WIN A FREE SEAT to my Online Boudoir Workshop!
You have til 12midnight EST tonight…
Winner will be announced on tomorrow, Monday June 6th 9am EST.
Good Luck!
x. Christa
ps. Spots are booking up fast, and we are now over three quarters filled up!! If you’ve already registered (smart move!) and win, then your fee will be refunded 🙂 So Register Now before we are sold out!
This shoot is inspired by so many of my favorite things: NYC rooftops, red wine, fine art paintings, still life’s, and well… hanging out half-naked!
If you want to TAKE A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES and watch how I shot this seductive sultry wine-soaked set of nudes, we’ve got it all on video! and you can watch it all!… by registering for my Online Boudoir Workshop, beginning really soon on June 14th! Register now!
Yummmm, right?!
This shoot was SO MUCH FUN! and when you book your seat for the Online Workshop, get ready for some funny footage of how I got these shots!
The Online Boudoir Workshop starts June 14th, get your sweet ass booked now before it’s sold out! Red wine and nudity is included 🙂 You’re buying.
x. Christa
Photographs created at the Hotel Empire, NYC, May 2011. This shoot was a little mini-session with maximum sultriness. Mrs. C is a wife, mother, business owner, and was just about the easiest shoot I’ve had. She was adorable, flirtatious, comfortable with herself, and willing to try anything. She loves fashion and really high heels…
You would never guess this gorgeous woman’s age – which further illustrates that sexiness is a mindset!
Ok, her regular insanity workouts don’t hurt either 🙂
more soon!
x. Christa
My Favorite Five! is going to be a new recurring feature on my blog. So to kick her off, here are my absolute fav gorgeous go-to lighting scenarios whether I’m shooting Fine Art Nudes, Boudoir, or Portraiture… These are easy as pie, just like we like it!
Scenario No. 1
Easy & Flattering Natural Light On Location
Here’s how to do it
Model is about 6 to 8 feet from the window, so it’s not too harsh or contrasty. However depending on the light quality that day (and the weather!) you may need to move the model closer to the window. For the most flattering and easy lighting set-up, angle your model slightly towards the window (or slightly behind the window for some nice edge light). Position yourself adjacent to the window. This is my favorite look. You can try collapsible reflectors to bounce or reflect the light from the window back into shadow areas of the subject. I mostly prefer not using the reflector, because I love shadow! The above pic is without a reflector.
Scenario No. 2
Easy Studio Look with Natural Light while On Location
Here’s how to do it
Model is on a grey seamless paper backdrop or black muslin near a window – again, the distance she will need to be away from the window will depend on the quality of light that day (as well as time of day). This is a nice side-light that highlights curves! I love doing this easy set-up to help create variety while in a hotel room or other interior location. I’m often in tiny spaces, so sometimes this whole area is only a few feet by a few feet, as was the case with the above shot.
Scenario No. 3
Natural Light Backlit, Optional Continuous or Video Light Fill
Here’s how to do it
This is another favorite look – totally easy and gorgeous. The backlight is natural light from a window, and if you overexpose a stop or two, you will be unable to see where the outline of your model’s body begins and ends, so I love using this one with plus-sized women since it’s very flattering, as in the pic at the top of this post. If you need a little more light, you can add a continuous or hand-held video light turned up just enough to give you a little boost from the front – I just eyeball this and adjust to taste 🙂 The above pic was taken with just available natural light.
Scenario No. 4
Studio Strobe with Softbox, One Main Light on Grey Backdrop
Here’s how to do it
Ok, this is the easiest thing in the world, and I love all the variety you can create with just one main light using different placement. It’s important to note that you must use a grey backdrop and not black if you only want to use one light. Once you use black, you’ll have to add a second light as a hair light to separate your subject from the background. (Although honestly, I love the look of disappearing into the backdrop and do that often – see Scenario 5 below). In the shot above, the light is placed off to the side for contrast and just higher than the model because I wanted drop-off as we got lower down her body.
