Premier Boudoir Studio Gainesville Georgia
What an AMAZING opening week! I am so excited to continue photographing in this beautiful space and introducing women to Gainesville's premier boudoir studio. Last week I photographed three beautiful women, who all had different and equally moving reasons as to why they chose to do a boudoir session with me. I'll share their stories over the next few days, but first I wanted to share mine.
My purpose? My reason why? Its simple: I believe it's time to overcome the ancient views of sexuality and the double standards we all learn growing up. Girls are taught to abstain from sex while boys are given condoms (I am NOT advocating kids having sex...). Women are shunned for showing pictures in swim suits but men can post topless gym pictures no big deal, etc.
It's time to own your sexuality and redefine the view of what sexy is. This is a life changing event, an investment in yourself and your happiness.
Women come to the studio with a vision of what they want, it's my job to push your boundaries and expand your views to make this an incredible experience. Most clients think they want the light and fluffy pictures, but once they see their images 90% of the products I create include images where I pushed them past their comfort zone. Yes they're suggestive, yes they're raw, but they're also beautiful and empowering. They're not pornographic. I never have a client touch themselves - I use angles to make it appear that way.
Women need to feel beautiful, we need to feel desired and appreciated. We can do all that for ourselves through a boudoir session PLUS if you have a partner they will have a new appreciation and desire for you as well. Once you see yourself through my lens, you'll see a whole new side you never knew existed.
Mothers often tell me prior to booking how guilty they feel spending this time and money on themselves - but when is the last time you did something special just for you? I'm not talking a hair style or manicure... most women can't recall the last time. Imagine if money wasn't a factor, would you do it then?
Mirrored Images Boudoir is the only boudoir studio in Gainesville Georgia. This is my specialty, my passion, and my mission. I've been photographing boudoir since 2008 and know exactly what each client needs and how to get them there.
Whether you love or hate what I do, you're still going to talk about it. I invite you to open your mind and own your sexuality.
"The empowered woman is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description."
(Hey... Thats me!) Photo credit: Cotton Rouge Photo
Believe it or not, posting my own images was difficult. You'd think because I have done this for so long it wouldn't be but I've had body image issues since I was a teenager and struggled with eating disorders multiple times throughout my life. In 2010 I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, had my thyroid removed and my weight was uncontrollable.
A year ago I photographed Katie and backed out of my session with her... I "wanted to tone" and "drop 10 pounds." I said all the things to her that I talk my clients through on a regular basis. This past week Katie and I photographed each other and I pushed through the doubts I had and completely let her take over. Not only did I feel beautiful during the session, but seeing myself after... and my boo's reaction... I wish I did it a year ago and I can't wait to do it again.
If I don't practice what I preach my words hold no weight. I believe in what I do, I believe in the incredible experience it offers women and I believe that all women need to spend more time loving and appreciating themselves.
Boudoir Studio | Gainesville Georgia Boudoir
Ooooooooo this boudoir studio --- I'm so happy with how it's turning out! Here's some quick progress pictures (and if I can control myself it'll be thee last progress picture until the big reveal in August! Haven't heard? We're having a Ladies Night In Studio Grand Opening event on August 18th... click me!) Our ladies night event will be everything you could possibly want for a girls night (in) and it's FREE. Every lady who RSVP's will get a swag bag filled with awesome promotions from other vendors. The only potential $$ for you is if you want to have a mini makeover + head shot ($50). And hello, it's a Friday night so come pre-game, get glammed up, enjoy the space, and then go out after! The event ends at 10pm and you'll be ready to go!
I have sessions booked through the Ladies Night In -- and CANNOT wait to get ladies in here and start shooting! T-minus 1 week!
My man has been working on this space every day; hanging decor, picking up supplies, rewiring things, setting up the TV (for the MOST awesome in personal reveals), painting.... the list goes on and on. I am so blessed to have this man, our teenager (who has to be bribed with FroYo to help and still pouts), and the opportunity to share this space and my love for boudoir photography with everyone.
Bridal Boudoir | Gainesville Ga Boudoir Photographer
Bridal boudoir, yes it's a thing and it's a thing that your man will LOVE. Many of my clients contact me to reignite their love spark and do a boudoir shoot many years into their marriage. What if you did a bridal boudoir session to jump start your new life and document this milestone? There will be a glow on your face and happiness in your smile; all because of the magical day you're approaching and it WILL show in the boudoir photographs. You're already preparing for the wedding, likely dieting and working out among other things... celebrate and document your hard work! A boudoir session is the ultimate gift for your groom on your wedding day, plus what better time to go lingerie shopping?! Hello honeymoon hotness!
