When I opened the door to the studio at 4:45 am, I was greeted by a beautiful, smiling face, sitting before me. Having also just arrived, Sherhara was makeup free, but despite the early morning hours, already radiant. “Hi!” She said, with cheerful energy.
“Good morning.” I replied back. “It’s so nice to finally meet you!”
I’d been hearing about Sherhara for months after she showed up to support a friend during her boudoir session. I was out of town at the time at the time, but Laurie and Kelly raved all about her great energy. Still, I was a little nervous coming in to this shoot. I was meeting her for the first time while also venturing into new territory with an outdoor fine art nude photo shoot. Boudoir is already a vulnerable feat for many, and this was taking it two steps further-baring it all out in the open.
My concerns dissipated within minutes. Sherhara was the perfect person to collaborate on this experience. We wanted the shoot to be a celebration of the female form through tasteful, artful imagery. As a professional who specializes in coaching confidence, Sherhara really connected with the message.
While taking her picture, I felt a strong feminine energy radiate from her as she shifted gracefully through different movements. At one point, while the sun crested the horizon, Sherhara stretched her arms out toward the water in a maternal-like posture that touched me deeply, as my own son-to-be grew in my womb.
In our next series of images from the shoot, Sherhara answers questions about the experience, what inspired her to bare all, and more about her personal journey to loving herself.
Ms. S leaned into her photo shoot for some ultra mysterious boudoir photos
When Ms. S arrived for her shoot with all black pieces, we welcomed the monochromatic set. Normally, clients bring in a variety of colors for their boudoir sessions, but we loved the change, which made for some super mysterious boudoir photos.
When we assembled her final album, the simple palette resulted in an ultra sexy feel that we absolutely love! Her choices ranged from a chic corset, a lace slip, a black garter and stocking, and a simple black silk slip- all classically sexy. Looking back at her pictures there is an irresistible, timeless quality that we can’t get enough of.
We’ve been talking a lot lately about boudoir styling, and whether you go ultra glam, monochromatic, mysterious, or girl next door, your most stunning accessory will be yourself. This is a chance to embrace your own unique qualities and celebrate what makes you you. We promise that if you can do that, no matter what you bring, your pictures will be stunning.
We’re so excited to share our final part to our Boudoir Styling Ideas Series featuring the lovely Emily Wolf, one of our favorite models and makeup artists. In case you missed it, take a look at the previous installments part 1, part 2, and part 3.
Sometimes toning down the glam and going for a more raw, subdued look can be the most sexy. For this last look we were inspired by our loft location that came with a complete bathroom. Emily was a total rock star and was game to get a little wet, proving that sometimes less is definitely more.
While we don’t have a shower at our studio, we’re always up for shooting on location or creating a similar feel through styling and lighting, just let us know if this look is for you.
Often when I met someone new and they learn I’m a boudoir photographer, I hear, “I would love to do that, but I just need to lose another 10 pounds.”
I actually had this very conversation last week. At the time I thought to myself, “my prayer for her (for every woman) is that rather than spending the time and energy hating on her body image and resorting to surgery or a strict diet, she could focus instead on discovering ways to love herself, right where she is, and at every stage in life– to be her own friend and biggest advocate, rather than worst critic…”
Demi Lovato, like many women, struggled with a negative body image and eating disorder. This photo shoot was a big triumph for her–going completely bare-no makeup, no photoshop, no clothes. What a brave move. Make sure to watch the video where she explains her choice.
Real Client Testimonial: Ms. V’s path to self love
“My body image has always been something I have struggled with. No matter what size I have been, it’s always been a tender subject-that fear of my body being undesirable. However, about eight years ago I started doing pin-up photo shoots. At first I was unsure and nervous but then I began to notice over time that the shots in which I let go and started to have fun were the shots that turned out the best and people were attracted to! The recognition of my own light inside of me and how that played the most important role in my photos began my love affair with photo shoots…. and me in them! I have learned so strongly that the most important thing you can do is to love who you are…every inch of you. So what if it’s a lot of inches or a little bit of inches-you define your beauty. When you allow yourself to love you, it radiates on film and more importantly in life. My experience in working with Maggie and Tanya at Revealed was one of the most comfortable and enjoyable shoots I have had in a long time. They build you up. They reflect your beauty. They champion your success. They take stunning photos and they create a safe space for you to revel in your own ridiculous awesomeness.”