Scenario No. 5
Studio Strobe, One Main Light “Feathering” on Black Backdrop
Here’s how to do it
Remember when I said just a second ago to use the grey backdrop so you see separation between backdrop and model? Well, forget that! I love the look of disappearing into the background and again, this is extremely flattering to plus-sized women since you can’t see where the body ends – it just disappears into luscious shadow 😉 Place the light with softbox slighty away from the subject so they are only lit by the edges, a technique called “feathering.”
There ya have it! Simple, easy, budget-friendly and GORGEOUS –everything I want my lighting to be 🙂
I’ll be demonstrating all of these techniques and so much more as a part of my awesome new Online Boudoir Photography Workshop! Participants will join me behind the scenes during video demo’s and watch me shoot models, clients, plus-sized gals, and nudes…. ooooh how much fun is that! So sign up and grab a ringside seat to the action!
IMPORTANT NOTE: You have less than 24 hours to sign-up for the special rate! Price goes up at midnight tonight EST – so Register Now!
Just arrived in NYC for a week of shoots and wanted to give you some vital information for those who are just getting started or need a refresher in Boudoir, Fine Art, and all female photography! I receive tons of emails from enthusiastic photographers who are catching boudoir fever and would love to know how to begin! –Great question! So in honor of my new Online Boudoir Photography Workshop, here is my best advice for a helpful approach in getting started, how to prioritize your investments, create a smoking hot portfolio, and get that first boudoir client!
1. KEEP A PLAYFUL AND INTELLIGENT APPROACH
As a boudoir photographer and as a woman, I live by the following three tenets: Simplify, Experiment, and Focus on Emotion. I believe these principles are conducive to creativity and success in all areas of my life, photography, and business. Keeping these in mind at every stage of building your boudoir business as well as your creative process will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and will not only result in greater success, but also a heck of a lot more fun!
SIMPLIFY
Keep it simple is my mantra — it’s how I shoot and run my business. It’s especially important to simplify when just starting out and learning something new. I believe this applies to everything from gear and workflow to styling and pricing. Why overcomplicate things with a task list that seems insurmountable and will only eat up your resources and further delay your getting started? Keeping it simple will also help your first shoots go smoother.
EXPERIMENT
Go on a journey to find what’s right for you. Think of this process of getting started not as an obstacle, but as an awesome experiment in finding what works for you and discovering your own style. There is no right or wrong, and as photographers, I think we always have a tiny bit of “I don’t know what I’m doing” because that’s called creativity baby! – going into the unknown and figuring it out. So, go ahead and do some research, visit the forums, go to workshops, geek out a ton on practice shoots, and make sure to keep a playful spirit and keep experimenting to see what works best for you and your clients.
FOCUS ON EMOTION
Emotional impact trumps technical perfection every time, particularly in boudoir! Focus on what’s happening in front of you, on connecting with your model/client, and don’t get caught up in your gear or in your head with doubts. Strive to capture the life inside her – something honest, something emotional, some movement, some imperfection, and some sexiness!
2. PRIORITIZE YOUR INVESTMENTS
It’s important to allocate your budget wisely, especially in the beginning when funds may be limited. You want each dollar to go as far as possible, so I recommend starting with the bare essentials in terms of gear and allocating your funds to improving your skill, getting educated, and building your business.
KEEP TO JUST THE BARE ESSENTIAL GEAR
Don’t spend too much money on equipment right off the bat. You probably already have a great SLR or DSLR camera and a really good lens, so go with what you’ve got and invest elsewhere first. Master one piece of equipment inside and out before investing in another. Rent the lenses and lighting you want to try until you can buy, and add on as you can afford. As far as set pieces or backdrops go, my staples are a $30 grey seamless paper backdrop, a thrift store vintage chair, and a classic set of white sheets. Be creative, and you can transform any space into a simple beautiful setting.