"I don't have the time." -- I hear this from brides who are planning their weddings and don't think they can take a break from it. Why not pamper yourself? You deserve a day off from planning and chaos, a day to embrace and love yourself. I guarantee you that you will feel rejuvenated after seeing how incredible you look. You'll come to the studio and get your hair & make up done, I'll go through the outfits you've brought with you and decide on the best options, we have wine & music... all your nerves will be gone and you'll LOVE it (so much that you'll likely book me for a repeat sesh). We'll keep the fact that this is actually a gift to yourself a secret.
I do not recommend arranging for a boudoir session on the morning of your wedding, the session should be planning 6-8 weeks ahead of your wedding date so that there is plenty of time for products to be designed and printed.
"I don't have anything to wear." -- Well, that's okay because brides wear white and I have plenty of white sheets! Plus, lets be real for a moment: most brides buy cute panties or robes that say "bride" on them, or a tank with something related to the wedding. I'll help you decide what's the best option for your bridal boudoir shoot. I have an entire guide dedicated to helping you prepare, shop, and execute this session plus I've been a boudoir photographer since 2008 so I have the experience to guide you through it.
"Where?" -- this is the easy part. My studio is located @ 800 Georgia Ave #5 in Gainesville GA. It is romantic, vintage, dreamy and sexyyyyy. Boudoir photography is offered at the studio or can be done at a location you choose. Some brides have requested the session be at the same location as their wedding venue, that's totally fine with me! I love getting out of the studio and exploring new space.
"Can I just add it on to my wedding photography?" -- Yes, I'm sure you can. I'm sure your wedding photographer also offers boudoir and you will likely get a package rate. Mirrored Images Boudoir specializes in boudoir photography. As a photographer, posing people to look their best is a skill you achieve over time BUT posing someone who is wearing little to no clothing and using lighting and angles to maximize the best possible look for each woman that comes into my studio... that's something that took years of shooting, education and workshops to master. I believe boudoir photography should be done only by those who are passionate about it because it translates into your images and your finished products. I actually removed wedding photography from my services this year because I know there are photographers who are more passionate about weddings than I am and my focus is 100% boudoir.
Side note: Are you trying to think of a fun and unique way to celebrate with your girls for your bachelorette party? This is the ultimate Girls Night Out event. Here's how it works: The bride sets up a party date with Mirrored Images Boudoir, at the studio. She can invite up to 10 girls (if you need to invite more than 10 that's fine but we need notice!), if 4 girls attend the bride gets her shoot FREE but if 8+ attend the bride gets a FREE shoot and a FREE 6x6 little black book! So, your girls have the opportunity to give YOU a present which is also a gift for the hubs. That's pretty magical, right? Also, if the bride isn't coordinating this party, we'll give a $100 credit to the lovely lady that is. Do you want to make it a theme? We can do that too! Previous theme have been pin-up, vampire, career specific (teacher, nurse, etc)... lets use our imagination.
Ultimately, I recommend bridal boudoir for the same reason I do any boudoir session... you deserve to see yourself as beautiful as everyone else sees you. Boudoir photography is an incredibly vulnerable form of photography, but it is the most rewarding to my clients. I work with women of all ages, shapes and sizes and 90% of my clients have absolutely no experience in front of the camera. Your transformation from your initial email requesting information to when you receive the product is one that no other form of photography can do for you. I guarantee you that after your session with me you will love yourself and appreciate your body for what it is. You will find your sexy and you will be totally empowered on a natural high that you never knew existed.
In 10, 20, 30 years you are going to look back on these images, pat yourself on the back and say, "I did this!"
I have done multiple bridal boudoir photo shoots since starting boudoir photography in 2008. This, along with regular boudoir photography, is a very private and intimate session and I only receive permission to use certain photos which is why I don't have many for you to look at. Please schedule a private consultation with me if you'd like to see more.
Still need more convincing? Join my VIP boudoir group on facebook.
Ladies Night | Studio Grand Opening Gainesville GA
Ladies, check out this LADIES NIGHT event on facebook: Studio Grand Opening, Gainesville GA.
Eventbrite listing will allow you to reserve your mini make over session ahead of time. I want to be a supermodel!
RSVP to the event itself or shootme@mirroredimages.net
If you don't have facebook here are the details:
Ladies! You do NOT want to miss this event.
You asked for a girls night in... you asked for a make up demo. Well, you're getting that and SO much more.
To celebrate the Grand Opening of Mirrored Images Boudoir studio in Gainesville we are planning a fun, memorable and totally girlie night in.
Katie Cotton, lady boss of Cotton Rouge & Co (make up and hair) and Cotton Rouge Photo (boudoir photography) is joining us from Greenville SC to do a live make up demo. She has been my friend since I started boudoir many years ago and it wouldn't be a party without her! She will also be offering mini make overs to every girl for $50 and I will give a complimentary head shot . Please RSVP in advance if this is something you're interested in so she can bring additional make up artists if needed. My local make up artist, Staci Gibbs will be there to meet everyone too.
