You’ve got a photo shoot coming up and you are looking for inspiration and ideas for your photo shoot wardrobe? You’ve come to the right place. I’ve written a number of articles that give ideas for what to wear for a photo shoot in Portland. The articles are each focused on a certain type of photo shoot or a certain season. This page will serve as a resource for you and a convenient place to find all of the articles. I hope it helps!
A Fall Photo Shoot
Ahhh… the time of year I look forward to most! I know some of you ladies treasure your sunny days, but all summer long, I’m dreaming of the day when I can don my cozy Fall attire. Whether you are doing a family photo shoot or an individual beauty, boudoir, or maternity session, you may be wondering what to wear for a Fall photo shoot in Portland, OR . Here are some ideas to give you inspiration.
A Winter Photo Shoot
If you have a Winter photo shoot planned, you might be looking for some ideas for how to dress for the season. These ideas can give you inspiration for a family, boudoir, beauty, glamour, headshot, couples, maternity, or senior portrait session.
A Maternity Photo Shoot
If you are reading this, it’s likely that you are neck deep in planning and preparing for your sweet baby to arrive on the outside, all while having pregnancy brain. It’s a lot! I get it and I’m here to help. Here are some ideas to help you decide what to wear for a maternity photo shoot.
A Pin-Up 50’s style Photo Shoot
I’ve pulled together some images from a few of my past 50’s inspired photo shoots to give you a little inspiration for your own retro pin up session. It may seem daunting at first to come up with a few outfits, but it’s actually pretty easy to find some really cute pieces online. You may even find that you have some things in your own wardrobe that will work. Here are some ideas.
Coming Soon
I’ll add more articles to this resource as I write them. I intend to add some articles soon about wardrobe for Spring and Summer sessions, a modest boudoir session, and a bridal photo shoot. Please sign up for my emails, if you haven’t already, to be sure to get that info when it comes out.
Let’s chat!
Is there anything else you want help with? Just let me know. If you are ready to book your photo shoot, I’d love to be your photographer. Please send me an email and we can chat!
If you are reading this, it’s likely that you are neck deep in planning for your sweet baby to arrive on the outside. Among the 1,345,567 things you have to think about when expecting a baby, planning a maternity photo shoot is one more thing to add to the list. And let’s be real, pregnancy brain is a total booger. I get it and I’m here to help. I’ve put together some ideas to help you decide what to wear for a maternity photo shoot in Portland, OR.
What to wear for a maternity photo shoot in Portland, OR
In my studio, we usually have time for 4-5 outfits. So I recommend bringing several items, in varying styles, and I can help you decide which pieces would photograph best. Below, I’ll list out some different options to consider.
A formal dress
I don’t know about you, but I personally don’t get very many chances in life to dress up in a formal dress. A baby on the way is certainly a reason to celebrate and a great reason to get fancy. My hair and makeup artist will have your hair and makeup looking amazing, so a formal dress will fit right in with your look.
Intimate attire
On the other side of the spectrum, I also really love maternity photos that look quiet and intimate. Pregnancy is such a personal and vulnerable experience. This look captures that side of motherhood. Wardrobe can include, pajamas, nightgowns, robes, and lingerie.
A loose flowy dress
Light flowing fabric is so feminine, which is obviously a good trait to have for maternity photos. The minor downside is that you have to always have a hand under your baby bump to bring the fabric in. Doing this reveals the cute shape of your bump, while fabric just loosely hanging down would make a woman look larger but not necessarily pregnant. This “downside” isn’t that much of a set back, though, because having a hand or two on your belly is great for showing connection to the sweet life you are carrying.
Dresses that are specifically designed for maternity photo shoots often have a slit in the front so that you can reveal your bare tummy. That’s another great way to get variety in your portraits. These types of dresses aren’t something you can find just anywhere. But you can find them easily on Etsy or Amazon.
A form fitted dress
A dress that fits snugly around your belly is great for revealing the size and shape of your beautiful baby bump. While we are at it, we can celebrate your other feminine curves, as well. One benefit to a snug dress is that we can have more variety in hand placement as your hands aren’t having to tuck the dress in under your bump.
