Top 10 Tips for looking great on camera!

Tips for looking great in photos:

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.

Miss M’s fashion inspired boudoir shoot

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Miss M killed it for her Super Sexy Boudoir Photos

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!

Client Valerie Groth writes about her boudoir shoot

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Real Client, Valerie Groth talks about her boudoir photo shoot

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….

The making of an editorial photo shoot: Part 2

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Behind the Scenes – Heart “O” Chicago Editorial Shoot: Part 2

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!

The making of an editorial photoshoot: Part 1

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Behind the Scenes – Heart “O” Chicago Editorial Shoot

by Zurina Ketola

Earlier this week, you saw the results of our bohemian-grit Heart “O” Chicago editorial shoot, but have you ever wondered about the process behind a conceptual photoshoot? Read on for some behind the scenes goodness!

Our inspiration for the shoot came from Maggie and Laurie, who envisioned a Bonnie and Clyde meets dingy 70’s style. They envisioned a day in the life of a vivacious young couple in love. Beginning with a fun, flirty afternoon where the young couple pulls into a motel for a stop on a summer adventure. Things are light and easy at this point, then later temperatures rise as the scene transitions to a more intimate and risque feel behind closed doors. Drawing additional inspiration from dreamy cinematic scenes with soft,tungsten lighting and smoke filled rooms as well as work by fashion photographer Steven Meisel, the team met up at the studio, late afternoon and got to work creating the look and feel of the shoot. Wardrobe and accessories options were discussed between Jen, Maggie, and myself after some last minute pieces were gathered for Brendan from Chicago boutique, Hazel, who generously loaned pieces for the occasion.

See the inspiration board here!

Follow Revealed’s board Motel Shoot on Pinterest.

One of my favorite parts about the the process? Seeing the transformation from fresh faced to bohemian beauty! Emily did a fantastic job bringing this look to life with hair and makeup, using matte finishes on Brooke, extenuating those amazing eyebrows with filler, and accenting her youthful glow with warm cheeks. Brenden’s natural look was perfect for the shoot, rocking a haircut that brings to mind American classic actors James Dean and Marlon Brando. Granted, the 70’s had longer, ehhhhh, shaggier cuts, but we much preferred Brendan’s current do, reminiscent of the 50’s era. Jen further enhanced their looks with some amazing wardrobe options (wait till you see our next post with Brenden rocking one of these pieces, and not much else) , and our super-stylish model even had a few itmes that came in handy. After the wardrobe and accessories were finalized, we packed up all camera equipment and everything we needed for our additional looks and headed out to The Heart “O” Chicago.

The Bonnie and Clyde theme ended up being perfect – we technically didn’t have permission to shoot on the grounds, it is The Heart “O” Chicago, you can imagine why cameras aren’t encouraged. Discretion during the outdoor session was key. Fortunately there was a huge moving truck that just so happened to be parked in the perfect spot for our covert operation. Thanks to the unusually cold and rainy weather Chicago had in store for us, Jen, Emily and I were in a car watching Maggie and the models do their thing. Occasionally Emily hopped out for makeup and hair touch ups, Jen did the same for attire, and I jumped in for some jewelry changes. I’m always fascinated watching Maggie work with her subjects, so I was busy snapping away behind the scenes shots in between pulling out new jewelry for Brooke.

Since Chicago was dishing out some pretty strange weather for July, we opted to move into a room after the light was fading. Check back tomorrow for part two, where I take you inside the motel. You’ll definitely want to hear the story of how Maggie rented the room. “By the hour, please…”

I hope you enjoyed the post. Let us know what you think and check back tomorrow for Part 2- post your questions and comments below. Thanks for reading!

Summer love at the Heart of Chicago

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Chicago Editorial photos: Summer love at the Heart of Chicago Motel

At Revealed Studios, our main focus is photographing beautiful, tasteful boudoir pictures for our female clientele. Every so often we want to stretch our creative legs and venture beyond our comfort zone. Our most recent editorial photo shoot allowed us to do just that. Taking inspiration from bonnie and clyde and the wonderful work of fashion photographer Steven Meisel, we collaborated with actor Brenden Carney, model Brooke Boerman, and a talent packed creative team, Emily Wolf on makeup, Zurina Ketola on jewelry, and Jen Burton of JB Styles on wardrobe to create Summer love at the Heart of Chicago Motel. We had a ball creating this shoot. Everyone brought their A-game, especially Brooke and Brenden, who met for the first time the day of the shoot. What professionals, not even breaking character when Zurina, Emily, Jen, and I cat-called from the background while Brenden slid Brooke’s stocking down!

In upcoming posts, Zurina Ketola will detail just all that went into the creation of this shoot with behind the scenes pictures and bios of all involved! Make sure to check back in coming days for that post.

