Ever heard all you need is confidence to take great picture? It’s total bullshit! How many of you have felt confident but still didn’t like your pictures?
Exactly.
Do you know that models are some of the most insecure people I’ve ever met? [shhhh, don’t tell anyone….they’re human too]. If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Their entire career is based on rejection and rejection solely on their physical looks. They know exactly what’s “wrong” with them and they’re always aware of it. So how can that be? How can a model be insecure when one of the most important things you need to look great in pictures is confidence?
What models do have, is confidence in how to pose on camera and because of that, they are comfortable being photographed. They know their angles and how to show a product, but as a person they have insecurities with their bodies just like you and me. So that thing you’ve heard about confidence is sexy. That’s probably true in person. But on film, I find that your confidence isn’t really needed. Mine is.
[Huh?!]
Keep reading…
[Megan – Norwell High – Class of 2016]
Since I don’t expect you to learn how to become a model overnight [although that would be nice], what you really need is a photographer who is confident in posing you!
So many of the women I work with are nervous about how to pose and that’s completely natural. But what I want you to know is that when you work with me, whether it’s for a boudoir shoot, a senior portrait, a headshot, maternity…it doesn’t matter… I will pose you, nose to toes! You will never have to worry about how to pose when you step into my studio. You just have to relax, enjoy having your hair and make up done and then trust me. I will teach you industry tricks and tips that work best with your body frame. But the best thing about fashion? The editorial division! If you’re just so totally bad at posing straight to the camera, I’m going to have you move in a way that I know will photograph nicely. Playing with your necklace, playing with your hair, movement, looking away and photographing details are all things I use to create a diverse album but also keep you looking good, no matter how awkward you get! After all…
You don’t pose to look like a model; You look like a model because I pose you!”
Contact us info@shannon-michelle.com now for booking info and find out firsthand how I would pose you!!
Here’s another amazing post from guest blogger Kristine Isberg of L`Ecole Nuit. Click HERE to shop and use coupon code SHANNONMICHELLE at checkout for 15% off your lingerie!
It has always surprised me how many women have told me that they wear padded bras, not for the support or added cleavage, but because they are afraid that their nipples may peak through their clothing. Then one evening at an event I was hosting, two women from France were trying on bras and both chose all lace, non-padded bras. As I complimented them on their selections, we got to talking about why so many women in the US are afraid to wear a non-padded bra. I am of the opinion that this is in large part because of the nipple factor. For some reason, there is this belief that a woman’s nipple should never peak through her clothing in public, but remain hidden out of sight behind a thick layer of padding, as if they don’t exist. We want big boobs, but don’t want big nipples. To complicate the situation, women are told to embrace their curves, while at the same time advocating smooth contours that conceal our natural shapes. Think about it, even our swimwear has padding to ensure the natural form of the nipple is concealed at all times, even when wet!
So here are my top 5 reasons, besides the love of the nipple, for wearing unpadded bras:
[Featured bra created by Black Lace Skin Jewelry]
Comfort
Soft, sexy and comfortable, unpadded bras are lighter.
Plus, all the support comes from the band.
Underwires help but you don’t need padding to get lift and support.
Natural
Padding just doesn’t look natural and can cause awkward bulkiness.
Who wants to add more bulk?
Plus, men are not fans of padding, they want to see and feel the real thing.
Confidence
Free your ladies from the padding and you’ll be more confident in your body.
Also it’s not good to advertise what you don’t have.
It’s like makeup, at some point it’s going to have to come off!
Health
While there is much debate whether bras are actually good or bad for breasts,
one thing is for certain, breasts should be able to move.
Anything constricted for too long is just not healthy.
Fashion
Except for the entertaining, but not realistic, Victoria Secret fashion show,
most designers incorporate natural shapes in their designs –
on and off the runway.
SHOP L`ECOLE NUIT and use coupon code SHANNONMICHELLE at checkout for 15% off your lingerie!
As a boudoir photographer, I hear a lot of a body image concerns. In fact during consultations, I ask what concerns my clients have with their body. What do they want to show off and what do they want to hide etc. I hear the typical tummy, thighs, booty response; but just recently, I had a client say her least favorite body part was her arms.
I get that.
It might not be the first thing you think of hiding in boudoir since there’s a whole lot more to hide! LOL. But how many of you hate the look of your arms in pictures? How many of you avoid sleeveless shirts for that reason alone?
No worries. This is quick fix.
But first, let’s talk about why posing works. How many of you have accidentally taken a photograph that is either orange or green looking? Are you convinced you’re an orange person? Or do you just know that something went wrong with the picture?