HONE YOUR SKILLS
The number one priority is developing your eye, skill, and style, so make sure to practice practice practice! Shoot as often as you can. Create your own projects. What is your dream shoot? Now go set it up for yourself. Have fun, hire models, get props, hit the streets, or photograph your neighbor. Do whatever you can to make sure you’re shooting at least a few times a week and building a body of work that reflects your true style and a complete portfolio. (More on your portfolio in a minute).
GET EDUCATED
Nothing beats experience and practice, but you can shortcut your learning curve by training with more experienced professionals. Become a sponge. Seek out training, classes, and workshops from photographers whose work you admire. Check out photography forums and blogs. Go to the library and look at your favorite photography books. Again, look for what feels like boudoir to you and see what appeals to you and what doesn’t. All of this will strengthen your attraction to what works, what looks good, and what is technically sound.
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS
If you haven’t done so already, start the business! Set up a blog or website and begin! It’s time. Take inventory of what your strengths are and lean on them. Whether it’s your charming personality, amazing composition skills, or design prowess, make sure to utilize what you have to get your business started. I’m a big believer in jumping in and figuring it all out on the way!
3. CREATE A SMOKING HOT PORTFOLIO
When viewing your photography, potential clients want to see passion for what you do, as well as consistency, quality and style in your work. Although most clients will hire you based more on your personality, professionalism, enthusiasm and confidence than on your web gallery, it’s remains vital to have a killer portfolio to attract the right clients and to set-up their expectations.
HIRE PRO & AMATUER MODELS
I do understand that many of you just getting started are feeling like you have a chicken and egg situation – you can’t get that first client until you have a portfolio, and you can’t get a portfolio without that first client. So I highly recommend hiring models to help round out your portfolio. Artists’ figure models from art schools and art galleries are great to photograph. They are exceptional at moving their bodies, finding really sensual and beautiful poses, and are experts at small details such as placement of their hands. Artists’ models are also much more likely to happily pose nude and sign a model release for you, even if it’s your first time. Try local art colleges and fine art galleries in your area. Model community sites, such as Model Mayhem, are also great for portfolio building. These communities consist of women who are a mixture of pro’s and amateurs, some of whom will work Trade For CD (TFCD). This is a wonderful way to get exposure to women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities, and include them in your portfolio. Model sites and communities can also be good resources for makeup artists and hair stylists.
INCLUDE ONLY THE A++ PHOTOS
The best way to have a smoking hot port is to include only your very best photographs. Be a tight editor and remember that it’s far better to have fewer stellar images as opposed to a bunch of mediocre ones. This is why I coined the phraseA++ Images. Pick the best of the best of what you have at the moment; don’t wait for the illusion of perfection. You are going for an honest reflection of where you are right now in your creative process.
BE DISTINCTIVE & CONSISTENT IN STYLE
There should be a common style evident in all of your images. People who view your portfolio should know exactly who they’re hiring and what they’re getting. That is not to say you can’t have a wide breadth of variety in your portfolio, in fact you should. Just make sure that it’s consistent in quality and style.
SHOWCASE WHAT YOU OFFER
Don’t show studio shots if you only want to do location work. Keep images in your portfolio that represent what you love to shoot and want to be hired for. If your thing is black and white fine art nudes, than make sure your portfolio represents that.
4. GET THAT FIRST CLIENT!
I know from the photographers I mentor that getting that first client seems to be the most difficult task of all! There are plenty of women (in fact, most women!) who want beautiful, sensual, editorial-style photography for themselves, but it’s important to take a step back and first consider your brand, your client, and what’s meaningful to you before you start seeking out your first customer. With a clear idea of the value and experience you are offering, you have a far greater chance of success of booking clients.
KNOW YOURSELF & YOUR BRAND
Ask yourself “what does boudoir mean to you?” How can you pitch a session to someone and talk passionately about it if you haven’t taken the time to consider what it is and why it’s so important for your client to experience it. Also make sure to answer “how do you stand out from the crowd?” and “what makes your style, process, products, service & experience unique?”
