30-4:45 (OPEN)

For more information on pricing, what's included, and booking...please email me at ylimesotrab@gmail.com with the subject line Boudoir Day. 

These events have filled extremely fast in the past, so get your spot today! You will look beautiful, and you won't regret it!

xx emily