To be that cover girl

So its been a while since my last blog .. guilty! *Cries*

What i would like to discuss is a short snippet for those who are not models but always desired to look like the cover girl. No this not a diet or a dress like that article, more an insight of the reality.

I have worked with various kinds of models, from the professional to the day to day person who doesn’t know how to work in front of the camera. What i would like to tell my readers (you), is that to be a cover girl is more of a job than you realize. Yes allot of the times that cover girl loves what she is doing and looks so very happy. What is amazing to me is they are very good at making what they do look so effortless.

Now your looking at theses magazine covers while checking out of Pick nPay going … hmmm … Self doubting? Now what i think is important for you to realize that this model is doing her job.
What he’s/ her job description requires is casting signing to an agency and maybe getting the job here and there, i mean this also is if she has the said ‘look’ of course. Now while a model holds thumbs to get casting jobs they have to stay in shape and take very, very good care of their body. I mean tan lines best skin care products and hair, you name it. The things i see done to some women's hair for shoots and this would mean hot iron every day if need be.

So once said photo shoot is done there will always be the heated discussion of retouching. To what extend these digital fix up goes to is all dependent on job requirements.

When this end product of the magazine cover comes out and your walking past going *sighs* i could be better. Remember that getting to that idealistic image created by the media is not about the right diet or better life choices. Its a whole lot of other things which quite often leaves the average person all complex.

So i have pretty much scraped the tip of the iceberg on this topic. The reason i feel this is a important article to bring out is, i don’t only strongly admire the models i have worked with. I also I’m quite average looking and the more i dive face first into the media the more exited i become when discovering the reality of it all. This is my way of sharing with you one of the interesting lessons i have learned in this industry.

Here is a wonderful article i found i believe is a must read.
" The glossy truth: you will never look like a mag cover"
http://www.hlntv.com/article/2013/02/20/photo-retouching-magazine-cover-models

Great gift ideas this season

So weather you want to impress your spouse or get something for the family, i have a few ideas up my sleeve for gifts this festive season. You can get a voucher and surprise your loved one, or shoot before D-day and we put something together to print out.

Sounds like a good idea? I speak out of experience gifting photo's is a really unique way to present a thoughtful gift. A great way to gift the physical images is via a coffee table book which can cost anything from R300 upwards. When doing this myself i was concerned on the idea as to how would i give these photo's in a great tactile way. There are multiple printing options of course such as decorative block mounting to put up in the bedroom as well as your standard individual prints and multiple sizing options.

Being a photographer i cant help but to notice myself that we keep allot of our photographic lives in digital format as i do the same myself. So depending on your preference weather you like individually framed, mounted photographs or a book printed of a certain memory or collection  i would highly recommend prints. The prints wont disappear into the digital dome so fast. I personally find allot of memories get lost in digital format as hard drives crash or we simply forget where they have been placed.

A variety of photo shoot gift ideas i can think of. Family photo shoots work for loved ones and you can send prints to multiple family members, boudoir is always a winner. If none of these tickle your fancy you could do a make over photo shoot which involves make up artist, wardrobe advice and you get to leave with some cool photo's of yourself looking how you always dreamed.

Here's some other posts i found online with cool photo gift ideas, where you can people to enjoy the photo's you have on your computer. These are also a good ideas for those sneaky birthdays in January that are so close to December.


'26 Unique Photo Gift Ideas '

http://clickitupanotch.com/2012/11/unique-photo-gift-ideas/

 '5 Personalized Photo Gifting Ideas that can never go wrong '

http://www.couponraja.in/theroyale/5-personalized-photo-gifting-ideas-that-can-never-go-wrong/

Why should you Boudoir?

So here it is, why should someone do a boudoir photo-shoot.

For every person doing a Boudoir photo shoot it is a personal reason. From my side personally i believe it is an uplifting personal experience. People today are surrounded by media as commonly understood, with the likes of Facebook its always hard to keep up with the Jones's. So if you feel like life just wants to kick you down this is a experience of transformation and self beauty awareness.You get the chance to discover just how beautiful you are presented to yourself. With the simple unique tool, your body - our beautiful bodies are the most under valued tool of life which then effects us psychologically.

So therapeutic is a big factor. Something else and probably my favorite is the transforming side. This has always been a big thing for me. The few times in a woman's life this happens is her matric dance and wedding day. On the day of your boudoir you get to have a bit of celebrity day transformation all for yourself. Make up , wardrobe, pamper, pamper ... So there's allot to be exited about.

