Tag Archive: Boudoir

Boudoir Outtakes – How to Capture Someone’s Essence

One of my secrets to capturing the essence of someone is including a lot of outtakes in the final set. By outtake, I mean the moments that aren’t “posed” – usually the moments in between, when she thinks I’m not shooting (but I always am :), when she blushes, lets out silliness, cracks up or in some other way expresses an authentic feeling.

The shot above and just below of Mrs. H (a bad ass businesswoman, devoted wife and mother of five!) are my two favorite shots of our photo shoot – and they’re outtakes.

Here are a few highlights of both outtakes and more “posed” moments…

christa_meola_boudoir-photography-workshop-9christa-meola-boudoir-photography-workshop-001 christa-meola-boudoir-photography-workshop-8 christa-meola-boudoir-photography-workshop-2 christa-meola-boudoir-photography-workshop-99 christa-meola-boudoir-photography-workshop-004

So maybe you grabbed the shot so quickly you accidentally cropped off the toe, like I did here, below. BUT the essence of the human being is there.

christa-meola-boudoir-photography-workshop-005 christa-meola-boudoir-photography-workshop-006

So make sure to include those outtakes as one way to capture someone’s essence.

It’s the thing I’m most complimented on, and now you know one of my secrets.

Have fun with it!

xoxo, Christa

Nude with Fringed Shawl

If I were going to choose only one accessory to shoot with nudes or boudoir, I’d go for an embroidered fringe shawl every time. They can be elegant, tasteful, and provide a lot of coverage or a little. It’s a great middle ground for clients who would like to do nude, but need some help getting warmed up.

christa_meola_nude_online_boudoir_workshop_03 christa_meola_nude_online_boudoir_workshop_06 christa_meola_nude_online_boudoir_workshop_005 christa_meola_nude_online_boudoir_workshop_04

christa_meola_nude_online_boudoir_workshop_012 christa_meola_nude_online_boudoir_workshop_05 christa_meola_nude_online_photography_workshop

These were all shot during a live in-person workshop in NYC, during a mini-demo with one window as our light source. Check out some other nudes with fringed shawl here.

Remember to coach a bunch of actions to create variety and have fun with it!

xoxo, Christa

 

Simply Stunning Strobe Lighting

Here are three lighting set-ups from a personal branding shoot in Los Angeles with the brilliant and bad ass Justine Musk.

We shot this first set with 2 strobes, using a similar set-up I first demo’d in Gorgeous 2-Strobe Set-up.
Christa_Meola_New_York_Photographer_016

The main light with octobox is raised above head level and just to my right. Back light directly opposite angled just slightly toward camera. Here’s a diagram of set up #1:

christa_meola_lighting_diagram_1

Then we switched to the seamless studio background (Dove Grey, my fav), keeping mostly the same lighting set-up above for the first shot below. Note that we simply inched the back light further out to my left here so that it created an edge light on the right side of her face, arm and body. Here it is SOOC…

Christa_Meola_New_York_Photographer_010

Here’s a diagram of set up #2:

christa_meola_lighting_diagram

Now, did you ever want to create that hazy soft ethereal look?

Here’s how to do it: We added a third strobe. My assistant stood just a few feet to my left and slightly in front of me, holding a strobe pointed directly into my lens. Yes, it was slightly blinding to my eyes – ha! – but I really love the soft haze and color that resulted.

Here it is SOOC with only sharpening added…

Christa_Meola_New_York_Photographer_008

Christa_Meola_New_York_Photographer_009

Christa_Meola_New_York_Photographer_011

My assistant played around varying the angle of the strobe to get more and less light into my lens, thus varying the color/light effects you see above.

Diagram of set up #3:

christa_meola_lighting_diagram_3

There ya go  – easy, fun, beautiful lighting.

Flattering light doesn’t need to be complicated – try it out and have fun!

xo, Christa

Lighting diagrams created at sylights.com.

Sexing it up with Silver Reflector Boards

Ever since I first blogged this set-up 2+ years ago, I’ve been answering tons of Q’s about how I created this look.

You’ve asked consistently for a “simple go-to lighting scenario” and “what are those background reflectors you use?” – so I went ahead and made this tutorial for you.

