Simple and tasteful. Fine art nude pictures with Ms. H.
Thanks to the world on social media, we met virtually and connected with this lovely lady below on Instagram a year ago. We talked about collaborating back in the summer, but the timing just didn’t work out. Finally, when the weather was really dragging in Chicago, the stars aligned and we reconnected for this session. Maybe it was the stars, maybe the fancy Instagram algorithm, but we all instantly hit it off. Good thing too, because by the end of the shoot, Hannah was wearing nothing but her undies for these gorgeous fine art nude pictures below.
Hannah’s a true pro. Like really. At six feet tall without shoes and Cameron Diazesque bone structure, she could be signed with just about any agency. When we asked why she wasn’t modeling professionally, she said there’d been opportunities, but she pushed back against the pressure to be an unhealthy level of thin. It’s hard to hear the unreasonable standards of beauty out there and we’re proud of her for rejecting them.
Thanks Hannah for inspiring us in more ways than one on this photo shoot. We can’t wait to share the many more pictures still waiting in our archives…Follow Hannah Patricia on Instagram and see more from her photography session on the Revealed Studios Chicago Boudoir Instagram board.
Unveiling Confidence: A Guide to Bridal Boudoir Outfits, Poses, and Photography Ideas
For many brides, posing in front of a camera wearing lingerie can be nerve-wracking. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone in this feeling. Our team of professionals working on your bridal boudoir shoot understands how important it is for you to feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
It starts from the moment you reach out.
From the moment you step into our studio, you’ll be greeted by a group of compassionate and experienced women dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They aim to make you feel pampered and empowered while capturing your unique beauty through stunning photography. You can trust that you are in good hands and will walk away from your boudoir photo shoot feeling more confident and self-assured.
Prepping before your bridal boudoir session
With your wedding on the horizon, we know you probably have a million things on your mind. We want to ease your stress, so we’ve put together 10 tips for your boudoir bridal photography shoot to ease your nerves and increase your confidence.
10 Tips on how to feel confident during your bridal boudoir shoot
Tip 1: Choose a photographer that you feel comfortable with.
Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with: Look for a photographer with experience in boudoir photography and whose style matches your preferences. We know how intimate a boudoir is, and trusting your photographer is a massive part of feeling confident about your pictures.
The first thing we do is schedule a phone call to talk through all your questions and let you know what to expect. You can hear our voices and get to know us a bit. We want to help you feel relaxed and prepared for the experience.
Tip 2: Plan ahead.
One way to feel more confident during a bridal boudoir shoot is to plan and set aside a few hours for the session. Doing this allows you to avoid feeling rushed and gives you enough time to relax and enjoy the experience.
During the shoot, allow yourself to fully embrace the moment and focus on enjoying yourself. Don’t worry about time or feeling like you must rush through poses or outfit changes. Having a few hours to work with can help you feel more comfortable and confident, ultimately leading to better photos.
Tip 3: Choose outfits that make you feel confident.
Bring a variety of outfits that you feel comfortable in and that make you feel beautiful. We have an article dedicated just to this topic that you can check out here: bridal boudoir outfits. This could include lingerie, robes, or other sexy clothing. Also, we welcome you to bring your veil, garter, and wedding shoes, as they are great accessories to evoke those wedding day feelings!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with too many choices, start by limiting yourself to a black, a white, and a color option. Black is always sexy and timeless, and white is appropriate for the occasion.
If white is not your thing, blush or nude are always great alternative colors. A color choice will also offer a nice accent for variety in your photos. Consider a color that flatters your complexion. Not sure which one flatters your skin tone? Check out thisarticle to learn more.
Tip 4: Rock those heels.
Even if you’re not a heel kinda gal, we recommend wearing them for your bridal boudoir photos. Although they may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, heels create the look of elongating your legs, working your muscles, and lifting your booty. The effect is worth popping those heels on for a bit!
Our must-have list always includes a nude pump for all our boudoir sessions, and a black pump is a bonus. A simple stiletto heel is amazing, but if that’s not your jam, astrappy pump or ablock heel are great choices too.
Tip 5: Indulge in beauty appointments.
