Tips for Keeping new year’s fitness resolutions by Revealed Studios
The start of a new year often means the making of a resolution. But for many, even those with the best intentions find themselves derailed. Personally I have had years when I’ve headed out to the gym with images of Jillian Michels cheering me on, and within one week, fizzled. So to aid you on your way, we’ve come up with helping tips for keeping New Year’s fitness resolutions.
I think the solution lies in incentive. I need a tangible reward to keep myself motivated. When instant gratification is staring at me in the form of a maple glazed doughnut, there’s no way I’m sticking to some super strict, gluten-free, paleo diet.
If you’ve recently made a resolution, we’re here to help! We think a boudoir shoot is the perfect reward to keep you motivated. We hear clients say all the time that sessions are empowering and liberating, like an instant boost of confidence. Not only are you pampering yourself to a day of hair, makeup, and fun, but you’ll have amazing pictures showing the fruit of your labor.
That’s the thing about resolutions. So often, by the time a year has passed, we can’t even recall what it was we planned to change. After your session, there’s no way you’ll forget!
Gentleman, we’ve got the best gift idea for Valentine’s Day this year!
Treat your special someone to an amazing experience that will leave her feeling completely celebrated. This is an amazing gift idea for Valentine’s Day because it’s an experience that will last long after the holiday is over. After her boudoir or portrait session, she’ll walk taller and feel sexier. Plus, if you’re lucky, she may even share the pictures with you. Talk about a gift for you both!
Special! $199 boudoir session (regularly $299)
Complete with full hair and makeup styling. With expert posing advice, professional lighting, and help styling up to four outfits, she’ll come away with pictures that will take both your breath away. Call or e-mail today to order your gift voucher. Last minute gift? No worries, electronic delivery is regularly.
The oh so sexy image box
This beautiful, ruby red silk image box is a perfect Valentine’s Day present for your special someone. Nestled inside are 20 4 x 6 retouched prints sure to thrill. Give them all at once, or save a few for a later date.
Maggie has been taking a much needed vacation in Thailand. We’ve been missing her, but she sent us these beautiful photos to share with you.
On a personal note, I, Laurie, am so grateful for Maggie manning the Studio while I was on bed rest and maternity leave for twins. She did an awesome job and was sooo busy. Love you and thankful for all you do.
There’s still time to book your holiday session for the season! We’re offering a 30 minute mini-session for $99 that comes with a complimentary digital image for you to use for your holiday card this season. Pets are more than welcome!
Celebrate your family with a mini-holiday Family Photography session
This little one has holiday spirit for his family photography session and wants you to know it’s not too late to book your mini-session!
Schedule your family portrait shoot today for $99. Sessions are 20 minutes and include one retouched digital file perfect for your holiday greeting card!
Make-up Artist Emily Wolf gives the 101 on False Eyelashes
We are so excited to have one of our favorite ladies, a very talented Chicago Makeup Artist, Emily Wolf, guest blog for us today. Take in her tips on how to use false eyelashes. Stop being intimidated by lashes and start having fun!
LOVE-ME-SOME-LASHES!
When it comes to makeup, there is one rule that I always live by… you can NEVER have too much lash. Lashes are one area of makeup where I am all about the glam, but some people may want a more subtle enhancement. Because lashes have become such a huge trend, most lash brands offer a variety of styles that can match ANY look you are going for. From super natural, to double-stacked, there is a lash look that will fit your style.
Here are a few of my FAVORITE lash options:
1. Ardell Wispies: These lashes shave a very full, soft look to them. They gave me that overall glam look that I like, but the soft texture allows them to blend well with my natural lashes.
2. KISS Trio Lashes: I am obsessed with the new KISS trio lashes because they have the subtle effect of individual lashes, but can be applied 3 times faster. You can also easily add these on top of a lash strip for a little more lash glam!
3. MINK Lash Strips: there is a new craze in MINK lashes because they are soooooo soft and fluffy, that they look super natural and can be worn several times. Mink lash bands are a lot more expensive so make sure to wear them on your most special occasions. Also make sure to purchase a brand that is CRUELTY FREE!!!!
KEEPING IT ALL TOGETHER:
When it comes to applying the lashes, I am a HUGE fan of DUO lash glue. They offer glue in clear, dark toned, or glue for individual lashes. I have used this lash glue for a very long time now, and it never fails me!
THIS IS TOUGHER THAN IT LOOKS!
1.) DO NOT OVER-DO THE GLUE!!!!! You need a very small amount of glue to line the lash band. Most lash bands already have adhesive on them so you do not need to apply a ton of glue to get the job done. Add a light layer of glue along the entire lash strip.
