Sultry Sweet or Sassy The Professional Photographer S Guide To Boudoir Photography Techniques

Sultry, Sweet, or Sassy
Kay W. Eskridge
Amherst Media, Inc. Buffalo, NY
About the Author
Kay Eskridge (M.Photog.Cr., CPP) owns and operates CelebrateSexy,
a thriving Boudoir studio in Phoenix, AZ. She is a popular photo edu-
cator who conducts lectures and workshops in the United States and
internationally. She has been featured in leading industry publications
such as Professional Photographer magazine and Rangefinder. She holds
numerous awards, including the Arizona Photographer of the Year
Award, Kodak Gallery Elite Awards, Fuji Masterpiece Awards, and the
Professional Photographers of America National Award.
Copyright © 2014 by Kay Eskridge.

All rights reserved.
All photographs by the author unless otherwise noted.
Published by:
Amherst Media, Inc.
P.O. Box 586
Buffalo, N.Y. 14226
Fax: 716-874-4508
www.AmherstMedia.com
Publisher: Craig Alesse

Senior Editor/Production Manager: Michelle Perkins
Editors: Barbara A. Lynch-Johnt, Harvey Goldstein, Beth Alesse
Editorial Assistance from: Carey Anne Miller, Sally Jarzab, John S. Loder
Business Manager: Adam Richards
Marketing, Sales, and Promotion Manager: Kate Neaverth
Warehouse and Fulfillment Manager: Roger Singo
ISBN-13: 978-1-60895-721-7
Library of Congress Control Number: 2013952548
Printed in The United States of America.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, elec-
tronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior written consent from the publisher.
Notice of Disclaimer: The information contained in this book is based on the author’s experience and opin-
ions. The author and publisher will not be held liable for the use or misuse of the information in this book.
Check out Amherst Media’s blogs at: http://portrait-photographer.blogspot.com/

http://weddingphotographer-amherstmedia.blogspot.com/
Table of Contents
Introduction Section 4 Lines and Posing / 96
CelebrateSexy / 4 High Heels / 47 Posing for Curves / 98
Hollywood Glamour / 48 Images at Home / 100
Section 1 Sexy but Demure / 50 Long and Lean / 101
Three Light Sources / 5 A Hint of Cleavage / 52 Consultations / 102
Set Selection / 6 Camera Angle / 54 Strong Assets / 104
Sensual Curves / 8 A High Vantage Point / 56
Burlesque / 9 A Flirty Co-Ed Look / 58 Section 7
The Tease / 10 Ambient and
The Legs /12 Section 5 Mixed Lighting / 106
Sexy, Not Showy / 14 Silhouettes with Window Seduction / 107
The Bottom Line / 16 Light / 60 Ambient Light Only / 108
Business and Pleasure / 18 Wraparound Light / 61 Hot Light, Window Light / 110
A Daring Attitude / 20 Femininity / 62 Window and Ambient Light / 112
The Kicker / 22 Accentuating Curves / 64 A Vintage Look / 114
Large, Soft Light / 24 The Experience / 66 Inspiration / 116
Drawing the Eye / 68 Window Light Main / 118
Section 2 Props / 70
Two Light Sources / 26 Camera Angle / 72 Conclusion
Cultivate Desire / 27 Be Unique / 120
Her Man’s Clothes / 28 Section 6
Satin Sheets / 30 Window Light with Appendices
Contouring with Light / 32 Reflector Fill / 74 1. Resources / 122
Big Impact / 34 Head and Shoulders / 75 2. Client Profile Form / 123
Elegantly Sexy / 76 3. Model Release / 124
Section 3 Albums / 78
One Light Source / 36 Simplicity / 80 Acknowledgments / 125
Nudes / 37 Top Poses / 82 Want More from Kay? / 125
Flat Lighting / 38 Composition / 84
Soft Lighting / 40 Her Favorite Parts / 86 Index / 125
Black & White / 42 Location Shots / 88
Playful / 44 A Sense of Mystery / 90
High Heels / 46 A Dramatic Flair / 92
Contrast / 94
table of contents 3
introduction
CelebrateSexy
My CelebrateSexy Boudoir Photography busi- priority whether we are photographing family
ness was created as a financial growth oppor- vacations, maternity photos, or something sexier.
tunity. Images by Kay & Company—the main The images in this book prove that it’s pos-
branch of my business—specializes in lifestyle sible to create beautiful, evocative images for
photography. In establishing CelebtateSexy, your clients who want to celebrate their sensual
my goal was to provide Arizona women with sides. In these pages, we’ll explore lighting and
a photographic opportunity unlike any other. posing strategies, set design, equipment selec-
The all-woman team at CelebrateSexy strives tion, and other techniques that will allow you
to create an environment in which women to seize new income opportunities while flexing
feel safe, comfortable, and confident that their your artistic impulses.
best interests always come first. Our studio is a Let’s get started.
place where women feel special, cared for, and
attended to by women who appreciate any ap-
prehensions they may have. CelebrateSexy is a place where
CelebrateSexy is a place where any concerns
about size, shape, or age are banished by the any concerns about size, shape, or
thrill of the photographic experience. During
the session, women clients can embrace every- age are banished . . .
thing they are and explore who they want to be
through sensual portrait photography. Some of
our clients begin their relationship with our stu- Grading System
dio when they schedule lifestyle images. They In this book, I’ve used a heart rating system
fall in love with our creative images of their ba- to quickly communicate some essential
bies, tweens, high-school seniors, families, pets, information about each portrait. The ratings
and pregnant forms, and we develop a trusting range from one heart to three hearts and
relationship that leads them to hire us to create stand for:
more intimate imagery. Others come to the
❤ Client favorite
studio following word-of-mouth referrals from ❤ ❤ Studio favorite
clients who have been returning to our studio ❤ ❤ ❤ Client and studio LOVE the pose
year after year. We make customer service a top
4 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

section one
Three Light Sources

Images created with a main light, fill light,
and background or kicker light.
table of contents 5
Three Light sources
Set Selection
Rating: ❤❤
Lighting
The lighting consisted of a 6x4-foot Photo-
genic softbox to the right of the camera on an
even plane with my subject. This was my main
light. A strip light was also positioned on cam-
era left and behind the subject to rim light her
right hand and right thigh. The background
light was positioned behind the shutters.
Meeting Her Needs

In order to create the portrait our client is after,
it is important for us to take the time to show
her all of the sets we offer during the pre-
portrait consultation. This set, the Maxxim, was
the client’s favorite. To complement the scene,
we selected a bustier, thigh-high nylons, and
camera: Nikon D300

exposure: f/8 at 1/60 second and ISO 100
lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 82mm
exposure mode: manual

accented the image with jewelry. The rich tones ward position draws the viewer’s eye up to her
and dramatic, sensual lighting create a sultry chest and emphasizes the great muscle tone of
overall mood in the image. the subject’s arm.
Dropping her right arm down and behind
her waist helped to show off the woman’s fig-
ure and opened up her chest, allowing the main
light to throw shadows across her cleavage.
Placing her left wrist and hand in the down-
Sultry, sweet, or Sassy 7

Three Light sources
Sensual Curves
Rating: ❤❤❤
Placing the Lights asking the subject to bend one leg more than
I used one 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox fitted the other. (I asked her to bend the leg that
with a strobe at the right of the camera as my would be most comfortable for her.) I adjusted
main light; the fill was a strobe light bouncing the amount of the bend to showcase both legs.
back into a silver umbrella positioned to the left Placing the heel of her shoes on the floor and
of the camera. A third light, a softbox at camera asking her to point her toes allowed the mus-
left, was placed behing the subject to create an cles in her calves to “pop.” Positioning her left
edge-lighting effect. hand in her hair kept the subject visually con-
nected to herself, and tipping her head toward
Setting and Pose the camera allowed me to create a connection
The hardwood floor not only coordinates with between the subject and viewer.
the subject’s shoes and outfit—it also provides a
way to showcase her whole figure. To create the camera: Nikon D200
right perspective, I had to lay on the floor on exposure: f/7.1 at 1/60 second with an ISO of 100
my stomach to capture the image. lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 32mm
The key to this pose is a good strong arch exposure mode: manual
of the back. This can only be accomplished by

Three Light sources
Burlesque
Rating: ❤
The Concept
This client wanted some burlesque-style images camera: Nikon D300
for an album she was creating as a gift for her exposure: f/8 at 1/80 second with an ISO of 100
husband. I felt our fleur-de-lis background lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 82mm
would be perfect for the series. exposure mode: manual
Posing and Lighting umbrella was placed to camera left. It was set to
I asked the client to sway her hips to each side f/5 and provided fill. A softbox at camera left
to find the position that felt best. I wanted nice and slightly behind the subject was set to f/5.6
wraparound light, and letting her get comfort- to add edge light on the left of her bottom.
able gave me the opportunity to determine
which side to place the light on. Postproduction
The main light was a strobe in a 6x4-foot Cropping above her nylons and at her waist
Photogenic softbox set at f/10; this was placed keeps the viewer’s eyes on the area of her body
at camera right. A strobe in a reflective silver the subject wanted to accentuate.

Three Light sources
The Tease
A Peek at Things to Come
camera: Nikon D300
This playful pose is a “tease” about things to
exposure: f/5 at 1/30 second with an ISO of 500
come. An image like this is a perfect transi-
tion if your client is demure; she can cover
her exposed breasts, place her hand in front of
her hair, or even open up her shoulders if she
places her hand on her neck or collarbone. The
expression on her face can show playfulness or What Our Clients Say
sensuality based on her attitude or style. The
“It was the most liberating experience of my
key is to get her balanced and comfortable on life.”
her high heels before you fine-tune the upper
“It turned into a day of self-discovery and
part of the image.
empowerment for me.”
The Background “I’ve always had major body issues. I don’t

consider myself very sexy, and there was a
The backdrop for this image was a custom-de-
time in my life when I was very overweight.
signed fleur-de-lis canvas from Barbour Back- Add a rough pregnancy and even harder
grounds. It’s one of my favorites. We added delivery, and like I said before, I have major
body issues.”
magnets at the bottom to attach it behind a
length of baseboard for a finished look.
positioned to camera right. My third light was
Main Light, Fill Light, Edge Light a softbox placed above and to the right of the
I placed a 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox with subject to illuminate her back and create hair
a strobe at camera left as my main light. The light.
fill was a strobe in a reflective silver umbrella
The expression on her face can show playfulness or sensuality

based on her own attitude or style.

Three Light sources
The Legs
Rating: ❤
Creating a Dark Shadow Accentuating the Legs

I used a 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox with a This pose is always a great seller, especially for a
strobe as my main light; this was positioned to client who wants to accentuate her legs. I asked
the right of the camera. Fill light was produced my client to stretch upward with her left hand
by a strobe light bouncing back into a silver and hold onto an object in a fixed position
umbrella positioned to the left of the camera. above her head. This helped slim her stomach
A softbox behind my subject at camera left and, by having her pop her hip, helped shape
provided edge light, highlighting my subject’s her bottom. Her husband has this image dis-
bottom. played in his workshop at their home; it makes
The fill light was set very low so I could cre- a great modern pin-up image.
ate the dark shadow contouring on her body—
but I did not want it to go completely black,
camera: Nikon D300
so fill light was introduced. This added light
exposure: f/4 at 1/50 second with an ISO of 500
allowed me to ensure that detail could be seen
on her body.
I love to play in the shadows. What you don’t
see is more important than what you do see.
The fill light was set very low so I could create the dark shadow
contouring on her body—but I did not want it to go completely black . . .

