Anjelica Bannos came into our lives a few years back when my husband (Maggie here) worked with her while she was the early morning makeup artist at NBC Chicago. One shoot with her and we were totally smitten.
Anjelica has a laid back demeanor that immediately makes you feel like you’re with a best friend. She does a stunning smokey eye and is always up for a good challenge.
MAKEUP ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, we’d like to introduce you to Emily Wolf.
We first met Emily years ago when she came in to model. We fell in love and started stalking her on facebook, where we saw her journey into the world of makeup. A talented artist, Emily took her love of painting and put it to good use creating transformations from boudoir to halloween looks. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathon Toews are just two of her better known clients, but she approaches all subjects with the same passion and eagerness.
Below are some of our favorite looks created by Emily. Take a peek then head over to Emily’s makeup, fashion, design blog, Artjunki.com and follow her on instagram here.
Everything you need to know before your boudoir shoot
Doing a boudoir session can be a bit scary. The last thing you want to be thinking about the morning of your shoot is whether you prepped correctly. We’ve created a checklist to ensure you have everything covered before your session.
Choose your outfits. You want to make sure you have AT LEAST three options for your boudoir session. When in doubt, bring more and we can help you narrow them down. What sort of looks work best for camera? We suggest one classic number, like a black body suit or bra and panty set. The rest can be reflective of your taste and style. Have fun with it. If you’re having serious trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for our help.
Pumps. Unless you’re really against heels, we highly recommend bringing a pair of black and a pair of nude pumps. (Of course you can bring others, but those two options are totally safe and will work with any get up you might wear (or not…hehehe).
Accessorize. After you’ve chosen your looks, it’s time to add the finishing touches. We love little touches of sparkle–like diamond or rhinestone earrings and delicate necklaces. Not confident with your jewelry, don’t worry, the goods you were born with will be the best accessory of all. Plus, we have some studio options you can use as well.
Props. Adding an extra element can be a fun addition to a boudoir shoot. Whether “teacher glasses” or poker chips, props can be a playful, personal touch.
Wax. This isn’t a must, but a well groomed bikini area is always encouraged. Shaving is totally fine, just be sure to exfoliate to protect against ingrown hairs.
Exfoliate. Speaking of, while you’re at it, a day before your session, use a gentle exfoliator on your face. This will help remove dead skin cells for a better makeup application.
Spray Tan. Let’s face it, most of us all feel better with a healthy glow. However, tan lines are tough to photoshop and plus, too much sun is rough on skin. We recommend a spray tan from the lovely ladies over at GlowOut salon. They’re familiar with our work and will take great care of you. Check out their FAQ page to find out exactly when to book your session(typically two days before your boudoir session) and what to do beforehand for best results
Hydrate. We can’t say this enough. Water is wonderful for helping you look and feel refreshed for your photo shoot.
Rest. As much as is possible, try to get a good night’s sleep leading up to your session. This will help you feel and look your best. You’re going to be bending into some pretty wicked poses, some that require a bit of strength. It might sound silly, but boudoir is a lot like an intense workout, so we want you to feel energized when you arrive.
Set your Intention. Ok, so this last one is going to sound a bit new-agey, but we’re big believers in setting a positive intention before your shoot. From the moment you book! This is a chance to celebrate who you are where you are in life. We want you to come in feeling positive and excited for your session. We know nerves are a part of this whole experience as well, and that’s ok. But a great attitude is the best thing you can do to create great results from this special day.
A few weeks back we posted part I of Ms. S’s photos. This week we’re sharing the rest of her images. What so wonderful to us about taking these sort of pictures is the freedom to really explore your comfort level. Each client has their own place of empowerment. We think Ms. S’s image are a great example of tasteful boudoir photography, with just the right amount of sensuality. We hope she can be proud for years and years to come!
Whatever your comfort level, you’re in good hands!
As Ms. S said before her session, it took a bit for her to work up the nerve to do a boudoir session. That’s totally normal! Whether you’re totally confident and comfortable, or a ball full of nerves, we’re here to help you relax and guide you through every step of the photo shoot.
If you’re interested in learning more, we’d love to chat! Feel free to call us directly at 773-273-9063 or shoot us an email at info@revealed-studios.com. We can’t wait to talk with you!
