Professional Make-up for Photography

Professional Make-up for Photography

Professional make-up for your photo shoot has many benefits for both the client and the photographer. I include make-up services in a lot of my packages and in others I let the client decide.

There are several benefits to the photographer. First is the reduction in the amount of time spent retouching. A good make-up artist (MUA) can make their skin look almost perfect. With wedding makeup, flamboyant isn’t really a word that comes to mind, but it’s still very rewarding for the bride to see the pictures afterwards, knowing that she looked her best – here is an elopement wedding photographer to look at for some examples. This is a golden example of a time to hire a professional. Additionally they keep the shine off the skin that some people get on their faces (both men and women). I hate retouching the shine off skin.

Now even if a client knows how to do their make-up (many are quite good), a professional MUA will be able to do things beyond this. Airbrushing the skin is one technique that yields awesome results that they provide. Additionally a MUA will be able to create specialized looks that fall outside the range of normal make-up. Classic pin-up is an example; another would be fashion make-up for model portfolios.

Fashion Make-up

One of the benefits to my clients is how easy it is to just come to the studio and have everything handled for them. Many find it very relaxing to have their make-up done for them. We chat and joke around and get to know each other before the shoot. This puts the client at ease prior to the shoot, settling some of those pre-shoot jitters.

The MUA’s that I work with also travel to my location shoots. My clients love it when everything comes to them to make their shoot special. We’ve gone to client’s homes, hotels and even the middle of the desert. Every time the results were worth it.

Many MUA’s work in salons in addition to working with photographers. I have a team of MUA’s that I have used that provide incredible work. Having several on my team allows me to always have proven talent available when needed.

Orcatek Photography – Phoenix


Fine Art Nude Photography Vs Boudoir

Fine art nude photography is very different from glamour and boudoir photography, yet often clients like to add some photographs of this style to their shoots.  They often feel that the fine art images can be displayed about for all to see, whereas they may find the boudoir images a bit too personal for such a public showing.

 

Boudoir and glamour photography is about making photographs to show beauty and reflect a sensual and sexy attitude.  The pose, lighting and expressions are all designed to make the woman look stunning and glamorous.  The photographer works to create an emotional response of desire in the viewer.

 

Fine art nude photographs are about showing the natural beauty of the human form.  The shapes and textures of body are photographed.   The expressions are typically serene; eye contact with the camera is less common.   Poses are often less inviting than boudoir.

 

Sometimes the photographs are abstract in nature.  The photographer limits the frame to a small portion of the body leaving the mind to ponder exactly what is shown.  It is more about the shapes and lines than the actual body.

Bodyscape 

A common style of fine art nudes are bodyscapes.   Lighting is used to create strong shadows and highlights, bringing the edge or shapes into the image.  Clients find these images especially appealing as you can’t usually tell who the image is.

 

Fine art nude photography is still heavily black and white.  Boudoir is more often photographed in color.  Both disciplines do cross over, so take this generalization with a grain of salt.  I personally tend to do my fine art in black and white.

 

Adding fine art photography to my offerings has given my clients another option for adding to their photography options during their sessions.

 

Orcatek Boudoir And Glamour Photography – Phoenix, Arizona


Boudoir Fantasies

Boudoir photography is a great way to play out some fantasies.  Everyone has some fantasies, most of a wide variety.  With a little planning you can fulfill a fantasy or three during your boudoir photo session.  You may even create a new one.  Let’s talk about some of the classics to get you started.  

 

Very popular is the naughty schoolgirl.  Outfits include a short, typically red plaid skirt, a white halter top or shirt tied to a halter, and a variety of shoes.  Props include books, pens, rulers, suckers and glasses.  Movies such as “House Bunny” have kept this one popular.  The flipside is naughty teacher.

 

Cheerleader is another classic with the obvious outfit.  Props are of course pompoms.  Often the pompoms are all that’s needed to create the fantasy photographs.

 

The naughty nurse fantasy is also popular with a lot of men.  Outfits can be scrubs, a classic white nurse’s dress with stockings or a white lab coat.  Props include stethoscopes, thermometers, tongue depressors, and bandages. 