KNOW YOUR CLIENT
Who is your client? It’s not just “females.” Is she a new bride, a young fun twenty-something who wants pin-up, etc? Or is she like my client: a 40+ mother of two, usually has just had a recent transition in life: weight loss, getting pregnant again, cancer survivor, divorce, new relationship, and she’s a woman who takes care of herself, but has never really let her sexiness come out to play (in front of a pro’s camera anyway 🙂 It’s helpful to be as clear and specific with who you are targeting and what your outcome for her is.
CALL IT WHAT YOU NEED TO
Some women can get a bit shy when hearing the term boudoir photo shoot, so when booking that first client, call it what you like: a fashion shoot, a lifestyle shoot, a beach shoot, or something equally appropriate and creative. I had one client tell me she would never do a boudoir shoot, but would love to do a swimsuit session! Girls are funny like that.
TARGET YOUR CURRENT CLIENTELE
If you are currently a portrait or wedding photographer, I’m sure you’ve got more than a few raving fan clients who are perfect candidates for a boudoir session with you. Target the ones that gave you a million referrals and offer her a special free session. Target the ones that you could tell spend a heck of a lot of time and money on looking and feeling good. Target the sassy ones. Target the shy ones you would LOVE to open up and that you know trusts you. You know who I’m talking about – I’m sure there are already a few women popping up in your mind.
Best of luck with getting started in Boudoir – it’s a total blast and you will soon become addicted! Just remember to shoot from the heart, and you can’t go wrong.
ps. IMHO, my new ONLINE Boudoir Workshop is a GREAT place for those who are just starting out or seasoned pro’s looking to take it to the next level. We’ve already got a huge variety of awesome photographers signed up! From boudoir pro’s to those who’ve never done a paid shoot before, we’ve got dozens of countries represented as far as Denmark, Italy, India and of course lots of photogs from your small town USA 🙂 The content applies to all levels. There is just one week left to SIGN UP for the discounted price – after that, it goes up! Hurry over to the ONLINE Boudoir Workshop page and you can Register Now and enter to WIN A FREE SEAT!
see ya online!
x. Christa
Yay, it’s here! I am thrilled to announce the brand-spanking new & totally sexy Online Boudoir Workshop! This 6 week course is for photographers who want to learn all of the exciting aspects of the booming boudoir market, from home! Join us in your pj’s and enjoy video demonstrations, behind the scenes shoots, tutorials, personal interaction, a private forum, and much more! Gain support, motivation, inspiration and answers to all of your questions, as I expose everything inside my boudoir business that makes it a success – as well as the biggest mistakes new boudoir photographers make and how to avoid them!
YOU’RE INVITED TO ENJOY:
Video demonstrations & Tutorials
Behind the Scenes access to Christa’s shoots
Live Q&A calls each week
Portfolio Critiques
Private Forum for members only
Free Resources & Vendor Discounts
Client forms, contracts and releases
and more!…
HOW IT WORKS
This is a 6 week course, beginning Tuesday June 14th. On each Tuesday, I release that week’s content: videos, tutorials, notes and projects 🙂 Anytime during that week (or even weeks after), you can view all or pieces of it at your leisure. Each Thursday or Friday (alternating) we’ll have 3-hour live calls scheduled for Q&A’s and discussion on that week’s content. The call will be taped and available for you to download at anytime should you miss one 🙂 One of my favorite benefits of this workshop is the members only forum – a place of ongoing support, information and motivation. Members will be able to leave comments under each content area, so everyone is sharing their thoughts, ideas, tips and questions all in one place – so we’re all in this party together, all the information is available to you 24/7, and I’m right by your side as your personal coach!
TOPICS COVERED
Shooting On Location & In the Studio
Go behind the scenes of Christa’s shoots. See how Christa styles her sets and works with minimal equipment both on location and in the studio. Watch how she relaxes a nervous client, brings out the best in each woman (from models to moms), creates sensual moments, captures emotion from even the stiffest client, and finds flattering poses for every body type.