Nude? Why going in the buff is a great idea. Fine Art Photography from Revealed Studios
Sometimes the most striking images are the simplest. No complicated setups or flashy props, just gorgeous window light and good energy. Fine art nude photography is that simple.
Throughout history, artists have relished the simplistic grace of the female form. There’s something universally striking about a stripped down figure. This real client below embraced her curves and bared it all for some tasteful fine art photography in the nude.
We marvel that every time we’ve photographed a client in the buff, something surprising happens. Suddenly they feel even more comfortable. Like the act of removing the outer garments somehow serves to peel away the last layer of fear and insecurity, leaving them feeling pleasantly exposed. Like, ‘This is me. In my birthday suit. Totally naked. And it’s ok. I’m accepted. I accept myself. I did it.”
It’s exhilarating. A bit like skinny dipping. There’s a thrill in being a bit vulnerable. The right kinda vulnerable. The type of vulnerable that leads to growth. That leads to a sense of self acceptance. The courage it takes is a big step. It’s a big move. Bold. It’s when you step out of your comfort zone that life gets really exciting.
And that’s not even talking about the beautiful pictures that are the result of accepting yourself. Can we acknowledge how lovely a fine art photo in the nude can be? Uninterrupted lines from head to foot, curving without distraction. It’s the most classic way to be represented in art. What a lovely opportunity to immortalize your form.
After thinking long and hard about doing a boudoir session, Ms. S reached out last month writing, “I’m finally brave enough to scope out the boudoir photo shoot.”
When we asked if there was a special occasion, an anniversary or birthday gift for her husband she replied, “this is more for me.” Of course she planned to share the photos with Mr. S, but it doing something she considered self-affirming that was the main motivation for this session.
We’re proud of her and felt inspired vicariously.
Check out part one of Ms. S’s boudoir pictures. Part two coming next week.
In a world full of aspiring photographers and surplus of options, it’s hard not to wonder, what differentiates one boudoir photographer from another? Well first of all, let’s get this out of the way. Boudoir photography can range in pricing. Big time. In doing research, we’ve found packages going up all the way to $28,000 (yes, seriously! I mean, it did include a round trip ticket to Paris. Which doesn’t sound so bad to me) and on the flip side, others that started closer to mid hundreds.
So what makes one boudoir experience more valuable than another? We’ve thought a lot about this. Providing an incredible experience to our clients matters to us. A lot. Here are the things we take into account when pricing our packages.
Experience matters. You don’t just want someone with a nice camera, but someone who knows what to do with it.
Experience: Boudoir is an intimate and often, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s so important to have someone with plenty of experience. Having a great camera and nice location is great. But in the end, it’s what you do with that camera, in that location, and with that person that makes the difference. Understanding how to pose all sorts of body types matters. Knowing how to shape lighting to contour a figure, camouflage skin texture, and create a mood matters. Having an understanding of angles, lens choices, and camera settings matters.
Being in this field for the last six years, we’ve developed a deep understanding of how to make all women look their best. Not only that, but we’re always eagerly learning and pushing for more.
(Insider tip: Check out a variety of portfolios and a photographer’s instagram account to get a sense of their experience level).
Retouching is a fine art. It involves both taste and skill to make skin look naturally flawless.
Retouching: Have you ever seen a picture that just looks way over photoshopped? Like, the skin looks a bit plasticy? Yeah, I’m sure you all know what I’m talking about. We believe in approaching retouching on a much more micro level, versus using an all over blur filter. Keeping natural texture in skin, while removing blemishes, bruises, cellulite, red bumps, etc is a fine art. It takes a lot of practice and learning. We’ve taken many classes from master retouchers and processed thousands of images over the years that have brought us to a place of beautiful, natural results.
(Insider tip: Ask your photographer to share their philosophy and approach to retouching).
Feeling comfortable and confident to relax and really let go is invaluable.
The Vibe: This is a very subjective area when it comes to the value of a boudoir photoshoot. In our minds though, it’s one of the most important elements in our work. Imagine going to a session where the photographer makes you feel uncomfortable. Where you don’t feel like you can let your guard down. Where you question whether you should be there at all.
