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!
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
IG: @emilywolfmua
FB: www.facebook.com/EmilyWolfMakeupArtistry
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 info@revealed-studios.com or call 773-273-9063 for any questions regarding our headshot services.
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:
Dec. 5 Hanukkah
Dec. 19 Christmas
If ordering an album/prints, book your shoot by:
Nov. 26 Hanukkah
Dec. 8 Christmas
Hurry and book now! Spots are filling up fast.
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.
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.
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 info@revealed-studios.com 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.
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.
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 just by acknowledging 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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Whether it’s in front of a professional or in your bathroom with your iPhone, looking great on camera is hard work! During our shoots, we make sure to help coach you into the most flattering poses and laugh along with you to capture those real smiles. But, for every other day when you don’t have a professional directing you, we’ve created a list of our top tips to help you always look great on camera! These are road tested, tried and true. Some are serious and some goofy, but they’re all sure to make you look your absolute best!
1. Turn slightly off center. Rather than facing the camera straight on, angle your face and even your entire body just a little to the left or right. This is not only slenderizing, but also creates more dimension in your appearance.
2. Shift your weight to your back foot. Like tip #1, this is also a slenderizing pose. Whatever is closest to the camera will look bigger than normal. Placing your weight on your back foot shift the focus away and balances your silhouette.
3. Move between shots. Rather than staying stiff and still, shift your weight back and forth. Turn a little, heck, do a little shake even. Movement is great on camera. It’ll loosen you up and result in more winners!
4. Laugh a little to yourself. If you’re uncomfortable in front of the camera or feel like your smile is forced, trying laughing. This help the photographer capture a great smile or a more candid moment. Plus, since laughter is contagious, those around you will soon be chuckling too, cutting the tension and making a great picture.
5. Find shade. Whether it’s a selfie, picture with a friend on vacation, or a portrait with a professional, if you’re out and about after the sun has risen and long before it sets, then find some shade. Otherwise you’ll run the risk of harsh, unflattering shadows. Shade provides even light, which helps to illuminate your eyes and give a more even appearance to your skin (in other words, it’ll help to hide wrinkles or bags under your eyes).
6. Push your chin out. Unless your Gisele Bunchen, you’ve probably been caught on camera with a double-chin at some point in your life. Sticking your chin out and keeping your neck long is the secret to a beautiful jaw line on camera. Doing this AND dropping it a little will bring the focus right to your eyes. Try it out!
7. Squint a little. This is an advanced tip for those wanting a sassy picture. Follow all the tips above, THEN, try squinting, juuuuuust a little. It’s subtle, but it works. See my lovely co-owner below showing how it’s done!
8. Turn your back to the sun. If you’re stuck in a place with no shade and lots of sun, put it behind you, then if using a smart-phone, touch the screen on your face to achieve the proper exposure for your face. Your background may be extra bright, but at least you’ll be looking great!
9. No duck face! Need we say more?
10. Think of a puppy dog. Ridiculous, we know, but I bet it made you smile 🙂 Other alternatives include a baby, a big bowl of ice cream, or even a day off of work! In short, something that makes you relax and smile.
We’re so excited to share these photos from Miss M’s fashion inspired boudoir shoot! Miss M came in with amazing energy and pieces to wear for her shoot. We had so much fun styling each look! She has recently been working towards health and fitness goals with trainer Dusten Nelson, and just completed her first fitness competition. All that hard work has clearly paid off in these super sexy boudoir photos!
It may go without saying, but Laurie and I (Maggie) are people people. We LOVE the moment our clients walk through the door and we finally get to put a face to all the emails! We’re replenished by these encounters because our shoots are opportunities to get to know the lovely ladies we photograph, who are often talented, intelligent professionals that leave us inspired!
Valerie Groth is one such example. A life and career coach, she has a background working with inner city students as a counselor before becoming her own boss in recent years. She now empowers clients to overcome fear and transform their life through self-confidence building experiences. She’s a great coach because she practices what she preaches–like doing a boudoir shoot! Valerie told us during her session that she was nervous about the idea, but never one to back down from a challenge, she booked anyway.
She has generously shared a boudoir shoot testimonial, where you’ll read how it was not something just to give her boyfriend, but with her 30th birthday on the horizon, a great way to celebrate where she is at in life. This is exactly what we like to hear at Revealed. We want our clients to walk a little taller after their shoot and embrace just how beautiful they are today. We hope you enjoy ready about Valerie’s experience. Feel free to share your own thoughts in the comment section! We invite your to share how you’ve tackled self-doubt or challenged yourself to something out of your comfort zone!
In a few days, we’ll be following up this post with another feature from Valerie. Where she’ll share the story behind the picture below. In between posts, make sure to check out her website at www.InspirationWithVal.com and follow her on Twitter at @ValerieGroth.
Valerie’s Testimonial:
“I’ve been hearing about boudoir photography shoots for a couple years now, and to be honest my first reaction was that it was something I would NEVER do. However, after a friend had a great experience, I decided to give it a shot. I decided to go with Revealed Studios since I loved the photos they had displayed on their website, and also because in the video on their website Maggie and Laurie seemed very sweet and down to earth. I set up an appointment with Maggie via email and the scheduling process was quick and easy.
When I got to the Revealed studio, I was immediately impressed with the gorgeous space. It’s set up and decorated in a way that feels comfortable and romantic – which is exactly the type of ambience you need to get photographed in your lingerie!
While Maggie got everything set up for the shoot, Tonya did my hair and makeup and she did an amazing job! I am normally really picky about how my makeup looks and as a result I generally don’t like how professional makeup artists do my makeup. However, Tonya made me look beautiful and natural, and I just adored the way she styled my hair!
