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Monday, March 25, 2013

Holding Out...

I am going to let you in on a secret I have been keeping. 

 I have been holding out on myself. And you. And my work.  

Please allow me to explain.  

Since I started my business three and a half years ago (and likely even before then),  I have been comparing myself to other photographers and artists to decide whether my work was worthy of anyones trust.  Secretly hiding the fact that somehow some of these others have a "magic" that I don't.  A "secret" I don't know and quite possibly, might never know.  I have been holding back some of my favorite photos, thoughts and words because I fear they are less than perfect.  That somehow you will know that I don't have the "magic" or know the "secret" and will be outed.  Humiliated.  Failed.  

It has taken a bit of time but I have figured a couple of things out this past year about myself and my work.

1.  "Magic" does not come without authenticity.  Only in the moments that I am 100% authentic and honest with myself and my photography do I feel the connection between my soul and my work.  Showing my soul and the energy of the collaborative vision between my client and myself..THIS is magic.  Magic is not achieved trying to be someone I am not or someone who I think will be better than who I really am.  Scarred, flawed, simply "ok" does not always feel safe and I have been rejecting that part of myself (even though I encourage others to share their "flawed" selves).  I have been holding back my genuine self in fear of rejection and in doing so, I have been letting myself and my work down.  


2.  There is no "Secret".  If I was forced to tell you of such a secret, I would say it is comprised of hard work, raw talent, practice and authenticity.  God blessed so many people with these gifts which in itself, is a gift.  I embrace the beauty of others work and talent and find such beauty in the camaraderie of others with a shared passion.


3.  I am an artist first and foremost and in saying this I realize people will not always agree with my idea of beauty.  Some may not always think a picture I took is technically perfect or perhaps not something worth sharing with you but guess what?  In order not to stifle myself and in order to grow as an artist...I need to be my self regardless of how IMPERFECT I am!  



Whhhaaaaatttt?????

Yup.  I said it and from now on, imperfect, genuine and creative is what I strive to be above all else with my work so I am gonna let er' rip.  You will begin to see more of MY favorite images not only what I think others might want me to share because they are more "perfect".  




This is the only way the artist can continue to create without the world and media telling us what is "beautiful" what we "should" create and what people "ought to" respond to.  
I refuse to conform.

Ultimately, I am choosing raw and genuine over perfect which is great with me because of all things I know to be true, this is the truest...

Perfect is boring!

Thanks for coming along for the ride.  







Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Andrea + Mark = Married!



"If you live to be a hundred, I want to 
live to be a hundred minus one day 
        so I never have to live without you."         
-A. A. Milne
________________________________________________

I LOVE weddings.  

The love, the hope, the anticipation, the mystery.  
The dresses, cake and flowers.  
THE PARTY!!!

 I truly love it all.

So you can imagine how lucky I must have felt to be contacted by the gorgeous Andrea to photograph her beautiful wedding to her love of six years, Mark. 

They were sweet, easy going, very photogenic and a lot of fun and did I mention, WONDERFUL people!

God has certainly blessed this special couple and I felt such peace and love throughout their amazing wedding.  
They could not keep their eyes off one another and the love from family and friends surrounding them was palpable.

Congratulations again to Andrea and Mark.

May God continue to bless your marriage and love for one another!

XO-M

TIP:  if you click on the first picture you can scroll through and view them much bigger/better!  


































A special thanks to Kristine Ko for her assistance and great second shooting during this wedding!

XO-M


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Fine Art of Boudoir Photography



 So, what is Boudoir Photography and why should I choose Smooch Photography for my photo shoot?

     Boudoir, pronounced “boo-dwahr” or “boo-dwa” is an old word, specifically dating back to the Victorian era and it was used to mean a lady’s bed chamber, drawing room or suite of rooms. Boudoir’s were typically only found in homes of the very rich, powerful, and well known.

The movie, “Marie Antoinette,” starring Kirsten Dunst as Marie frequently shows her in what would have been considered her boudoir. In this day in age, boudoir has become known to describe a variety of different things including certain types of furniture, clothing, and a genre of photography. 
The word "Boudoir" also means "To Pout".  

Pretty accurate description, right? 

   Boudoir photography can be but is not necessarily meant to be overly erotic, or revealing. Every woman is different and depending on overall effect desired, choose various levels of coverage ranging from modest to fully nude.  

You do not have to be a model, a size 4 or even in the best shape of your life for a sexy, empowering boudoir session. In fact, it's just the just the opposite.  

Boudoir photography is meant to capture a woman’s femininity, power, sensual nature and true beauty as she is in her current state. In many cases, it can be used as a self confidence boost, to capture the woman as she is at that very moment. Many women do have a time in their lives where they feel they are at their pinnacle of success and beauty or perhaps are longing to see themselves as more beautiful or sensual.  

The right kind of boudoir photography can do just that, and more... 




Often, boudoir photography is done as a gift for a significant other prior to a monumental occasion. Be it a surprise gift to her husband on their wedding day, after the wedding while on their honeymoon, Wedding anniversary, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or many other different  occasions.  

Some women also use it to mark a milestone in their lives, a big birthday, to celebrate body after baby, weight loss, recovery from illness, surgery or just because she feels wants to celebrate herself.  
(my favorite reason of all :) 


Boudoir photography should be fun, artful, elegant, classy, and tasteful and most importantly reflect YOU.  

Your photographer should know how to pose you to flatter your best assets, light you with expertise and make you feel VERY comfortable, relaxed and safe throughout the entire session! You should also expect your photographer to work with you to make your images one of a kind and to send the message that you wish to send. 

Boudoir photography is not easy or intuitive for everyone and can take years for a photographer to master.  Please do not trust just anyone with this valuable experience, be sure and do your homework and choose the right photographer.  Look at a variety of portfolio pictures.  Ask questions.  Talk directly with the photographer and most importantly be sure you like the person who will be photographing you! The connection and trust between the client and the photographer is key!

Generally, boudoir photography is done in a photography studio, the comfort of your own home, a luxury hotel or bed & breakfast, and on some occasions can be arranged to be done in a secure outdoors location as shown below.  

 
 Smooch Photography is committed to the fine art process of Boudoir Photography and will ensure your images to be a gorgeous, sensual, timeless and one of a kind representation of you.  

We shoot primarily in our private and high end home studio (with very experienced, female photographer, make up artist and hair stylist) but we are always happy to help you book a hotel room or do the shoot in your lovely home!  Psst....there is always great champagne & music too ; )
If you book a boudoir session with Smooch Photography, we will spend time getting to know you and guide you along every step of the way with wardrobe/lingerie selection and styling along with on location make up and hair.  

Michele (Photographer and owner of Smooch Photography) is highly skilled at posing women and makes them feel comfortable by always ensuring that they never feel lost or unsure what to do.  We will show you every pose every time and you will look and feel amazing!  

Making YOU our first priority with a comfortable, fun and sexy session is our only mission!  You will have a great time, receive stunning images and your session will be a memory you will never forget!

Ultimately at Smooch Photography, our goal is to create images that you are stunned by, emotional about and proud enough to enjoy and share with your loved ones for a lifetime.

Are you ready to celebrate the fabulous woman you are right NOW?  

We can't wait to celebrate right along with you... 

Trust us...you are PERFECT!