 

Then there is the bad secretary who just can’t seem to type.  Short skirts and tops with button fronts are typically all that’s needed.

 

How about cooking in the nude wearing just an apron – watch out for the bacon grease.  This of course leads to the maid who cleans more than houses.  Both are common ideas that seem to run through a man’s mind.

 

Of course the movie classic, wearing nothing but an overcoat to meet him.  It’s simple to create a wide variety of photographs with just an overcoat. 

 

Of course if he is a fan of Mardi Gras, plenty of beads and a “flasher” top is all you need.  Or add a feathered mask to go from Bourbon Street to the boudoir.  Both are a fun way to bring create a mood.

 

And of some reason men really like they idea of two women together.  So bring a friend who might be willing to add to your photos.  I often just bring the second woman into the shots so she can remain anonymous.  An arm across your body, a leg wrapped around yours is all it takes.  If he doesn’t know who the other woman is it adds to the fantasy as in his mind he tries to figure it out.

 

Librarians, biker gals, ski bunnies, sports illustrated bikini model, Victoria’s Secret Angels, TV characters, hookers, massage therapist, nudist, delivery girl, mechanic,  cowgirl, military, cigars, police, fire, construction worker, hitchhiker the list goes on and on.  The only limits are your imagination.  Think about what interests he has, and bet you can find a fantasy that fits it.

 

So discuss the fantasies you want to fulfill with your boudoir photographer.   And of course you can use the session to show some of your fantasies too.

 

Orcatek Boudoir and Glamour Photography – Phoenix


Before Baby Boudoir

A request that seems to becoming more frequent is the before baby boudoir photography session.  The desire to preserve the memory of the time before becoming a mom brings many clients into the studio.  This also leads to the wonders of a maternity session 7 to 8 months later to remember this special time.  As it turns out, there is always a time to capture the beauty of a women worth remembering, each one special for it’s own reason.

 

My clients give a variety of reasons for wanting a before baby boudoir photography session.  Each one unique in their own special way.   In the end it creates a memory for both him and her that will last a lifetime.  Some feel the won’t feel sexy after the baby arrives, other are concerned about body changes that can occur,  and still some just feel that is something that a mom “can’t do,” so they should do it now.

 

Whatever the reason, every woman deserves to feel beautiful and sexy at any time in her life.  And that is what boudoir photography is all about, capturing the wonderful beauty that resides in every woman at any time. 

 

In the end I have had many clients how came in before baby and returned after baby to do it again.  They found that being sexy was not limited by having a baby.   They tell me that doing the sessions before and after baby was the perfect way to celebrate themselves.

 

 

Orcatek Boudoir And Glamour Photography – Phoenix, Arizona


Power of Black and White

When color photography first came out, everyone was excited.  Now we could see things in the colors they actually are seen.   Slowly over time black and white faded out and was seldom used.   Along came digital and it started in color as we expected color from digital, just like we did from our film.

 

Now black and white images get noticed as they stand out from the sea of color photographs.  They add an artistic value in the eyes of many consumers of photography.  They create a feeling and look that just isn’t there in color.

Power of Black and White - Orcatek Photography 

Take the image show here.  It would be very different in color.  Sure it would contain more information about the tone of her skin, is she pale, tan, darker or lighter than you.  In black and white it is difficult to infer.  What becomes more important is the shapes and how light catches it.

 

Shadows vs light become the key to defining an image.  Creating a digital image is not as simple as choosing black and white on your camera or in Photoshop.  You need to plan ahead of time to create the textures and mood you desire.   Lighting will be planned differently to get the contrast desired.

 

Sure I use the B&W setting on my camera to preview the idea.  I also tweak those settings to fit my vision of the shot to aid in my set-up. 

 

Colored filters are often used to create to change the color relationships when converted to black and white.  In color it would throw a skin tone way off, but in black and white it can enhance or reduce features as you desire.

 

I like to explore black and white when create boudoir images as it brings them to another level.  I find clients all love seem to love it too.

