Category Archives: Boudoir

A Pin-Up Photo Shoot Experience in Portland

If you are looking for a modern beauty photo session with a retro twist, you’ve come to the right place. My “pin-up” sessions aren’t necessarily akin to what you’d see in a wall calendar hanging up in the garage of some greasy dude in the 1950’s. Rather they are beauty photos that burst with classic femininity, inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. I invite you to watch this video that Clay Drinwater created for my clients to get a taste of what a pin-up photo shoot experience is like in my studio near Portland.

I thoroughly enjoyed my pinup photo shoot session! Rayleigh had a ton of fun ideas and the pictures turned out AMAZING. I was relaxed and felt at ease in her beautiful studio. And it showed!
Miss S

Professional Hair and Makeup

I’m sure you all know how to do your hair and makeup with a 50’s inspired style, right? No? Yeah, either do I. I haven’t a clue. But my talented hair and makeup artists do and they do it so well! The lovely Crystal, pictured below, even stays during the shoot to give touchups. It’s so great having her there to make sure you keep looking stunning throughout the entire experience. If only I had someone like that to follow me around on a regular day. Ha!

A behind the scenes photo of a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland. The hair and makeup artist is doing makeup touch ups.

It’s always such a joy to see the transformation from “I woke up like this” to “Just call me Grace Kelly.” When my ladies step away from the makeup chair and head over to the mirror, their reaction makes my heart so happy.

A before and after comparison of a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland.

Wardrobe

A wardrobe consultation with me allows you to feel confident in what to wear for your pin-up photo shoot near Portland. I have a guide that you can check out here, which is super helpful. We can also personally discuss what would work best to create your dream pin-up session. I have a number of 50’s style wardrobe pieces in my studio that you are invited to borrow and I can help you find some great options online, as well.

A posed studio image from a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland.

Props

I have quite a few vintage props and accessories in the studio that we can use for your pin-up session. Vintage phones, suitcases, an iron an ironing board, purses, glasses, hats, gloves, kitchen things, and a gumball machine, to name a few. I’m continually on the look-out for more retro props to keep the variety fun.

Pin-Up Photo Shoot Experience in Portland

Do you have any questions about a pin-up session that I can answer for you?

Let’s chat!

If you are ready to book your shoot or if you have any questions, please send me an email and we can start creating your dream Pin-up photo session!

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A posed studio image from a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland. Wardrobe includes a red headband.

What to wear for a pin up session

A posed studio image from a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland. Props include a vintage telephone.

Pin up Portraits Galleries

A boudoir image in a studio in Portland. The woman is lying on her tummy on a bed.

Session Tips

A guide to preparing for a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland.

Free Guide to Preparing For Your Shoot

Only TWO more spots left before Christmas!

November 10, 2022

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Themed Shoots No Comments

It’s almost the end of the year and appointments are limited.

Does is seem to you like we went straight from Summer to Winter? Fall is my absolute favorite! So I’m a little sad it was so short this year.

That being said, when planning photo shoots for Christmas, you have to plan ahead in order to get your photos in time for gifting. So the Christmas set in my studio has been up since mid October!

Christmas boudoir sessions in Portland, OR.

This is a busy time of year and I only have 2 spots left to book photo shoots before Christmas.

Mother Daughter Christmas family photo shoot in Portland, OR

Christmas Beauty, Boudoir, or Mother-Daughter Sessions

Are you thinking about booking a Winter photo shoot? If so, reply to this email and let’s chat about your session!

Christmas boudoir pajama photo shoot in Portland, OR.

Send me a message!

If you are ready to book your shoot, please send me an email and we can chat!

You may also be interested in these topics

Beauty Portraits Galleries

Session Tips

A Fall Beauty Photo Shoot in Portland

September 28, 2022

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Business Headshots No Comments

Fall is here!

I’m sorry for all you sun seekers, but Fall is here and I am so happy. I’ve busted out my sweaters, even though it’s actually still too warm to wear them. But they are ready as soon as that temperature drops a bit. My house has been decorated for Fall for a couple of weeks as I, admittedly, jumped the gun on that one. But I’m not even sad about it. So when my beautiful client, Teresa, brought in an Autumn wardrobe for her beauty session, I was over the moon. It made my little photographer heart so happy. Fall is my jam! I’d love to share with you this Fall beauty photo shoot that was recently done in my studio near Portland.