The make up demo is to start at 7:30 PM and shortly after we will have a LIVE boudoir demo so you ladies can see what this experience is all about! Don't worry, she'll have clothing on ;) Enjoy some wine or a cocktail while you sit back and watch the show.
Every lady that attends will receive a goodie bag packed with savings from local vendors that you are guaranteed to LOVE as much as I do. But, the best gift you'll get from this night is a ONE NIGHT ONLY Grand Opening special for boudoir photography that will only be announced and sold at the event.
Please RSVP by Aug 4th, bring friends (ladies only) but they must RSVP too. If you do not RSVP you may not get a goodie bag and that would be tragic!
Music, make up, wine, boudoir, savings, promotions, good times with your girls... what else could you want? Fun surprises in store for the ladies that attend... ;)
Can't wait to see ya'll there!
Palm Beach Maternity Photographer | Des + Nate {Awaiting Baby}
Des and Nate are expecting their baby girl Kiyha in January. (How awesome/cute is that name?) Dad is a huge fan of nature and being outdoors so of course I had the perfect place in mind. I met Des, Nate and their two fun boys at a garden and we walked around for about an hour until closing time. They had to kick us out, I could have photographed this beautiful momma and her family all night. I can't wait to meet that little girl and play dress up for our newborn session! Congrats to you and your family, Des & Nate.
Holiday Mini Sessions | Palm Beach Family Photographer
EDITED 12/1/12: * Due to rain, the sessions are rescheduled for December 8th from noon to three. * Well hello again! It's been a while since I've blogged, so I figured there's no better time than now to catch up on blogging and show off this years holiday mini session information. Check it! (There's also a few custom card examples, so scroll down!)
Palm Beach Wedding Photographer | What's in a first look?
Whether you're a traditional bride or not, every one should consider a First Look on their wedding day. There's a lot of buzz on the subject and, as a photographer, I feel my two cents is of value here.
Your wedding day will fly by. The moments, the memories and the special details will be overcome by anxiously awaiting your walk down the isle. Imagine if you were able to spend a few moments together before the ceremony, to be able to look into each others eyes and to absorb the moment with no one else there (except a ninja photographer). A private, romantic and emotional union that will allow all the nervousness to escape so that you are able to fully enjoy and appreciate your wedding ceremony. Imagine being able to capture this moment. The real, raw and true emotions displayed through professional photographs that will bring the memories of this day to life each time you look at them.
A First Look is a collaborative effort between the B&G and photographer (preferably Mirrored Images ;) ) to set up the perfect scene to execute this amazing moment in time. The emotion of seeing each other for the first time is still captured, but the impact is far greater during a First Look.
When deciding if a first look is right for you, remember the following:
*Your hair and make up will be fresh and picture perfect.
*You'll be able to finish majority of your wedding pictures prior to the ceremony which means you get to the reception faster!
*There are no distractions to take away from your moment together.
So there you have it. Granted, time lines don't always play out as planned but a First Look will put you at the reception mingling with your guests and starting the party off at least one hour before a bride without a First Look.
(First Look example was taken during a wedding I photographed with Sarah Rominger Photography out of Asheville, NC)
Palm Beach Newborn Photographer | Aiden {33 days new}
Lil itty bitty Aiden came into the world 8 weeks early and came out ready to see the world. Born June 4, 2012 4lbs 9oz and 16 3/4" long. Aiden is the epitome of a service baby. Dad is a Firefighter Paramedic for Delray Beach Fire Department, mom is a dispatcher for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, and Uncle Cody is living on Fort Bragg as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. We tried to incorporate a little bit of everything into the session, including proud Dad's drum that he plays for Palm Beach County Firefighters Pipes and Drums (which are my fav out of the session) and Uncle Codys family crest tattoo on his side.
Although Aiden put up a fight, we still won (5 hours later). It was nice hanging out with the Kavanagh crew and meeting Aiden. Congrats Amber and JT :)
Palm Beach Newborn Photographer | Mason's Slideshow
I don't usually do slideshows for portrait sessions, but I couldn't resist. I think I may start doing it more often!
Palm Beach Newborn Photography | Mason {4 days new}
Completely unbiased here, but Mason is the cutest baby I've photographed -- ever. He's my nephew and was born on Friday June 29th, 6lbs 12oz and 19 1/2 inches long. He's a little peanut! Long before Mason was even thought of, my brother had an idea of what he wanted his first borns pictures to be like. Matt works for PBCFR - Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (hopefully I will soon, too) and wanted to incorporate that into the session.
Congrats Matt and Lisa, you have a sweet baby boy <3