You might ask how this relates to our everyday work? We’d love to create unique, conceptual boudoir and engagement sessions. Of course they certainly needn’t to be so racy, but all the other elements could be involved. We’ll start with the consultation, interviewing you as a couple to determine the story for your original engagement shoot. This team will plan every detail–styling, accessorizing, location, and timing. We’ll collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind experience to showcase your love. If you’re interested in a conceptualized boudoir or engagement session, please contact us at [email protected] for more information!

Lastly, let’s be friends! Follow us on facebook, instagram, and twitter for more information on our current projects!

Miss T’s Chicago Boudoir Shoot

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Check out Ms. T’s boudoir pics in her fun and flirty photoshoot

Miss T. keeps it simple in her flirty and tasteful boudoir pics. Who knew a scarf could look so good?

We had such a great time photographing her. She shines on camera! What a special treat for her husband-to-be!

Miss T. said this about her session, “I loved my experience from start to finish. It was so comfortable and fun. You helped me so much to feel confident in front of the camera. My fiancé lovessss the book! I catch him looking at it all of the time. Thanks for everything.”

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Let’s be friends! Follow us on facebook and instagram for behind the scenes pics and latest boudoir specials!

Mrs. L’s pin-up inspired boudoir shoot

By Maggie Rife Ponce

What a Throwback. Mrs. L was striking in her Chicago pinup photography shoot

We had such a ball shooting Mrs. L’s Chicago pinup photography session! She brought in so many fun mid-century props, including our favorite, a vintage Kodak Brownie Camera.

Hard Work Pays Off- Check out Lili’s dramatic change.

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Fitness competition photography with Liliana

Over the last year, Liliana has undergone a dramatic transformation. After a rigorous training program, she dropped multiple sizes and worked to get muscles she could proudly show off for a fitness competition photography session. The first part of our session was a traditional boudoir shoot, where Lili rocked her new bod with confidence. During the second half, we brought her on the backdrop, wearing her show bikini (which she bedazzled herself!), to document her achievement.

Congrats, Lili! You look amazing. All your hard work is inspiring!

Barefoot and Pregnant in the Studio

By Maggie Rife Ponce

The Definition of Glowing…

Kimi’s Maternity photography Session

I’m so happy for my darling friend Kimi, who came by the studio for a maternity photography session. She is expecting her first child any minute now! It’s been amazing to watch Kimi these past two years, as she fell in love and married her sweet husband, Mike, and is now about to become a mother. She’s one of the kindest and most giving people I know, and she’s going to make an amazing mother.

Chicago headshot photos of writer Ashley Devick

By Maggie Rife Ponce

How to get your makeup to stay put

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Today on our blog, we have special guests, one of our fabulous makeup artist’s Emily Wolf. Not only does Emily have amazing makeup expertise, she also have first hand experience as a former model for Revealed Studios. She knows what it’s like to be behind the camera, and for that reason, truly appreciates creating a comfortable experience for our clients, through gorgeous work AND an inviting demeanor.

Today Emily shares her top tips on how to keep your makeup looking fresh all day and into the night!

Here are a few of our favorite looks by Emily…

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Many of my clients want to know how I get STAYING power with makeup. It’s really all about the BEFORE & AFTER. What products you use before and after you apply your favorite foundations, shadows, and lipsticks often has a MAJOR impact on longevity! Here are a few of my favorite products that I use for a makeup look that will last day to night.

THE BEFORE

1. MOISTURIZER! The more moisture your skin absorbs, the better condition it will be in for a proper makeup application

photo of embryolisse lait-creme concentre

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre: This moisturizers feels like silk on your skin and provides and AMAZING amount of moisture.

MAC Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion Serum: This products saturates the skin with an extra BOOST of hydration

2. PRIMER

I cannot stress how important it is to prime before you makeup. You can find primers for almost every area of the face. Primer are used to help your makeup stay put, disguise any skin discoloration, add highlight/ brighten the skin, or mattify oily skin. Some of my favs are:

MAC Paint Pot : This product comes in several shades. It is great for creating an even skin tone on the eye, and preventing creasing.

Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation Primer: This product feels like velvet on your skin. It helps to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles on the face.

THE AFTER

1. SETTING POWDERS & SPRAYS

After you have applied your makeup, it is CRUCIAL that you set it with a powder or spray to lock it into place. A lot of my clients want to learn how they can prevent their makeup from creasing, coming off, or reducing shine. Using a setting powder or spray will prevent these issues from happening.

Dermablend Setting Powder: The product can be used anywhere on the face to set your makeup. It is excellent for removing shine and locking in your foundation.