Photographers who’ve attended my live workshop in NYC have seen this set up in action, and I’ve become known for it. (So much so that when Annie Leibovitz shot Caitlyn Jenner for Vanity Fair, I received several messages joking that she stole my look!)

But this look is easy and hardly revolutionary. I wasn’t the first and I won’t be the last. In fact, you can use it on your next shoot.

Here’s why I love it:

√ I use this set up for everything from boudoir and nudes to personal branding and head shots.

√ It’s awesome to use when doing mini-sessions and marathons because it gives me confidence when I’m hustling to create variety within a single session.

√ No matter how cluttered a location is, this set-up provides a cool clean backdrop in a pinch.

√ And the lighting is universally flattering.

Take a peek at how I use it for boudoir…

christa_meola_personal_branding_boudoir_photographer_nyc_002

For personal branding and entrepreneurs…
christa-meola-nathalie-lussier-personal-branding-photographer-nyc-05

christa_meola-boudoir_personal_branding_photographer_nyc-1-3

For headshots…

christa_meola_boudoir-personal_branding_photographer_nyc-1

And for nudes…

Christa_Meola_Nude_Boudoir_Photography_NewYork_001 Christa_Meola_Nude_Boudoir_Photography_NewYork_003

Silver Reflector Boards Lighting Diagram
christa_meola_reflector_lighting_diagram

Tips on using
Walk around and try different angles to either incorporate reflections or totally eliminate them.
Have your model stand close to the reflector for sharper reflection, and ask her to step away from the reflectors for more blur.
Open and close the reflectors for different looks, move it around the studio and have some fun!

What to get
It’s called Bead Board 4′ x 8′ x 1″ or foam core reflector boards.
It comes in glossy, matte, and semi-matte. I got the semi-matte.
It comes in varying thickness. Get the thicker boards because you’ll need the sturdiness. It’s more money, but worth it.

Where to buy
I got mine at Set Shop in NYC. They deliver. But you can get them at most photo supply stores.

How to make
Lay the boards on the floor, silver side down, and tape the backs together with thick gaffer tape along the spine from top to bottom.

Violá!

Reflectors á la Meola.

Hope it’s helpful when you want a simple gorgeous lighting set up that clients will love.

xo, Christa

ps. Try it out, and please share your pics with me on social media. I’d love to see your success! If you have any Q’s, ask them via Instagram or by tweeting me @christameola.

Shades of Grey

Sunset hour at the studio is one of my favorite times of day, and I love keeping it simple…

christa_meola_nude_boudoir_photographer_nyc_01
christa_meola_nude_boudoir_photographer_nyc_08

christa_meola_nude_boudoir_photographer_nyc_05

christa_meola_nude_boudoir_photographer_907

This woman chose to remain unretouched in all the photos above. #RealisBeautiful.

xo, Christa

ps. We show all clients their pictures without retouching, and it’s each woman’s choice whether to keep them that way.

Opening the Kimono, a live Workshop in NYC!

This exciting two-day event in NYC June 12th & 13th is an exclusive peek behind-the-scenes with Christa, her team and clients. You’ll see how she works with women, lights & poses her subjects, and collaborates with everyone on set to capture meaningful flattering shots that sell.

DAY ONE: FRIDAY JUNE 12th

An Exclusive Backstage Pass!
A special invitation to go behind the scenes to watch me shoot LIVE in NYC.

Be a fly on the wall during my shoots:
Want to see my team and me in action?
See how I work with my assistant,
How we use the sapce in my fav studio to create variety,
How I work with my clients to create flattering authentic pictures,
and how I pose and light my subjects, on every single shoot.

Q&A afterwards.
Breakfast and refreshments provided.