If there’s ever a time to pamper yourself, the months leading up to your wedding are it. With the day you say “I do” on the horizon, you’ve got the best excuse for extra self-care. We recommend a few specific services before your session to enhance your boudoir look:
Spray tan: If you’re in the Chicago area, our go-to spot for a beautiful, natural application isGlow Out in the West Loop. Their team is fantastic! Mention us; they’ll ensure you’re the perfect shade without any orange tones.
Mani/Pedi: Refresh your hands and feet with a mani and pedi. While we’re big fans of statement color and shape, we recommend sticking with a more subtle, elegant shape in case you ever change your mind about today’s nail trends.
Facial: A facial feels relaxing, and the process preps your skin for your makeup artist. You’ll be set for a flawless application on the day of your session. Tip: Please avoid harsh chemicals the week of your shoot; we recommend facial peels two weeks prior and hydra facials or micro-dermaplaning the week of.
Wax: If this is your usual beauty maintenance regime, go for it! But if not, stick to what you know works. It would be best if you had no adverse reactions before your photos.
Tip 6: Practice good self-care leading up to the shoot.
Practicing good self-care leading up to your bridal boudoir shoot is essential for feeling confident and ready for the day. Start by drinking plenty of water, which helps keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein will also fuel your body to feel its best.
In addition to nourishing your body, ensure you get enough rest in the days leading up to your shoot. Try to get a solid night’s sleep before the shoot day to help you feel refreshed and ready to go.
Tip 7: Indulge in this mantra. “I’m in good hands.”
Sure, confidence can come from within, but experts have agreed that confidence results from your relationships and experiences. So, practice this mantra: “I’m in good hands.” We want you to remember that you are in good hands. You’ll be in a safe, judgment-free environment surrounded by a team of women whose primary goal is to help you feel supported.
Tip 8: Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques.
If you’re feeling nervous or anxious, try practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help calm your nerves. We’re here to help you relax, as well. We’re going to pamper you as you deserve!
Once you arrive, we’ll help you make final decisions about your outfits if you hesitate about what to wear. We’ll then send you to hair and makeup, where a fantastic artist gets you glammed up. We choose to work with artists who are not only super talented but also have abundant positive energy. By the end of the application, you’ll look like the best, most refreshed version of yourself.
Tip 9: Bring a trusted friend or partner.
If you’re nervous, consider bringing someone you trust to the shoot. They’ll gladly offer support and encouragement throughout your boudoir photography journey.
Tip 10: Don’t be shy about talking to your photographer.
Don’t be afraid to communicate with your photographer throughout the shoot. Let us know if you feel uncomfortable or have any specific ideas or requests. It’s normal to have a few jitters as we start the session. We’ll start slowly, with plenty of coaching through simple pictures to warm you up.
And no worries! We’ll provide easy-to-follow directions as we guide you through multiple poses that enhance your beauty and confidence. And if you have any posing ideas, please share!
By following these 10 tips, you’ll be amazed at how confident and comfortable you are during your bridal boudoir shoot, flowing through the experience in a way that leaves you feeling exhilarated, like you climbed a mountain. A bridal boudoir photoshoot might be the release you didn’t even realize you needed before your wedding day.
Remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience!
How Ms. L got her groove back – forget your woes and have some fun.
The breakup, we’ve all been there at one time or another. You know, that place after a recent breakup where you feel just a bit salty. Even when the person’s great and there’s no bad blood between ya, sometimes you can’t help but wanna do something to feel good about yourself.
For some of us it means a fresh haircut (guilty) for others it’s a trip (guilty again). For Ms. L, after calling it quits with a recent beau, a boudoir photography session sounded fun and empowering.
We could not have vibed better with her. She felt like an instant friend. The energy in the studio, the light was extra glowy from a recent snowfall, and together we created some super exciting pictures. Afterwards she wrote:
“To the ultimate entourage and my new favorite girl tribe,
There aren’t enough words to describe how grateful I am for today’s shoot—not only are you amazingly talented women, but also some of the most empowering, fierce, and bad ass betches I’ve ever met! My heart is so full right now and I owe that all to you. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!! “
To see more sessions like this, check out here and here.
Looking for some amazing boudoir style inspo? Check out real client Ms. N’s boudoir session.
Ms. N delighted us when she unpacked her bag to reveal a pair of high-waisted bottoms, a simple navy bodysuit with the right amount of side exposure, and super fun fur jacket among other gorgeous pieces.