Of course you’re not orange! So why do you look at a picture of yourself and immediately start with the self hate.
“I must really look like that?!”
“I’m so fat!”
“GROSS!”
Did you ever stop to consider that just like color temperature (orange or green photos), there are other factors that go into making an accurate picture of yourself?
Like….lighting, composition, color and of course…posing! Posing is a big part of what goes into creating a great photograph and I’ve learned a lot about posing by working with professional models.
It’s not fair to start judging a photograph of yourself when you don’t yet understand how it all works.
Which brings me back to your fat arms…
Did you know as a general rule, whatever is closest to the camera appears the biggest? This is especially true when you’re using your cell phones or point and shoot cameras! A simple fix for your arms, is to pose with your arms farther away from the camera than the other parts of your body.
[It’s easier than it sounds.]
So, if you are standing with your arms by your side, think about having a very slight bend in your elbows and push your arms back, keeping them just behind your hips. If you have pockets, even better! Put your hands in your pocket (thumb out), bend your elbows and keep them by your side.
Don’t think hands on the hips; think arms behind the hips.
By keeping your arms just slightly behind your hips, your body is now creating dimension that wasn’t originally there. It gives the appearance of depth and you’re no longer on a single plane. Take a look at the models below. Sure they’re skinny, but every single one of them still has their arms behind their hips!
Left: Venexiana | Right: Monique Lhullier
Left: Monique Lhullier | Right: Naeem Khan
Practice this in the mirror, then in a selfie and let us know if it helps!
And if you’re local to the Charleston area, work with me directly!
All photos © Shannon Michelle Photography.
Please enjoy this article by one of our favorite boudoir lingerie vendors, Kristine Iseberg of L`eCole Nuit.
Use coupon code SHANNONMICHELLE at checkout to receive 15% off your order.
HOW TO WEAR GARTER BELTS
“One of my favorite lingerie pieces is the garter belt. I’ve been wearing garter belts practically my whole adult life. I‘ve always found traditional pantyhose too constricting and uncomfortable, especially for all day wear. After switching to garter belts, it didn’t take long before I pleasantly discovered another benefit to wearing them. Men find them extremely sexy!
The most frequent questions I am asked about lingerie from both women and men are related to the garter belt. Many women have never tried a garter belt because they do not know how to wear them. So here are some tips and tricks on how to fasten and wear garter belts.”
1. What type of hosiery do I need with garter belts?
Stockings work best with garter belts. The top of the stocking has a reinforced double layer to accommodate the garter belt clasps without ripping the stocking itself. Unlike thigh highs, stockings do not have a silicone band to hold them up. They are made specifically for garter belts.
2. How do I fasten the stocking to the garter?
The garter belt typically has four straps that hook the stocking to the front and back of each leg. Once you have the garter on, pull the stocking up (it should reach about mid-thigh), place the side of the strap with the nub underneath your stockings, between your leg and the stocking itself. Next, place the nub in the wide section of the corresponding clip sliding down firmly to hold the stocking in place. As with a bra, you can adjust the length of the garter strap depending on your outfit.
Tip: Your rear straps should be a bit longer to accommodate sitting (and other) positions!
3. Can you wear garter belts under clothing?
Garter belts that are made of a thin material like lace or silk are perfect to wear under clothing. Some styles even offer shaping and smooth the tummy area if they feature a longer front design.
4. Are garter belts comfortable?
Absolutely. They allow you to wear stockings and have your legs looking and feeling sexier than bare legs, while not being constrictive like pantyhose.
5. Do I wear my panties over or under the garter?
You can do both. Most images show the garter worn over the panty. Unless you are wearing it for a boudoir photo shoot, I recommend putting the garter belt on first, then the panties. Why? Because it is easier to pull your panties down without having to unfasten the garter. This is practical if you are out on a date and need to use the ladies room. The other benefit – panties slip off easily – while garter and stockings can remain on during more intimate occasions. Why remove your beautiful, sexy lingerie when keeping it on during sex is so much more fun!
SHOP HERE | Use coupon code SHANNONMICHELLE at checkout to receive 15% off your order.
Ready for a new headshot? A beauty portrait? Ready to try boudoir? Great! Now what in the world will you wear?! More specifically, what colors look best on you? Keep reading for…
3 Foolproof Ways to Know What Colors You Should Wear in Photos
1] Select a color that you love! Is there that one color you feel comfortable in and are happy wearing? Wear that!
2] You know that one color that you don’t love but every time you wear it, you get tons of compliments? Wear that!