Click play on the vid below to experience a taste of the first day’s events…

JS

Invaluable. I had my first post-OTK shoots yesterday. Such a difference in how I create images now! I feel like my work has “grown up” into the style I’ve been trying to shoot for two years. I also received ten inquiries after posting some sneaks today. I made some amazing friendships and left with a fresh new approach to photographing women. I have noticed a huge change in my photography after that trip.
-Joanna Smith

HH

It was a ton of fun and the networking was amazing. My biggest takeaway is how simple Christa’s sets are and that I don’t need a ton of fancy backdrops and places to shoot to be successful. I’ve started implementing some of Christa’s posing tips into my shoots, and it’s been really helpful.
-Heidi Hapanowicz

Thanks Christa for generously giving of your time and talent. I am grateful to have been a part of this.
-Joel Callaway

LL 2

It was great! First, Christa is awesome. Second, it’s good to be able to watch a shoot. Observing and being able to ask questions as you go is very helpful.
-Lincoln Lease

I enjoyed watching Christa and her team work. The best part is how friendly and open Christa is. She shared so much and her personality is kick ass. I’m proud that I was part of the event.
-Sarah Murray

Thanks so much, Christa!  The OTK weekend in NYC was an absolute pleasure.
-Linda McMahon

MW

The live photo shoot was so good for me to see. I left there so pumped! It helped me to see what I’m doing right and what I can improve on.  I loved seeing how she interacts with the client. The greatest benefit for me was the confidence I gained. It really was an invaluable experience for so many reasons. I’m very grateful.
-Meggan Weece

The NYC weekend has given me a big shove in my derriere to keep going and get moving, it’s definitely brought the fire within and the competitive spirit (in a very positive and good way).
-Ina McConnell

DAY TWO: SATURDAY JUNE 13TH

Awesome Portraits for YOU + Your Business

You + Me. Mini Shoot. Amazing Shots.

And then on day two, it’s your turn to step in front of Christa’s camera! You’ll be amazed at the great number of beautiful images we can create in in these mini-sessions. I’ve been shooting mini’s (some under 10 min’s) for several years now, and they always yield spectacular results!

headshots

Two different looks (wardrobe changes)
Two different sets (backgrounds & lighting)
Custom Portraits by Christa
20-minute session
My favorite studio in NYC
Ten or more gorgeous portraits.

Sat. June 13th

KN

These are amazing! I absolutely LOVE what you did. I absolutely ADORE these photos. WOW!
-Kate Northrup

Christa makes women look like fantasies of themselves — it’s so fabulous. And fun. There’s a spirit of defiance and rebellion about the photos, but also a joy…and the joy comes from the kind of atmosphere that Christa was able to create. Amazing.
-Justine Musk

JSG

Christa is part artist, part business strategist. She actually helps you SEE yourself at your next level of success. And captures it on film.
-Jolene Smith Garcia

WOW. The pictures are wow. I am so stunned by your talent. You really captured the best of me. This is the me I strive to be.
-Gry Sindig

RT

Wow, Christa!!! I fucking love love loved working with you. Loved. You are amazing. Thank you for the best photos of my life.
-Regena Thomasheur

Christa made me feel I was in perfect hands and completely taken care of. She’s the
real deal. Ridiculously talented good people attract likewise – Christa’s team was just like her: warm, friendly, highly-skilled and fun.

-Juls ArthurNL

OMG Christa! So freaking amazing!! Thank you thank you thank you! Seriously, the photos are beyond cool.
-Nathalie Lussier

THANK YOU for the amazing photos. They turned out so wonderful. You are a miracle worker to say the least!! Thanks again for taking such great care of me in the shoot!
-Amy Porterfield

 

kimonoBADGE2

Join us for Opening the Kimono, Live in NYC!
June 12th/13th
$1197
OTKBUTTON2 Got Questions?
Email me directly at christa@christameola.com, and I’ll get right back to you.

The Perfect Accessory…

Coco Chanel and Jackie Kennedy (two brilliant icons of style) know that a classic accessory can be paired with anything – or nothing! – and never goes out of style…

“A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” -Coco Chanel

christa_meola_photographer_new_york_boudoir_nude_98

christa_meola_new_york_boudoir_nude_photographer_01

christa_meola_photographer_new_york_nude_boudoir_96

christa-meola-nudes-boudoir-workshop-photographer-00

Spotlight on: Laura Corn & Valentine’s Giveaways

My five-year blog anniversary is today, and we’re celebrating with playful pics, saucy tips, and hot giveaways! Just in time for Valentine’s Day…