Equipment & Lighting
What’s necessary and what’s not – this surprises most new photographers! Learn easy lighting set-ups, how to work with the challenge and beauty of natural light, working with studio strobes, and the ease of video lights. See the results of using different lenses at all budget levels.
Branding and Style
How to create a distinctive brand that brings you into your business. Creating a consistent look that separates you from the crowd.
Creating Raving Fan Clients
How to attract clients and turn each woman into a raving fan who does your marketing for you. This is how I create boudoir addicts who hire me again and again and tell all their friends.
Best-selling Boudoir Money Shots™
Learn how Christa coaches and captures each of her best-selling Money Shots™. These are the shots that every client wants and are absolute must-haves for your portfolio!
Post Production & Workflow
Cut down on your editing time with a workflow that is easy, fast and effective. See Christa take her pics from straight out of camera through Lightroom and Photoshop to final edited images presented to client.
Giving Direction & “Posing”
Learn how to coach actions, give easy direction and create beautiful moments instead of “poses.” See the difference between what’s hot & what’s not – a subtle but huge difference!
Flattering every Figure
Easy ways to flatter women of every shape and body type. Top ways to work with women, from models to moms, breast cancer survivors to body conscious clients.
Fine Art Nudes & Fashion
Working with nude models, see how Christa blends Fine Art Nudes and Fashion with Portraiture to create her high-end Boudoir “look.” Learn the qualities that distinguish each style and how to bring them into your work.
Sets & Styling
How to style a set and a model to create editorial style photographs. Creating an amazing high-end look on a budget both in studio and on location.
Pricing and Increasing Sales
Nailing your price list so you’re busy, happy and well-paid. How to increase sales
Successful Boudoir Parties
Christa’s step-by-step process that gives you all you need to throw a successful (or your first!) boudoir party!
Plus Permits, Releases, Contracts, FAQ’s and more!
If you’re new to this blog, you can read Reviews on Christa’s workshops, see more of Christa’s Boudoir photography and check out her Fine Art Nudes.
Boudoir Photography is about empowering women – helping them feel amazing and celebrating who they are. So get in on the fun now! The boudoir photography market is currently enjoying a huge surge in popularity as more and more women are seeking this service. Boudoir photography is such a fun and fulfilling career, and I want you to be a success!
***CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED***
Winner is BETHANY GROVE!
Yay!!! Congratulations Bethany! I’ll email you with all the juicy details!
Here are a few ways to WIN A FREE SEAT!
Do one or all of the following, then leave a comment for each thing you do, which is important because your comments are your entries!
1. Enter your email here:
2. Follow me on twitter and tweet this: So excited for the ONLINE Boudoir Photography Workshop! with @christameola WIN a FREE SEAT here! http://bit.ly/iglLEo
3. Like Christa Meola Pictures on Facebook, then tell all your photographer friends about this giveaway.
The contest ends on Sunday June 5th, midnight EST. Winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on June 6th 9am EST. If you’ve already registered (smart move!) and win, then your fee will be refunded 🙂 Cool! So register now before the price goes up!
Good luck! and I can’t wait to see you online at the workshop!!
x. Christa
Attending Christa’s workshop changed my life. I more than doubled my income! – Robin Hultgren
My first shoot was a total success!!! My client was thrilled, and I was relaxed and confident. – Sally LeDrew
I had my highest portrait sale ever of $4,700 thanks to Christa! – Lisa Roah
Best money I’ve ever spent on my business. Period. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. – Erin Nelson
I have been on fire since the workshop! It kicked my creativity and inspiration into overdrive! – Jill Amanda
Best workshop I’ve ever taken!!!!!! Anyone who asks me I tell them it’s SO worth it! Sign up! – Shani Barel
A successful boudoir party means my women had an amazing time, LOVE their photos, and I made great money. I’m bringing back Marie Forleo‘s Rich Happy Hot ladies from our 22-woman boudoir party in Los Angeles to go with this post. Get the crazy details behind that shoot and see more rich happy hotness when you check out these posts: Rich Happy Hot No. 1 and All Heart.
