You don't *have* to take your clothes off | Austin Beauty Photographer

It's probably no secret that I'm a fan of nudity. I think every woman should be able to rip her clothes off, whip them around her head, and have her photos taken confidently. (Note: I have not yet achieved such confidence myself...but I'm one step closer with each personal boudoir shoot I do).

Boudoir is my baby. It's my niche, my specialty. It's what I do 92% of the time. Yes. I did the math.

The *OTHER* 8% of the time is spent doing BEAUTY portraiture. So. What's the difference? 

 

BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY

While boudoir photography almost always involves a certain level of undress or nudity, it is also a little more raw, candid, unposed LOOKING (although we do pose you throughout the entire shoot!). Boudoir is meant to embrace a woman's sexuality, independence, femininity, and badassness. Because of the posing and the wardrobe, these images tend to be more intimate in nature. We do retouch all boudoir images for our clients with standard retouching techniques and the finished product is generally a variety of about 50-60 images with a natural retouch that include "detail" shots such as legs, tush, breasts, back, shoulders, collar bone, lips, as well as full bodyscapes and imagery that includes the face. 

Example of Kara Marie's BOUDOIR Photography. More intimate in nature, boudoir images embrace a woman's sexuality, femininity, and badassness in a certain level of undress. 

Example of Kara Marie's BOUDOIR Photography. More intimate in nature, boudoir images embrace a woman's sexuality, femininity, and badassness in a certain level of undress. 

 

BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHY

Now, BEAUTY portraiture is a bit more polished...with a finished "fine art" look and feel. Beauty portraiture is a great option for a woman who wants a smaller collection of absolutely breathtaking portraits of herself that are wall-worthy. Our beauty portraits always containing the full face and have more "statement" wardrobe which can mean a ball gown, little black dress, lace bodysuit, fabric draping or even nudity. There are also more special effects such as fine art tectures and extensive retouching done on these images.  The finished product is generally a smaller collection (roughly 15-20) fully enhanced, wall (or Facebook profile pic)-ready images. 

Example of Beauty Portraiture by Kara Marie Boudoir. Beauty photos always contain the client's face, can be taken fully clothed, + are finished with a full retouch and a fine-art edit making it classic wall art.

Example of Beauty Portraiture by Kara Marie Boudoir. Beauty photos always contain the client's face, can be taken fully clothed, + are finished with a full retouch and a fine-art edit making it classic wall art.

Beauty portraiture also tends to appeal more to the masses.....it may be a little less intimidating for a woman who is hesitant to bare it all for my camera (although I maintain that, regardless of your wardrobe or lack thereof, I *WILL* make you feel comfortable. Promise.)

These are images that you can gift to mom or grandma and they will gush over without instructing you to cover up your bits. 

They don't necessarily need to be taken in our studio, as you can see. These can be taken outdoors, in your own home, on the street, in a car....you get my drift. 

So, if you do happen to be holding out on a boudoir session because you're just a little too intimidated by the idea, try a beauty shoot first! Even if you've already done a boudoir shoot or seven, a beauty shoot offers a whole different element of elegance and femininity. 

Lola Lola Lola | Austin Boudoir Studio

There are certain people in this world whose energy and enthusiasm precedes them into a room. They are glowing from the inside out. Being around them makes you happy. This is Miss Lola for me. I've shot her several times now, and she was even featured in my new boudoir promo video

We had a "play" shoot this month with no real planning or direction at first. We ended up going for a really natural, laid back but simply beautiful look. And I love these images. 

This image right here. I freaking love it!  Donuts have a special place in my gut...errr...heart and they are something I don't really get to indulge in all that often. This particular Monday morning I was really feeling the need for some freaking donuts....so in addition to my usual shoot spread of veggies and hummus, I incorporated some pastries. And Lola enjoyed them too. 

Thank you miss Lola, as always, for a fun and effortless shoot!

Curves | Austin Boudoir Studio

I have a love affair with beautiful light and beautiful curves. Marrying the two together makes my heart sing (not just any song...but like...Whitney Houston or something). 

Curve: The loveliest destination between two points.
— Mae West

LOLA | Austin Boudoir Studio

Welp. I tried to think of all the things I could say about this session and this amazing woman...but I kept coming up speechless.  Truth is, as soon as I set my eyes on this girl, I KNEW that I had to photograph her. That's probably why she's a professional model + actress.  Her look is absolutely mesmerizing. 

Ari Dean robe from Underwear of Austin.

Ari Dean robe from Underwear of Austin.

What's more than that, though (I know what you're thinking...can there be MORE!?), is her glowing personality!  It was truly a pleasure to have this stunner in front of my camera! 

And that was just one outfit, guys. Her first look of the shoot!  

I STILL haven't even been through every image in the session because I keep getting ahead of myself and start processing images that are catching my eye (which is, like, all of them! Eep!)

Yes, Lola is a legit pro. But I never stopped viewing her as a CLIENT. Not as a model. Apparently that paid off, because Lola texted me after I sent her a few sneak peeks saying that she doesn't have ANY photos like the sneak peeks, and that they were truly "HER" and not "her playing model". I cannot tell you how fast my heart exploded after hearing that! My ultimate goal it to make everyone feel beautiful AND like THEMSELVES...just a little sexier! ;)   THANK YOU THANK YOU to Lola for gracing my studio with her presence this weekend. Cheers to many more!

I certainly cannot take sole credit for this awesome shoot! We had an AMAZING team of fabulousness!

Model: Lola Laymon

Hair + Makeup: Kendall of Mayhem Beauty

Wardrobe: Ari Dein Robe from UNDERWEAR

Photography: ME! Duh. ;)  Click Chick Boudoir