I recently had the total pleasure of doing a photo shoot for Laura Corn, sex expert, radio personality and author of nine best-selling books on sex, love and intimacy. We were shooting for her latest venture, her new mobile app, 101 Nights – launching soon. I took this opportunity to interview her on her books, her best tips for feeling & getting sexy, and how she got interested in writing about sex in the first place…

christa_meola_photographer_boudoir_nude_new_york_22christa_meola_photographer_new_york_boudoir_nude_0044

What do you do?
I’m an author of nine best-selling books, and I help couples achieve deeper intimacy through the use of what I call ‘Secret Sealed Seductions.’ My book 101 Nights of Great Sex is loved by over one million couples around the world! I get tickled when I think about Gwenyth Paltrow and Britney Spears being fans.

What made you write your first book on sex?
I was lousy in bed. I wrote my first sex book because I hated sex. I couldn’t have an orgasm with a man! I couldn’t afford therapy so I went to the library & read (and studied) every sex book on the shelves for two years. I taught myself how to orgasm in the library (well maybe not right in the library) and then said, ‘Wow! I know a lot of stuff. I think I’ll write a book.’christa_meola_photographer_new_york_boudoir_nude_33christa_meola_photographer_new_york_nude_boudoir_0011

What’s the central idea of your book, 101 Nights of Great Sex, and how is it different?
My books are unique because they are not books you read, they are books you do. There are 101 Secret Sealed Seductions in the book. Every page is sealed! There are 50 Secret Seductions written for his eyes only and 50 Secret Seductions written for her eyes only. There is also one very special seduction shared by both partners.

Here’s how you play:

Once a week, (or whenever you want to add a little spice to your relationship) you and your lover each pick a sealed page and tear it from the book. There’s no turning back now – and no peeking at your partner’s seduction.  Just follow your secret instructions, and sometime during the week you’ll each be getting an erotic surprise. Talk about anticipation – you’ll both be on the edge of your seats.

christa_meola_photographer_new_york_nude_boudoir_099christa_meola_photographer_new_york_nude_boudoir_088

Tell us a favorite inspirational story of someone who’s been helped using your book’s philosophy.
101 Nights of Great Sex has saved a lot of marriages. Its best stated by New York Times best-selling author Dr. Lisaa Rankin, “As an OB/GYN and blogger, 101 Nights is one of my most frequently recommended books. I prescribe it to patients suffering from decreased libido, recommend it to mentoring clients seeking more pleasure, and blog about it as a way to explore the true desires of your authentic self. Plus, (don’t tell my mother!) my own copy of 101 Nights is well loved, tattered, and torn up. My husband thanks you!”

Has anything changed over the years in regards to what people struggle with sex-wise?
For the most part, a low sex drive is really a low desire for the same old thing. Aside from any medical issues someone might have, the sense of excitement, surprise, and butterflies comes from trying new things. There have been so many surveys done on what keeps a long-term relationship exciting, and scientists have discovered that exploration and surprise thrill our sexuality.

christa_meola_photographer_nude_boudoir_077christa_meola_photographer_nude_boudoir_0055

You also have a new app now too right?
Yes, in addition to my books, I’m proud to say that 101 Nights the App is about to be released. This is a mobile App on Apple and Android, which will put the power of my book in the pockets of millions, through their phones.

What inspired you to create the 101 Nights app?
Your beautiful photography, Christa Meola! So seductive! I thought, ‘Damn I need to create a mobile app with your images and my seductions.’ Haha! Which we did! Yay.

Plus, as the world around me grew in technology, it seemed only natural that the ideas and techniques in my book would be a perfect fit for a mobile app. I had map apps on my phone, weather apps on my phone… why not my seduction app? 101 Nights is the world’s most seductive app for couples.

Tap. Tease. Seduce.

It’s a full seduction toolkit, that fits discreetly in the palm of your hand.

It’s really an exciting product.