Three Light sources
Sexy, Not Showy

Rating: ❤❤❤
Camera and Lighting Information

camera: Nikon D200
The main light was a 6x4-foot Photogenic soft-
exposure: f/7.1 at 1/100 second and ISO 100
box with a strobe placed to the left of the cam-
era; the softbox was rotated into a horizontal
position, then placed slightly above and angled
down toward the subject. The fill was a strobe
light bouncing back into a silver umbrella A Traditional Touch
positioned to the right of the camera. My third This photograph was inspired by Alberto Var-
light, an edge light, was a softbox placed above gas’ pin-up images.
the subject and pointed at the background. White fur rugs are a great staple for boudoir
This light also highlighted the subject’s bottom photographers, especially if your client is wants
and her shoes. something traditional. This white-on-white set
keeps the viewer’s focus on the subject.
Sexy But Not Too Revealing
This is a classic boudoir-style image. The photo Shoes
is sexy without being too revealing—there is If you plan to show the subject’s shoes (espe-
just enough of her breast showing to give the cially the bottoms!) in the image, make sure
image a sensual, evocative feel. I asked her to that she cleans them thoroughly prior to the
arch her back and push up her bottom toward session. Doing so will save you lots of work in
the ceiling to accentuate the curve in her lower postproduction.
back (we call this a “booty pop”). Crossing
her legs added to the playfulness of the image,
while having her tip her head toward her right
hand made her look relaxed and comfortable.
Crossing her legs added to the playfulness of the image, while having
her tip her head toward her right hand made her look relaxed . . .

Three Light sources
The Bottom Line

Rating: ❤❤
Lighting for High-End Boudoir showing her face lent a sense of mystery to the
I used one 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox fitted image.
with a strobe as my main light. It was placed This type of image is one we use in almost all
to the right of the camera. The fill was a strobe of our boudoir sessions if the client’s backside
light bouncing back into a silver umbrella posi- is something she wants to feature. I instruct
tioned to the left of the camera. A third light— the subject to slightly arch her back and “pop”
a strip light placed above and to the left of the her backside toward me, as that tightens up the
subject—produced hair light. muscles and skin for the most flattering view.
Showcasing Legs and Bottoms

This client specializes as a professional bur-
lesque dancer at a local club, and she is known
for her legs and bottom. Popping her hip to
one side or the other (every woman has a favor- camera: Nikon D200
ite!) added shape to her legs. Her hand place- exposure: f/8 at 1/60 second and ISO 100
ment and bent elbow draw attention to her lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 48mm
small hips and waist. A strip light on the ceiling exposure mode: manual
added beautiful highlights to her hair, and not
This type of image is one we use in almost all of our boudoir sessions
if the client’s backside is something she wants to feature.

Three Light sources
Business and Pleasure

Rating: ❤❤❤
Placing the Lights Directing my subject to turn her head to her

One 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox with a strobe left caused it to cross into a black stripe in the
was placed to the right of the camera as my background, showcasing her profile and hat.
main light. The fill was a strobe light bouncing
back into a silver umbrella positioned to the Attitude
left of the camera. My third light was a softbox A sexy portrait is as much about attitude as it
edge light placed behind the subject to the left is posing, lighting, and props. This woman’s
of the camera. stregth and confidence blew me away—and her
personality is readily communicated through
Creating an Image for Dual Purposes the portrait.
This client teaches a burlesque class and is also
a Pilates instructor. We worked to create an
image that she could use for publicity purposes camera: Nikon D300
for both positions. Swaying her hips to her left exposure: f/8 at 1/60 second and ISO 100
helped to accentuate her long legs. Placing her lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 70mm
arms in a triangular pose created a good, strong exposure mode: manual
base to the image.
Swaying her hips to her left helped to accentuate her long legs.
Placing her arms in a triangular pose created a good, strong base . . .

Three Light sources
A Daring Attitude
Rating: ❤
Lighting the Subject

Three lights were used to create this photo- camera: Nikon D200
graph. A 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox fitted exposure: f/7.1 at 1/60 second and ISO 100
with a strobe was placed at camera left and lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 48mm
served as my main light. A strobe with an um- exposure mode: manual
brella for bounce fill was placed at the camera

position. Finally, a reflector was added at cam- lower body slightly to the left. This also allows
era right to fill in the shadows. the viewer to get a peek at her backside.
Her Daring Attitude Clothing Selection

Working with this client was especially enjoy- I requested that the client bring in several dif-
able for me because she was proud of herself ferent clothing options for us to review and see
and wanted to embrace her size; she did not what might be the best outfit for this special
want to portray herself as something she was session; we decided that the teal bra-and-panty
not. Her daring attitude is communicated set matched her eye color and would work
through her expression. perfectly with the high-key background she had
One of her favorite body parts is her cleav- selected.
age. To emphasize the area, I had her turn her
We decided that the teal bra-and-panty set matched her eye color and
would work perfectly with the high-key background she had selected.

Three Light sources
The Kicker
Seeking an Edgy, Harder Look
This client was looking for something a little camera: Nikon D300
edgy and with a harder look and style. At the exposure: f/9 at 1/80 second and ISO 100
same time, she wanted to showcase her abdo- lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 112mm
men and breasts without being too revealing. exposure mode: manual
Placing her shirt to reveal the bottom of her

breasts allows for a bit of sexiness, as does the behind the subject to camera left was used as a
expression on her face. This was saved for the kicker to highlight the camera-left side of her
very last image in the series we were creating neck and face. By having her twist her right hip
so that we could use a squirt bottle of water to backward, we were able to get light from the
make her skin glisten. kicker to accentuate her muscles.
Proper Use of a Kicker Light Composition

I used one 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox with a Placing her on the right side of the image cre-
strobe placed to the right of the camera as my ates tension and draws your eye from left to
main light; the fill was a strobe light bouncing right, directly toward her.
back into a silver umbrella positioned to the
left of the camera. A softbox edge light placed
Placing her on the right side of the image creates tension

and draws your eye from left to right, directly toward her.

Three Light sources
Large, Soft Light

Rating: ❤❤❤
I Love My 6x4-Foot Softbox positioned to the left of the camera and raised
The dramatic lighting in this image called for up slightly behind the subject to highlight her
three light sources. A 6x4-foot Photogenic thighs.
softbox fitted with a strobe served as my main
light. It was placed to the right of the cam- De-Emphasizing the Hips
era. My fill was a strobe light bouncing back This pose is a great option for any woman who
into a silver umbrella. Finally, a strip light was is concerned about the size of her hips. The

high-to-low camera angle places the focus on While I have this pose set up, I will also
her face, eyes, and chest, while not accentuating capture a series of images focusing on smaller
her hips. details, knowing that we will be creating a great
For this pose, I asked my client to arch her album design (see sample above).
back; this had a slimming, flattering effect on
her stomach. Tilting her chin away from the
camera draws your attention toward her right camera: Nikon D300
eye, and the expression on her face commu- exposure: f/4 at 1/50 second and ISO 500
nicates that she is a sexy, strong woman. The lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 27mm
playful tug on the garter keeps her involved in exposure mode: manual
the image.
The high-to-low camera angle places the focus on her face, eyes, and
chest, while not accentuating her hips.

Three Light sources
section two
The Bottom LineSources

Two Light
Rating: ❤❤❤
Images created with a main light and a fill light.

Two Light sources
Cultivate Desire
Rating: ❤❤
Leave Him Wanting More A Two-Light Setup

Our pre-portrait consultation gave this client a My subject was lit using just two lights. The
chance to open up and share with me what her main light was a 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox
husband loved about her body, as well as what fitted with a strobe and set at f/8. This light
she loved about herself. His favorite body parts was placed high and to the right of the cam-
were her long, lean neck and smooth, muscular era, aimed down on the subject. A strobe in a
legs. She loved the art of the tease—showing silver umbrella was set at f/4.5 to the left of the
enough to get him interested but leaving him camera for fill.
wanting more. The expression on her face is
one of ecstasy, and having her use her own
hand to keep the satin sheet from exposing her camera: Nikon D300
breast creates additional interest in the image. exposure: f/4.2 at 1/25 second and ISO 640
Paying attention to small details, like having her lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 32mm
point her toes, added to the femininity of the exposure mode: manual
image, while also helping to define her calves.

Two Light sources
Her Man’s Clothes

Wearing His Clothes we tell her to spray some of his cologne on it
Adds a Personal Touch prior to the session. Smelling his familiar scent
This client is a Pilates instructor. She wanted will get her thinking about him and feeling
portraits with a burlesque style. For this im- connected to him during the session. This can
age, she wanted to emphasize her flexibility and help to foster a mood in the image that will
strength. make him feel great every time he looks at the
By incorporating her husband’s shirt and tie, portrait she created for him.
we were able to add a personal touch. There is
a mysterious feeling to the image because the Using a Softbox and Umbrella
placement of the hat blocks the subject’s face. Two lights were used to create this burlesque
The pose was difficult to hold, but due to her image. My main light was a 6x4-foot Photo-
physical strength, she was able to pull it off. genic softbox fitted with a strobe. The light
To achieve this pose, the model must bend her was placed high to camera right. To fill in the
far knee just enough to create negative space shadows, I added a reflective umbrella to cam-
between the back leg and the front leg. The era left.
shoes must be separated at the ankle to create
the same negative space. The toes should be
pointed toward the ceiling to avoid seeing the camera: Nikon D300
bottoms of the shoes. This will also help to ac- exposure: f/8 at 1/60 second and ISO 100
centuate her calves. lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 70mm
When a client mentions that she plans to exposure mode: manual
wear her husband or boyfriend’s dress shirt,
The toes should be pointed toward the ceiling to avoid seeing the bottoms
of the shoes. This will also help to accentuate her calves.