I brought numerous ‘outfits’ with me and Maggie did a great job helping me decide what to go with and which outfits would look best. While I brought some of my own jewelry, they also have a great selection of gorgeous jewelry that you can borrow to wear during the shoot, as well.
When it came time to get started, I was so nervous at first – but my discomfort didn’t last long! I normally feel really awkward during solo photo shoots but Maggie and Tonya were awesome and helping me pose in a way that looked great but that also felt natural. Trust me – if I can do it, anyone can!!
Before long I was actually enjoying myself. It sounds silly, but being all dressed up with your hair and makeup done and being photographed makes you feel like you get to be a celebrity or a model for the day – and who wouldn’t want to feel like that?
When I went back for my second appointment to pick out which photos to use, Maggie was incredibly helpful and made the process very easy and simple. And when I received the final product, I was so impressed! The photos looked gorgeous and the book is high-quality.
But I haven’t even touched on the main reason I loved my boudoir shoot, a reason which I think may surprise you. Stay tuned for Part 2 to learn what my boudoir shoot and this photo have in common….
by Zurina Ketola
In our last post, we left you hanging on the details for what happened once we got inside the Heart “O” Chicago motel. After snapping some great pictures outdoors of model Brooke Boerman and Actor Brenden Carney, Maggie went to rent a room. With the key in hand, Maggie came back to the crew and announced we “were in.”
We grabbed the gear over and started setting up. This was pretty entertaining. For one, I don’t know if they’ve changed the decor since the 70’s or 80’s, which ended up working in our favor. There was still definitely quite a bit that needed to be changed. Styling a room for any conceptual idea takes a keen eye, and there’s a lot of taking things away and adding key pieces to create an overall vibe that fits in with the style you’re going for. Maggie’s experience came in really handy here.
Phones and alarm clocks were removed, while lamps and paintings were covered with scarves, and various lacy underthings. Because we wanted that grungy, gritty feel, we also brought in cigarettes and beer and strategically placed them around the room. A big shout out to Brenden on this – we had the guy smoking like a chimney, and drinking the rest of the night! I think we all smelled like an old dive bar before the smoking ban by the end of the night. I’m not a fan of smoking, but I think it was worth it. Smoke can be a character all on its own, and it was perfect for the ambiance of our set.
This portion of the shoot got a little racier. We transformed the light-hearted feel to more of a push-pull rollercoaster between the couple, first having Brooke tease Brenden before he came in for the assist. Jen pulled perfect pieces for this series. We loved the taupe blouse with buttons just asking to be undone and old school thigh-highs perfect taunting Brenden.
One thing we sought to achieve from this experience was a full story, from start to end of a young couple in the throes of love. We’re so stoked by with the result. It’s always fun and exciting working with the talented team of creative professionals that Revealed brings together. Not only does it show in the finished product, but working on set was a real treat as well. Everyone involved was a doll and brought something special to the table. I can’t wait until the next collaboration!
I hope you enjoyed the post. Let us know what you think – post your questions and comments below. Thanks for reading!
Find out more about the collaborators for this project below.
Maggie Rife-Ponce | Revealed Studios | Principal Photographer / Creative Director & Principal photographer at Revealed, Maggie is a creative force to be reckoned with. Her composition, style, expertise and never ending curiosity evoke a dynamic feeling within her work. As both the Creative Director and Principal Photographer for this shoot, Maggie really knocked it out of the park!
Laurie Peacock | Revealed Studios | Creative Concept
Laurie Peacock is a highly sought after wedding, boudoir, and portrait photographer in the Chicago area, and is also business partners with Maggie at Revealed. Loved by her clients for her professionalism, expertise, and charm, she and Maggie developed the inspiration and stylistic concept of our shoot. While we missed her sparkling personality on the day of, we’re always happy to work with this lovely lady and new mom!
Jennifer Burton | JB Styles | Wardrobe Stylist
Jennifer Burton of JB Styles is a highly sought after stylist here in the Chicago-area and abroad, working with both private clients and styling for ad campaigns and magazines. An expert in her field, she has made several television appearances dishing her style advice and expertise to a wide audience. Jennifer nailed the looks we were going for in both of our models, and we’re so happy with the results! Love what you see? Visit www.jbstyles.com for more info.
Zurina Ketola | Zurina Ketola Designs | Jewelry Designer / Stylist
Zurina Ketola has been designing and creating jewelry for over ten years, and has had her work appear in local and national publications, as well as various fashion and indie blogs. These editorial shoots really require us to pump it up when we’re styling the accessories. Armed with a wide variety of bohemian inspired designs, we really piled it on for some of the looks here. Check out her work at www.zurinaketola.etsy.com.
Emily Wolf | Emily Wolf Artistry | Makeup & Hair
Emily Wolf loves applying her stunning artistry to the faces and hair of her clients, and it shows. As a working model, she understands what makeup and hair looks will translate perfectly to photography and film work. Her work has been featured in fashion spreads and on private clients alike. She made Brooke’s transition from bohemian hippie to super sultry go smooth as silk, and we love her for it! She even did a little bit on Brenden – it’s true what they say, by the way. A little bit goes a long way! To see some more of Emily’s amazing work, check out www.emilywolfmua.com
Brooke Boerman | Model
Brooke Boerman is an up and coming model in the Chicago fashion scene. A regular model for Revealed Studios, Brooke has also been featured in magazines and has worked with several corporate clients. Brooke from wild flower child to foxy lady, and looked damn good doing it. Find more info on Brooke here.
Brenden Carney | Model / Actor
Brenden Carney is an actor by trade, and has been growing his modeling portfolio. He’s completed training in improvisation at the Second City and we think he killed it here at the Heart “O” Chicago!