Thank you Christa!

christa_meola_photographer_new_york_boudoir_nude_00003christa_meola_photographer_new_york_boudoir_nude_0002

What’re your best tips on re-igniting romance with a long-time partner?
Someone has to make a change. When romance and sex stop, its usually because both partners stop nurturing the relationship. Someone has to step up to the plate and get the playdates rolling. That’s why my interactive books are so helpful

How can you best treat your partner to a sexy evening?
Plan it, be intentional, and by all means, build up anticipation. Tell your partner, early in the week that you have a planned a sexy surprise for the two of you for Saturday Night. Keep your sweetie in the dark. Don’t give too much away but drop hints all week long. Every hint allows your partner to relax, and feel special. Your partner will enjoy allowing someone else doing all the work, and feeling truly treasured. Rarely do we get fun sexy surprises as adults.

What is the most essential thing to feeling sexy on the inside?
Believe in yourself. And by all means don’t lose your sense of humor. Laughing and being joyful is sexy at it’s best.

What’s your favorite trick to feel sexy fast?
I put on red lipstick & sky-high heels!

What’s your #1 tip for fellow entrepreneurs who want to write a book?
You have to be passionate about your subject. Passion will carry you far. A book takes a long time to write and even a longer time to publish and market. So if you don’t have passion you won’t go the distance.

###

Thank you Laura! And even more gratitude for gifting us with these hot giveaways!

—-VALENTINE’S GIVEAWAYS—-

Giveaway No. 1
A dozen copies of Laura’s best-selling book, 101 Nights of Great Sex

I have a dozen copies of Laura Corn’s best-selling book 101 Nights of Great Sex! Who wants one? Follow me on Instagram or Facebook, Comment, and Tag a friend to enter. Winners will be chosen at random on Vday, and you can comment as many times as you want with a different friend tagged in each comment. You and your friend tagged will both win a signed copy!

“This is not just another sex book. 101 Nights of Grrreat Sex uses ‘secret sealed seductions’ with special instructions for a love task or favor that each partner tears out and completes for one another. Sounds simple but the anticipation and mystery makes even the smallest gestures pretty thrilling.” – Gwenyth Paltrow

Giveaway No. 2
His & Her’s Seductions

If you’re short on time, but still want to give big-time thrills on Vday, we’ve got you covered.
This Rated R giveaway is available for you to instantly download now at the links below.

Warning: Wildly adult content.
For HIS eyes only: Honeylingus & For HER eyes only: The Velvet Tonguechrista_meola_Laura_corn_101_sexy_nights

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Lots of love,

Christa

5 Things I No Longer Believe About Photographing Women

As my 5-year blog anniversary approaches, I’ve taken a long look back through my archives. I laughed a ton, cringed a bit and had an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all of the clients and stories I’ve had the pleasure and honor to share.

And I’m so grateful to you, my dedicated enthusiastic readers. Many of you have emailed me noting quite a difference in my photos over the past couple of years as well as how much you think marriage agrees with me. Thank you! I agree with you.

Speaking of changing, there’s a lot I do and think about differently now versus 5 years ago or even 1 year ago. I thought it’d be interesting to cover just a few things that have changed with regard to how I photograph women.

5 Things I No Longer Believe About Photographing Women

1. Photoshop is a woman’s best friend.

Yes, I actually said that. This belief has changed the most. There is a long list of what qualifies for woman’s best friend, starting with self-acceptance, body-love, good girlfriends and an amazing partner. Photoshop isn’t all evil and shouldn’t be public enemy number one, but the damage it causes in projecting an unrealistic unattainable perfect ideal is. In the next couple of weeks, we’ll be doing a post on feeling sexy on the inside.

2. Never show a woman her pictures without retouching them.

Similar to the belief above, I used to think showing a woman her pictures unretouched was just plain unfriendly, not to mention unprofessional. But I’ve come to believe that retouching a women’s pictures before they see them is a disservice. For the past couple of years, it’s been so much more fulfilling to show a woman her photographs totally bare naked unretouched and allow her to see herself as she is. To have a woman fall in love with herself as she is instead of retouched into someone else’s version of perfect is an amazing gift. Anyone can look like that girl in the magazine. Just add photoshop. What no one else can look like is YOU. Sharing the authentic you is the biggest gift I can give.