Two Light sources
Satin Sheets
What Is Boudoir Without Satin Sheets? rather than fitted, are best, and we have found
Satin sheets are items no professional boudoir that red, black, and gold sheets photograph
photographer can do without. They give the better than ivory or white ones.
ability to de-accentuate parts of a client’s body The feeling of satin on skin is very sensual,
with which she is uncomfortable or showcase and the sensation can help a woman relax and
the parts she would like to focus on. Flat sheets, feel safe. When that happens, the client begins
to let her “inner diva” shine, and you can create
images that are sure to exceed her expectations.
Tip: Use a portable clothing steamer to get
rid of any wrinkles in the sheet. This will save
you hours of postproduction work!
Jewelry
If the images are being created for your client’s
husband, make sure the ring is visibile in as
many images as possible. It is a small detail, but
it is one that is appreciated.
Know Your Lighting

My main light for this image consisted of a 6x4-
foot Photogenic softbox placed to the right of
the camera. A reflective umbrella at camera left
opened up the shadows.
The feeling of satin on skin is very

sensual, and the sensation can help
a woman relax and feel safe.
camera: Nikon D300


two Light Sources
Contouring with Light

Using a Kicker Light
camera: Nikon D300
This image was created in my studio using
a 4x6-foot softbox as the main light. It was
positioned at camera right, placed directly to
the side of the subject and as close to her as
possible. A strip light served as a kicker. It was
placed at camera left, to the side of the subject pelled to provide her with images that showed
and slightly behind her, skimming light across off all of her hard work. She wanted her abs
her hips and abs to give her body shape defini- and chest to be the focus of the portrait;
tion; it also served as a hair light. In order to working with light and shadow allowed me to
achieve a more dramatic shadowing on her achieve that result.
stomach, I opted to shoot without adding fill
light. The Pose
I asked the client to pop her hip to her right
Background and twist slightly away from the camera to al-
The background was a bed comforter hung low light to spill across her abdomen and chest.
from a background stand. Keep your eyes open I had her slightly bend her left leg and place her
for unconventional background options in arms up and hands together on the back of her
order to add variety to your repertoire. head. Turning her head toward the main light
allowed for a flattering lighting pattern on her
Work with Light and Shadows face, while keeping the edge light from spilling
My client had spent many, many hours at the across her face.
gym to create a body like this, so I felt com-
Popping her hip to the right and twisting slightly away from the camera
allows light to spill across her abdomen and across her chest.

Two Light sources
Big Impact
Rating: ❤❤❤
Swaying the Hips and Popping the Booty

This client’s back, shoulders, bottom, and legs camera: Nikon D200
were to be the focus of this image. The golden exposure: f/9 at 1/60 second and ISO 100
curtains played off her blond hair, while the lens: 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5 lens set at 35mm
red lingerie draws the viewer’s attention to exposure mode: manual
the parts of her body she wanted to accentu-

ate. Once her feet were balanced and her hips Tip: When your client is wearing this type on
swayed in a comfortable direction (always ask nylons, make sure you line up the seams.
your client which direction feels best—we all
have one that works better for us!) I asked her Lighting
to arch her back and “pop” her booty toward My lighting consisted of a 4x8-foot softbox
the camera. This not only showcases something main light placed to the right of the camera
she’s proud of, but also helps to stretch out the with a 4x6-foot silver reflector as a fill light to
skin on her legs (this means less postproduction the left of the camera.
time). The negative space created by bending
her elbows accentuates her tiny waist. Background
The luxurious backdrop used for this image is
Nylons actually a pair of premade curtain panels hung
Thigh-high nylons are a popular clothing op- on a backdrop stand. Professional backdrops
tion when creating boudoir portraits. Women have their place, but the perfect look can often
tend to pull them up too high; this can create be created with a little ingenuity.
an unwanted bulge at the top of the thigh. For
a more flattering appearance, have your client
pull the nylons up to meet the thigh muscle.
This not only showcases something she’s proud of, but also helps to
stretch out the skin on her legs.
section three
One Light Source

Images created with a main light only.

One Light source
Nudes
Rating: ❤❤❤
Show Strength and Femininity

Nude figure studies are not always requested,
This client was excited to work
but when they are, I’m presented with the with me to create an image that
opportunity to be creative, while allowing the
beauty of the female body to shine. showed her strength and femininity
This client was excited to work with me to
create an image that showed her strength and at the same time.
femininity at the same time. We decided that
the image should be more about what you do
not see, versus any type of obvious nudity.
To compose the image, I had the client turn
her head toward the main light. For this reason,
the viewer’s eye is first drawn to her beautiful
face. The leading line of her left arm draws the
gaze along her body and toward her foot. Her
expression has a hint of daring and a sense of
calm. I converted the image to black & white
using the Kubota Artistic Mocha B&W Action.
In this presentation, the final portrait has a fine
art feel.
Using One Light

The soft, flattering light in this image came
from a 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox that was
placed to the right of the camera.
camera: Nikon D200

One Light source
Flat Lighting
Using a Flat Light Technique
This session was created in my Phoenix studio
in early January. I used one Photogenic 6x4-
foot softbox, which I placed directly above my
head to light the image equally from edge to
edge. This produced a flat light quality that
worked well for this style of dynamic image.
Play and Create

My client’s outfit and attitude were perfect for
this background, and her ability to hold posi-
tions made it fun to play and create. Working
with the repeating pattern in the background, I
started posing her by lining up her legs, chest,
and neck with the pattern from the background
so it is a visually pleasing image. I knew that
I asked her to keep her right foot

slightly underneath her left leg so
you could still see her sexy shoe.
camera: Nikon D300


I could fine-tune it after I got her in position. tilting her head back showcased her long neck.
I kept her front leg slightly bent but had her I am always aware of my client’s comfort and
bend her back leg to approximately a 90 degree I never leave her in a pose for long periods of
angle to ensure both legs were visible. I asked time. I advise you to test-pose yourself prior to
her to keep her right foot slightly underneath working with clients so you know how they feel
her left leg so you could still see her sexy shoe. and what you can say and do to help coach your
Arching her back brought her chest up, and clients through each of the poses.

one light source
Soft Lighting
Rating: ❤
Properly Using a Soft Light ing were a perfect way to showcase the results
I used one 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox, which of her efforts.
was placed to the right of the camera. This soft The placement of her arms draws the view-
light nicely illuminated the subject’s face and er’s eye from top left of the image, down across
body, highlighting her bra, while keeping her her face, toward her left arm, then down to her
toned abdomen in a light shadow. hip. Her closed eyes add a sensual touch and a
sense of mystery. I opted to keep her hair flow-
Photographing the Sensual Woman ing toward the upper-left corner as a design ele-
This client is a very sensual woman. She wanted ment. To me, it was a more effective result than
the photographs from her CelebrateSexy expe- fanning her hair across the top of the frame.
rience to capture her true spirit. We decided to
work with deep-red satin sheets to coordinate
with her lingerie. In addition to being pleas- camera: Nikon D100
ing to the eye, the satin sheets helped her feel exposure: f/11 at 1/60 second and ISO 100
excited while the session took place. As an lens: 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5 lens set at 48mm
aerobics instructor, the client spends a lot of exposure mode: manual
time working on her body; this pose and light-
The placement of her arms draws the viewer’s eye from top left of the
image, down across her face, toward her left arm, then down to her hip.

one light source
Black & White

Portraits Just for Her that something she has brought to the session
When I met with this client for her pre-portrait is special, it is important to work it into the im-
consultation, she shared with me that she ages any way you can.
wanted to create images that would have a
Victoria’s Secret feel. They would be just for Lighting and Postproduction
her, no one else. She was redecorating her own I used one 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox placed
boudoir with images of herself and wanted to the right of the camera, with the focus of the
them to be about her body parts, not her face. light and my camera being her body, not her
She was pleased with the series of images that face. I converted the image to black & white
we created, which she ordered in black & white using the Kubota Artistic Mocha B&W Action.
as gallery wraps to display on her wall.
Adding the pearls as a prop gave the client
something to do with her hands. They also
draw the viewer’s attention to the areas of her camera: Nikon D100
body she wanted to accentuate. The client had exposure: f/13 at 1/60 second and ISO 100
brought the pearls to the studio for the session. lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 70mm
They were a special gift and held a lot of mean- exposure mode: manual
ing for her. Whenever a client shares with you
She shared with me that she wanted to create images that would have a
Victoria’s Secret feel.

one Light source
Playful
The Setup other in a “harder” position helped to keep the
I used one 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox placed pose from appearing static—and varying the
to the right of the camera to light my subject. positioning of the client’s hands on her hips
I angled the light across her to throw a great added further visual interest. I had her turn her
shadow behind her, then I added a fan to blow face directly toward the lens to highlight her
her hair in the same direction. daring attitude.
Young, Playful, and Edgy

camera: Nikon D100
This client was young and playful. She wanted
to create images that not only showcased her
body but would also be a little edgy. To cre-
ate some tension and convey a little attitude
in the image, I had her pop her hip away from
the camera. Keeping one elbow “soft” and the
A Gift for Herself
Boudoir photography is becoming more
I angled the light across her to popular these days with women giving
photos as gifts to their significant others for
wedding gifts or as a special something, but
throw a great shadow behind her, a lot of women are actually doing boudoir
photographs for themselves.
then I added a fan to blow her Have you ever wanted to do something
but let nervousness or fear of the unknown
stop you? We all have experiences like that.
hair in the same direction. Some we give up on, some we push through
with perseverance, determined to finish no
matter what. How empowered do you feel
when you push forward? You want to trum-
pet to the world: “I did it, I did it; I overcame
my fear!”
Cheaper than a psychologist? Absolutely!

One light source
High Heels
Rating: ❤❤❤
Legs, Lingerie, and High Heels Posing

This client came to me to create an album as a The deep bend in her right leg is the beginning
gift for her husband. Because he loves her legs of the leading line into the image. I asked her
(and this shot is all about her toned legs, sexy to balance her weight on her heels so she could
lingerie, and high heels), this image was the cli- point her toes in order to accentuate her calf
ent’s favorite. muscles. Placing her hand underneath her rear
I carefully composed the image to include lent a feeling of intimacy to the image. Using a
the bracelet you see on her right wrist. The client’s hand can also diffuse any concerns she
piece was a gift from her husband, so including may have about the way her backside might ap-
it in the portrait made the shot more special. pear if it were to rest on the floor.
camera: Nikon D200 A Single 6x4-Foot Softbox

exposure: f/7 at 1/125 second and ISO 100 A 6x4-foot Photogenic softbox placed to the
lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 55mm right of the camera was used to light my
exposure mode: manual subject.

section four
One Hot Light

Images created with a mini spot tungsten light as the main.

one hot light
Hollywood Glamour
Rating: ❤❤❤
The Approach herself over the edge of the mattress. Arch-

I used one Photogenic hot light for this por- ing her back helped to pop her chest up, and
trait. The mini spot was placed high and to
the right of the camera, raking down across
the client’s body. I captured the image from a
high camera angle, photographing down on my
subject. I converted the color image to black &
white using the Kubota Artistic Mocha B&W
Action.
Iconic Hollywood Glamour

My client wanted to create something reminis-
cent of the iconic “Hollywood glamour” image
styling. I placed her on top of black satin sheets
on a mattress on the floor and had her drape
I had her place her left arm

up and her hand into her hair ,
providing a leading line . . .
camera: Nikon D300


having her tip her head back brought the light
right into her eyes. I had her place her left arm
up and her hand into her hair to create a lead-
ing line into the image. Her soft, subtle smile
provided a sense of drama. The pre-portrait
She was more interested in a
consultation gave us a chance to find out that
she was more interested in a classic look versus
classic look versus something
something overtly sexy. It was fun for both of
us to re-create this style of imagery.
overtly sexy.
One hot light
Sexy but Demure

Controlling the Hot Light her thighs (unretouched!), and by directing
I used one Photogenic hot light that was placed the light from left to right, the left side of the
to the left of the camera. The mini spot was dress teases you with the shadow on her right
raised just above the subject giving me nice, breast. The tilt of her head and the position of
even highlights on her forehead, the right side her arms provide soft leading lines to keep your
of her face and nose, and on her arm and right eyes traveling throughout the image.
breast.
camera: Nikon D300

Sexy but Demure
This was a fun image to create using the one
Photogenic light source. The client wanted
something sexy but demure. Keeping her com-
fort level in mind, I thought it would be a good
idea to simply ask her to drop her dress off her
shoulder. The high-to-low and left-to-right No One Is Perfect
light pattern helped provide a sense of mys-
Women want to be sexy and beautiful.
tery that worked perfectly with her expression. The media inundates us with unrealistic ex-
The client loved her legs, so I wanted to show pectations of body size and shape. Nobody
has the ideal body, flawless skin, or perfect
face. Repeat: No one is perfect—not even
supermodels.
The high-to-low and left-to-right In our boudoir photography sessions, we
achieve beautiful images of women using
flattering lighting, props, clothing, and
light pattern helped provide a lingerie. We pose to accent the positive and
diminish the negative. We talk each woman
sense of mystery that worked through the session so she feels comfortable
and relaxed. Our clients leave their sessions
exhilarated and excited to see their images.
perfectly with her expression.

