5 tips for your boudoir portraits

Yes, we offer boudoir portraits too! In fact, while we have a gallery on this site for them we also have a separate website dedicated to boudoir, www.mirrorofvenusboudoir.com .

So what should you know before booking your boudoir session?

1. Make sure to check out the photographer's portfolio. Do they show a variety of women of different ages, shapes and sizes?

2. Does the photographer offer or include professional hair and makeup styling? Even if you don't often wear makeup an experienced makeup artist (MUA) will know how to skillfully apply it without making you look like a different person. Makeup should enhance your features, not mask them!

3. Invest in some new lingerie for the session! Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try an outfit unlike anything you've ever worn before.

4. Bring along a friend. A friend can help you to laugh and let loose at your boudoir session! DON'T bring your significant other; you want this to be a surprise for them! Which leads us to...

5. Yes, frequently the end result for a boudoir session is an album to give to your spouse/partner. But don't just do it for them, do it for you. A boudoir portrait session is an exciting and empowering experience. You will find an inner goddess that you never new existed! Be bold, be brave, be you.

   
   

"Where should we do our portraits?" Portrait photography locations in Hampton Va

Trying to decide where to have your family portrait session? There's no shortage of locations in Hampton Roads! Of course there's always my studio in downtown Hampton but if you like the idea of outdoor portraits I have lots of suggestions. A very popular choice is, of course, the beach! I frequently go to Fort Monroe because the parking is convenient there; there's lots of room so we're not getting in beach-goers way (and vice versa) and it's very picturesque.

Woods/parks are another popular choice, particularly in the Fall when the leaves are changing! Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton is one of my favorites and Newport News Park is another pretty spot (the picture below was taken at Sandy Bottom).

There's a lot to be said for the convenience factor of your own yard! Particularly if you're planning a big family gathering; I can come right to you and create your family portraits right at your home:

The portrait below is an example of a session at the family's home, but they also let me use their yard for portraits for other families when the azaleas are in the bloom in the Spring!

Another example of on-location sessions with a limited window of time are cherry blossom sessions in the Spring; there are several locations in the area with cherry trees and this portrait was taken at Fort Monroe.

Whatever you choose the location and style should reflect your family! If you are interested in doing a session when particular flowers are in bloom or when the trees are changing color in the Fall, make sure you book early to get the setting that you want. #familyportraits #hamptonva

"What should we wear for our portraits?"

You've decided to book a family portrait session and know where you want to do them, but what should you wear? Some families choose to match, selecting one color for everyone to wear on top and jeans or neutral-toned pants or skirts.

Others choose a complimentary color scheme for their family members:

The important thing when choosing outfits for your portrait session is to look like you all belong together and not like a group of strangers that randomly took a picture together! Setting is also important; white looks good on the beach but less so in the woods. Consider your surroundings and make sure what you wear doesn't clash!

Distracting patterns or logos should be avoided; you don't want your clothes to be competing for attention with the people! Whatever you choose make sure the clothes only enhance the beauty of your portraits!