Here are my top tips specific to these marathon shooting days that will contribute to your next (or your first) boudoir party being a huge success!
Be Prepared
It’s even more important to be prepared when you’re on a tight schedule. Make sure to do the prep work with each client well before the shoot day. Discuss what makes them feel sexy, what they love about their body, and discover what is meaningful for them – this way you already know your client intimately before she even steps in front of the camera, which is key when your time is limited. Also make sure to chat about wardrobe tips & ideas, let her know what to expect, talk to her about your contract/policies, get an idea of her comfort zone regarding nudity and most importantly get a clear idea of the end product she wants to purchase as a result of this shoot. All your prep work will ensure that both of you have a clear idea of what your shooting for and make each session go smooth like butter!
Style three “Sets” and Prep your Equipment
That means each “set” should be a unique location, even if you’re in a tiny hotel room. Move beyond the bed for two set ups: try gorgeous backlighting in front of the window, in front of a full length mirror, at the vanity in the bathroom, in the hotel shower, on a chaise lounge, at the hotel suite’s front door, laying on the floor or on top of the coffee table – I’ve tried it all. Find what works and looks great well in advance, start visualizing your ideas, move furniture, remove distractions, and style it up. Most of all, be creative and resourceful! Lastly, know which lens and what camera settings work best in each area, so you don’t have to burn up your session time trying to figure this out.
Set-up a Mini-studio
A studio set is always a great idea to create another look which makes it seem like we got out of the hotel room, and is an easy way to create one of your 3 sets. You can bring a $30 seamless paper roll (my favorite is grey) and one main light with softbox. Presto! If you don’t have studio equipment, a very affordable option is a black muslin (use a black tablecloth) hung up near window light. You can set this up anywhere even in the tiniest of rooms. This one was set up in the bathroom.
Keep to a Schedule.
I suggest scheduling 4 distinct blocks of time for each girl. Three of those blocks are for shooting on each of your 3 sets. And the first block is to chat, go over wardrobe (choose which outfits on which sets and in which order). I like to do 60 minutes per girl, so each block will be roughly 15 minutes each – if I steal a few minutes from one block – I make sure to make up for it in another. Have someone (an assistant, the make-up artist, or a friend) keep track of time and let you know when you only have a few minutes left in each area. If no one is around to help out, then use your cell phone’s timer.
Find ways to create variety!
Since greater variety is a big part of the equation that equals higher sales let’s make sure to create variety at every opportunity. We’ve already covered having 3 sets. Likewise, your client should have 3 vastly different wardrobe looks. Make sure to coach and capture different emotions from her, the various stages of dress and undress, various angles, details, close-ups, and full-body shots. Use different lenses, have a mix of color and black & white images, and try some photoshop actions on a few in post.
Have an assistant and a pro stylist.
I know sometimes as sole business owners, we try to do it all ourselves. Greater success lies in teamwork! Professional hair and make-up artists will elevate the quality of your work immensely. An assistant will make a significant difference in the ease of your shoot. She will help with equipment, moving sets, communicating with the MUA, getting the next client ready, holding the fan, helping your clients laugh, keeping you on schedule, and so much more! If you can’t afford to hire professionals just yet, find an enthusiastic apprentice to be your assistant and search the modeling sites, like Model Mayhem, for hair and make-up artists that are just starting out, want to build their portfolio, and will work Trade for Prints TFP or TFCD.
Make it a Party!
Music, mimosa’s, excitement, dancing around in your underwear, a bit of chocolate, lots of laughter, being pampered with pro hair & make-up, and maybe a take-home vintage polaroid pic… just a few ideas that can add to your boudoir party being a total blast and memorable event. Be silly, be professional, have a good time, and your clients will too 🙂
So make sure to be prepared, keep it fun, keep on schedule, hire some help, mix it up, and have a blast!