One Hot light
A Hint of Cleavage
Rating: ❤❤❤
Showcasing Her Blue Eyes The Hint of Cleavage

I used a single Photogenic hot light, placed at This is a very popular pose and a sure seller
my client’s eye level, to light this image. My because it is perfect for women of all body
camera was positioned on the same axis. This types and sizes. This client is a small woman
allowed me to showcase her big, beautiful blue and she was concerned about the small size of
eyes. her chest; I asked her to wrap her arms around
herself below her breasts, pushing them up and
camera: Nikon D300 together. If she were a larger woman, asking
exposure: f/5.6 at 1/40 second and ISO 1250 her to do the same thing would have kept her
lens: 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5 lens set at 50mm breasts from separating. The hint of cleavage
exposure mode: manual in this image is just enough to keep you inter-
ested, but it is not too revealing. It is great for

a woman who is a bit more demure or wants image with the focus on her eyes open and
to be a little more teasing, depending on her some with her eyes closed. We also create some
personality. Tilting her head to the left kept her photographs that are a little wider and focus
face from appearing too cenetered and allowed more on her body. Changing her expression
for a better view of her cleavage. Having her lift and level of smiles will give you a variety of
her chin upward brought her eyes up. When we album design options.
are photographing this pose, we capture some
This is a very popular pose and a sure seller because it is perfect for
women of all body types and sizes.

One hot light
Camera Angle
Rating: ❤❤
Lighting, Camera Angle, and

Postproduction camera: Nikon D300
I used one Photogenic hot light that was placed exposure: f/5.3 at 1/40 second and ISO 500
to the left of the camera and I photographed lens: 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5 lens set at 90mm
from a low camera angle. I converted the color
white balance: tungsten
image to black & white using the Kubota Artis-
tic Mocha B&W Action.
in her waist. Keeping her elbows slightly bent
Bending the Light—and the Body introduced the negative space required to
I’ve found that using a single light source gives highlight her curves. With her hair covering her
me the opportunity to create very dramatic face, we were able to create a sense of mystery.
imagery; it also provides the ability to “bend” Finally, having her play with her nylons gave
light across the subject, throwing some really her something to do with her hands and intro-
sexy shadows. I asked this client to swing her duced a great teasing element.
hips to her right, which created a great bend
I asked this client to swing her hips to her right,

which created a great bend in her waist.

one hot light
A High Vantage Point

Lighting and a High Vantage Point
I used one Photogenic hot light that was placed
just to the right of the camera. My client was
lying on a sofa; I photographed from a high
vantage point with the hot light aimed down
on her.
Creating a Dramatic Image

The burlesque look of this client’s lingerie
made it easy to work toward creating a dramatic
image. The woman has amazing eyes, and they
were something that she wanted to accentu-
ate. By using a single light source aimed from
a high-to-low angle and photographing from
the same camera angle, I was able to provide
exactly what she wanted.
Asking the subject to cross her legs made
them appear thinner and created lines that draw
you into the image. Keeping her hands on her
body shows her playfulness and sensuality. Do
not be afraid to use angles. Doing so for this
image emphasized her amazing eyes and her
cleavage, which was also important to her.
camera: Nikon D300


Asking the subject to cross her legs made them appear thinner and
created lines that draw you into the image.

One Hot light
A Flirty Co-Ed Look

Lighting
I used one Photogenic hot light to give this camera: Nikon D200
image a sense of mystery and dreaminess. The exposure: f/7.1 at 1/60 second and ISO 1250
light was placed just to the right of the camera lens: 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5 lens set at 28mm
and was aimed directly at the subject.
Creating a Playful but Seductive Image

This image was created with pure playfulness in Choose Your Words
mind. My client’s costume had a co-ed look, so It is important to use words that will flat-
we used the brick wall to support the theme. ter your clients during their experience. For
The subject was carefully posed to support instance, I ask her to give me a “strong stom-
the flirtatious and fun image concept. Having ach” when I want her to be aware of how her
her hip thrust to one side and her toe tipped stomach looks. I go over terminology with my
toward the center of the frame created a youth- clients before we start the session so she knows
ful vibe, as did having her play with her hair. why I will be using certain words and phrases.
With her fingers in her hair, she is connected Telling her to use a “strong stomach” certainly
to herself—and she appears both seductive and sounds much better than “suck in your belly.”
playful.
Having her hip thrust to one side and her toe tipped toward the center of
the frame created a youthful vibe, as did having her play with her hair.

section Five
Silhouettes
with Window Light

silhouettes with window light
Wraparound Light
The Concept mind the fun they have in their home. Boudoir
This image was created with the idea of a sessions created at clients’ homes are a bonus in
“tease” in mind. My client was very playful, and two ways: the clients are usually more relaxed in
her husband enjoys it when she wears lingerie their own surroundings and sales are higher be-
and high heels. cause they are emotionally attached to locations
shown in the images.
Photographing in the Client’s Home
The session was held in the client’s home. We Postproduction
utilized a window seat in their bedroom for I converted the color image to black & white
the pose. The backlight wrapped around the using the Kubota Artistic Mocha B&W Action.
subject and helped to showcase the area of her
body that she knows her husband is especially camera: Nikon D3
drawn to. exposure: f/10 at 1/160 second and ISO 500
Working in locations throughout the house lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 82mm
gave us the ability to create an album that not exposure mode: manual
only featured his favorite outfits but called to

Femininity
Feminine and Mysterious
camera: Nikon D3
Using the late-afternoon window light and
lingerie to showcase a client’s body gives an il-
lusion of what you see but do not see—and the
resulting image is feminine and mysterious at
the same time. I opted to leave the lines of the
window panel in the image as part of the design through, and the arch of her back and helped
element so the viewer’s eye goes directly to the to show off her bottom, which is a part of her
top of her body and then travels downward. body she wanted to accentuate. This image
Turning the subject slightly away from the would be a great opening or closing portrait in
camera helped to slim her waist, while at the an album.
same time, allowed light to wrap around her
backside. Her left arm draws the eye to her rear, Postproduction
while her raised right arm provided a strong I converted the color image to black & white
leading line to her face and breasts. Bending using the Kubota Artistic Mocha B&W Action.
her right leg created a space for light to spill
Using the late-afternoon window light and lingerie to showcase a

client’s body gives an illusion of what you see but do not see—
and the resulting image is feminine and mysterious at the same time.

Accentuating Curves
Nude Figure Study
This client is a yoga instructor, and she wanted camera: Nikon D200
to accentuate her curves with a nude figure exposure: f/22 at 1/250 second and ISO 100
study. She was also creating an album for her lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 35mm
husband who loved the length of her hair, so
we incorporated both qualities to create this
image.
Having the subject twist her body slightly Boosting Confidence
toward the camera provided the opportunity
Post-session, our clients’ images show how
to have the backlight from the window brush
sexy and beautiful they are. Their self-confi-
across her lower back, highlighting the beauti- dence grows exponentially and their roman-
ful curve in that area. I had her bend her left tic partners are blown away. As a result, we
photograph multiple boudoir sessions with
leg to get her to pop her bottom upward while
the same women—and, through the years,
she arched her back. Though I did not plan to each has expressed the positive feeling
show her feet in the image, I had her point the and emotional high she experienced when
toes of her left foot so her overall body pos- overcoming her fears. Each accomplishment
advances us, gives us self-confidence, and
ture would not appear stagnant or flat. Having an improved sense of self-worth.
a client wear high heels will create the same
pointed-toe effect on the pose.
Having the subject twist her body slightly toward the camera provided
the opportunity to have the backlight from the window brush across her
lower back.

The Experience
Rating: ❤❤❤
What She Wants to See

camera: Nikon D300
Creating an experience with each CelebrateSexy
boudoir session at Images by Kay & Co. is not
only our goal, it is also our specialty. This can
only be achieved by communicating with our
clients before we ever set foot in the camera
room. Accentuate the Positives
During the pre-session consultation, we Wrapping the window backlight across her
exchange ideas and learn what parts of our cli- body helped to accentuate the parts of her body
ent’s body she wants to highlight or accentuate. she said were the most important to her. Using
We also determine what area(s) she would like only her finger to connect to the tip of her heel
to de-accentuate or not place focus on. (Note: gives a feminine but edgy feeling.
Using a form like the one found on page 123 A silhouette image is included in almost all
can help you get to know your clients and what of our CelebrateSexy sessions because it is a
they want from their session, too.) sure seller and enjoyed by all clients.
This client was especially proud of her legs
and mid-section, which is why I felt that this
pose would be perfect for her.
During the pre-session consultation, we exchange ideas and learn what

parts of our client’s body she wants to highlight or accentuate.

Drawing the Eye

Rating: ❤❤
Drawing the Viewer’s Eye Into the Image

I positioned my client on the right side of the camera: Nikon D300
frame to help draw the viewer’s eyes into the exposure: f/7 at 1/160 second and ISO 500
image. Reversing the direction of the pearls not
only added something unique to the image—it
also created a supporting compositional ele-
ment in the photograph, a leading line that her stomach and smoothed out the skin on the
draws the gaze to the intended focal point of back of her legs.
the image.
The cropping was designed to keep the Lighting and Postproduction
viewer focused on the part of my client’s body Late-afternoon window light coming from
that she was most proud of and wanted to behind my subject created a beautiful semi-
share—her bottom and lower torso. We used silhouette effect. I converted the color image to
our “booty pop” instruction to create the black & white using the Kubota Artistic Mocha
desired arch in her back. The pose flattened B&W Action.
The cropping was designed to keep the viewer focused on the part of my
client’s body that she was most proud of and wanted to share—her bottom
and lower torso.

Props
Rating: ❤
Using Curtains as a Prop

The curtains that appear in this image serve a
camera: Nikon D300
dual purpose. They were placed about 3 feet in
front of the window to create a sense of dimen-
sionality and depth in the image. Also, as the
natural light spilled into the room through the
sheer curtains, the heavy drapes bounced a little
light back onto the subject’s skin. The silhou- Getting the Shot
ette effect that resulted helps support the air of I instructed my client to “pop” her hip to the
mystery that I wanted to create in this client’s right, while at the same time turning her head
photograph. to her left. This created a visual tension that
Note that the curtains also play a composi- lends a sense of excitement to the image.
tional role in the image. Their sraight lines cre- Keeping the camera at the subject’s waist
ate a natural frame around the subject and are a level ensured that the scale of her body would
nice juxtaposition to her curvaceous figure. be proportionate to the other image elements.
As the natural light spilled into the room through the sheer curtains,
the heavy drapes bounced a little light back onto the subject’s skin.