A Fall beauty photo shoot in Portland, Oregon by beauty and boudoir photographer, Photography by Rayleigh. This is a backlit portrait of a woman wearing a hat and Fall wardrobe in front of a window in a photography studio. She is posed sitting on a chase lounge.

Hair and makeup

Teresa is a hair and makeup artist at Strut Salon in downtown Portland. She arrived with her hair and makeup camera ready. She looked amazing, as you can see. This is her third photo shoot with me and I was thrilled to have her back in the studio! As Teresa can attest, these shoots are such a great confidence booster and can become a bit addicting, in a good way!

By the way, Teresa gave me a hair cut recently and she also taught me how to tame my unruly natural curls. Oh my goodness, you guys. I never knew my curls could look so good! If you need some help with your curls, Teresa is your girl.

A Fall beauty photo shoot in Portland, Oregon by beauty and boudoir photographer, Photography by Rayleigh. This is a modest boudoir image of a women lying on a bed, wearing a white sweater and Fall wardrobe.

A Fall beauty photo shoot in Portland, Oregon by beauty and boudoir photographer, Photography by Rayleigh. This is an image of a women sitting on a bed, wearing a brown sweater and Fall wardrobe.

Your most beautiful self

Teresa was kind enough to share some sweet words about her experience in a Google review. She said, “Rayleigh made me feel so comfortable from beginning to end! She photographs you in way that is so natural and so perfect. You’ll leave feeling like your most beautiful self!” This is exactly the experience I aim for all of my beautiful clients to have.

Business headshots

The photo below makes for the cutest business headshot for Teresa’s salon. Although my clients always have such a great time with beauty sessions, I’m also a Portland business headshot photographer. A need for business headshots gives a lot of my ladies an “excuse” to come in to my Tualatin studio. Of course, my favorite reason for you to come in is to treat yourself and to allow yourself to feel like the amazing person that you are.

Beauty, business, and boudoir

Photo shoots in my studio often end up a mix of beauty, business, and boudoir photos. When you make the time to come in and have a session, you may as well capture all the facets of your personality. While shooting photos for different purposes, you get the most mileage out of your makeover and your time in the studio. That’s a win, for sure!

A Fall Beauty Photo Shoot in Portland

If you love Fall as much as I do, I’d love to schedule a photo shoot for you in October or November. Just send me an email and we can chat!

You may also be interested in these topics

What to Wear for a Fall Photo Shoot

What to wear for a fall beauty photo shoot in Portland. This modest boudoir image is of a women posed lying on a bed with a sweater and tutu skirt.

Beauty Portraits Gallery

A Valentine’s Day Gift Idea – Portland Photographer

January 25, 2022

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Themed Shoots No Comments

A Valentine’s Day Gift Idea – Portland Photography

Are you looking for a great Valentine’s Day gift idea for your sweetie that is something different than the usual flowers and chocolates? Hiring a Beauty (Glamour) or Boudoir Photographer in Portland is definitely a way to create a gift worth treasuring. The amazing bonus is, it’s also a gift for yourself. An experience with Photography by Rayleigh gives you such a boost of confidence and you will leave the shoot feeling on cloud 9. The fact that you can also give the photos as a gift to someone special is a win-win.

A valentine's day gift idea. Portland boudoir Photographer, Photography by Rayleigh. This woman is wearing all red and has red hair, which was a creative theme for this photo shoot.

A Unique Session

These unique photos that I’m sharing with you today are from a shoot that I did just for fun. As a Portland Photographer, I sometimes like to branch out and do something a little different than my usual work, just to stretch those creative muscles. I thought an all red themed shoot would be gorgeous. Red is a very glamourous and stunning color. Fun fact about me… I chose a red ballgown for my wedding dress. I just thought it looked better on me than white.

I reached out on my Facebook page to see if there were any ladies with fire engine red hair who would like to model for me and the lovely Aarielle volunteered.

Valentine’s season seems like a perfect time to share my red themed session.

Hair and makeup for this themed shoot was done by the super talented, Tracy Schulz. She is very experienced with all kinds of looks, including costume looks, so I knew she’d be perfect for this shoot.

I’m dying over those perfect ringlets. I love them so much!

What do you think of this Valentine’s Day Gift Idea?

You certainly don’t need to do an all red shoot, if that’s not what you are drawn to. My shoots are catered to each individual to create an experience that suits each of my clients.

Let’s chat!

Do you have a unique idea for a portrait shoot? Or do you want to do something that is more like my usual work? If you are ready to book your shoot, please send me an email and we can chat!