Soft and sheer textures
I love fabrics with textures, such as lace, for all my shoots because they provide visual interest without being overwhelming to the photo in the way that bright colors or bold patterns can be. For maternity portraits, sheer fabrics, such as lace or chiffon are especially great if you want to be able to see through to your baby bump.
Another texture I love for maternity photos is softness. To me, a soft texture speaks of nurturing, gentleness, femininity, and comfort. All good things for a portrait of a mother. Oh, I know, there is nothing comfortable about the third trimester of pregnancy. But we can try! Soft cardigan sweaters and robes are a go-to in my studio.
Let’s talk about colors
I’ve already mentioned that bright colors and bold patterns aren’t my jam. They don’t tend to photograph well or fit with my portrait style. So I usually recommend solid colors and I prefer neutrals or pastels.
Pastels are particularly good for maternity portraits because babies also look so sweet in pastels. I do make exceptions occasionally for a pretty floral print and that can look beautiful in a portrait. But I do try to stay away from stripes, polka dots, or any other bold pattern, if possible (unless we are talking about pin-up photos).
I think it’s kind of sweet to have a pink outfit if you are having a girl and to have a light blue outfit if you are having a boy, if you want to pay tribute to the baby’s gender (if you know what it is). But really any pastel color look gorgeous. And it’s more than fine to wear pink, even if you are going to have a boy.
In addition to pastels and lighter neutrals, the color black works, as well. It doesn’t give the same feeling of brightness or softness. But in black, your curves really stand out against a light background, which is pretty cool.
For a totally different look
The tips above apply to a regular maternity session in my studio. However, I’d also like to share with you a totally different look that I also love. 50’s pin-up inspired maternity photo shoots. They aren’t for everyone. But if you want something a little different, you may be interested. You can read more about those here.
Let’s chat about what to wear for your shoot!
I hope this articles gives you some great ideas for what to wear for a maternity photo shoot. I have an awesome studio wardrobe closet with a number of maternity pieces that are available for you to use and to supplement what you bring in. Send me an email and we can start planning your maternity photo shoot near Portland, OR!
My studio is in Tualatin, OR, however, I have clients who come to me from Portland, Beaverton, Vancouver, Salem, and Lake Oswego.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
Finding a professional headshot photographer in Portland, OR
You can’t throw a rock in Portland without hitting a photographer. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. But there really are a lot of photographers around. Some are amazing while others are pretty inexperienced. No one wants to spend their time or their money having headshots done, just to end up disliking their photos or the entire experience. Especially busy business owners. But how do you choose the professional headshot photographer that is the right fit for you? Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a professional for your photo shoot.
1. Personality
You want your photos to feel like the real you. In order for that to happen, you need to choose a headshot photographer whom you connect with. Someone that will make you feel comfortable. I realize it can be difficult to know that just by perusing the internet. So I suggest looking at the photographer’s About Me page and reading their reviews. Click the links in this paragraph to learn more about Photography by Rayleigh.
2. Style
How do you want your photos to look? What part of your personality should your headshots convey? Do you want to look strong, confident, and trustworthy? Do you want to portray a welcoming and friendly vibe?
You may be looking for a cooperate look with a plain background and straight posing. Or it’s possible that a more relaxed, lifestyle look with varied backgrounds and interesting posing may suit you better.
When you are searching for a photographer in Portland, check out their portfolio. Do any of the photos in their portfolio match the vibe you want for your professional headshots? Some photographers can achieve different kinds of looks based on their individual clients needs, while others claim one style as their strength.
A corporate look verses a lifestyle look.
When thinking about style, another thing to consider is whether you are strictly wanting actual headshots or if you also want what is known as “personal branding” photos. Personal branding photos are photos that you can use in your marketing that aren’t just pictures of your head and shoulders. Such as, 3/4 body or full body portraits, photos of you working or even customized stock photos taken in your space. If you are considering a photographer for your headshots, just ask if they have experience with personal branding photos, as well.
Photography by Rayleigh can accommodate a corporate look, a lifestyle look, or a personal branding session for you.
An example of a Personal Branding photo for businesses.
