Tanya has been part of the Revealed Team for a few years now, but I still catch myself saying to her every now and then, “I can’t believe you’re a mother of three!”
It’s true though. When this petite lady is not busy transforming clients with her makeup skills, she’s home schooling her kiddos.
After years of watching others go through their boudoir experiences, Tanya finally decided it was time for her own. Her husband, Angel, loved the idea and the morning of the shoot sent her off with words of encouragement, reminding her how beautiful and special he thinks she is.
Tanya always gives so much of herself, whether it’s to our clients, her family, or her friendships. She is a gentle and giving spirit. I loved the opportunity to create some artistic boudoir photos celebrating this special lady.
Celebrate all that you’ve achieved and enjoy a little pampering along the way.
If you’re a mom like Tanya and feel a bit disconnected with yourself, a boudoir shoot is a great way to find your confidence again. From the start (hair and makeup) to the finish (seeing the final pictures) the process is all about you. It’s like a month of therapy wrapped into one day–often clients come in with insecurities, fear, and nerves, and leave feeling reconnected to their sexy, empowered self.
Last week we posted a series of fine art nude photos from Real Woman of Revealed, Sherhara’s early morning shoot along Lake Michigan. This week, we’re featuring her again along with her second set of images from the morning.
Finding Confidence Within
Sherhara is a great example of a Real Woman of Revealed because her confidence comes from much more than her outward beauty. She is a motivational speaker, host, and philanthropist–helping individuals and brands recognize and communicate their message. Her success in this work comes from her own ability to be truthful with herself. When asked about this work, she said, “be honest with yourself, about who you are… your flaws, vices, weaknesses, challenges, imperfections, and mess ups. It’s easy to be honest about your strengths and positive attributes, but you’ll liberate yourself by having the courage to be your full self–flaws and all.”
We did a post-shoot interview with Sherhara to find out what it was like to strip down for the camera, and much more.
1. Describe the day of shoot in your own words:
The shoot was peaceful! Yet I knew something awesome was happening. I felt valued from the beginning to the end. Time went by quickly, but it’s probably because I felt I was being catered to. Without the photos I felt beautiful.
2. What do you attribute to your confidence in not only modeling for these images but also sharing them?
Everyone has titties!! I’m not showing anything that someone hasn’t gotten up in the morning and seen for themselves! Whether those boobs are someone else’s or their own. I’m not bashful about my body because everyone has one, just a different one. And the only way people can get over the taboo of being naked is to be naked. Who makes it a big deal? It’s not, if you don’t.
3. What inspired you to do this shoot?
My husband inspire me to do the shoot! He already wanted me to do some type of sexy photo shoot and it was perfect timing when I met the lovely ladies of Revealed!
4. How did you feel during and after?
I felt confident before the shoot and I felt accomplished afterwards. I was proud that I did something few have the courage to do. It’s great to know I knocked something off of my bucket list (even though it wasn’t on the list to begin with! Lol)
5. Any significance in your tattoos?
My tattoos are a symbol of a moment in time. I can reflect on each one and it takes me back to where I was in life. A photo album on my body instead of on my coffee table.
6. Can you talk about your dance/movement background?
I haven’t practiced dance in forever! It’s been enough time for me to say, “I’m a former dancer.” But movement comes naturally for me and the photo shoot is where I could use it again.
7. What advice do you have for our audience?
I ask that everyone challenge themselves to step outside of their comfort zone. Do something as least weekly that you wouldn’t normally have done! Surprise yourself with your own courage!
8.What lesson have you learned in your adult life that you value most?
Be honest with yourself about who you are i.e. your flaws, vices, weaknesses, challenges, imperfections, and mess ups. It’s easy to be honest about your strengths and positive attributes, but you’ll liberate yourself by having the courage to be your full self, flaws and all!
9. What advice to you have for other clients struggling with image confidence?
So many people have left this earth without truly loving and embracing themselves. Don’t be that person that dies without ever loving yourself. You have a body that’s a vessel for your life! To celebrate that vessel is to celebrate life!
Forget the socks and watches, we’ve got the best Christmas gift idea for you! Let this year’s gift be something to really love–YOU! Get in before the holidays for a boudoir photo shoot. Contact us today at 773-273-9063 or by email at info@revealed-studios.com to set up your session.
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.
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.
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 info@revealed-studios.com 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.
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!
Big thanks to Emily Wolf for her amazing work! Interested in a professional portrait or headshot? Call or email today at 773-273-9063 or info@revealed-studios.com
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!
Ooh la la, ladies…2015 has brought some amazing trends in the lingerie department. And because we love you, we’ve compiled a list of this year’s top looks (you’re welcome.) If a client shows up and pulls one of these pieces from her bag, we can’t help but squeal.
1. High-waisted Bottoms: Our grandmas rocked this look back in the 40’s, and–like other good trends–it’s made a well-deserved comeback. Thankfully, the design has been updated for comfort while its overall effect remains timeless and effortlessly sexy.
2. The Body Suit: No single item has appeared more on our clients this year than this sexy little number by Victoria Secret. On the rack, the high cut might seem like a bold choice, but once on, it’s absolutely stunning and photographs beautifully.
3. Bondage-inspired: Inspired by the secret fetish of a certain Mr. Grey, these strappy numbers are sizzling, with lace details that soften the dominatrix look.
3. Scalloped Lace: The clamshell detailing on this number is a throwback to the art deco era and a bolder alternative to the more popular floral pattern.
4. Longline bras: This crop-top like design is built for comfort, but we love it for more than function alone. The longer cut draws the eye downward to the narrowest part of the waist, creating a striking silhouette. (Couple that with its skin-smoothing effect, and what’s not to love?)
5. Sheer panels: The peek-a-boo sides on this modern look have been getting raves.
6. Something Blue: Of all the 2015 brides we’ve shot, this is our favorite look. A subtle–yet sexy–take on the “something blue” tradition.
7. Pinup: This look has been trending for a few years now, but it’s showing no sign of slowing. Made famous by our favorite muse, Ms. Dita Von Teese, the classic pinup style looks beautiful on everyone.
8. Patterned Robe: Not quite ready to bare it all? A silk cover-up is a perfect option for the start of your boudoir shoot. We love the subtle pattern for a soft, elegant feel. Robes can be extremely seductive without revealing too much; sometimes, what’s not being shown is the sexiest.
9. Festival-inspired lingerie: You may spot a modern-day flower child top like this one at Coachella, but they also work in the bedroom. One of our clients wore this look with an ethereal, floral head piece that took our breath away.
10. The Romper: It seems every patio in Chicago is fertile land for fashionistas rocking rompers. But this sizzling summer look isn’t just for happy hour. The romper is a great choice for an “approachable-sexy” look.
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Finding Confidence Within
6. Can you talk about your dance/movement background?
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.