I am a portrait studio photographer in Tualatin, and I serve clients from Portland, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Salem, and Vancouver.

You may also be interested in this gallery

Beauty Portraits Galleries

A Valentine’s Day Wedding

What To Wear For A Winter Photo Shoot in Portland

December 8, 2021

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Business Headshots Family High School Seniors Maternity Plus Size Session Tips No Comments

Are you wondering what to wear for a Winter Photo Shoot?

If you have a photo shoot coming up soon, you might be looking for some ideas for how to dress. I’ve put together some ideas here for what to wear for a winter photo shoot in Portland (or anywhere). These ideas can give you inspiration for a family, boudoir, beauty, glamour, headshot, couples, maternity, or senior portrait session.

Something to consider is what kind of feel you are going for. Winter is a particularly good time to go more formal or even to go ultra casual. Either way will make for fun winter photos. Especially if you are going for a Christmas look.

What to wear for a winter photo shoot in Portland, Oregon. This image shows a family photo shoot with a mother and her two daughters.

Pajamas

If you want a casual look, you really can’t go any more casual than this. But Christmas pajamas are so much fun. So you can’t go wrong with this cozy and comfy look for your winter photo shoot. If you are doing family portraits, matching family pajamas are all the rage right now. Why not mark this trend with a professional photo shoot?

What to wear for a winter photo shoot in Portland. This is an image of a woman wearing red plaid pajamas. She's lying on her tummy on the bed with milk and cookies. Photography by Rayleigh. byRayleigh.com

Sweaters

Sweaters are my most favorite outfit to photograph. I just love the softness and warmth they give to a photo. Plus, they look good on everyone. I recommend a lightweight sweater because a chunky or bulky sweater can make you look larger than you really are. A wide neck or v neck sweater that can sit off the shoulder looks sexy while still being modest.

What to wear for a winter photo shoot in Portland. This is a boudoir image of a woman lying on her tummy, wearing an off the shoulder sweater. Photography by Rayleigh. byRayleigh.com

A Formal Gown

If you like sparkle and shine, Christmas is a great time of year for a formal dress for your winter photo shoot. Most of us don’t get a lot of opportunities to dress up. It’s such a treat to see the glamorous side of ourselves.

What to wear for a winter photo shoot in Portland. This is an image of an Indian woman lying on her back on a chase. She is wearing a green formal gown. Photography by Rayleigh. byRayleigh.com

Red, Gold, Green & White

Red is, of course, a go-to color for the Christmas and winter season.

Gold, white, and green are also great winter colors.

What to wear for a winter photo shoot in Portland. This is a backlit image of a young girl dressed as an angel for a Christmas photo shoot. Photography by Rayleigh. byRayleigh.com

Fur

My studio has a lot of faux fur. Blankets, pillows, and rugs galore. The softness is so feminine. I can’t seem to get enough of it! I use it all year long, but in the winter, it works even better. If we can add more fur with wardrobe, I’m a happy camper.

Santa inspired wardrobe is a way to incorporate fur and the color red for an obvious Christmassy feel.

Hats and Scarves

Winter is a great time to add layering and accessories. Hats and scarves can really add interest to an otherwise boring outfit.

What To Wear For A Winter Photo Shoot

I hope these ideas help give you some inspiration for what to wear for a Winter or Christmas beauty, glamour, senior, maternity, boudoir, headshot, or family photo shoot in Portland. If you want more ideas, Pinterest is always a wealth of inspiration! Please let me know if you want to discuss wardrobe or anything else regarding your portrait session!

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What to wear for a winter photo shoot in Portland. byRayleigh.com

Beauty Portraits Galleries

Christmas Mother-Daughter Family Session

What to Wear for a Fall Photo Shoot

Why you shouldn’t do a photo shoot

June 8, 2021

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Session Tips No Comments

Trust me, I get it.

You’re considering a portrait session but there are so many reasons why you shouldn’t do a photo shoot. You are thinking one or more of the following thoughts…
– I need to lose 10 pounds first
– I’m nervous to be in front of the camera
– I can’t afford this
– I’m not photogenic
– I’ll never look as good as the ladies on your website

STOP.

Just reading the above thoughts is some tiring stuff.

I want you to repeat after me, “I’m perfectly imperfect.”

Why you shouldn’t do a photo shoot

It sounds like you have a lot of reasons NOT to do a photo shoot. But it’s time to start thinking positive thoughts and start living your life now. Don’t wait until you become the person you think you should be. These concerns are so common, though, so let’s take a minute to address those.