3. Studio, Outdoor, or On-Location
Do you have a preference about where your photo shoot takes place or what kind of environment you want? Some photographers have a studio, set up with backdrops and perfect lighting, so that’s where they prefer to shoot headshot portraits. Others consider the great outdoors their “studio.” Of course, even if a photographer has a studio, they may be willing to take the shoot outdoors if that’s the look you want for your shoot. So it’s definitely worth asking about.
If you want your place of business in the background of your professional headshot photos, you might want the photographer to come to you for the photo shoot. This is what’s known as, “on-location.” Or if you have a team of employees who all need headshots, it might just make more sense for the photo shoot to happen where it’s easiest for everyone to gather. Find out if the photographer you are considering is set up to be able to do that.
With Photography by Rayleigh, most clients choose to have their shoot at my studio in Tualatin, OR. However, an outdoor location or other location is an option, as well.
Outdoor verses Studio or On Location portraits.
4. Pricing
According to an article on Snappr, the average price of a 1 hour photo shoot with a photographer in Portland, Oregon is $258. You can really find headshot pricing anywhere from $75 to $1000+. You likely have a budget in mind for your portraits and you’ll surely want to find a photographer who can accommodate that. Just keep in mind that, as cliché as it is, it’s still completely true that you get what you pay for. If you want to look professional in your headshots, you’ll want to hire a skilled photographer who can accomplish the look you need for success.
A lower priced photographer could certainly get a photo to you that you could use on your website. Actually, a friend with a nice iPhone could probably do that for you for free. But if you want to impress your clients and customers and give them a better sense of your company’s commitment to quality, you need to invest in a headshot that speaks the same level of quality.
You’ll want to decide if your priority is quantity or quality? You may find a photographer who will give you more photos for a lower price. But you will likely have to sacrifice quality. I highly recommend investing in high quality photos, even if it means you get fewer photos. Your business marketing will thank you.
Below you will see a comparison of a photo taken by an inexperienced photographer verses a higher quality portrait of the same beautiful business owner.
An inexpensive headshot portrait verses a higher quality portrait taken by an experienced professional headshot photographer.
5. The Experience
Aside from the skills of the photographer, there are other services that may be included. Does that photographer simply show up, snap a few photos, and hand over the unedited photos? Or is there more involved in the experience?
Professional hair and makeup
Does the session include professional hair and makeup? This may seem like a frivolous expense at first. However, I assure you, it’s so worth it! Not only because your hair and makeup look fantastic. Even more than that, it’s because you will feel more confident while having your photos taken. That confidence makes all the difference in the final photos! The time spent in the makeup chair, chatting with the photographer also helps you feel more comfortable with the photographer before the shoot starts. That’s makes a difference, as well.
Pre shoot consultation
Does the photographer help you figure out what kind of look might work best for your business? Do they offer wardrobe guidance?
Posing
Is the photographer skilled at perfect posing that makes you look slimmer, more confident, more friendly, or whatever other look you want that can be accomplished with posing?
Post shoot editing
Does the photographer edit out skin blemishes and clothing wrinkles (or face wrinkles if you want that)?
To learn more about what it’s like to have a shoot with Photography by Rayleigh, I invite you to check out my What To Expect page. Spoiler alert: the answer is yes to all of the above questions.
Professional hair and makeup before a photo shoot is an important service to consider.
Conclusion
I know that finding a professional headshot photographer in Portland who is a great fit for you can be daunting. Especially for busy business people. I hope these 5 tips help you focus on what to look for in a photographer so you can make an educated decision before spending your hard earned money.
Are you looking for a professional headshot photographer? Let’s chat!
If you would like to discuss your headshot session near Portland, please send me an email and we can chat! Let’s see if we are a good fit for each other.
Are you looking for ideas for what to wear for a Fall photo shoot in Portland?
Ahhh… the time of year I look forward to most! I know some of you ladies treasure your sunny days, but all summer long, I’m dreaming of the day when I can don my cozy Fall attire. Fall is my jam. It’s also my favorite time of year for photo shoots, I love how Fall outfits look in portraits. If you have a photo shoot coming up, you may be wondering what to wear for a Fall photo shoot in Portland, OR . Here are some ideas to give you inspiration.
Sweaters
Sweaters, sweaters, and more sweaters. My favorite kind of wardrobe to photograph, happens to be trusty sweater. Their softness brings out the softer side of a woman’s personality, which is so lovely . I particularly love the comfy, long sleeves against her face.