3. I’m happy to photograph you without a signed model release.

When I first started shooting, I thought that if you didn’t want to sign a model release, you still deserved to have photos taken and not shared, so I’d happily do it. And there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that. I’m sure there are plenty of wonderful photographers willing to photograph you without a signed release form. But at this point in the game, I’m fulfilled by sharing my work with the world. My new belief and practice is that I will no longer photograph a subject without a signed model release.

4. No husbands allowed on set.

Over the years, many husbands, boyfriends, male besties, (and even one son!) have asked to be present during the shoot. I always thought the policy of no men on set was a good one… it was just the girls having fun, she’d be able to relax more readily, the pictures would be more of a surprise, and the husband might distract from our creative focus. Well, boy did I learn how wrong I was. You can read more about what changed my belief here: Ordinary Couple, Inspiring Story. Also, some of the best photographers, stylists and assistants are male – including mine! Male energy on set is a glorious thing. I now offer the choice to have either no men present or have your partner there.

5. I can make a woman love her body.

Only a woman has the power to love herself. The old belief was a nice idea, and I was definitely enthusiastic, passionate and earnest. But I’ve learned, mostly by being a woman, that I cannot make any woman love herself. I can only show her the beauty that I see.

What have you changed? Do you have any old beliefs, or maybe ones that need revisiting?

I’d love to hear how you’ve changed your game. Join the conversation here.

I’ll be hanging out and to hear how you’ve changed and what you do differently.

Because, hey – people change, processes evolve, and when you know better, you do better.

xoxo Christa

ps. blog post coming soon: The #1 Legal Mistake Photographers Make

 

Photo above: Jerry Zalez, CMP Associate Photographer

Morning Light

There’s nothing like beautiful morning light streaming in through the windows…

christa_meola_photographer_new_york_nude_boudoir_005christa_meola_photographer_new_york_nude_boudoir_001christa_meola_photographer_new_york_nude_boudoir_002christa_meola_photographer_new_york_nude_boudoir_006christa_meola_photographer_new_york_nude_boudoir_004
This little series was shot for Laura Corn, sex expert, radio personality, and author of nine bestselling books for her exciting new mobile app. We’ll post details on the blog when it launches.

Plenty more sensual moments from this photo shoot coming up!

Lots of love,

Christa

Spotlight on Liz Dialto & Wild Soul Movement

Meet Liz DiAlto, founder of Wild Soul Movement.

Liz is one of my favorite people on the planet and a dear friend. You’ve gotta know her if you don’t already. Her outrageous laugh, deliciously inappropriate statements, and heart-centered full-gusto approach to life make me want to put her in my pocket…

christa_meola_photographer_photography_nude_new_york_liz_dialto_010

The first time I met Liz was for a 22-woman photo shoot I did for Marie Forleo and her mastermind ladies. Liz went way outside her comfort zone and posed for a picture wearing nothing but her hands over her heart. Which is so her. (Liz wrote beautifully about the experience in a popular post on The Daily Love.)

Our second shoot was for her now-discontinued Tighter in Ten fitness program, which was about working out, building muscle and weight loss. She was a personal fitness trainer and wanted to look cut in that shoot. You can take a peek at that photo shoot in my archives.

And not too long after that photo shoot she began a dramatic transformation…

In the two years since then, she’s let go of wanting abs of steel and softened her body and embraced her natural curves. She also softened her heart and approached her body with acceptance, trust and love. She embraced her feminine energy and let go of the masculine “work out”…

christa_meola_photographer_photography_nude_new_york_liz_dialto_90christa_meola_photography_photographer_boudoir_nude_new_york_liz_dialto_99

She began practicing sensual movement, inviting more pleasure into her life, doing what felt good, and meditating…

christa_meola_photographer_photography_nude_new_york_liz_dialto_6

She practiced accepting her body and lovin’ on it…

In fact, there is NO PHOTOSHOP on these photos. She and I were in full-hearted agreement on that…

christa_meola_photographer_photography_boudoir_nudes_new_york_workshop_liz_dialto_0001christa_meola_photographer_photography_nude_new_york_liz_dialto_77christa_meola_photographer_photography_nude_new_york_liz_dialto_08

So when I met up with Liz recently in Los Angeles for our third photo shoot for her new Wild Soul Movement program – I had never seen her so vital, alive, and absolutely shining with positivity, love and joy. Not to mention the confidence and body love she had was totally alluring and positively magnetic!