Camera Angle
Using Camera Position to
Direct the Viewer’s Eye camera: Nikon D300
I used late-afternoon window light coming exposure: f/6.3 at 1/100 second and ISO 200
from behind my subject for this silhouette
image. I chose a camera position that was
slightly lower than my subject to help create the
leading lines that pull the viewer’s eye into the had an artful look. By creating the silhouette,
composition. we were able to give her an image of which she
could be proud, while still creating mystery and
Business Card with an Art Approach art without showing her face. The photograph
The arch of the subject’s back, as well as the was to be used on one of her business cards for
position of her left hand in her hair, keeps the her physical fitness company. She has several
viewer’s attention in the image. The client partnership marketing campaigns in place and
wanted an image that she could use for her wanted an image that would be extremely eye-
business, but she also wanted something that catching.
She has several partnership marketing campaigns in place and wanted

an image that would be extremely eye-catching.

section six
Window Light
with Reflector Fill
window light with reflector fill
Head and Shoulders

Rating: ❤❤❤
Mid-Afternoon Light, Sheer Curtains, ordering process. Remind her again during the
and a Reflector sale, and point out how perfect these images will
My client was backlit with mid-afternoon be for her parents.
window light. Because the window was covered
by a white sheer curtain, the window created
a softbox-like diffuse lighting effect. A 4x6-
foot silver reflector was placed to the left of the
camera to add fill.
Include Head-and-Shoulders Poses

This client wanted me to create an image that
was sexy but could also be used for publicity
purposes. The white fur-lined coat was perfect
to use in the alcove with the window light
contrasting her dark hair and amazing eyes.
This image was also going to be a gift for the
man in her life. Because the portrait would be
displayed in his office, it was important that she
not reveal too much.
During each boudoir session we take some
head-and-shoulders portraits so that the client
has images that she can give as gifts. I recom-
mend you mention this during the pre-portrait
consultation to plant the seed prior to the
camera: Nikon D300


Window light with reflector fill
Elegantly Sexy
Using Late-Afternoon Window Light face. I photographed her with a straight-on
My client was photographed using late-after- camera angle.
noon window light. The window, situated at
the right of the camera, featured a white sheer The Pose
curtain that softened the quality of light. A The client leaned back in the chair, resting
4x6-foot silver reflector was placed to the left of her head on the back and arching her back to
the camera to bounce light onto the subject’s create negative space that visually slimmed her
waist and emphasized her curves. Her arms and
legs show definition and tone. Careful posing
allowed me to create visual separation between
the legs and feet. Her pointed toes elongate
the line of her legs for a flattering, graceful,
and sensual look. The overall effect is a relaxed,
sensual one that exudes confidence and poise.
Note the graceful hand posing. The hands
and fingers are relaxed. Her left hand was al-
lowed to rest gently on her leg, and the hand
position guides the viewer’s gaze down her
long, beautiful legs.
From the Client

“I sat for this session well into my forties.
There is a different look to a woman’s face
and posture when she’s over forty. It’s a
special kind of sexy. What Kay Eskridge
captured was sophisticated, elegant, and
according to my husband, very sexy! I would
encourage every woman over forty to pose
for a boudoir portrait. You will appreciate
the ability of this talented photographer to
make you realize you’ve still got it.”—Karen
camera: Nikon D300

Albums
Sheer Curtains Soften the Light that served as the backdrop diffused the sun-
Late-afternoon window light was my main light light, creating a soft, flattering light. A 4x6-foot
source for this image. The sheer white curtains silver reflector was placed to the right of the
camera to bounce light back onto the subject’s
breasts. The white fur rug that she was lying on camera: Nikon D300
bounced just enough light to bring out some of exposure: f/7 at 1/100 second and ISO 320
the detail in her corset. lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 80mm
Create Albums, Not Just Portraits

This image is a fun play in contrast and has the on her leg established a connection to herself in
Victoria’s Secret look my client wanted for her the portrait.
album. I had her tip her head back to create a This image was just one of a series of photo-
sense of intimacy. Having her place her hand graphs created for inclusion in an album for the
client’s husband, who is especially attracted to
her sensual neck and the curves of her body.
I photograph every session with an album
design in mind, so upselling is always an option.
I had her tip her head back to

create a sense of intimacy.
Having her place her hand on
her leg established a connection to
herself in the portrait.

Simplicity
Rating: ❤❤❤
Lighting
My client was photographed using late-after- camera: Nikon D300
noon window light to the left of the camera; a exposure: f/7 at 1/80 second and ISO 500
white sheer curtain over the window softened
the quality of light. A 4x6-foot silver reflector
was placed to the right of the camera to bounce
additional light onto the subject and ensure knowledge into some of the images we were
there would be detail in her dark clothing. going to create.
The fact that she is not looking at the camera
Keep the Lighting Simple keeps the viewer fixated on what she is doing,
This is another image from the client’s album and the bend of her leg showcases her shapely
that had a playful, sexy feel about it. Her hus- thigh and calf. The contrast of the black linge-
band loves the art of the “tease” and her adores rie and white French paneled walls provides a
seeing his wife in stockings. This information fresh look.
was shared during our pre-portrait consulta-
tion; therefore, I wanted to incorporate this
The fact that she is not looking at the camera keeps the viewer fixated
on what she is doing.

Top Poses
Rating: ❤❤❤
Use a Step Stool or Ladder

My client was photographed in my studio using camera: Nikon D3
late-afternoon window light located to the left exposure: f/7.1 at 1/60 second and ISO 640
of the camera, with a white sheer curtain over
the window to soften the quality of light. A
4x6-foot silver reflector was placed to the right
of the camera. I used a small step stool so I was out her hair provided a nice end-note for the
able to get right above her and photograph photograph. I like to capture some images with
from a high angle. the client’s eyes open and some with her eyes
closed, along with varying smiles. The black &
Poses That Sell Well white style is perfect for lingerie of the same
This is one of our poses that is extremely tone, and the white ribbon on the top of the
popular and sells very well. It is playful and corset really holds the viewer’s eyes right to her
sensual and works great for any body type, size, chest. The client’s expression was seductive—
or shape. It is a great pose to use in order to and the final image was exactly what she was
showcase a client’s breasts, lingerie, and jewelry. looking to create.
Crossing her right leg over her left leg cre-
ated a great leading line in this image. Fanning
I like to capture some images with the client’s eyes open and some with
her eyes closed, along with varying smiles.

Composition
Late-Afternoon Window Light
My lighting consisted of late-afternoon window camera: Nikon D300
light to the left of the camera. A white sheer exposure: f/6.3 at 1/60 second and ISO 400
curtain over the window softened the quality of lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 29mm
light. The 4x6-foot silver reflector was placed to
the right of the camera for fill.
head in the same direction as the sway in her
Create a Strong Base hips takes your eyes into the image, while the
This image was created as a gift for her fiancé placement of her hands keeps the gaze travel-
and part of an album series showcasing the ing downward. Asking her to keep her knees
client’s playful side. She wanted something apart, with the left one slightly forward, created
soft to go along with the lingerie that he had a good “base” to the image and added to the
purchased for her. Wrapping the natural win- playful mood of the image.
dow light across her chest accentuated one of
his favorite attributes of her body. Tilting her
This image was created as a gift for her fiancé and part of an album
series showcasing the client’s playful side.

Her Favorite Parts

camera: Nikon D300
Lighting
I used late-afternoon window light with a
reflector fill to light my subject. The window,
which had a white, sheer curtain over it to
soften the quality of light, was to the right of
the camera, lighting her from behind. The 4x6- The Pose
foot silver reflector was placed to the left of the For this pose, I had the client bend her right
camera, bouncing light back onto my client. leg and slightly cross it over her left leg. She
popped her hip to the left to create curves,
Enhancing the Appeal while accentuating the muscles of her left leg.
This client is especially happy with her long, The negative space to her left and the lines
lean legs, so I created an image that focused from the panels on the wall helped to create a
on them. For added appeal, I had her turn her pleasing visual image. The window light spilling
upper body slightly toward the camera to tease across her back enhanced the sheer panty, her
the viewer with a hint of her breast. The turn of tattoo, and the golden-blond color of her long
her head and the lines created from the curve of hair.
her left arm take the viewer’s eye directly down
to her legs.
The window light spilling across her back enhanced the sheer panty,
her tattoo, and the golden-blond color of her long hair.

Location Shots
Rating: ❤❤❤
Photographing on Location
This was one of numerous clients’ sessions camera: Nikon D3
created at a hotel suite that was rented for a exposure: f/5 at 1/50 second and ISO 640
weekend. I used late-afternoon window light lens: 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 22mm
with a reflector fill to create soft, flattering light
on my subject.
into the basic image. I then began working
Search for Background Items that her body to showcase what makes her happiest
Will Support the Final Image about her body. Using the window light from
Before I begin a new pose, I instinctively look the left and a reflector on the opposite side, I
for background items that will help support the was able to use light and shadow to highlight
image and help the viewer’s eye go right to the her chest and legs. She was not happy with her
subject. For this image, I began by placing my stomach region, so I placed her arm and hand
subject’s head underneath the first framed hotel across that area. Rotating her right shoulder
art decor and placed her right toe toward the toward the back of the couch helped to bring
end of the couch and the last framed decora- her chest forward.
tion; this pose keeps the viewer’s eye locked
Rotating her right shoulder toward the back of the couch helped to bring
her chest forward.

A Sense of Mystery
Camera and Lighting Information
This client was photographed in my studio us- camera: Nikon D3
ing late-afternoon window light that came from exposure: f/8 at 1/40 second and ISO 400
camera right. A white sheer curtain over the
window softened the light. A 4x6-foot silver
reflector was placed to camera left to add fill.
on the chair and apply light pressure gave my
Closed Eyes = Mystery and Intimacy client the opportunity to show off her arms. I
My client worked very hard on toning her body had her close her eyes to give an impression of
with long trips to the gym and a strict diet in mystery and intimacy. We used a variety of ex-
preparation for her CelebrateSexy session. Us- pressions for the album design throughout the
ing the available window light and reflected fill rest of the series from this same pose/location.
provided a beautiful light pattern to showcase
her chest, waist, bottom, and legs. Twisting her Postproduction
upper body toward the camera helped to open I used the Photoshop Kubota Artistic Tea
up her upper body. Having her put her hands Stained Action with this image.
A Dramatic Flair
Late-Afternoon Light
This subject was photographed in my studio. camera: Nikon D300
She was photographed using late-afternoon exposure: f/5 at 1/125 second and ISO 200
window light, which came from a window
behind her that had a white sheer curtain over
it to soften the light. A 4x6-foot silver reflector
at camera light bounced additional light onto backward and laughing shows her playful side.
her body. Having her place her hand on her bottom not
only created a great leading line but also keeps
A Trip to the Wild Side her connected to herself in the image. Slightly
This client wanted to capture something that bending her right leg helped to naturally pop
was a little on the wild side to go along with her bottom and accentuated her legs.
her heels and sexy lingerie. I added a drop The vibrant blue lingerie against the white
net above her head to encircle her body, and backdrop created a fun, contemporary look that
I asked her to pull the pearls downward to matched the décor in the cleint’s home.
add tension to the image. Dropping her head
I added a drop net above her head to encircle her body, and I asked her
to pull the pearls downward to add tension to the image.