I need to lose 10 pounds first

Wow, I REALLY get this. I think this thought often (except it’s usually more than 10 pounds, let’s be honest). But I want you to know that you don’t have to have a “perfect” body to feel beautiful. You can enjoy a photo shoot and feel amazing right now. Besides, I can do more with posing and lighting than you can do in 6 months in the gym. So there is always that! Perfect posing is my strength and that means helping women of all shapes and sizes look their best. Accentuating the curves you love and downplaying the curves you don’t love.

I’m nervous to be in front of the camera

Pretty much every client that comes in to my studio is nervous at first. But try not to worry because my past clients will attest that the nervousness goes away so quickly. My hair and makeup artist will have you feeling confident and gorgeous. You’ll feel comfortable, you’ll have a blast, and you’ll leave wondering what there ever was to be nervous about. If you haven’t already had a chance to read my blog about what to expect when you do a photo shoot, you should definitely check that out.

I can’t afford this

It’s true that I provide a luxury service and it may not be a priority over something like, say, paying the rent. But I do believe that every woman should experience what it’s like to look and feel beautiful. I offer easy payment plans for this reason. I read a great article about the importance of investing in yo urself that included marking things off your bucket list. So let’s chat about how we can make this happen. It’s worth the investment! I promise!

Why you shouldn't do a photo shoot. Addressing common concerns. A before and after collage of a woman doing a maternity portrait shoot. She is wearing a lace dress and holding her belly bump and looking down while standing against a white wall. These images are taken by Photography by Rayleigh. For more info, please visit byrayleigh.com — **Before After**

I’m not photogenic

“Not photogenic” women are some of my most favorite clients because I LOVE the reaction I get from them when I prove them wrong and they see their wonderful photos. If you think you aren’t photogenic, you probably just haven’t experienced a shoot with the right photographer, yet.

I’ll never look as good as the ladies on your website

The ladies on my website are not models. They are just regular women who treated themselves to a day of pampering. The thing I love about beauty and boudoir photography is that it levels the playing field between magazine models and regular women. You will still look like you in the photos. But a more famous version of you.

Why you shouldn't do a photo shoot. Addressing common concerns. A before and after collage of a woman doing a boudoir photo shoot. She's wearing black lingerie and red lipstick while while standing against a black wall. These images are taken by Photography by Rayleigh. For more info, please visit byrayleigh.com — **Before After**

Are you ready to do this?

What do you say? Are you ready to take the plunge and have the experience of a lifetime at my studio near Portland, OR? Or do you have any other concerns? I’m here for you and I’m happy to answer any questions you have. Let’s ch at a bo ut your shoot! I can’t wait to hear from you.

Let’s do this!

What to expect when you book a photo shoot

October 9, 2020

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Session Tips Studio Business No Comments

If you haven’t, yet, experienced a beauty shoot in my studio or if you’ve never done a shoot as glamorous as this before, you might be wondering how the process works. I’d love to share with you what to expect when you book a photo shoot with Photography by Rayleigh near Portland, OR.

First, I invite you to watch my video below (created by Ambient Sky) because it’s a really great way to get a feel for what the experience is like. Then we can go over the steps of the entire process.

Now let’s go over the details of the process from the time you book, to the time you hold your luxurious album or folio box in your hands.

BEFORE THE PHOTO SHOOT

Ultimate Guide to Preparing for your Photo Shoot

If you haven’t received my prep guide, you can click her e to get that sent to you. It’s loaded with info to help you…

Prepare for your session
Know what to expect when you book a shoot
Learn how to feel relaxed during your shoot
Put your outfits together
Know what NOT to do!

Session Consultation

In addition to the detailed prep guide, we can also have a phone, video, or in-person consultation to go over details and specifics for YOUR photo shoot and to go over any questions or concerns you might have. The more prepared you are, the less nervous you’ll feel.

YOUR SESSION DAY

Come as you are

All of my sessions include professional hair and makeup by my talented hair and makeup artists. This is done in my studio in Tualatin (near Portland, OR). All you have to do is show up with a clean face and hair. Then relax, sip on some wine, if you’d like, and listen to music while we all chat and have a great time. If you have ideas for how you want your hair or makeup, you are welcome to bring pictures to show her. Otherwise, you can just sit back and let her do her magic. Hair and makeup typically takes about 60-90 minutes. Although pin-up styles can take longer.