 

Orcatek Boudoir And Glamour Photography – Phoenix, Arizona


The Rush for Valentines Boudoir

What a week.  Valentines Day is rapidly approaching and I have so many boudoir and glamour sets to edit and print for a wonderful bunch of clients.  The shoots are always fun and always different as each person has their own personality we work to bring through during the shoot.

 

I had special requests this year for cars, motorcycles, cigars, feet, guns, basketballs, poker, flowers, balloons, candy and groups to name a few.  It was always interesting and sometimes challenging, but always fun.  Making the photographs look sexy without looking trashy is what creates images that are fun to show off.

Cigar Boudoir 

This year I had more clients bring in samples of what they would like to have done.  This always helpful as it lets me get a feeling for their style.   Sometimes they are pages from magazines, but more often it is images they have found on the web.  These sample photographs give ideas where to go with their shoot.  Do they prefer B&W or lots of shadows or maybe some high-key photographs.

 

I have my own sample book of boudoir and glamour photographs that I have at the shoots to let them look through if they do not bring any samples.  It is interesting as during the shoot as they relax they often ask for some styles that they had not mentioned before.  Digital cameras allow them to see what they are looking like and they realize that I will make them look great in photographs they didn’t think they could do.

 

I better get back to sorting out the proofs, deleting the blinks and other odd photographs and send them off to the client.

 

Orcatek Boudoir and Glamour Photography – Phoenix.


The Implied Nude

The implied nude image is very popular in today’s boudoir photography.  The image by definition does not show body parts that would be considered part of a nude image.  These photographs allow the client to appear very sexy while remaining modest.  It creates a photograph they could “show their mother.”

 

There is a art to creating the this look, and the photographer should be aware of the variety of ways to create this look.  The primary methods are props, poses, shadows and Photoshop.  Sometimes a combination is used to create that perfect photograph.

Implied Nude 

The easiest way is through the use of props.  A perfect example was the recent issue of GQ where Jennifer Aniston used a men’s tie to cover her body.   A sheet is often used, held to cover key areas, yet exposing as much as possible.  In my studio I often use a simple wooden chair, where careful posing can hide the few key inches here and there.

 

Poses are where a photographer’s skill comes more into the mix.  For a great image, it really needs to look as if the pose was not trying to hide body parts, but the hiding was merely incidental.  The typical example of a “bad” image is the hands grabbing the chest to hide it.  A draped arm like is this sample covers the body, yet remains classy.

 

Shadows are the most difficult method for a photographer to master.  Understanding exactly how the light will fall is key to success.  I prefer to work with modeling lights when possible to allow me to more easily visualize how the shadows fall so I can fine tune the pose and the light placement.  Other times I go from experience in environments where this level of control is not possible. 

 

Finally I include Photoshop.  Typically this is used to remove a thong strap from a photograph for the client to create the look while allowing their modesty during the shoot.  Many women, who are comfortable being topless at a photo shoot, do not want to be totally nude.  With the use of Photoshop they can still get the photographs they want to have created and be within their comfort zone.

 

It is pretty easy to see how a combination of these methods can be used to create a greater variety of options for implied nude photographs.  Most of my images usually use a combination of methods, allowing me to make sure there is something unique for each client.

 

Boudoir clients often want to be very sexy, yet still be conservative.  Implied nudes fill that need making them a great addition to boudoir and glamour photographer’s bag of tricks.

 

Orcatek Boudoir and Glamour Photography – Phoenix


Valentines Day is Coming

Welcome back to my blog. I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Even though Valentines Day is over a month away, it is a good time to start thinking about giving photographs as a gift. Regardless of whether you choose to have photos printed, or you opt for a personalised git like my photo socks, it would definitely be worth getting something sorted soon. Between scheduling, select proofs and production of your gift, it does take some time for the process. For a humorous mix of romance and photography for valentines, look into these photo boxers, an undeniably unique and funny gift.

Of course boudoir and glamour photographs are very popular for lovers. These special photographs are a gift that is always well received. There are so many options within this area that your photographer can help you choose the perfect package to fit your needs.