Contrast
Rating: ❤❤
Lighting
The light for this image came from a hotel camera: Nikon D3
window that was situated to the camera right. exposure: f/5 at 1/160 second and ISO 500
Because the light was diffused by white sheer
curtains, it was soft and beautifully brought out
the texture in the client’s lingerie while creating
a soft, flattering glow on her skin. A 4x6-foot silver reflector fill was placed to the left of the
camera to provide fill.
Play on Contrasts
This image is a great play on contrasts; I used
my client’s black lingerie and her dark eye
makeup against the white bed cover to make
her body pop out at the viewer. I had her arch
her back, which brought her chest up and
forward, while slimming her waist. She had a
long, lean neck, and turning her head toward
the camera brought the muscles in her neck
forward. Her soft expression and her slightly
parted lips help to guide the viewer right to her
eyes.
I used my client’s black lingerie

and her dark eye makeup against
the white bed cover to make her
body pop out at the viewer.

Lines and Posing

Lighting
camera: Nikon D3
This session was created in our Phoenix stu-
dio. My client was photographed using late-
afternoon light from a window located to the
left of the camera. A white sheer curtain over
the window diffused the light. A 4x6-foot silver
reflector was placed to the right of the camera body forward, which accentuated her thin waist
for fill. and curvy chest. Slightly bending her right arm
and twisting her upper body toward the camera
Composition and Posing produced the same effect. I asked her to lean
The first thing I thought of when I set up this forward on her left arm to bring some tension
pose was to work with the lines on the wall into the image. Tilting her face toward the win-
behind my client to help the viewer’s eyes travel dow light and downward helped to accentuate
directly into this image. Raising her bottom her beautiful eyes.
slightly off her heels helped to pull her upper
Raising her bottom slightly off her heels helped to pull her upper body
forward, which accentuated her thin waist and curvy chest.

Posing for Curves

Lighting
This photograph was created using natural camera: Nikon D3
light coming from a window at camera right. exposure: f/6.3 at 1/100 second and ISO 800
A white wall to camera left acted as a reflector,
providing fill.
Simple Posing Strategies

Placing the client’s right arm above her and What We Offer
allowing her to drop her hand naturally behind
A place where clients feel special, cared
her head keeps her connected to herself in the for, and attended to by women who
image. This added a sense of intimacy while appreciate and understand any appre-
also keeping the viewer’s eyes fixed on the im- hensions they may have.
age. Bending her right leg popped her bottom A place where any concerns about size,
out, and keeping her left arm straight helped to shape or age are banished by the thrill of
create the desired negative space in the center the experience.
of her body, accentuating her waist. Having her

A place where clients can embrace
twist her left shoulder backward helps to open everything they are and explore anything
up her chest. they want to be through sensual portrait
photography by CelebrateSexy.
Placing the client’s right arm above her and allowing her to drop her
hand naturally behind her head keeps her connected to herself in the image.

Images at Home
Rating: ❤❤
Late-Afternoon Window Light

This session was photographed in my client’s camera: Nikon D3
bedroom using late-afternoon window light. exposure: f/6.3 at 1/160 second and ISO 800
The window was located to the left of the
camera; its white sheer curtain diffused the
sunlight, creating a soft, wraparound quality of
light. A 4x6-foot silver reflector was placed to be receiving the gift album. I used a high-to-
the right of the camera to provide fill. low camera to accentuate her chest and help
the viewer’s eyes travel down the length of her
Home Boudoir Sessions body. Keeping her eyes cast downward not only
This image was created in the client’s bed- showcased her makeup but also kept the focus
room, a fact that helped to make this session on her chest, which was the area she wanted to
very intimate for her and the man that would highlight.

Long and Lean

Rating: ❤❤❤
Lighting
I photographed this client in my studio. She camera: Nikon D300
was photographed using the late-afternoon exposure: f/6.3 at 1/160 second and ISO 250
light that came through the window behind
her. The white sheer curtain over the window
softened the light. A 4x6-foot silver reflector
was placed to the left of the camera to add fill. is comfortable with the pose and is enjoying
the experience, which is the ultimate goal at
Long and Lean CelebrateSexy.
This is one of my favorite images. The viewer’s Asking a woman to think “long and lean”
eyes are immediately drawn to the center of the is a better way than telling her to “suck it up,”
image because of the lines in the background. and explaining your approach in advance will
Whether the gaze starts at the tip of her toes help you guide your clients into poses they may
and travels up her legs or begins at the top not understand at first. That directive helped to
of her head and travels downward, you can- achieve this beautiful pose. Having her arch her
not help but enjoy looking at this image. It is back allowed her to pop her chest upward, and
evident from my client’s expression that she the backward tilt of her head added drama.

Consultations
Rating: ❤❤❤
Lighting Information
Late-afternoon window light coming from the camera: Nikon D3
right of the camera, with a white sheer curtain exposure: f/4.5 at 1/50 second and ISO 640
over the window to soften the light, acted as
the main light. A 4x6-foot silver reflector was
placed to the left of the camera for fill.
um between what is too revealing and revealing
Pre-Portrait Consultations Are Important just the right amount can only be discovered
This client wanted intimate images for her hus- through conversation, making our pre-portrait
band, but because she is a private person, she consultation critical. You will find that true
did not want anything too revealing. Our goal success in boudoir photography comes from
was to create an image that not only showcased not only meeting your client’s expectations but
the beautiful lingerie and her amazing figure exceeding them, and you will not know what
but also incorporated the locket and the ring he those expectations are unless you hammer out
had given to her. Having her look away from the details in advance of the session.
the camera helped draw attention to the jew-
elry, and using the window light to skim across Postproduction
her breasts brought the viewer’s eyes directly to I used the Photoshop Kubota Artistic Tea
the softness of her chest. Finding a happy medi- Stained Action with this image.
This client wanted intimate images for her husband, but because she is a
private person, she did not want anything too revealing.

Strong Assets
Rating: ❤❤❤
Accentuate the Positive

camera: Nikon D3
This image was created as part of a series
intended for an album. The client wanted
something dramatic and sexy, and we opted to
photograph her in her home.
For the pose, I made sure that she had a
good, strong point to the foot that she placed Lighting
on the bed, accentuating her calf. I turned My client was bathed in late-afternoon light
her hips slightly away from the camera, which from the window behind her. The white sheer
twisted her waist, accentuating her thinness. curtain over the window softened the light. A
Bending her right arm created a negative space 4x6-foot silver reflector was placed to the right
behind her back that further emphasized her of the camera for fill.
slender waist. Placing her left hand in her hair
and her right hand on her hip created a connec-
tion to herself and added a hint of playfulness.
I made sure that she had a good, strong point to the foot that she placed
on the bed, accentuating her calf.

section seven
Ambient and Mixed Lighting

Images created with strobes, room lights, and more.

ambient and Mixed Lighting
Seduction
Rating: ❤❤❤
Playful and Sexy

This image is from an album series created at camera: Nikon D3
a client’s home. The goal for this photograph exposure: f/5 at 1/40 second and ISO 1250
was to create something that was playful and
seductive at the same time. The client was
self-conscious about the size of her chest (she
thought it was too small). I had her give herself headboard. Crossing her legs had a slimming
a “hug,” which produced cleavage, and we effect, and they create a secondary background.
used the pearls to help accentuate it. By bring-
ing her chin up, I was able to focus on her eyes Lighting
and her soft, sexy expression. As she was posed I used incandescent lamp lighting with a reflec-
on a bed, she was able to put her feet up on the tor fill to light my subject.

ambient and mixed lighting
Ambient Light Only

Using Ambient Light
I used a high ISO of 2000 in order to be able camera: Nikon D3
to use the ambient light in the room. Located exposure: f/4 at 1/60 second and ISO 2000
behind the subject on her right (the camera’s
left side) was a lamp on a nightstand; the lamp
light threw a nice edge light onto the subject’s
backside. I placed a 4x6-foot reflector in front husband. She brought one knee slightly for-
of the subject at camera right to bounce the ward, which helped her be more comfortable,
available light back into my subject’s face. and I asked her to bend slightly and pop her
hip backward. She had a strong stomach, so
Create Together with Your Client pulling up helped showcase her waist. She
My client was feeling very comfortable as we wanted something seductive and sexy, so I let
neared the end of our session, which was held her hair fall across her face as part of the illusion
in her home. She decided that she would like of playfulness; since she was in bed, it did not
to get a little more playful with the imagery we make sense for her hair to be perfect.
were creating. She opted to take off her bra but
did not want to be totally nude. I positioned Postproduction
her hands over her breasts and had her play I converted the color image to black & white
with her pearls, which were a gift from her using the Kubota Artistic Mocha B&W Action.
I positioned her hands over her breasts and had her play with her
pearls, which were a gift from her husband.

Hot Light, Window Light

Mixing Light Sources
camera: Nikon D3
I photographed this client in a hotel suite. The
lighting was a mixture of a hot light positioned
above and to the left of the camera, window
light on the right of the camera, and a 4x6-foot
silver reflector to the left of the camera.
est and tension in the image, and I had her turn
Creating an Illusion her head toward the bedroom window to bring
Does she or doesn’t she have clothes on? Yes, light onto her face. Tilting her chin slightly
she does, but she wanted to create the illusion downward helped to open up her eyes. A slight
that she did not. The camera angle played a pout of her lips was the perfect finish for this
big part in this illusion as I kept it lower and image.
photographed more into her shoes. Her “I dare
you” expression suits the mood of the image. I
positioned her slightly to the right of the center
of the painting behind the bed to create inter-
I positioned her slightly to the right of the center of the painting behind
the bed to create interest and tension in the image.

Window and Ambient Light

Rating: ❤❤
Window Light, Room Lights,

and a Reflector camera: Nikon D3
The lighting that I used in this hotel suite was exposure: f/10 at 1/50 second and ISO 800
a mixture of window light and ambient room
lighting. The main light was the large window
to the right of the camera; additional light came
from the room’s light fixtures and a 4x6-foot her to twist her hips toward her left and arch
reflector, which was placed to the left of the her back helped her to pull her chest upward. I
camera. arranged her hair in a believable but messy way,
and then asked her to bring her hands above
Creating Fun Poses her head. This allowed me to get her hands in
This was a fun pose to create. I start by posi- a position that would call attention to her wed-
tioning the client close enough to the head- ding ring. The finishing touches were to have
board so she could comfortably place her legs her hold her wrist (keeping a connection to
and feet upward without straining. I crossed herself) and have her turn her head toward the
her ankles and strategically placed her shoes in window light. Bringing her chin up allowed the
the geometric pattern of the headboard. Asking viewer to be able to see her face.
I arranged her hair in a believable but messy way, and then asked her to
bring her hands above her head.

ambient and Mixed lighting
A Vintage Look

Mixing Light Sources
Mixing light sources can provide a unique look camera: Nikon D3
to boudoir imagery. This image was created exposure: f/4 at 1/100 second and ISO 2000
in a hotel suite with a blend of available light, lens: 24–120mm f/3.5–5.6 lens set at 38mm
room light, and a Photogenic hot light. The
main light was a hot light placed above and to
the right of the camera, aimed down onto my subject. The ambient light was provided by a
window to the right of the camera and a lamp
behind the sofa.
Sexy and Classy

This client wanted something sexy but classy,
so I made sure the pose was soft and demure.
Using a mixture of light sources, I was able to
throw shadows across her cleavage to accentu-
ate the part of her body that she wanted to
show off. Placing her left leg over her right leg
visually elongated them; I simply ensured that
her right foot was still visible. I asked her to
keep her left elbow slightly bent and away from
her body to create negative space. I positioned
her head slightly off center from the middle
framed image on the wall behind her in order
to create more interest in the overall composi-
tion. Having her look away from the camera
gave this pose a very elegant feel.
This client wanted something sexy

but classy, so I made sure the pose
was soft and demure.

