WellWed in New York

Chelse Thompson, of Glow Weddings by EIEIO Photography, was kind enough to take a few moments and answer some questions about a trend that's making quite the splash with many brides-to-be: boudoir photography. Read on to learn more about this sassy and sexy trend!

Can you tell our readers, what exactly is Boudoir Photography?

When ladies email me to ask, what exactly is boudoir? I explain it as your chance to be a Victoria's Secret model! (in fact I even recommend they save the next catalog that comes in the mail and study the faces and poses...)

Boudoir is in reference to the bedroom. A portrait session where the photos give the feeling that you have "caught" a gal in her bedroom, probably wearing lingerie or something along those lines. (although in many of my sessions there is not a bed present!)

A glamour session, sexified!

Do you find that most of your clients are brides-to-be or do they also include women from other walks of life?

Absolutely ALL walks of life. In fact I think more often it is 1^st year anniversary, lost all my baby weight, 35 an loving it, or 20 something and has a boyfriend who has it all, or just because! I would say 40% of my clients are brides-to-be.

How did you get started in Boudoir Photography?

I stumbled upon it on a photographer's blog from California... I LOVED it.  I just found it totally inspiring as a woman.

Now what I love most of all is the response I get from my clients. They love how they look. What a total gift. To feel sexy and beautiful. It doesn't happen as often as it should. It also throws a spark back into a relationship. New or old. A little thrill.

Now when I consult with clients I tell them, you may be doing this as a gift for someone else, but in the end it is totally a gift for yourself!

 What should someone expect when from a boudoir shoot with you?

A session with me lasts about an hour. I have my gals bring 3-4 outfits. Something totally sexy and new, something you have and already feel sexy in, something that belongs to your special someone (a work shirt, a jersey, a hat...I had one girl bring a snowboard! Loved that!) and then something totally fun and unexpected. Lots of heels, boots, and accessories, but most of all, outfits that represent you, your personality.  I help them in picking things out, put things together. At my studio I have a couple different set ups that we use.  Some fun vintage chairs and couches, lots of fun blankets and fabrics, fans to blow your hair around, music to get you in the mood. Each session is different. Totally depends on the personality of the client. We talk as we go about who is getting the gift, where they bought their outfits...whatever makes them feel comfortable!  Sometimes we do a total makeover in the middle of the session! New hair, new makeup.  Most girls are a little nervous coming in, but after they meet me and spend 10 minutes with me they are having fun and totally comfortable!  After the session they are emailed a private link that is password protected and we go from there on ordering albums, digital files, fine are prints.

Any tips for our readers on getting the best pictures?

Do a little studying! (grab a men's magazine or Victoria's Secret catalog...posing makes a big difference and so does "the face"). Bring a lot of options for outfits! And take some risks. My favorite sessions involved cowboy hats, electric guitars, men's knee high socks! Always share your ideas and expectations with your photographer.  

Why do you think Boudoir Photography has become so popular in recent years?

I think year after year women feel more powerful. We work hard to look good and this is great way to show it off! It really is also such an awesome gift. Men are so hard to buy for! What better gift then giving them you...and like I said before, it is such a gift to yourself. Once one gal does it and tells her friends about it, it spreads like wildfire. You have to do it! It is liberating!

For more information on Glow Weddings by EIEIO Photography, visit glowweddings.us