She was inspired by the seventies–wanting a bit of a throwback feel to her session. With an effortless beauty and understated demeanor, we kept the session pretty simple. We stripped the white comforter from the bed and put the mattress on the floor in one scene. In another, we turned the edison light bulb chandeliers on and set her loose against the railings of the loft after the sun had just set.
See all her photos for yourself, then for more inspiration, check out Ms. E’s edgy style and Ms. J’s vintage look.
After a recent divorce and cross country move, Ms. M reconnects with herself in an intimate boudoir photoshoot.
We immediately felt a click with Ms. M when on the morning of her boudoir photoshoot. She said things like, “I want the pictures to feel…” and talked about scenes versus poses and vibes versus looks. She was all about embodying a woman connecting with an intimate side of herself. Basically she spoke our language.
We eagerly embraced her vision, queuing into the energy she radiated. Rather than offering detailed steps like, “put your hand here and slowly raise the sides of your mouth for a half smile,” we took a more cinematic approach, coaching her more on a mindset instead.
It’s inspiring and invigorating to see someone lean into the experience so much. We also loved that she started her session with a non-traditional wardrobe piece–a simple black dress. It just goes to show alluring a woman can be while still completely dressed. If you love the look as much as us, check out here and here for to get your hands on your own LBD.
Chicago Wedding Photographer’s head to California for destination wedding in the dessert
You know us for our boudoir work, but every so often, Kelly and I will photograph a wedding.In December we headed to dreamy Palm Dessert, California to capture the nuptials of Jennifer and Todd.The wedding was so swoon-worthy, with the dusty colors of the dessert as a backdrop, a bride’s creative vision, and a surprise flash mob at the end. Needless to say, we were in heaven.
We’re extra grateful to Splash Magazine for featuring the wedding last week. Read how a playful tiff between Jennifer and Todd upon first meeting lead to a lifetime together via this link.
The details:
Bride’s gown: Anne Barge, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, 12 W. Maple; Bellabianca.com
Let’s go natural! Fresh-faced minis with Revealed Studios
Feel beautiful in your own skin with a fresh face mini portrait session. Come to the studio au natural (whatever that means for you) and we’ll take it from there. Whether you go completely bare-faced, put on your regular day-to-day makeup, or just a quick swipe of mascara- we’re here to make you look and feel gorgeous.
The Specifics–
When: 30-minute slots on Feb. 15th from 10 am-3 pm.
Where: The Coach House of 4553 N. Wolcott Ave.
Price: $99 deposit.
Only pay for the ones you love.
An online gallery will be posted within 72 hours where you can purchase digital files, prints, and other products.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I wear? Pants are optional because we’ll be focusing on your beautiful face. We do suggest wearing something simple on top like an oversized t-shirt, simple tank top, button-up shirt, or off the shoulder sweater. Something that has a looser neckline will give us more room to play.
2. Is this a boudoir session or a portrait session? Think of this as boudoir-(ish) portrait session. No heels, no backbends, no beds.
You’ll get to be you, which we promise is even better.
3. Can I wear makeup? Absolutely! Whatever fresh-faced means to you is great for us. In these pictures we have some gals skipped foundation altogether and let their natural texture show through. Others opted for a swipe of gloss and no mascara. Whatever makes you most comfortable works for us.
4. Do I get to choose my background? We’re keeping these simple and classic. You can choose from white or black, and depending on what you wear or the color of your hair, one option might make the most sense. If you’re unsure, just send us an email beforehand to [email protected].
5. What if I want more than 30 minutes? Whoa who! We’d love more time with you. Just reserve two slots at the time of booking.
Mini Boudoir Session — Perfect for Valentine’s Day, or a simple a chance to treat yourself!
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Thrill your special someone with the gift of intimate photos. Not tied down? Why not take this opportunity to celebrate your independence with a mini boudoir session.
For a limited time, we’re offering a mini package that includes one outfit, professional hair and makeup, and a 5″ x 5″ album.
Interested but looking for a different product or digital files? We’ve got plenty other options for you and even a discount on our web ready digital files.
Call us at 773-273-9063 or contact us here to learn more. Book by January 31st to receive your album by February 14th, 2018.