1.) IT’S GOOD TO BE TACKY: Let the lash glue get tacky before applying it to your lash line. If you apply the lash immediately after you add the glue, the lash will slide around your eye, spreading the glue all over the place. If you let the glue sit for a bit, and get sticky, it will hold to the lash line as soon as you apply it.
3.) KEEP YOUR PEEPERS OPEN: It may seem weird the first few times, but try to apply the lashes with your eyes slightly open. This will allow you to get a lot closer to your lash line for a more natural effect.
Now you have all the tools and tips you need to load on the lash. Hope you guys enjoy loading on the lashes as much as I do! Xoxo
It was such a pleasure to work with the lovely and talented Lindsey Marks in our most recent Boudoir model shoot. Lindsey is a talented actress and dancer, whose alternate personality can be seen dancing burlesque in Chicago under the name of Lady Jack. Here are just a couple of our favorites from her most recent Chicago headshot photography session.
Contact [email protected] or call 773-273-9063 for any questions regarding our headshot services.
Struggling to think of brilliant men’s Christmas gift ideas?
If your sig-other is link mine, thinking of men’s Christmas gift ideas is so stressful. Well how about a boudoir session? He’ll love it forever. Plus, it’s a blast for you too!
This season we’re offering a complimentary slideshow with boudoir shoot. This holiday season, he’ll be dying to know what’s underneath the wrapping paper. Give him a glimpse of what’s to come with a private slideshow of the favorites from your boudoir photo shoot.
Book your Revealed portrait session by the following dates to receive your digital images in time for the holidays:
Male Boudoir Photography and Fitness photos with trainer Dusten Nelson
While our clientele at Revealed Studios is mostly female, we love the chance to stretch our creative wings. This shoot below was a great change of pace; Stepping out of our beloved studio adorned with soft fabric, feminine touches, and clean floors, we ventured to a grittier location to photograph friend and fitness guru, Dusten Nelson. Starting in the early morning, just as the sun broke the horizon, we criss-crossed down Chicago streets, heading south to an abandoned grain production facility.
After using some, eh hem, covert means to get onto the grounds, we quickly started shooting. Dusten, a professional trainer (he’s the motivator behind our other client Miss M’s amazing transformation) wanted some pictures to showcase all the hard, physical work he was doing to prep for an upcoming show in December, while also capturing his personality too.
A little fun makes for the best photos
So, how does one do those two things? Our answer, play and good lighting! Dusten said of his shoot, “I’ve worked with a number of photographers, and this was the most entertaining. I was surprised how good the photos came out because of how much fun we had while taking them.”
We encouraged Dusten to jump, hit, run, and even swing during his session. Combining a this approach with some amazing natural light, we tried to create images that were approachable and light at first.
The second half of the shoot took us inside the actual grain silo where the scene looked like a horror movie waiting to be filmed. We were a wee bit nervous as we crept further into the space. Like a rabbit hole, rooms lead to more rooms, creating a circuit of tunnels and containers that were once functioning storage structures. The dark walls, dirt covered floors, and graffitied background was perfect for the harder look we were after. We relied almost completely on the natural light pouring in from small slits and reflecting off the nearby cement walls. The highlights and shadows were exactly what wanted to define and carve out his figure, while the surrounding environment created the perfect mode for an intense feel.
We completely agree with Dusten! It was so, so fun. If you’re interested in a create photoshoot like this one, call us at 773-273-9063 or e-mail info@revealed-studios for more information.
How about a little fantasy boudoir photography to spice things up?
Happy Halloween from Revealed!
In case you were having an inner debate on whether Halloween should strictly be for children, we’re here to convince you that being someone you’re not, even for a night (or perhaps a photo shoot), is an exhilarating experience. We love to create unique, fantasy boudoir photography and portrait sessions. Women are beautiful when they are comfortable with themselves and their bodies; but for a little fun, great photos, or a Halloween evening, why not find the joy in being someone you’re not for a change?
Here are some of our favorite images from a few of our recent conceptualized shoots.
Interested? We’d love to hear from you. Contact Revealed Studios today and bring your ideas to life in a customized shoot.
Interested in having your family photographed? With the upcoming holidays, we’re offering $99 mini-sessions on multiple upcoming weekends, starting November 1st and 2nd, 2014. Bring your loved ones by the studio for a 20-minute portrait session with lead photographer Maggie Rife Ponce and receive a retouched file ready to use for your holiday card. Additional images available for purchase. Pets welcome! Call 773-273-9063 or e-mail [email protected] today to book your shoot
In other news, we’re so excited for Ayme, who recently welcomed her first daughter, the beautiful Alanna. She’s incredibly precious and we could not be any happier for this mother and daughter.