3] Who is your celebrity doppelganger? Google that person and look at her red carpet outfits. What color is she most photographed in? Wear that!
[Hint: She’s not dressing herself; she has a professional stylist.]
The bottom line – Don’t over think it. When you’ve hired the right photographer, you’re going to look great so just enjoy it!
Want more info on what to wear for boudoir? Click HERE to sign up for your free lingerie style guide.
The strangest thing in my camera bag is a big jar of Petroleum Jelly!
As a boudoir photographer, I can see how thing might make you a little nervous…lol, until I explain what it’s used for. Petroleum Jelly is an amazing way to highlight the skin and create a “glow” but I mostly use it to give you a wet look without the need for glycerin. A little KY, a spritzer of water and you’re good to go! The water will roll right off the jelly and give you those really cool water beads that show up in photos.
Below are some other really fun (but not dirty) ways to use petroleum jelly!
NAIL POLISH: Rub on the skin | cuticles around your nails before polishing. If you make a mistake, just wipe it off when your nails dry!
CHAPPED LIPS: Just apply to your lips! A little goes a long way.
MAKE UP REMOVER: Use to remove make up and moisturize your skin at the same time!
Click HERE to download your free shopping app & get instant access to coupon codes from some really cool beauty businesses!!
“What am I going to tell my fiance?!”
“I frantically threw stuff in a bag this morning on my way out the door and was just praying he didn’t notice.”
“I have NO idea what I’m going to tell him when I get home.”
These are just a few the statements I hear on a weekly basis from my clients. They are usually brides who are trying to surprise their fiance with the gift of his life. Trying to keep that a secret until the wedding day is not always an easy feat. If this is a grooms gift or birthday gift or anniversary gift or just because gift; the chances are you might have to be creative with how you pull this off, especially since you’ll be coming home with full hair and make up! And who wants to get all glammed up, just to remove it all hours later. After being pampered by our hair and make up artists, most of our clients enjoy a date night or girls night out! So just how do they pull this off?
That’s where we come in!
We have crafted a few lies we tell our clients to tell their significant others (assuming he notices).
1. “I had my trial hair and make up today! I love it but I think it’s a little too much for the wedding day so I’m going to have to have another trial with someone who does something more subtle. Don’t you agree?”
2. “Look! I popped into Sephora today and they were giving away free makeovers!”
[Men have no idea that makeover takes hours and this kind of transformation would never be considered a free trial.]
3. “They had mommy makeovers at the baby shower!”
4.”They had someone do makeovers at the bridal shower today!”
Three and four work if you:
A) Schedule your shoot for the morning of some event or party you are going to that evening.
B) Your man has no idea where and when the is a baby shower is, nor cares.
C) He thinks the shower was for someone at work and that you’ve been at work all day.
5. Can you believe it?! Our boss arranged for a surprise beauty day at work for all the girls to celebrate (fill in the blank)!
When there’s a will, there’s a way ladies! Part of what makes us so incredible as women is our ability to lie and manipulate the situation. It’s time to use those skills for good. He’ll be surprised and when you come home feeling full of confidence, he’s not going to ask too many questions. He’ll be happy for you! Just stick to the lie. Everything will be fine. You can do this! And don’t worry, chances are he’s not seeing this article right now. And if he is, he’ll forget about it by dinner.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR POSING THIN VIDEO NOW!
ORDER NOW AND GET 2 BONUS VIDEOS (WEEK 1 & 6) ABSOLUTELY FREE!!
Week One – I’ll share how to look relaxed in pictures. This one I learned Naomi Campbell!
Week Six – You’ll learn how to get rid of that double chin or “turkey neck.”
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING!
“I’m very excited about this class! I’ve already been practicing [week 1] and could see a difference in the mirror!” – Brittany S.
“Shannon! Thanks so much for hosting a class that’ll help me soooo much in the biz!” – Actress Kimbette F.
“It was excellent, with tons of good advice! Loved it & hope you do more stuff like this!!” – Emily D.
Who: You! RSVP before March 16, 2015 by calling 781-383-2555 or email info@streckereye.com
What: An Exclusive Beauty Event – Enjoy complimentary appetizers, consultations for botox, derma fillers, lashes, make up, boudoir etc. and win coveted cosmetic raffle prizes!
Where: Strecker Eye Center – 751 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Cohasset, MA 02025
When: March 21st 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Why: Why not?! Mingle with some amazing women, enjoy delicious food, chat about make up, win prizes…..need I say more?!
Photo: By Shannon Michelle: Backstage – Bibhu Mohapatra fashion show in NYC during Mercedes Benz fashion week.