Now when it comes to getting your special someone a gift your running a blank with ideas. We have all done the lingerie or bake up a storm idea. Even going out to a lovely restaurant - it is very hard to be spontaneous when you've been in a long relationship. This is why i would highly recommend a Boudoir session. The great thing on doing a boudoir session with Miss Hepburn Photography (me :) ) is you can get your pictures bounded into a book. So the gift will be given in a form of a book and fears of leaking photo's onto the web are all gone!

Another great tip for the single and loving it ladies is getting a session done with a girl friend or two. Now each lady can take a turn in front of the camera while sipping on some bubbly and giggling away. Remember if you want to wear a blanket or over-sized shirt that's fine its not all about how much skin you can show, as the beautiful you can be shown without you having to bare it all.

I hope this motivates you to bucket list a boudoir shoot one day in the future if not now ;)

Boudoir Myths

So your not sure about Boudoir but you're surely are intrigued by the subject.

Your hit in the face by these myths that i think is important to put out on the table and discuss.

1# Boudoir is about porn and very tacky:
No its not, its about showing in a tasteful classy way how beautiful a woman is weather she is wearing lingerie or not. Your photographers portfolio should give you an idea of what type of end product they have to offer. I am always inspired by my clients individuality and what we are working with on set - weather its little props like jewelry or furniture.

2# this is only for skinny or fit women who are most likely supermodels.
Big NO! Boudoir is made for all shapes and sizes. The surprising truth is that even the professional models are allot more ordinary than you think. Sure so you think but their photogenic and know what they are doing. Try not to panic to much because i will guide you when were shooting. I understand what works in a photo and what is not so flattering on the body.

3# I have to be naked or wear lingerie
Most certainly not, If you would like to wear a large jersey or be wrapped up in bedding sheets it is entirely up to you on what you want to wear. This is your shoot, so if you have something in mind we can always discuss personal preferences. How brave you want to be on set is a entirely up to you.

4# Boudoir is for your significant other
Yes it is a fantastic gift idea, but this does not mean its not an option for single ladies. In-fact I've had a client who came in from a recently bad breakup. The shoot made her feel so much better about herself as a women. Boudoir is very self pampering, like the effects of a spa session as it leaves you with a feel good end result. It is all about you and feeling good about yourself as person as you create self recognition on your very important tool of life - your body.

5# Boudoir is dangerous
Really? Surely if you or a friend went to some dodgy photographer i completely understand this fear. Remember its about professionalism - unfortunately you do get cheepie photographers out there that make a bad reputation of this profession. If you come to me these images are completely a private matter between us. My imagery don't go online without clients permission. We can either shoot in your home or my private studio. With me its always about keeping you at comfort and ease. I work with a female team and when i say that its usually me & the make up artist. If it makes you feel better to bring a female friend with that's perfectly fine.

I hope this clears up all those funny thoughts that you've had, if theres any questions or concerns about doing a boudoir your most welcome to ask me.

You can see more of my boudoir collection on Pintrest :)
http://www.pinterest.com/miss__hepburn/miss-hepburn-boudoir/

My Recourses:
http://www.prettypleaseboudoir.com/blog/2014/06/3-myths-boudoir-photography/

http://ashleightaylorblog.com/boudoir-photography/5-common-myths-about-boudoir-debunked-and-an-exciting-announcement/

Does a photographer scare you ?

So, you've got  this idea that you really would like to get professional photo's taken that you can frame and put on your walls or a coffee table booklet. What ever your personal reason may be you cant help but to feel insecure of the camera.
Ive found some people as well as my own first time experience that you cant help to get a bit of stage freight in front of the camera. Here's a few possible reasons why professional photography may scare you.

• This huge camera comes out*BOOM* its in your face, all eyes on you.
• If its a studio session there's these crazy obscure lights everywhere and your thrown totally out of your comfort zone.
• Your convinced you are not photogenic, i can relate to this one and at times its a psychological thing.
• There also may be a specific feature you have you despise, my advice is to let your photographer know your uncomfortable with (for example) your arms. This way they know what to look out for.
• How are you supposed to pose?
• what should you wear?
• Maybe if you go on a diet & exercize more youll look better, should this not help?

Ok now your minds racing - close the laptop, lets scrap the idea because your convinced you don't look good in photographs anyways...

Here's a secret i can tell you. Its the photographers responsibility to make you look & most importantly feel good. (well this is how i approach my work) When i have a client to shoot i always converse with them to make them feel at ease. I make sure my client is comfortable and answer any question they may have. If the photographer makes you feel uncomfortable its not a relationship worth keeping, you should enjoy your photo-shoot thoroughly!
So if you are terrified of looking bad in photo's its time to let go and understand that the photographer should be professionally equipped with the skill to give you the unforgettable pictures your looking for. let go of your fear and trust the professional.