-Ms. V
Ms. V’s story of her path to self love is included in on-going series, Real Women of Revealed -a collection of photos and stories of inspirational women we feel exemplify beauty beyond appearance. Click here to see more from this series.
Blackhawks Boudoir Photos, the perfect boudoir shoot for all you hockey fans out there.
Ms. M’s fiance is a native Canadian and huge fan of Chicago’s Blackhawks. So for her boudoir shoot, she opted for a look celebrating his beloved team. These Blackhawks boudoir photos are just in time for the start of the hockey season. We loved how she choose red heels to sass up the look.
We love when our clients bring jerseys to their shoots! Whether it’s their own and has a feminine vibe to it, or their special someone’s, it’s a great look for a sports lover.
In part one and part two of our series on boudoir styling ideas, we shared images from makeup artist Emily Wolf’s recent model shoot along with tips for future clients in need of expert advice for arranging their outfits.
The key take away from those two posts–be true to yourself. If you’re a down-home, tomboy, a body suit, five inch heels, and Beyonce styling extensions may not be right for you. In that case, we suggest trying boy shorts and a sexy sheer tank top, or a classic bra and underwear set. On the other hand, for those comfortable with stilettos and glamour makeup, this is your chance to embrace your inner diva and try the amazing new line of bustiers and silk stockings from La Perla.
Once you’ve selected your wardrobe pieces with confidence, it’s time to add the accessories. A friend of the studio’s once said, “curtains finish a room.” Just like curtains, jewelry, heels, and even hair pieces can add that little extra pop that polish off a look. We’ve created a specialized pinterest board dedicated to this very topic. It covers everything from your head to your toes, and then some. Check it out here and enjoy more of Emily’s boudoir shoot at this urban, loft location.
With our hearts ready to burst out of our chest, we’re beyond excited to introduce our newest service at Revealed Studios, boudoir films. Discover yourself anew in a stunning fine art film capturing your boudoir experience. Get ready, this isn’t your average youtube boudoir video. We’re partnering with one of the most artistic, professional, and creative film production houses in Chicago, Cinaesthetic films, to create these fine art shorts.
Inspired by the most moving films, music videos, and movie trailers throughout history, these cinematic shorts are designed to capture your boudoir experience with taste, sensitivity, and artistic vision.
Revealed Studios is collaborating with Cineastetic Films for this service. We’ve created another post dedicated to answering all your questions about boudoir films. You can learn all about this partnership, including who’s behind the video camera and what the experience entails on our Boudoir Films Frequently Asked Questions page.
Exciting changes happening for our Chicago Boudoir Studio
Hello lovelies,
Thank you so much for visiting and returning to the Revealed Studios blog! As we continue our work of celebrating women through photography, we love knowing our mission hits home with many of you out there. Over the past year, we’ve seen a lot of growth and many changes. We’ve worked with more women than ever, helping them experience the liberating and healing power of boudoir. We’ve photographed women from Texas to Australia, from their twenties to their seventies.
As our business expanded, we’ve continued thinking deeply about why we do this work. Yes, it’s fun and fulfilling on a very basic level (we get to serve gals champagne, get them all glam’d up, then honor our love of photography by capturing it all on camera). But what really makes our hearts, is watching the celebration that occurs during the Reveal Session when we witness women see themselves in a whole new light. Watching as someone is overcome by their pictures to the point of tears is incredibly moving. It’s during those moments that we know the value of this experience is more than skin deep. It reaffirms our mission and inspires us to do more.
This year we introduced our Real Women of Revealed campaign. We began this series to honor the amazing women we’re surrounded by who embody the idea that beauty is more than appearance. We’ve featured some very remarkable women, and now that summer is winding down, we’re looking forward to sharing others. We want to invite our past and future clients to submit their own recommendations for this opportunity. Each participant will receive the ultimate day of glamour, including professional hair and makeup, as well as a magazine-like portrait shoot, with an accompanying written feature sharing why this person was chosen. Interested? Please contact us at [email protected] to find our more information.
This fall, we’re also introducing a few very exciting new services. We can’t share the details just yet, but I will tell you it’s perfect for the client wanting more than a paper product from their boudoir experience.
As for the service we can talk about, it comes from hearing client after client tell our makeup artists, “I have no idea how to do my makeup,” or “I only know the basics for applying makeup,” and “I wish I knew some techniques for mixing up my makeup routine.