What are your favorite tips for creating successful boudoir parties? Leave your success stories in the comments below! And as always, if you have more Q’s about photography, photo parties, or getting started in boudoir, leave your questions in the comments, and I’ll shoot you an answer 🙂
Best of luck to you!
x. Christa
ps. I’m thrilled to be receiving an incredible amount of positive reaction to the ONLINE Boudoir Workshop beginning June 14! If you haven’t grabbed your chance to WIN A FREE SPOT to this awesome new course for photographers interested in boudoir, get the details and your chance to win a spot HERE now! Registration begins this Monday May 2nd with a bang! Make sure you’re here 🙂
When was the last time you photographed a 2,000 year old nude? I was in heaven on a recent trek around southern Italy when we stopped at Il Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, one of the more memorable museums that houses hundreds of fascinating artifacts, including amazing ruins from Pompeii (a future blog post) and 2,000 year old sculptures. The guards allowed me to take all the photographs my heart desired, and it was so fantastic to be photographing the nude figure from so many centuries ago!
I was enthralled with Aphrodite, Dresden-Capitoline type. 2nd century AD. I love that this is such a genius and sensual mix of provocative and modest. It’s as if Aphrodite is to appear like she is covering up, but in fact her gestures and emotion betray her bold enjoyment. Or is it just me?
Woman…
Man…
Ah, I love the difference!
Here is Aphrodite, of the Marine Venus-type, with Dolphin. 2nd century AD. I really appreciate her litte belly and ample hips 🙂
Gorgeous!
x. Christa
Spring is HERE! and I’m so jumping up and down happy for all the exciting things happening. Some cool news for you:
1. The brand-spanking new & sexy christameola.com will be launching this Monday, April 25th! wooohooo! not only did it receive a sleek redesign but also lots of awesome new features for you. Here are just a few…
The Pro Photographer Manifesto, 10 Habits of Successful Pro’s – is a free download for pro’s to remind us to keep our game on the pro level and for those just starting out to encourage wise habits from the beginning.
New Resources section – you asked and now you will be provided with all of my favorite vendors and resources, including links to the workflow process I use and where I get all my goods.
New Q&A section – with answers to all of your burning questions – there are over 30 FAQ’s – if you’d like to ensure that your Q is on this list, then please leave it in the comments below and I’ll include it.
2. Announcing the 1st ever Very Sexy Boudoir Workshop ONLINE with Christa Meola… it’s a 6 week course, I mean 6 week party, that starts June 14th! This is for all of you who can’t make it the in person workshops, who asked for me to visit your town, who want to play from home in your pj’s, who want tons of personal interaction with me, who want 6 weeks of awesome content, video demo’s, assignments and feedback – all for an affordable price. More juicy details and registration opening next week!
3. Lots of Give-aways! All of my favorite things from Italy! well not ALL of my favorite things, lol 🙂 There will be a leather bag, lingerie, the COOLEST boudoir mask ever, red wine, olive oil, of course lots of chocolate, limoncello, your choice of a fine art italia print signed by me, etc… it’s going to be epic, seriously.
Pretty cool right. So come on back soon – now that I’m back in Firenze from 2 weeks of road trippin around southern italy, I’ve got tons of gorgeousness on the blog in store for you…
ps. remember to leave your question or just plain ol’ love in the comments now! thank you!
baci,
x. Christa
Many photographers just getting started in boudoir photography ask me “how do you approach photographing plus-sized women?” My answer couldn’t be simpler: I approach each subject the exact same way, whether petite or plus-sized, male or female, child or adult. First and foremost, I focus on bringing out my subject’s personality, her love of life, love of herself, whatever is distinctive and true about my subject and the sensuality of the moment. Second, flattering someone is all about what you choose to focus on. You can easily flatter (or unflatter) any size/shape woman with lighting, angles, wardrobe and lens choices as well as the spirit in which you capture her.