I recommend a sweater that is more on the light weight side. A chunky, bulky sweater can add weight, which is something my clients typically aren’t hoping for. lol
For a beauty photo shoot, slouchy, off the shoulder sweaters look good on everyone. If you like this look, make sure your sweater has a wide neck or deep v neck. Cardigan sweaters work great for this, too.
Leggings or ripped jeans pair well with a sweater and look fun and casual. Skip the pants all together for a more intimate look. Add a tutu or other skirt to glam up your sweater for a dressy vibe.
A sweater poncho or shawl gives an even higher level of comfy-coziness. (Is that a word?) Your photos can feel like you are relaxing at home on a chilly day, watching the leaves fall from the trees out your window. If you are looking for an outfit that’s slimming, I wouldn’t choose a poncho or anything that is too oversized. But they can look really cute if you aren’t worried about that.
Have you ever worn a sweater dress? That is another way to add femininity and dress-uppiness (there I go making up words, again) to the sweater look.
Fall Colors and Textures
It probably goes without saying, but Fall colors are always great and so obviously reminiscent of the season. Orange, brown, black, tan, green, maroon, mustard yellow, and gold. In addition to the softness of sweaters, corduroy is another texture that shouts Fall. Knits, lace, tweed, and wool are other ways to add texture. Wool can get pretty warm, though, so you may want to avoid that if you run warm.
Layers
One of my favorite things about a Fall wardrobe is the ability to add layers to outfits, which always adds interest. Scarves are a great way to do that. I recommend a solid color or subtle print. We wouldn’t want a bold pattern to distract from your face.
I love bare feet in portraits, but for Fall, a pair of knee-high or thigh-high socks are also so cute. Boots are a great way to add an additional layer over your pants this season.
Halloween Attire
If you’ve got something special, Halloween costumes can be fun to photograph. We just want to be careful not to cross over to the cheesy side.
This beautiful Mother (below) has a shirt to match her daughter, which is so fun to do sometimes. What I like even more, though, are outfits that are coordinated but not too matchy-matchy. For family photos, start by choosing Mom’s outfit. Then find 2-3 coordinating colors for the other family members that compliment each other.
Football Jerseys
When you think about Autumn, is football what comes to mind? If Football is your thing, it can be fun to incorporate your love for the sport in your Fall photo shoot. Showing support for your team is one way to share your unique personality and interests in your photos.
Now you have some ideas for your Autumn photo shoot wardrobe
I hope these ideas help give you some inspiration for what to wear for your Fall beauty, glamour, senior, maternity, boudoir, headshot, or family photo shoot in Portland. If you’d like more ideas, Pinterest is always a wealth of inspiration! If you don’t already have a photo shoot booked, I’d love to chat with you about scheduling something. Please send me an email! I can’t wait to hear from you.
You’ve finally made the jump and scheduled a 50’s inspired photo shoot. I can’t begin to tell you how much fun we are going to have! Now you’re probably wondering what to wear for your 50’s retro shoot (Portland Pin Up Photographer). It’s not like we all have 50’s style wardrobe hanging in our closets (but if you do, you are super awesome).
What to wear for your 50’s retro shoot – Portland Pin Up photographer
I’ve pulled together some images from a few of my past 50’s inspired shoots to give you a little inspiration for your own retro pin up photoshoot. It’s pretty easy to find some simple things online. You might actually find that you have a piece or two from your own wardrobe that will work. Once you have your hair and makeup styled in a fabulous 50’s look (thanks to my amazing hair and makeup artist) and we add in some vintage props (which I have a bunch of), you can make almost any outfit look 50’s inspired.
Swing Dresses
50’s style swing dresses can be dressy or more casual. A dressier version would considered a cocktail dress. A more casual swing dress is more reminiscent of a homemaker’s entertaining dress – complete your outfit with some cookies, fresh out of the oven for your guests. If you search Amazon for 50’s swing dress, you’ll find a ton of great options.
Bathing Suits
Halter top or high wasted bikini bathing suits are very 50’s pin up like. They certainly give a more fun summer vibe to your images, if that’s a look you’d like to go for. Check out these 50’s bathing suits on Amazon.