From the moment you reach out to us, we try to be encouraging, informative, and approachable. We want clients to feel like they’re among friends, ones who also happen to know exactly how to make them look amazing. At the same time, we want you to feel special. This day is all about you. From start to finish, we’re invested in giving you an experience you’ll cherish for years to come. It’s the little things that count…help selecting an outfit, interest in your vision, confidence in direction.
(Insider tip: Read client testimonials and schedule a phone call or in person consultation with the studio you’re interested in).
“Maggie and Kelly were SO comfortable to be around for this type of adventure! I had no qualms or hesitations because they made everything so easy! They put my outfits together and were so encouraging and made me feel beautiful! They told me what to do, how to stand, where to go – I didn’t have to think! Just followed their direction!”
Photographer’s work in a variety of locations. Choose one that not only wows, but feels professional.
Location: Boudoir photography is done in all sorts of places, from people’s homes to hotel rooms. Over the years, we’ve photographed in a variety of locations, but we love now having our own studio space. We’re able to cultivate the energy we want for our sessions, whereas when shooting in a hotel, you’re privy to elements you can’t control (artwork on the walls you can’t remove, small spaces that limit your range of shooting, and in general, the feeling that you’re in a hotel). There’s also something wonderful about knowing what to expect in the space you’re shooting in and the freedom to create your own scenes.
(Insider tip: Check out pictures of the studio on their website or instagram account, or ask the studio to describe where they shoot).
The little things that make a difference.
Other Considerations: All the factors above attribute to the value of the final package. When people ask why the session fee doesn’t include free digital files or products, it’s because it’s accounting for all the factors above as well as a few others–the time and investment it takes to be an accomplished photographer, the equipment costs to create beautiful imagery, the cost of the space rental, the staff you’re working with (talented and versatile makeup and hair stylists, a responsive and timely owner or studio manager), software for processing images, and even more.
We really believe a boudoir photoshoot is so much more than the pictures at the end of the day. It’s an investment in yourself. It’s taking the time to tap into your feminine and even sensual side. The goal is to not only leave you with gorgeous photos, but also a sense of self-actualization that you can take with you in your personal life. That is priceless.
Hey, did you hear? Our sister company, Revealed Portraits is offering a Mother’s Day Portrait Special to celebrate the unique love between mother and child.
The Perfect Gift for Any Mom in Your Life
This is a wonderful opportunity to make any mother in your life feel special. Whether a new mom or grandmother, let her feel seen and appreciated this year. These portraits will be treasured keepsakes to share for generations to come.
Mother’s Day Photo Shoot Includes:
Time for mom individually and with child(ren)
Complimentary matted 8 x 12 fine art print
$199
Optional Hair and Makeup
$75
Celebrate Her this Year
“The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children.” Jessica Lange”
Gift Cards Available
Purchase your gift card today or book your session by contacting us at info@revealed-studios.com or call 773-273-9063
Not sure what to wear for your boudoir photos? Stylist Emily McClaren has all your needs covered!
When it comes to deciding what to wear for boudoir photos, there are some who love the opportunity to search the websphere for getups and accessories. For others, it’s panic inducing. Suddenly they’re faced with a million-and-one questions–“Do I get the black bodysuit, or the nude? Wait, can I even pull off a bodysuit? Aren’t only celebrities like Rhianna and Lady Gaga able to wear that sort of thing. Should I google them to see?” And suddenly, they’re lost in a spiral of browser tabs and self doubt.
For those of you who can relate to the latter, good news, we have just what you need. Meet Emily McClaren-fashion aficionado. She’s got your covered. From concept to actual shopping, she’s there to help along the way.
We recently partnered up with Emily for a fun, fresh, spring model session with one of our beloved past clients. Check out our collaboration below and read about Emily’s styling process.
If you’re interested in having Emily style your session or to find out more, message us at info@revealed-studios.com or call 773-273-9063.