I’ll have whatever she’s having please. Well lucky for us, we can…

christa_meola_photographer_photography_nude_new_york_liz_dialto_01christa_meola_photographer_photography_nude_new_york_liz_dialto_012christa_meola_photographer_photography_nude_new_york_liz_dialto_02christa_meola_photographer_photography_nude_new_york_liz_dialto_013christa_meola_photographer_photography_boudoir_nude_new_york_liz_dialto-09

Liz didn’t diet. But rather, she spent the last couple of years going inward to find complete acceptance of herself as she is and pouring all she’s learned into developing this new program for women. Wild Soul Movement is a 12-week video-based practice that combines soul-soothing movement, mantra and meditation…

Liz created it for women who want to feel confident, turned on, magnetic, worthy, and free.

As photographers who specialize in portraits for women, we want the same for our clients.

As women, we want the same for ourselves.

Join me and our special guest, Liz DiAlto, for a no-holds barred discussion…

“Body-Love and Self-Acceptance”
TOMORROW, Thursday June 5th at 1pm Eastern

Get the call-in details here.

She and I will discuss how we can help our clients and ourselves feel comfortable in our bodies and release what’s holding us back, and more…

See you on the call tomorrow!

With lots of body love,

Christa

ps. I’m also super excited to chat with Liz about the decision to go No Photoshop! with this shoot and the new policy my company has regarding retouching. So join us on the call tomorrow –  you don’t want to miss this!

Spotlight on: Alejandra Ramos, Part 2

Back on the blog for Part 2, Alejandra Ramos is our resident saucy chef who we love and adore. She not only emodies the real natural woman, but also shares her tips on sexy and effortless entertaining to help you create your next happy successful affair. (You can also check out Alejandra baking up some more sexy and a cherry chocolate cake in Part 1, here.) christa_meola_photography_nude_new_york_boudoir christa_meola_boudoir_nude_photographer_new_york_1 christa_meola_boudoir_nude_new_york_photographer_0002 christa_meola_photographer_new_york_boudoir_nude christa_meola_photographer_new_york_boudoir_nude_003 christa_meola_nude_boudoir_photographer_0000 christa_meola_photographer_new_york_boudoir_nude_009

 Alejandra’s Top 5 Tips for Sexy & Effortless Entertaining

Schedule Time for Yourself
It’s important that you feel confident and beautiful when hosting a party, but that can be tough to do when your hair is still dripping wet or you’re covered in splatters because you didn’t have time to change. I always set a hard stop time for myself a couple hours before the party starts. When it hits, I stop whatever I’m doing, and go shower, get dressed, and do everything I need to do to feel amazing before the guests arrive.

Be Daring with Your Guest List
That guy you have a crush on, or the girl from your yoga class you would love to be friends with? Take a chance and invite them! I think there is no better way to get to know someone, or for them get to know how fabulous YOU are. (This is actually how my husband and I started dating. So you never know!)

Set the Mood
Remember that parties aren’t just about the food and drinks–think about other ways you can make the event feel a little extra special.  A weekend brunch calls for fresh flowers and wide open windows, while a sexy cocktail party practically begs for dimmed lamps and lots of candlelight.  Music also plays a big role. Try to create a custom playlist ahead of time or use a streaming app like Pandora or Songza to match the music to your food or theme.

Keep a Few Secrets
I never reveal my menu or any of my party plans before the fact. It creates an element of surprise, and gives me freedom to change things without worrying about disappointing anyone. It also means that if something didn’t work out how you planned–say a broken cake or burned side dish–you can just toss it and nobody will know!

Accept Help
You may be the host, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Have a friend who loves to mix drinks? Let him play bartender! Not crazy about baking? Ask a friend to bring a pie from that bakery near her house. Taking a few of your not-so-favorite things off your plate, will allow you to shine and create the best experience for everyone (yourself included!).

###

Thank you Alejandra! I’m looking forward to putting those tips into action soon, especially No. 4 – how did I never think of that?

More gorgeous pics of you-never-know-what’s-coming-next soon…

xoxo, Christa