But Valentines need not be limited to boudoir and glamour. Traditional portraits also make a wonderful gift. Everyone wants a nice photo of that special person in their lives. A professional portrait is a great way to say “I love you.” If you’re wanting to show a little more effort also, you could look into getting your photographs taken and use the photos to create personalized bobbleheads as another unique gift for your spouse, capturing a loving moment using a different medium.

And couples portraits are also a great idea. A photograph of the two of you showing your love for each other in your eyes will make you both feel great each time you look at it.

So don’t miss out and book your with your photographer soon.

Orcatek Photography – Phoenix


Secrets from Glamour Photography

I am going to let you in on a little secret about glamour photography.  The women you see in these magazines don’t really look like that.  In fact if you saw a lot of them walking down the street you might not even realize it was them.  Most are not the perfect example of the human form their photographs show them to be.

 

They have imperfect skin with blemishes, pock marks, scars and stretch marks.  And yes they even have the bane of so many women, cellulite.  Their chests may be lopsided, their tummies a bit too big, their rear ends not quite the right shape.  Yet in their photographs they look perfect.

 

This is achieved thru many different techniques.  Some are addressed through photographic make-up.  This is make-up is typically more than a person would wear on a typically evening out.  This make-up is put on to cover problems and enhance features.  But it goes beyond your typical application, as the photographer wants the end result to be flawless.  Techniques such as airbrushing are used which are well beyond what your average women does.

 

Next comes lighting of the person.  Lights can be used to create or hide curves.  It can be used to fill in line on the face and reduce bags under the eyes.  A favorite light is called the beauty dish.  It is used to fill the face with light and as a result hides so many imperfections.   Shadows can be created to enhance a curve here and there or shadows can be filled with light to reduce the a curve.

 

Posing is also critical.  A twist here, an odd angle there and viola, her body looks amazing.  Often these are positions that are not comfortable or even one a person would consider in day to day life.  Yet these poses make the best look better and hide those little imperfections that we all seem to have.  Sometimes we just need to get rid of the little extra under the chin, or maybe our rear is a bit flatter than we like.  A skilled photographer will be able to pose you to achieve the look you want.

 

And lastly the magazines resort to Photoshop to change anything that was not addressed by the above techniques.  Your photographer will use know what will be done in Photoshop before he takes the picture.  Photoshop is a time consuming way to change photographs, so professionals will work on getting the shot as close to perfect in camera first.  Then and only then will they rely on Photoshop to handle what could not be done on set.

 

The key to getting the photographs you want is to be honest and tell the photographer what you would like to see in your final photographs.  As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so what you want and what the photographer thinks are often very different.  I have had many a client want to reduce or enlarge areas that I would have never considered, but since we discussed it prior to the shoot the client got the results that they loved.

 

Orcatek Boudoir and Glamour Photography – Phoenix


Boudoir Photography – A daring adventure

Many women have thought about boudoir as something they could never do. After all, how could you be that sexy in front of a stranger? But then you start to think that it would be something unexpected, a gift that will never be forgotten. It might be exciting to do something adventurous.

Boudoir Photography by Orcatek
Boudoir Photography by Orcatek

So a bit of research reveals that there are photographers that specialize in just this style of photography. Professionals that will be able to help you feel comfortable. A photographer who knows how to bring out that special something in you that will make you look amazing. Someone who will make sure the photographs are classy and not trashy.

So maybe you should be a bit daring and have some glamour photographs taken. It would be a gift that would never be guessed. You could bring a friend to help you relax, change outfits and provide positive feedback. Every man sees the love of his life as a beautiful, sexy woman. The photographs will become part of a fantasy world that will fill his dreams for years to come.

You’ve never done anything like this, but as it turns out, neither have most of the other women who get boudoir photography done. This is why many of them enjoy working with someone similar to JG Boudoir because they always make the women taking part feel comfortable. You are not the only one who is nervous. Most women felt just like you do now, and afterwards said that it was a fun and exciting gift. They were glad they had the adventure and so was he when he received the gift.

So now its up to you to step outside your comfort zone and book that boudoir photography appointment. You will both be glad you did.

Orcatek Boudoir And Glamour Photography – Phoenix, Arizona


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