Step 1: Concept
[70’s inspired boudoir session]
First, I begin with finding out the vibe we are wanting to convey for the specific project. I like to start with a conversation with each client, regarding the “feel” they are looking to present for that occasion. This question helps me get into the mindset of the client. I often find that clients struggle with finding exact pieces they are looking for; it is much easier for clients to express the type of look they are going for using specific adjectives (i.e. edgy, cool or soft and sweet). It seems easier to come to a consensus when their own verbiage is used, maybe even alone with a theme (i.e. a decade or location).
Step 2: Inspiration
In addition to talking about the “feel” or look, I ask clients to share any inspiration photos they’ve collected. This further allows our visions to mesh. It’s also an easy way to determine what they like and dislike about a certain style or photo. I also ask for permission to view their social media. This helps me visualize who I am dressing, their personal style, as well as best tones and colors. [natural, low-key vibe]
3. Comfort Level
The next question is probably the most sensitive. I ask clients which (if any) areas of their body they wish to conceal more than others. I also ask if there are any looks/styles that do not suit their personal vision. I do enjoy pushing clients out of their comfort zones. I respect the vision of the client, but it is my job, especially with boudoir, to bring a client beyond the realm of everyday wear and into a little fantasy. Furthermore, it is my passion to allow clients to feel beautiful and confident in our collaboration. I do my best to find a balance between keeping them comfortable and confident.[Intimate and implied boudoir session].
Step 4: Color, Textures, & Styles
Sometimes it’s easier to determine what we hate vs. what we like when it comes to style. We all have our lists of things we would never wear and no amount of convincing is going to prove otherwise. For example, if someone hates the color pink or would never wear anything with lace, I’d do my best to avoid their dislikes. I do ask for flexibility in the collaborative process, because something that would normally make a client not choose a certain piece of clothing, might actually enhance the final look. In the end, I will always respect the feelings of the client.
Step 5: Logistics
It is my goal to respect the timeline and budget of each client. During the logistics discussion, this is where I will confirm measurements, as well as possible first fitting dates to ensure everything looks just right.
From this point on, I begin sourcing and narrowing down looks that I feel will address each component of the project. I provide multiple options from which to choose. This stage of the process can require some back and forth until we can land on the very best selection.Step 7: Final Touches
After we nail down the exact pieces the client will be wearing, we start talking about any accessorizing we wish to add to complete the look (i.e. necklaces, earrings, rings, shoes, etc.).
Ultimately, my job is to help bring a client’s vision to life. For me styling and fashion is about storytelling and showing off the very best of a client!
Ms. K was on fire for her Groom’s Gift Boudoir Photos
It is rare, but there are some women who come in for their boudoir shoot confidence a blazing. These women are like a supermoon, they just don’t come around that often. Ms. K is one such woman. She was absolutely ready to go when it came to her first look. For most, there’s at least a 10 minute warm up period. Like that first cocktail at the beginning of a date, this is where we’re getting to know each other a bit and loosening up.
Ms. K needed no cocktail. From the first frame she was comfortable and feeling the whole experience. There are probably a 101 reasons why she felt so relaxed, perhaps because of her amazing hair and makeup, maybe because she’d recently lost 60 pounds and felt great about her progress, or could it have been that MS. K just felt really good in her own skin and enjoyed being photographed. Whatever the case, we want to bottle it up and create a special elixir for all our future clients (and us too) to drink before being on camera.
Bottoms up to this lady for showing us how it’s done.
Thoughts on a Boudoir Photoshoot from a Real Client
Our week was completely made when we read this recent boudoir Chicago photography shoot review from one of our clients. “Maggie and Kelly and my makeup artist Anjelica made me feel/look like a freaking goddess.”
YES! We say it again and again, but we realllly mean it. We want to make each and every one of our clients look better than they ever imagined and feel like a goddess. It might sound cheesy, but we’re owning it. This is it. This is what we want and it’s pretty stinkin’ to hear our mission was accomplished.
Also, this line just needs to be acknowledged for it’s amazingness “subtle but extremely helpful direction for my posing so I didn’t look like a drunk giraffe.”
With three back-to-back children, Ms. K has been living “in the trenches,” those early years of child rearing where it feels like your status quo is survival mode. When she found out we were looking for real women models for our behind the scenes boudoir video, she emailed saying, “I am no model, but a role model to my three small children and also a working mom.”