How We Create Sexy, Sensual Boudoir Photography With Everyday People
Everyone, well almost every person, who comes to us for a sexy boudoir photos experience feels nervous. We hear all the time, “I don’t know what to do. I’m so awkward!” So how do we go from that to results that look effortlessly sexy and naturally sensual? Well, the secret is creating a comforting atmosphere to help you feel relaxed and having great direction during your special photo shoot to allow your natural beauty to shine.
Direction is key for creating that natural, sexy feeling in pictures.
Since our clients are real women looking for a Chicago Boudoir Photos service, not professionals, it’s totally normal to freeze up a bit when it comes to posing for sensual boudoir photos. We’ve seen our clients laugh and relax justbyacknowledging how ridiculous it can feel to be there sticking your butt out in front of a near stranger. Rest assured, it’s super common to feel those nerves, and soon you’ll start to find your flow as you settle into the luxury boudoir environment.
To help you relax into the photo shoot so you can showcase your best side in a way that you feel comfortable, we like to offer you support and extra guidance to help you come into your own in front of the camera. We understand that a boudoir experience can be daunting, and the thought of standing alone and trying to ‘look sexy’ for the camera can be a lot of pressure for the real ladies we work with.
When you choose Revealed Studios for your sexy boudoir photos, you don’t have to worry about feeling awkward. Just like Hollywood movie directors or first-class fitness instructors, we’ll put you at ease and offer you plenty of specific directions to create not only incredibly flattering angles with your body but evoke a sense of mood and elegance through expression and movement.
We’ll even demonstrate the posing
Not only do we offer guidance when working on sexy boudoir photography but we will also do the poses with you, so you are not alone. The best thing about our close-knit two-person team is that while one person is behind the camera lens looking for that perfect moment, the other is demonstrating the poses that will allow you to exude confidence and elegance. Of course, we’ll also laugh along with you when it feels ridiculous; it’s all part of creating a comforting atmosphere where you feel your best.
Setting the scene for sexy results
We draw so much of our inspiration from cinema and theater for our nude boudoir photography. Setting the scene is all part of helping you feel comfortable and confident on the day your sensual boudoir photos are taken!
The finer details are important when creating sexy boudoir photos you are proud of. That’s why we create the right ambiance to get you in the mood to pose. All female bodies are unique; that’s one of the reasons we love working with women from all walks of life. We carefully select light emphasizing all the areas you want to draw attention to and create a truly intimate and personal feel. We’ll help you select the perfect hair and makeup, and outfits to accentuate your natural beauty.
We find that the most provocative, sensual boudoir photos use lighting, composition, and sets to draw you in. With the images displayed in our galleries below, we put on our theatrical caps, pulling pieces from her wardrobe, arranging lighting to create dramatic highlights and shadows, and shooting through items in the foreground to create a sense of voyeurism.
Our process for these images
We gave Lindsey some specific direction and encouragement. We were going for a jilted woman feel in this photo shoot. Someone alone for the evening, a bit down, but not for the count. How could you be, with a killer coat, a glass of champagne, and some amazing pieces to dress up in?
Having a background in dance, we encouraged Lindsey to incorporate movement into her shoot. Motion has such transformative power, and we love how it can make an image come to life, like with the black and white sexy boudoir photos below. These images call to mind a powerful bullfighter. She looks fluid and graceful, just as we imagined for her photos.
At Revealed Studios, we believe every woman deserves to look and feel amazing. Whether you’re a professional or not, we’ll help you feel relaxed, creating movement during your own unique boudoir session. For more information about Chicago boudoir photography and to start your sexy boudoir photos journey, check out our Chicago Boudoir Prices.
Ms. Ida breaks the mold with sporty boudoir photos
Miss Ida, a Muay Thai Boxer, kept us on our toes during her energetic shoot. We love photographing the many sides of women, and Ida embodies this. She’s tough and sexy all at the same time. We had so much fun taking her sporty boudoir photos, which is a big change from our usual clients.
Recently our clients have been surprising and amazing us with the lingerie sets they’ve been pulling from their bags. Lacey numbers with incredible structural elements, high-waisted, vintage-inspired pieces, and luxurious looking tops and bottoms with a satin sheen. “Where did you get those?’ we inquired. Their answers, ‘H&M!’ and ‘Urban Outfitters!’
We love that sexy and fun lingerie doesn’t have to be expensive! If you’re splurging on an upcoming wedding, anniversary, or vacation, there are some amazing budget friendly options for your boudoir styling ideas. Check out a few of our favorite affordable pieces for inspiration for your upcoming boudoir shoot. Make sure to click the pictures to go directly to the stores site.
Sets from Urban Outfitters
Bras from H & M
Another set from Urban Outfitters
And last but not least, an oversized white t-shirt is perfect for an understated, sexy look. We absolutely love this one from H&M…