I’ll let you in on a secret though, if you’re not accustomed to shooting boudoir. You can ask any pro who’s photographed a ton of women – they will all tell you that plus-sized women LOVE their curves! and if a plus-sized woman is coming to you for a photo shoot, she is digging who she is and wants to celebrate herself and her body! Ps. it’s actually the skinny gals who are more critical of their bodies and will require more encouragement and positive feedback during the shoot.
Here’s a few favorite shots from a recent mini-shoot I did with Julie, a beautiful new mom and plus-sized woman who enjoys her body and can demonstrate what I feel is most important to keep in mind when coaching and photographing women:
Sensuality and sexiness comes from within!…
Location: The Mondrian Hotel on Sunset, Los Angeles
Photography: Christa Meola
Make-Up / Hair Stylist: Rachel Lund – the best MUA and a terrific girl to have on set 🙂
More curveliciousness on the blog soon!
x. Christa
“I could NEVER do a sexy photo shoot.”… aaaand that’s my cue! I LOVE photographing women who think a sexy shoot is sooo not them, or not what they could ever do, or that they don’t photograph well, or yeah yeah yeah 🙂 I get asked all the time if I only shoot models. Hell no! My clientele is mostly 40+ moms who have never dreamed of stepping in front of a pro’s camera before, especially not in the buff. Exactly the kind of woman like Mrs. C., a dear friend’s wife who I invited to do a shoot, and of course she said she “could never!” Oh, how I love a good challenge! My persistence in putting her on the scheduled worked, and to Mrs. C’s credit, she committed 110% to the experience and showed up with all she had.
Mrs. C has the greatest legs you’ve ever seen, a rockin’ backside, beautiful skin, a gorgeous smile and a playful spirit. We booked a hotel suite, had some wine and a total blast! My team and I enjoyed the shoot as much as Mrs. C did, and everyone went home that day giddy and with smiles on their faces. I think the resulting photographs are elegant, sexy and playful… and definitely showcase what every woman can do, if they just give themselves the opportunity.
When another woman posted on my Facebook page that she didn’t think she could do a sexy photo shoot because she’s shy about her body, Mrs. C didn’t hesitate and wrote the following comment in response…
You don’t know me, but my new friend, Christa just did the most amazing boudoir shoot with me as a surprise for my husband. I told her I didn’t think I could ever do something like this because it just wasn’t me. But the more I thought about it the more I wanted to challenge myself. Christa is not only amazing behind the camera but also so great and inspiring in front of it! We had such a fun time!! It was so much more than I ever expected. When I showed my husband my album from the shoot, he was absolutely floored! Of course he loves the naked ones the best 🙂 I kept saying to him “Can you believe I did this??”
I’m forever thankful to Christa for talking me into doing the shoot and giving me the confidence and safety to enjoy it. It was not only a fabulous gift for my husband (which he absolutely loves) but truly a gift for myself. I love having these photographs, and I look at myself in a whole new light. I see the things I love about my body instead of the things I don’t.
Christa is truly amazing and gifted and I’m privileged to know her! If you have a chance to work with her, do it! It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done!!
Thank you Mrs. C! for putting your trust in me, for going waaay outside your comfort zone, for your warmth and sincerity, and most of all for spreading the word and letting other women know that they CAN!
xoxo,
Christa
Just up the long winding street from my villa in Firenze towards Fiesole is this wonderful work of art… Every time I pass by, it takes my breath away – amongst all the grey stones and greenery, is this bright red message of amore. It’s simple, yet just as moving and meaningful to me as any painting by Botticelli, Michelangelo or Da Vinci that I encountered at the Uffizi Gallery. It appeared on this wall a couple of years ago, and apparently, the man comes back every so often to make sure it doesn’t fade and remains fresh and bright…
with the soul
with the heart
I love you
always
my only
princess
Buon San Valentino 🙂
xoxoxoxo
Christa