Inspiration
Mixed Lighting and a Low Camera Angle
The image was created with mixed lighting. camera: Nikon D3
The midday sun coming through a window at exposure: f/4 at 1/60 second and ISO 1000
camera left served as the main light. The mod-
eling light from a 4x6-foot softbox provided
fill light. This unit was placed to camera right
and above the subject. Finally, a 4x6-foot silver left with a continuous light source on the right
reflector at camera right bounced the window gave me the ability to light her face and rim-
light back onto my subject. I shot from a rela- light her left side at the same time. The warmth
tively low angle to visually lengthen her body. from the continuous light source accentuated
her blond hair. Having her play with her bra
A Victoria’s Secret Portrait Look and skirt gave the image a coquettish feel, but
This client came to me with a strong vision the intense look on her face creates an aura of
of what she wanted—an image that looked sensuality in the image. Bending her left knee
like something from a Victoria’s Secret ad. I allowed her to pop her right hip, giving her
brought the chair into the back corner of the body a sexy, slinky look.
room and used the chandelier in the upper
right to create a sense of dimension in the im-
age. Blending the natural window light on the
Blending the natural window light on the left with a continuous light
source on the right gave me the ability to light her face and rim-light her
left side at the same time.

Window Light Main

Chandeliers Are a Good Source of Light
This session was photographed in a hotel suite. camera: Nikon D3
The image was created with mixed lighting. exposure: f/4 at 1/60 second and ISO 1000
The main light was window light from the
midday sun coming from the left of the camera.
Ambient light was provided by the chandelier
and lamps in the room. bend one knee more than the other so you can
see that she has two legs. Bringing her arm
Composition and Posing across her body and onto her leg helped push
I wanted to be sure the pose was flattering, as her breasts together to provide better cleavage.
my client shared with me how hard she had Asking her to arch her back and telling her to
worked to get her body in shape for this ses- be “long and lean” gave her the instruction to
sion. Taking in the surroundings of the room pull in her stomach in a positive, constructive
and getting creative, we decided it would be way.
fun to pose her on the table. I had her slightly
Bringing her arm across her body and onto her leg helped push her
breasts together to provide better cleavage.

Conclusion
Be Unique
Photographing Underwater
I photographed this model in my backyard camera: Pentax Optio W80, underwater housing
pool in Phoenix at 4:00pm. I have the luxury exposure: f/4.5 at 1/50 second and ISO 64
of living in a warm climate, giving me latitude lens: 28mm

exposure mode: auto
as to when I can photograph outdoors. The
temperature in Phoenix in early October is still
90 degrees. I created this image in open shade. I draped the model’s body in a sheer pink
The camera position was under the water, level fabric to match her pink panties, and I had her
with model’s body. hold the corners of the fabric and slowly walk
back and forth in front of me. I wore a mask
Be Unique and snorkel and put my feet under barbells
It is important to always look to be unique placed on the bottom of the pool so that I
with product offerings and experience. To cre- could stay submerged. We worked out a series
ate something a little different and out of the of beeps so we could communicate underwa-
norm, I offer “underwater boudoir” to our ter (one beep meant start moving, two meant
clients, using the pool in my backyard. Before move faster, etc.). This may not be for every
I photographed anyone with this setup, I ran client, but it is something we are able to market
several tests to see what time of day was best. that sets us apart from other photographers and
I found that the lighting in the late-afternoon has created a buzz about our studio.
(when the pool was completely in the shade)
was optimum, so there was no “ribboning” of
light from the sun.
I had her hold the corners of the fabric and slowly walk back and
forth in front of me.

appendix 1
Resources
Animoto • www.animoto.com sales tools in a clean, elegant design that your clients will
Turn your photos and music into stunning video slide- love.
shows. You provide the photos, you pick the song, and
we’ll add the magic. Give it a try—it’s fast, free, and shock- Triple Scoop Music • www.triplescoopmusic.com
ingly easy. Triple Scoop Music is the acclaimed music licensing site
featuring world-class songs and soundtracks for profes-
Barbour Backdrops sional photographers. Check out the Kay Eskridge Signa-
www.barbourbackdrops.typepad.com ture Series Collection, CelebrateSexy.
Barbour backdrops and “props drops” are handcrafted
using pliable plasters and glazes, giving each canvas Smugmug • www.smugmug.com
texture, depth, and dimension. The easiest way to sell your photos online. They can
optimize your website for selling and make order manage-
Fire Drum Internet Marketing • www.firedrum.com ment simple and headache-free. Please use referral code
Affordable and powerful do-it-yourself and managed T2x2RftfYazrY.
e-mail marketing for businesses, agencies, and franchises.
(Use the code IBKC and save $25 on any of their paid White House Custom Color • www.whcc.com
email marketing services.) WHCC is a full-service professional photographic and
press-printing lab. With an amazing variety of products
Kotori Jewelry • www.mykotori.com and impeccable quality we have come to trust, we could
Kotori offers a variety of handmade, solid sterling silver not do our jobs without them.
and fashion photo jewelry pieces exclusively to profes-
sional photographers interested in showcasing their work Equipment
to clients in a unique medium. All pieces are made using Midwest Photo Exchange •www.imagingatmpex.com
solid sterling silver and are waterproof and UV resistant. Nikon • www.nikon.com
(Use the code SULTRY and get $10 off a virtual package— Photogenic • www.photogenicpro.com
no expiration date.)
Portrait Accessories
Photography Blog Sites Design Revolution • www.designreveolutiononline.com
www.photographyblogsites.com
Fully customizable portfolio websites for photographers Presentation Boxes/Folios/CD Cases
and creative professionals, with unlimited galleries and a DNL • www.dnlphoto.com
blog all in one place.
Presentation Bags
Ron Nichols Studio Retouching Palette Bags & Bows • www.bagsandbowsonline.com
www.ronnichols.com Rice Studio Supply • www.ricestudiosupply.com
The Palette increases retouching efficiency and makes
complex tasks simple. These products are created to Projector
maximize workflow and make photographers’ digital lives The Projector People • www.projectorpeople.com
easier. The Ron Nichols’ palettes go far beyond Photoshop
actions by using programming code to “drive” Photoshop. Promotional Items
Promote-It • www.promoteit.com
Time Exposure’s ProSelect Pro Logo Water Bottles
www.timeexposure.com
The leading cross-platform presentation, sales, and Marathon Press • www.marathonpress.com
workflow software packages for professional portraiture Gift Cards
studios. ProSelect incorporates powerful presentation and

appendix 2
Client Profile Form

Pre-Portrait Consultation Date:
Session Date: Projection Appt Date:
Name:
Phone: (H) (C ) (WK)
Address:
E-mail Address:
Which Diva Package have you selected?
Credit Card #: Exp: CVC:
How did you hear about us?

Is this a surprise or is there a deadline we need to be aware of (birthday or holiday gift)?
Set Options:
Clothing Ideas:
Are you interested in professional hair and makeup application?
Would you like them to stay throughout your session for touch-ups and changes or leave after completion?
Are the images from your experience for you or someone else? What do they find sexy about you?
Which part of your body would you like to highlight or accentuate in the session?
Which part of your body would you like to de-accentuate in the session?
Are there any props you would like to include in your session (jerseys, sports equipment, boas, pin-up
accessories . . .)?
Do you have any images you would like to share with us prior to your session?

appendix 3
Model Release
In consideration of my engagement as a model, upon the terms herewith stated, I hereby give to Images by
Kay & Co., his/her heirs, legal representatives and assigns, those for whom Images by Kay & Co., is acting,
and those acting with his/her authority and permission:
a) The unrestricted right and permission to copyright and use, re-use, publish, and republish photographic
portraits or pictures of me or in which I may be included intact or in part, composite or distorted in charac-
ter or form, without restriction as to changes or transformations in conjunction with my own or a fictitious
name, or reproduction hereof in color or otherwise, made through any and all media now or hereafter
known for illustration, art, promotion, advertising, trade, or any other purpose whatsoever.
b) I also permit the use of any printed material in connection therewith.
c) I hereby relinquish any right that I may have to examine or approve the completed product or products or
the advertising copy or printed matter that may be used in conjunction therewith or the use to which it may
be applied.
d) I hereby release, discharge and agree to save harmless [photographer], his/her heirs, legal representa-
tives or assigns, and all persons functioning under his/her permission or authority, or those for whom he/
she is functioning, from any liability by virtue of any blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion, or use in
composite form whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking of said pic-
ture or in any subsequent processing thereof, as well as any publication thereof, including without limitation
any claims for libel or invasion of privacy.
e) I hereby affirm that I am over the age of majority and have the right to contract in my own name. I have
read the above authorization, release and agreement, prior to its execution; I fully understand the contents
thereof. This agreement shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
Dated:
Signed:
Address:
Phone:
City:
State/Zip:
E-mail:
Witness:

Acknowledgments
I would like to thank my amazing team members for their continued support and professional work.
CelebrateSexy would not be the amazing, empowering experience for women that it is without your talent and
personal touches. Kristin, you are a digital retouching goddess and your album designs continue to blow me
away. Erin, I’m so happy to have you by my side and your talent is endless.
Thanks to our fantastic vendors for creating quality products that we are proud to offer to our clients. White
House Custom Color is the lab that I know we can count on for top-notch quality, excellent customer service,
and cutting-edge products. Triple Scoop Music makes every slide show we create even sexier. Pro Select helps
us share our vision of album design and wall portrait display with clients in a fast and professional way. Ron
Nichols, thank you for always being there to answer our questions and give guidance with your Retouching Pal-
ette. Photography Blog sites takes our work to the next level with their gorgeous, easy-to-use website and blog
templates and website hosting. Clients just rave about our website.
Want More from Kay?