Well, you asked, we’re answering. We’re introducing makeup workshops at the studio. This is the opportunity to come back for an intimate lesson with our artists, who will walk you through their techniques for everyday makeup to special occasion looks. They’ll share tips on correcting dark circles under the eyes, a common complaint for new moms, and how to make your eyes pop without looking heavy-handed. Participants will get an inside scoop on the best products on the market and one-on-one help practicing techniques.
My last announcement comes with a heavy heart. After five successful years of partnership, Laurie Peacock has made the decision to pursue her love of family photography and writing. We’re all very sad to see Laurie go, but are so excited to see her shine in this new direction. Here’s a message from Laurie:
“It’s with sadness that I am leaving Revealed Studios. It was a tough decision, but I’m leaving to pursue other endeavors. Helping women see their beauty and power has been a life-affirming opportunity and one I will cherish always.
Thanks to all who have made my stay at Revealed be an inspiring and uplifting experience. Keep embracing your imperfections and strutting your sexy and amazing bodies.”
I, along with everyone working with Revealed, will cherish the imprint Laurie’s left on the company. We’ll miss many things about having Laurie at the studio, her contagious, releasing laugh most of all. -Maggie
In the first part of this series, we introduce one of our very own makeup artist, Emily Wolf, who did a shoot with us last month. When I think of someone with amazing style, Emily definitely comes to mind. She’s able to rock the hottest trends while still looking effortless. What’s her secret? I’d say confidence. She commits to whatever she’s wearing. The end result means she looks as comfortable in a pair of levis and button down as she does in a bra, underwear, and white tank.
When it comes to your own boudoir style, the sky is truly the limit. We love to celebrate the unique diversity of all our clients. Whether you envision a glam’d up appearance with every detail considered from head-to-toe, or a stripped down, “I just woke up like this,” look, we’re here to help. Not sure where you fit in? We offer phone consultations to help guide you through the process and direct you to inspirational resources, including our favorite local and online shops.
What if your session is just around the corner and you’re still struggling to decide. No worries! It’s common for clients to bring in six or seven options. We’ll help you narrow your selections down and piece together your final looks, including which accessories to pair with which clothing numbers.
Make sure to check back next week for Boudoir Styling Ideas Part 3, where we discuss how the devil’s in the details–adding jewelry and the right shoes to complete a polished look.
Maternity Shoot Inspiration Galore in this Urban Session
It was such a pleasure to meet Vidya and her husband, Sameer for their maternity shoot a couple weeks ago. They were so delightful and kind. Petite, adorable Vidya is pregnant with twins. Hard to believe there’s room for both in there. She was such a trooper during her session, even rocking a killer pair of Jimmy Choo’s that were totally swoon worthy. We had a great time taking urban shots around the city and in their home. Their twins, who will no doubt be super adorable, have amazing parents ready for them when they make their arrival.
Looking for Boudoir Styling Ideas? We’ve got you Covered!
Every week we’re about boudoir styling ideas. Our answer, make it you own. This year alone we’ve seen clients come in with all black lingerie, soft lace and delicate crochet numbers, thigh-high leather boots with boy shorts, and nothing else, Marie Antoinette inspired pieces, to oversized t-shirts and knee-highs. Boudoir is a personal experience that for most only happens once in a lifetime. It’s your opportunity to express your tastes and interest.
In our next blog series, we’re publishing a set of images from one of our very own makeup artists, the incredibly talented Emily Wolf. All of us at the studio have style envy of her fashion flare. Never shy to rock a trend, she’s even been featured on several blogs for her looks at last year’s Coachella music festival in Palm Springs. Check out Emily’s looks, the first a simple indigo high neck top, with a deep side cut for an understated sexy effect.
Laura Britt Photoshoot, 120 Sports Anchor’s Headshots
120 Sports Anchor Laura Britt in the Chicago Broadcast field. We loved getting to spend the afternoon snapping new headshots for her. She was a joy to shoot, down-to-earth with a great sense of humor. We wish her all the best!
We’re loving retro boudoir photos these days! Miss L came in for a bachelorette party with all the girls shooting mini boudoir sessions in pinup inspired looks. So classic and so much fun!
This fall, we’re also introducing a few very exciting new services. We can’t share the details just yet, but I will tell you it’s perfect for the client wanting more than a paper product from their boudoir experience.
