Boudoir quickie post

I'm popping in really quickly today to share a few shots from a recent boudoir session. I had the opportunity to work with this lovely lady quite a while back and when I moved into the new studio space in Richmond she came in to do an updated session with me and this time we did a seriously sexy boudoir session. I love, love, love when I get to work with a woman a second time. It's always a great session and this was no exception to that rule. I love this set and I'm so glad she came in again.

Her hair and makeup were done by one of the lovely stylists at Bombshell Salon.

Want to come in for your own boudoir photo session? Contact me, Ginger, either by phone 804-833-0888 or via Email at ginger@422studio.com
www.422studio.com

422 Studio offers boudoir and glamour photography services to the Richmond, Virginia (and surrounding) area.

Spring is coming in like a lion- Richmond Boudoir Photography

April was a busy and exciting month here at 422 Studio. Richmond ladies treated us so well it was my best month ever in fact. Thank  you all so very very much! Between photographing boudoir sessions, the women's show and mom prom I had zero time to blog. As I sit here playing catch up on social media I'm realizing that I neglected to link the blog to our amazing new video. 

And now for your viewing pleasure! 

422 Studio presents a peek inside the boudoir studio:

Many thanks to film maker Coldon Martin.
Makeup artist Jennifer Mantura. 

Also thank you to our lovely model Nichole Moore. 

May is shaping up to be equally busy but I've promised myself I'd be better about keeping up with the blog. I'm aiming for weekly blog posts so be on the lookout. 

Plus you can't have a photography blog without at least one picture. Here is a quick pick from a recent boudoir session at our Richmond, VA studio. 

www.422studio.com

ginger@422studio.com

422 Studio is located in Richmond Virginia.

Lingerie Lesson- Corset vs Bustier

I'm often asked to help my clients with choosing wardrobe for their boudoir sessions. I love to help out with this so I thought it would be a good blog post too. I wish I could go out shopping with each of you because it's so much fun to shop for lingerie once you understand it more clearly. Lingerie can be confusing and intimidating even when you think you know what you're searching for. A lot of women go out in search of shape-wear for their boudoir session, so I thought that is where we'd start these lingerie lessons.  

Many of us have a love hate relationship with shape-wear. We love the way it smooths and shapes us in that cocktail dress but hate that it's all boring and nude colored. Well it doesn't have to be boring or nude. You may just have to shop around to find something that is both functional and still dead sexy. Shape-wear encompasses everything from custom made corsets to department store shaping slips. Each type has a job that it is best at and we'll cover mainly what I feel works best for a boudoir photo session. First up are the two pieces I see most often, the corset and the bustier. 

Lets start with the Corset:

In the world of shape-wear lingerie, a corset is going to offer the greatest ability to shape the body. They are often custom made. They come in many styles and fabrics, including over bust and under bust and waist cincher (or waspie) styles.  Their main goal is to create a sexy hourglass shape on the wearer. They are normally made of heavy materials and, well constructed corsets will have metal boning (the hard pieces that run from top to bottom). A corset will also have some way to adjust the tightness, typically with laces up the back. You can find corsets from many retailers but the best made and most effective ones will feel heavy, sturdy and once on you, make you feel like you have excellent posture. If they feel flimsy or have plastic boning components they may not give you the desired amount of shaping and control and are more fashion corsets than shaping corsets. For the very best fit be sure to follow the corset makers measuring instructions to the letter and contact your corset maker directly with questions about proper fit. They want you to look good and be happy in your corset so don't be afraid to ask them questions before you buy. 

Who are they best for? Well, honestly anyone looking to really shape their midsection can benefit from a corset. Often,clients wanting to hide stretch marks but still show off that sexy bra and pantie set will choose the under bust or waist cinching styles. Body types from curvy to lean can look sexy in a corset. 


The Bustier

A bustier is different from a corset in many ways and similar in a few. They have varying lengths, some waist smoothing ability and midsection coverage all like a corset. It doesn't offer the same waist shaping benefits of a corset but is still a fantastic option for your boudoir photo session. It's actually designed more similarly to a bra, in that it has cups and a closure similar to those found on the back of your bra. Bustiers are sexy and offer the bust support lacking in many other lingerie pieces, like baby-dolls. They also cover more of your midsection than a bra and pantie set would while still offering many of the styles and fabrics found in bra and pantie sets. Bustiers are also typically easier to find in your local lingerie shops than corsets are.  

Who are they best for? Again anyone looking for midsection coverage and light shaping. Anyone wanting a look similar to a corset without as much shaping. Anyone wanting the sexy lingerie styling with additional bust support. 

Other wonderful shape-wear items are girdles, shaping panties and shaping slips which can be found in most department stores in the foundation garments area. Look for functional but also sexy pieces. Sheer fabrics and lace detail add a lot to the appearance of the shape wear. It can be a beautiful piece and still help you feel more confident about your "trouble" spots. 

Above all proper fit is very important with anything that you bring to your boudoir photo session so don't hesitate to ask for help when selecting your shape wear. 