What to expect when you book a photo shoot. This is a behind the scenes photo of my makeup artist and my client. My client is sitting in the makeup chair, having her eye makeup done. The background is my pink wall. This is the studio of Photography by Rayleigh. For more info, please visit byrayleigh.com.

Your photo shoot

Don’t worry about knowing how to pose or how to look good in front of the camera. That’s my job! My strength is perfect posing to help every woman look their best. Accentuating the curves you love and downplaying the curves you don’t love. Just relax and trust me!

How many outfits?

I don’t have a specific limit to the number of outfits you can wear during your shoot, but we typically shoot for about an hour and in that time we can fit in about 3-5 outfits. I recommend bringing a variety of outfit styles (casual, dressy, formal, etc).

What to expect when you book a photo shoot. This is a before and after portrait. This girl is in a sitting pose, wearing a casual sweatshirt and legging against a white background. She is smiling with her hand in her hair. Photo by Photography by Rayleigh. For more info, please visit byrayleigh.com.

CONFIDENT NEW YOU

the ordering session

The ordering session is where you get to view all of your gorgeous photos and choose your favorites. You’ll be shocked at how much you can LOVE a photo of yourself! I am sometimes available to do this immediately after your shoot! But if there isn’t time in the schedule for that, we can do the in-person ordering session within a few days of the shoot.

Images can be purchased individually, however, the best value is in my packages that include gorgeous presentation products that are truly the top of the line in the industry. I offer high quality wooden folio boxes and luxurious Queensberry albums. All images purchased come with the digital copy of the image, which gets sent to you shortly after your ordering session. The printed products take a few days to a few weeks to receive, depending on the product you choose.

What to expect when you book a photo shoot. this is a photo of the album I offer my clients after their photo shoot. The image in the album was taken by Photography by Rayleigh and is a picture of sisters wearing white t shirts and jeans in a sitting pose. For more info, visit byrayleigh.com

Wall art is another way to display your stunning images. I’ll be your personal designer, helping you to design a beautiful display of images for you walls.

What to expect when you book a photo shoot. The image in the frame was taken by Photography by Rayleigh and is a picture of an Indian woman in a pink formal dress sitting on the back of a white couch. The rest of the bedroom photo is a stock photo I purchased and have permission to use. For more info, visit byrayleigh.com

Now that you’ve learned what to expect when you book a photo shoot, I hope you can see that a photo shoot with me is more than having your photos taken. It’s an amazing experience that can help you change the way you see yourself. Do you have questions? I invite you to check out my blog that goes over some common concerns that my clients have before their shoot. Also, I’m happy to answer any questions that you have. Let’s chat about your shoot near Portland, OR!

Limited Time Boho Set | Boudoir Photography Portland Oregon

June 1, 2017

Rayleigh

Boudoir Specials Themed Shoots No Comments

Bohemian Themed Boudoir Sessions – June 2017

Limited Time Boho Set. A bohemian boudoir themed image. This beautiful woman is sitting on the floor behinda gauze net, surrounded by flowers. Photo by Photography by Rayleigh. For more info, please visit byrayleigh.com

I’ve added a brand new boho style set to the studio that will be available only for the month of June. If you’d like to use this set, make sure to schedule your session for June 2017. Clothing and accessories are also available for you to use.

Muffin Top

November 10, 2016

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Session Tips Thoughts on Life No Comments

The muffin top is where it’s at

From the minute we pull in to the parking lot of Famous Dave’s BBQ, we are hooked. That amazing smell wafting in to the car, I can hardly get inside fast enough. We order our usual, a split order of chicken tenders with a side of broccoli, a side of mac and cheese, and that oh-so-amazing cornbread muffin. If you’ve ever eaten at Famous Dave’s you know that this is not just any corn bread. This is I’ve-died-and-gone-to-heaven cornbread. And the muffin top is the best part.

The only problem with splitting a meal, like we usually do, is that we only get one cornbread muffin, which is never enough. I joked with my husband, Nate, that I wouldn’t mind as much, splitting the muffin in half, if we were cutting it in such a way that I were getting the top half. So my husband, being the sweet guy that he is, gave me the top half of the muffin. Now that is love.

What does this have to do with photography?

When I pose my clients, I pose them in a way that celebrates the parts of their body that they love and I downplay the parts that they don’t love as much. If you have a sweetie, I’m sure he loves you for all of you. But I totally get wanting to focus only on your favorite parts. Now that I think about it, though, “muffin tops” aren’t always a good thing. Am I right?