How to get extraordinary results from your boudoir photo shoot
When Ms. E came in for her session, we asked her if there was anything she had in mind for her photo shoot. A professional in a creative field, we knew she had killer taste and experience on sets of photo shoots. Her only request was for an anything but basic boudoir photo shoot.
We happily welcomed this request, eagerly leaning into the challenge. So what goes into creating a “anything but basic” smokin’ hot boudoir session?
Boudoir Style:
Put some thought into your style. Take some time to browse our website and other sources of inspiration (Pinterest, movies, magazines). Consider what sets you apart as a person and own it. Maybe it’s your signature cat eye. Maybe it’s your killer salsa moves. Maybe, like Ms. E below, it’s your love of layered gold necklaces. Whatever the case, embracing your tastes can lead to results that really represent YOU.
Bare it all:
No, we don’t mean get naked. What we’re referring to is opening up emotionally. Let yourself go a bit. One of our favorite women in the world is such an inspiration in this category. Diane Keaton is always so charming and captivating in any role she plays because she really connects in whatever role she performs. We know how hard it can be to let your guard down, (in fact, we’re dedicating an entire future post on ways to work on this), but magical results come when you trust yourself and trust us.
Creative Freedom.
So you’ve committed to your session, your looks are chosen, and you’re killin’ it at savasana. What else makes for incredible boudoir photos?
Giving your photographer creative freedom is really one of the best things you can do for yourself. Trusting your photographer instills confidence and creates room for creativity. We want nothing more than to make remarkable pictures, not just for our clients, but for ourselves. We love this work and we often get as excited about our client’s photos as they do.
“How do you get us to do all that? All of your photos look like the women mean it and that’s my favorite part…”
Last week we posted the first set of photos from Jen’s photo shoot. Today we’re excited to share the rest. The first person to see these pictures was the subject of course. On a quiet Friday evening, Kelly sent the link to Jen via a text message (the two have been friends for some time now). Her response was such a charming testimonial. ”
And yes, an occasional thumbs up slips into our boudoir photos.
When Jen showed up for her boudoir session she brought with her a bag that brought to mind those mini-cars at the circus somehow magically stuffed full of a dozen clowns. From it, she pulled out kimono after kimono until a pile of more than twenty lay crumbled on the bed like discarded tissues after a cry fest. “Gurrrl, first of all, that’s a lotta kimonos. And second, how did you fit them all in that one tiny bag?”
What’s with all the kimonos?
We learned during her session that kimonos were part of her regular lounge wear while relaxing at home. Thus, why she had so many. We also learned, a bit more significantly, that this year is the longest she’s ever been single in over a decade.
This was significant for us because she attributes the solo time to a sort of blossoming of spirit. She said right now she’s deeply embracing herself—her unique style (charmingly retro), her independence (like taking trips to starved rock to camp with her only pup Betty as company), and her voice—both figuratively and literally (she’s an amazing singer and song writer).
Jen’s unencumbered presence was a gift to photograph. She said she was nervous and like all our sessions, there was an open bottle of bubbly for some extra encouragement. But truly, you’d never know there was a question of confidence from the way she moved. The best way to describe it is “in the moment.”
Channeling the greats, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe
We hope you enjoy the first collection of images from her photo shoot in which she channeled Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, followed by a free-spirited dance wearing, wait for it, a pink kimono ????
Too see ALL the kimonos she brought, check out our Instagram here and be sure to check back next week for the second set of images where Jen looks the spiting image of the late, great Marilyn Monroe.
It starts from the moment you reach out.
Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with: Look for a photographer with experience in boudoir photography and whose style matches your preferences. We know how intimate a boudoir is, and trusting your photographer is a massive part of feeling confident about your pictures. 
Bring a variety of outfits that you feel comfortable in and that make you feel beautiful. We have an article dedicated just to this topic that you can check out here: 
Practicing good self-care leading up to your bridal boudoir shoot is essential for feeling confident and ready for the day. Start by drinking plenty of water, which helps keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein will also fuel your body to feel its best.
If you’re nervous, consider bringing someone you trust to the shoot. They’ll gladly offer support and encouragement throughout your boudoir photography journey.
The Specifics–
We do suggest wearing something simple on top like an oversized t-shirt, simple tank top, button-up shirt, or off the shoulder sweater. Something that has a looser neckline will give us more room to play.