Hope this helps you with your shopping. 

Ginger

www.422studio.com

Shopping resources:

One of my favorite local lingerie shops is Kiss and Makeup  in Richmond's west end. Ruth is amazing and will get you fit into something completely sexy and confidence boosting for your session. 

There are quite a few corset makers online but one I see consistently good quality corsets from is Corset Story . With any corsets maker be sure to follow their fitting guidelines. 

Gorgeous Gowns- Richmond Glamour Photographer

Gorgeous Gowns

I am a little obsessed with gorgeous gowns lately. If you're following me on Pinterest I'm sure you've noticed just how many beautiful gowns I've been pinning away. No I'm not getting married, or getting ready for high school prom. I see gorgeous gowns everywhere. They are something I never paid much attention to but now that they are on my mind I'm seeing them on every website, TV show, photography blog (Sue Bryce's being a huge inspiration), store window and advertisement that catches my eye.

I have come to realize that I am nearly 40 years old and I've never had a reason to wear a ball gown. I didn't go to my prom and both of my weddings had very, very,  modest budgets. I found my first wedding dress at Goodwill for $50, it was pretty but not very fancy. My second wedding dress was a cotton mini dress, classy yes I know. We were supposed to have a big wedding a few months later and it never happened.  I've never gotten to spend the day getting made up, pampered,  plunged into a gorgeous gown. I didn't really think that I regretted not going to prom or not having a big wedding and to some extent that's true(ok I do regret not doing the big party wedding the second time around). What I seem to be missing out on is the fulfillment of that girlish childhood wish to be a princess. Although I'm a fiercely independent woman and have never expected to be whisked away on a white horse, somewhere the girl in me wants that dress, that attention, that feeling of being oh so glamorous. I think on some level many of us do. Between being dressed for success at work and the mom ponytail we sport in our off time, we're missing out on ever feeling like the belle of the ball.

 As 40 gets nearer I have this urge to get all glammed up and do a photo session in a gorgeous gown to create those memories that I never got to make and celebrate myself as I am now.  Now that I am more confident, more aware of myself, more mature, more well, me. We all deserve to be adored, to feel glamorous, to be pampered and attended to even if just for the day.

With all of this on my mind I did a personal project this weekend. I figure if I'm feeling this way surely other women are too. I grabbed my best friend and we spent the day with a gown. Here she is with her Glamorous Gown session.

BTW she made her dress, including the beautiful cape and fascinator. She's beautiful and crafty!

Thank you!
Ginger


422 Studio is a Richmond, Virginia based boudoir photography studio.
www.422studio.com

Richmond Mom Prom 2013

I can not believe it's been a year already but here we are. It's time for the 3rd annual Richmond Mom Prom and I am already searching for a dress. Yes, I too will be wearing a dress, a rare site indeed. Dust off your old prom dress or amazing thrift store gown and get all glammed up and join the fun April 13, 2013 from 7-11pm at The Boathouse at Sunday Park in their gorgeous garden banquet hall. Proceeds from the evening go to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 4 year old Brody Bell's honor. There is a limited food menu and cash bar. There is a tacky gown contest AND one lucky lady will be crowned Mom Prom Queen. Fantastic raffle prizes will be on hand from great local businesses. Plus 422 Studio will have our photo booth out at the event capturing you in all of your prom fabulousness. Grab your best girl friends and head out for a night of dancing and fun while helping those in need.

Find out more about Richmond Mom Prom on their Facebook page. You can also email them at RICmomprom@gmail.com

Find info about The Boathouse at Sunday park here http://boathouserva.com/event-planning/rooms. 

I hope to see you there! 
Ginger
www.422studio.com

Calling all Mothers in Business

Are you a Richmond area mother and business owner? 422 Studio is working on a project and you might be a perfect fit. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in being part of this project (which includes being featured on our blog) send your information to Ginger at ginger@422studio.com. Please include your name, business name, business website and best way to contact you. Also tell me a little about yourself and why you do what you do and why you'd be interested in working with me.

Can't wait to meet you!
Ginger

Thank you!

I realize I am terrible about blogging regularly so here is my belated thank you post. Thank you to everyone who made it out to my grand opening party. It was a huge success and I am so happy to have to many supportive friends and amazing clients who were able to make it out. It was a pleasure getting to spend the evening with you and I feel so proud that so many of you attended. I also can not wait to work with Shelby, Alaina, and Diana at their sessions. I know these 3 ladies are going to be a blast to work with.

This dream of mine to have an actual physical studio of my own has taken me 5 incredible years to achieve and I could not have done it without the support of my family, friend and clients.

Thank you all so very much.

Ginger

A few pictures of me with some of the wonderful ladies and gentlemen who made it out to the event. See the huge grin! That was plastered on my mug all night. Seeing you guys made me super happy. I realize there are many more people that I didn't get a chance to get a picture with and I thank you all too. Next time I'll be better about getting pictures.