As an all female boudoir studio, we loved the idea of providing her a self-affirming space where she could be treated to a makeover, styling by the wonderful Emily McClaren, and all our encouragement to “own the moment.”
It was an emotional revelation to see herself in these pictures. So much so she couldn’t contain her tears. She said she hadn’t felt like this woman in a long time. After years of neglecting her own needs, taking the time to tap into her sultry side was a welcome change, one we hope lasts long after the shoot.
We hear it all the time, after becoming a mom, making time to nurture yourself is always the last thing on a list of a thousand other things you have to do. It’s hard to prioritize yourself when you’re balancing the needs of your family and professional life.
Being able to provide a comfortable, supportive space for women who desperately need some TLC is a true joy. These next two blog posts feature mothers who were really nervous, but eager for the experience of being photographed at our studio. Both are working moms and both are big-time givers (i.e. Elva brought in cupcakes for us and Karen sent flowers afterwards). Each was long overdue for a little pampering and a reminder that they stillllll got it.
We understand how difficult it can be to take time for yourself, so being able to provide a little pampering and evidence of how truly beautiful they both are was a real pleasure. The experience was emotional for us all. Yes, there were some tears shed. Ms. K’s words when she saw her pictures, “is that me?”
We hope this single afternoon provided both ladies glimpses of that sensitive, electric woman still inside them. We hope they remember her every once in awhile and walk with a little extra sway in their step.
Living with Epilepsy: Mara Lynn opens up about her difficult journey and path to happiness.
Mara is one of those women who upon first meeting you think, “she must have the best life.” Her energy seems so boundlessly enthusiastic that you would never guess she’s lived with a crippling condition since childhood.
In her early teens Mara was diagnosed with epilepsy after suffering from seizures on a daily basis, leaving her constantly drained and struggling to focus. In 2005, she underwent the first of four brain surgeries, resulting in the removal of her Amygdala and Hippocampus, responsible for certain memory and emotional functions. The surgeries were successful at stopping her seizures, but left her unable to continue her career in acting. For Mara, not being able to act felt a little like not being able to breath. But rather than letting all this keep her down, she’s instead used her experience to inspire service for others. She’s an advocate within the epilepsy community and volunteers hours each week. She’s also found a way to channel her acting experience into modeling (and we can say this with confidence from photographing her) she’s an emotive, dynamic muse.
Finding her joy: Mara uses modeling for creative expression
For women feeling nervous being photographed, her advice, “Get out of your brain. Be honest with the photographer about how you are feeling. Good photogs, will do whatever it takes to get a great shot. Don’t be afraid to get support from your photog. Try & take your brain out of it. Let your body just go!”
For others with Epilepsy or struggling with their own personal challenges…
For those struggling with something on a personal level and having difficulty staying positive, Mara can really relate, “ Reach out for help, until you find the support that you need.”
For a little self-care, try her method, “80’s concerts, frozen yogurt, and friends.”
To learn more about Mara’s journey with Epilepsy, watch this video below. To help stop seizures and find a cure for epilepsy, you can donate here.
Pumps. Unless you’re really against heels, we highly recommend bringing a pair of black and a pair of nude pumps. (Of course you can bring others, but those two options are totally safe and will work with any get up you might wear (or not…hehehe).
(Insider tip: Check out pictures of the studio on their website or instagram account, or ask the studio to describe where they shoot).
Ms. K needed no cocktail. From the first frame she was comfortable and feeling the whole experience. There are probably a 101 reasons why she felt so relaxed, perhaps because of her amazing hair and makeup, maybe because she’d recently lost 60 pounds and felt great about her progress, or could it have been that MS. K just felt really good in her own skin and enjoyed being photographed. Whatever the case, we want to bottle it up and create a special elixir for all our future clients (and us too) to drink before being on camera.
We understand how difficult it can be to take time for yourself, so being able to provide a little pampering and evidence of how truly beautiful they both are was a real pleasure. The experience was emotional for us all. Yes, there were some tears shed. Ms. K’s words when she saw her pictures, “is that me?”
We hope this single afternoon provided both ladies glimpses of that sensitive, electric woman still inside them. We hope they remember her every once in awhile and walk with a little extra sway in their step.