Jeans and Casual Tops
For a fun casual look, try high wasted capris (you might even have some in your closet) with a retro button up blouse, crop top, or halter top. You can find a few tops like this by searching Amazon for “women’s 50’s style tops.” I like this top that comes in a bunch of different colors and patterns.
Pencil Dresses
50’s pencil dresses are also known as wiggle dresses. Don’t you just love that name? They are sexy, curve hugging dresses that give a more dramatic and serious look. I love these 50’s pencil dresses.
Glam Dresses
I love an elegant 50’s evening gown for something totally different than the more casual looks. This dress, below, can be found on Amazon. These black gloves and hat are something I keep in my studio and are available for my clients to use.
Lingerie
The nice thing about a lingerie look for your pin up photos photography session is that you can just choose some simple black pieces and they will work fine. High wasted bottoms are very 50’s looking and as a bonus, they usually flatter the tummy. Win-win! I like these ones.
Accessories and other details
Here are some accessories to consider for your retro pin up photography session in Portland. Red heels, a pearl necklace and bracelet, cat eye glasses, vintage hats, or a thin scarf around the neck or in your hair.
No matter what kind of outfit you choose, some common colors are patterns I see a lot of in 50’s inspired outfits are the color red, polka dots, gingham, and cherries.
You are on your way toward an amazing shoot
I hope these images and ideas give you a good head start toward figuring out what to wear for your own retro pin up photography session. I do have a handful of pieces in my studio wardrobe that you are more than welcome to use. If you’d like to see what I have, just let me know. Also, feel free to ask me about my vintage props that are available for your photo shoot.
Let’s chat!
If you haven’t, yet, scheduled your session, please send me an email and we can plan your amazing retro 50’s pin up photoshoot! My studio is in Tualatin, OR, and I serve clients from Portland, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Salem, and Vancouver, WA.
You may also be interested in these topics
My Pin Up Portfolio Gallery
Session Tips
Free Guide to Preparing For Your Shoot
Some of the beautiful hair and makeup styles in these featured photos were done by Kerrin Burchenough. Others were done by Tracy Schulz.
Ever wonder what your daughter thinks about beauty when she looks at her mother who is her definition of love, warmth, and beauty? Does her opinion of beauty change as she sees you talk badly about your own looks? How will she learn if you don’t teach your daughter what true beauty is?
It’s not just your looks that make you beautiful
I came across a great article on Offbeat Mama that I would love for you to read. It talks about how it’s not just your looks that make you beautiful. It’s your actions. The things you do. The efforts you make.
Redefine beauty
It’s helpful to look at our definition of beauty. It’s not just the reflection we see looking back at us in the mirror. That’s a small part of it. In fact, that beauty is fleeting. The beauty that your daughter sees in you is beauty that comes from the heart. How do you treat people? How do you show love? At a glance it might seem like this post is about self love. But it’s actually more about how you love other people that makes you beautiful.
It’s so easy to focus on our flaws or other negative things in our lives. One of my favorite verses in the Bible talks about, instead, focusing on lovely things.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Teach your daughter what true beauty is. Start telling your daughter that you are beautiful so she will learn to recognize beauty in herself. I know this is such a hard thing to do as you look in the mirror and count all your flaws. I want my two daughters to believe that they are beautiful. Not in a prideful way. Just in quiet confidence, knowing that they were created by the maker of the universe and they are lovely.
How can I convince them of that if they know that I don’t believe that I am beautiful, too?
Yesterday my 4 year old daughter said to me, “When I grow up, I want to look just like you.” My insides wrestled with that statement because, like so many women, I struggle to look past my physical flaws. I had to resist the urge to start listing off all my physical flaws to her, discrediting her comment, and convincing her that she shouldn’t want to look like me. Instead, I gave her a the most beautiful smile I could muster and told her what a sweet thing that was for her to say.
Want to see more?
I invite you to see more of my beauty portrait photography by visiting my website galleries. If you’d like to chat about booking a family or beauty photography shoot near Portland, OR, I’d love for you to contact me!
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.”
Before After
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 yourself 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!
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.
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 chat about your shoot! I can’t wait to hear from you.
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 here 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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
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?