MAC FIX + : This product is great for calming the skin, adding radiance, and finishing the look.

For more makeup looks, please check out:

W: www.emilywolfmua.com I

IG: @EmilyWolfMUA

FB: Emily Wolf Makeup Artistry

That little something extra…

By Maggie Rife Ponce

A note from Maggie and Laurie:

Today we’re featuring a very special guest blogger, Zurina Ketola, the jewelry designer accessorizing many of our boudoir and portrait photography sessions! We first met Zurina as a client. She came to us interested in creating a very special anniversary gift for her husband, a boudoir photo album. During her session, we learned she was an AMAZING jewelry designer, and quickly asked to collaborate!

Since then, Zurina has become an integral part of our team at Revealed Studios. She’s created the amazing collection of jewelry on loan to our clients during sessions and accessorized many of our photo shoots. We love her and are thrilled to have her aboard! Also, we’re soo super excited because she’s given us permission to use a few of her pictures from the session! She totally rocked it, embodying one of our favorite mantras, get lost in the moment!

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Boudoir is all about fantasy, glamour, and fun. I should know – I had the opportunity to do a shoot with Maggie and Laurie about a year ago. While it was a truly amazing experience, it was a bit of a whirlwind for me as far as scheduling went. I set up my session a week before the shoot, which is a little crazy. I got so focused on the wardrobe, I totally forgot about accessories. Me, the jewelry designer. Luckily, I was wearing my absolute favorite pair of pearl drops that day. I’m happy to report that they worked perfectly with everything. Like I said though, this was sheer luck. So ladies, we’ve partnered up to ensure that you can always depend on us for that little something extra for your shoot!

Soon after my boudoir experience, Maggie and Laurie approached me about offering a selection of jewelry for Revealed clients to wear during sessions. I really loved the idea, and thought the set up would be so cool! Where else are you going to get that? I mean, I’m a jewelry designer, and I managed to forget the accessories. It could happen to anyone, and that little something extra always makes a difference. I may have “only” had the pearl earrings for my shoot, but they truly were perfect. It added to the classic, romantic feel I wanted.

After meeting with Maggie, I went back to my studio and curated a special selection of jewelry for Revealed. My goal was to have a variety of luxurious baubles to fit a range of styles. Whether you’re going for sweet and innocent, chic and sophisticated, or sexy and glamorous, you’ve got a ton of choices!

Not only can you play around with these unique gems to explore different looks during your shoot, but they are all available for purchase as well! And to sweeten the deal even more, you’ll get 10% off any jewelry purchase made the day of your shoot.

Oh, and one last thing, ladies! In addition to the special collection of jewels available at Revealed Studios, I also have a shop on Etsy. I’d love for you to come by and take a peek. You’ll find a wide variety of gorgeous handmade bracelets, earrings, hair accessories, necklaces, and rings. Check it out at www.etsy.com/shop/zurinaketola, and enter the coupon code REVEALEDDEAL for 10% off your Etsy purchase of $20 or more!

Cindy’s Maternity Session

By Maggie Rife Ponce

The Joy of Celebrating our Female Clients

There are so many things we love about our work at Revealed Studios, but what we enjoy most of all is celebrating the many sides of our female clients!

During a boudoir session we get to capture the sassy and sexy side, that often leaves our clients walking taller and feeling more confident.

There’s something special about Maternity Photography Sessions

Needless to say, a maternity session is a bit different than a boudoir session. Yes, it still includes hair and makeup, and you very well feel more confident, but the intention is to relish your very feminine side; the part of you that creates and nurtures new life. For many women, this happens but a few rare times, and it is for that reason we feel these pictures are very special. They are glimpses into your past for your children, they are memories of a time when your body transformed so completely, they’re you at what may be the most vulnerable and powerful point in your life, and for that they are a gems.

For some, the idea of having pictures taken when your body feels like it’s changing every second of the day, growing bigger and bigger doesn’t seem too appealing. Cindy was amongst the many who felt that way before her session. After she saw the pictures she wrote, “I LOVE these photos!! I was a bit worried I would feel awkward, at 8 months pregnant, by myself, in front of the camera – but you made me feel totally comfortable and confident, and that really shows in the photos. I hadn’t thought to get maternity photos taken, but I’m so happy that I did – I’ll only have a first pregnancy once in my life, and you’ve helped me memorialize this joyous time. It sounds cheesy, but I will treasure these photos forever!”

It’s such a joy to be able to capture this moment for our clients! We hope every women will take the opportunity to celebrate and document this incredible experience!

Our maternity sessions are $199, which includes hair, makeup, and a 1-hour experience. Interested in celebrating your pregnancy and creating cherished documents of this time? Call 773-273-9063 or email us at [email protected]