Visit www.learngrowsucceed.org. The “learn grow succeed” website was created to help professional photog-
raphers and photographic associations find and learn more about the educational products and motivation
programs Kay Eskridge offers. Sign up for the newsletter to learn about upcoming classes.
Index
A Breasts, 10, 52, 62, 72, 76, Cropping, 9, 68
Albums, 9, 25, 46, 53, 61, 62, 82, 102, 108, 118 Curtains, 34, 70, 75, 78, 95
64, 76, 78–79, 80, 84, 90, Burlesque-style images, 16, 18,
104, 107 28, 56 E
Ambient light, 106, 108, 112 Edge light, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14,
Arms, posing, 6, 7, 18, 38, 40, C 18, 22, 32, 38, 108
48, 49, 52, 98, 118 Camera angle, 8, 25, 48, 54, Eyes, 25, 49, 50, 52–53, 56,
56, 72, 82, 110, 116 75, 82, 90, 95, 96, 100,
B Client profile form, 123 107, 110
Background, 6, 9, 10, 14, 18, Comfort, 4, 8, 9, 10, 14, 31,
20, 32, 34, 38, 88, 92, 101, 32, 34, 39, 101, 108, 112 F
107 Composition, 22, 68, 70, 72, Fill light, 5–34
Background light, 6 84, 96, 115, 118 Fitness, 18, 28, 32, 64, 90
Backlighting, 61, 64, 66 Consultation, pre-portrait, 6,
27
index 125
H Mixed lighting, 106, 108, 110, Shoes, 8, 14, 28, 110, 112
Hair, 6, 8, 10, 16, 32, 34, 40, 116, 118 Silhouettes, 60–73
44, 48, 49, 54, 58, 64, 72, Model release, 124 Softboxes, 5–24, 27, 28,
75, 82, 86, 104, 108, 112, 32–44, 46, 75, 116
123 N Strip lights, 6, 16, 24, 32
Hands, 6–7, 14, 48, 77, 79, Negative space, 28, 34, 54, 77, Studio sessions, 4, 32, 38, 42,
98, 108, 112 86, 98, 104, 115 82, 90, 92, 96, 101, 120
Highlights, 16, 50 Netting, 92
Hips, 9, 12, 16, 18, 22, 24– Nudes, 37, 64, 108 T
25, 32, 34, 40, 44, 54, 58, Nylons, 6, 7, 9, 34, 54 Tease, 10, 27, 61, 80, 86
70, 84, 86, 104, 108, 112, Tension, 22, 44, 70, 92, 96,
116 P 110
Home, photographing in Pin-up images, 14 Texture, 95
client’s, 12, 61, 92, 100, Posing, 6, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18,
104, 107, 108 22, 24–25, 32, 34, 38, 40, V
Hotel, 88, 95, 110, 112, 115, 44, 48, 49, 52, 54, 57, 58, Vargas, Alberto, 14
118 62, 70, 77, 79, 84, 86, 90, Variety, 32, 53, 90
Hot lights, 48–59, 110, 115 95, 96, 98, 104, 108, 112,
116, 118 W
J Postproduction, 9, 14, 31, 34, Waist, 7, 9, 16, 34, 54, 62, 70,
Jewelry, 7, 31, 82, 102, 112, 37, 42, 48, 54, 61, 62, 68, 77, 90, 95, 96, 98, 104,
122 90, 102, 108, 122 108
Props, 18, 50, 70 Wardrobe, 6, 7, 9, 34, 54, 56
K Window light, 60–73, 110,
Kicker light, 6, 22, 32 R 112, 118
Recipient, portrait, 9, 12, 27,
L 28, 31, 44, 46, 61, 64, 79,
Leading lines, 37, 46, 48, 49, 80, 102, 108
50, 62, 68, 72, 82, 92 Referrals, 4
Legs, posing, 12, 14, 18, 34, Reflectors, 72–102
38, 57, 77, 79, 118
Lifestyle photography, 4 S
Location sessions, 88, 95, 110, Satin sheets, 27, 30–31, 40–41
112, 115, 118 Self-consciousness, 4, 20, 24,
50, 52, 82, 98, 107
M Set selection, 4, 6, 123
Makeup, 95, 100, 123 Shadows, 32, 54, 115

other books from
Amherst Media ®
Photographing the Female Photograph the Face

Form with Digital Infrared Acclaimed photographer and photo-edu-
Laurie Klein shows you how to develop cator Jeff Smith cuts to the core of great
a concept, find locations, pose the portraits: making the subject’s face look
model, and use natural light. $27.95 its very best. $27.95 list, 7.5x10, 128p,
list, 7.5x10, 128p, 180 color images, 275 color images, order no. 2019.
order no. 2021.
Elegant Boudoir Photography Dream Weddings

Jessica Lark takes you through ev- Celebrated wedding photographer Neal
ery step of the boudoir photography Urban shows you how to capture more
process, showing you how to work with powerful and dramatic images at every
clients and design images that are more phase of the wedding photography
engaging. $27.95 list, 7.5x10, 128p, process. $27.95 list, 7.5x10, 128p, 190
230 color images, order no. 2014. color images, order no. 1996.
Magic Light and Light a Model

the Dynamic Landscape Billy Pegram shows you how to create
Jeanine Leech helps you produce out- edgy looks with lighting, designing im-
standing images of any scene, using ages of models (or other photo subjects)
time of day, weather, composition, and with a high-impact editorial style. $27.95
more. $27.95 list, 7.5x10, 128p, 300 list, 7.5x10, 128p, 190 color images,
color images, order no. 2022. order no. 2016.
Shoot to Thrill Create Erotic Photography

Acclaimed photographer Michael Mow- Richard Young shows you how to create
bray shows how speedlights can rise to expert, evocative, and sexy shots with
any photographic challenge—in the stu- minimal gear and easy-to-learn tech-
dio or on location. $27.95 list, 7.5x10, niques. $27.95 list, 7.5x10, 160p, 200
128p, 220 color images, order no. 2011. color images, 25 diagrams, order no.
1988.
Shaping Light Fantasy Nude Photography

Glenn Rand and Tim Meyer explore the Rayment Kirby guides you through spe-
critical role of light modifiers in produc- cialized lighting, posing, set design, and
ing professional images of any subject, postproduction techniques that let you
ensuring smart decisions at every turn. bring to life the images you’ve imag-
$27.95 list, 7.5x10, 128p, 200 color im- ined. $27.95 list, 7.5x10, 128p, 180
ages, order no. 2012. color images, order no. 2013.
Step-by-Step Lighting for Step-by-Step Lighting for

Outdoor Portrait Photography Studio Portrait Photography
Jeff Smith brings his no-nonsense ap- Jeff Smith teaches you how to develop
proach to outdoor lighting, showing how a comprehensive lighting strategy that
to produce great portraits all day long. truly sculpts the subject for breathtaking
$27.95 list, 7.5x10, 128p, 275 color im- results. $29.95 list, 7.5x10, 160p, 275
ages, order no. 2009. color images, order no. 1985.
Creating Stylish & Sexy Step-by-Step Posing
Photography for Portrait Photography
A guide to Glamour Portraiture
Jeff Smith provides easy-to-digest, heav-
Chris Nelson provides the critical ily illustrated posing lessons designed to
information you need to bring out the speed learning and maximize success.
sensual side every client—beautifully. $34.95 list, 7.5x10, 160p, 300 color im-
$19.95 list, 7.5x10, 96p, 200 color images, order no. 1960.
ages, order no. 1986.
Lighting Techniques
Figure Photography for Photographing Model Portfolios
Billy Pegram provides a comprehensive Billy Pegram analyzes real-life sessions,
guide to designing desirable commercial showing you how to make the right deci-
and fine-art figure images. $29.95 list, sions each step of the way. $34.95 list,
7.5x10, 160p, 300 color images, order 8.5x11, 128p, 150 color images, index,
no. 1984. order no. 1889.
Available Light Posing Techniques

for Photographing Model Portfolios
Glamour Photography
Billy Pegram provides the techniques
Joe Farace teaches you how to harness
you need to perfectly pose models and
natural, man-made, and mixed lighting
create get-noticed images. $29.95 list,
to create sensuous images anywhere.
8.5x11, 128p, 150 color images, order
$29.95 list, 7.5x10, 160p, 200 color im-
no. 1853.
ages, order no. 1973.
Posing, Composi-
Christopher Grey’s
more photo books available
tion, and Cropping
Make optimal image design choices to
produce photographs that flatter your Amherst Media ®
subjects and meet clients’ needs. $29.95 po box 586

list, 7.5x10, 160p, 330 color images,
index, order no. 1969.
buffalo, ny 14226 usa
Individuals: If possible, purchase books from an

75 Portraits
Amherst Media retailer. To order directly, visit our
by Hernan Rodriquez
web site, or call the toll-free number listed below to
Conceptualize and create stunning shots place your order. All major credit cards are accepted.
of men, women, and kids with the high- Dealers, distributors & colleges: Write, call, or fax to
caliber techniques in this book. $29.95 place orders. For price information, contact Amherst
list, 7.5x10, 160p, 150 color images, 75 Media or an Amherst Media sales representative. Net
diagrams, index, order no. 1970. 30 days.
LED Lighting: professional Techniques (800) 622-3278 or (716) 874-4450

for Digital Photographers Fax: (716) 874-4508
Kirk Tuck’s comprehensive look at LED
lighting reveals the ins-and-outs of the All prices, publication dates, and specifications
technology and shows how to put it to are subject to change without notice.
great use. $34.95 list, 7.5x10, 160p, Prices are in U.S. dollars. Payment in U.S. funds only.
380 color images, order no. 1958.
www.amherstmedia.com
Nikon® Speedlight® Handbook for a complete List of books and additional information
Stephanie Zettl gets down and dirty with
this dynamic lighting system, showing
you how to maximize your results in
the studio or on location. $34.95 list,
7.5x10, 160p, 300 color images, order
no. 1959.

Sultry Sweet or Sassy The Professional Photographer S Guide To Boudoir Photography Techniques

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Sultry Sweet or Sassy The Professional Photographer S Guide To Boudoir Photography Techniques

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Sultry, Sweet, or Sassy

Copyright © 2014 by Kay Eskridge.

Publisher: Craig Alesse

Check out Amherst Media’s blogs at: http://portrait-photographer.blogspot.com/

4 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Three Light Sources

Meeting Her Needs

camera: Nikon D300

6 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Sultry, sweet, or Sassy 7

8 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

would be perfect for the series. exposure mode: manual

Sultry, sweet, or Sassy 9

The Background “I’ve always had major body issues. I don’t

The expression on her face can show playfulness or sensuality

10 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Creating a Dark Shadow Accentuating the Legs

12 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Sexy, Not Showy

Camera and Lighting Information

14 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

The Bottom Line

Showcasing Legs and Bottoms

16 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Business and Pleasure

Placing the Lights Directing my subject to turn her head to her

18 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Lighting the Subject

served as my main light. A strobe with an um- exposure mode: manual

brella for bounce fill was placed at the camera

Her Daring Attitude Clothing Selection

20 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Placing her shirt to reveal the bottom of her

Proper Use of a Kicker Light Composition

Placing her on the right side of the image creates tension

22 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Large, Soft Light

24 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Sultry, sweet, or Sassy 25

The Bottom LineSources

26 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Leave Him Wanting More A Two-Light Setup

Sultry, sweet, or Sassy 27

Her Man’s Clothes

28 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Know Your Lighting

The feeling of satin on skin is very

camera: Nikon D300

Sultry, sweet, or Sassy 31

Contouring with Light

32 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Swaying the Hips and Popping the Booty

red lingerie draws the viewer’s attention to exposure mode: manual

the parts of her body she wanted to accentu-

One Light Source

36 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy

Show Strength and Femininity

Using One Light

camera: Nikon D200

Play and Create

I asked her to keep her right foot

camera: Nikon D300

38 Sultry, sweet, or Sassy