Boudoir Photos!

I received my boudoir photos today from Danielle Biel of SkyeBlu Photography and I was truly speechless. I've never really enjoyed having my picture taken. As an overly critical Virgo and an artist with a background in classical illustration, I'm quick to notice flaws; even quicker to notice flaws on myself. I had an absolute blast with Danielle and felt comfortable and sexy and like a real woman. This was the best thing I could have done for myself just 2 weeks before my 30th birthday. I don't know if I will be able to wait three weeks to give this book to DH for our anniversary! ...but I'm gonna try ;-)

If anyone is thinking about having boudoir photos taken, even if it's just an inkling in the back of your mind, do it!!! Nothing about me is petite... except maybe my wrists. I'm 5'9" and a size 12. My legs are riddled with cellulite and spider veins from over a decade of playing youth soccer and then 6 years of working retail; standing for 10 hours at a time. I have lots of sun damage and acne scars. I learned that almost all of these don't even show up when there is fantastic lighting. And these aren't retouched!

Yes, it can be expensive. Especially if you account for any new lingerie that you buy... which I did. I wanted do get these done before our wedding, but it was seriously outside our budget. So, I socked away some money every month for a year to get these done and I am SO glad I did. With Danielle, professional hair and makeup is included. Along with a nice photo album and a 4x6 of every print. Also included are all of the negatives (she shoots film) and the images on a CD. Plus you get to use her amazing studio.

These are some of my favorites... that are... ahem... suitable for public viewing.

DH wore this cheesy dragon tie at our wedding reception.

Aretha Franklin's (You Make Me Feel Like) Natural Woman is stuck in my head.

"...you make me feel... like... uh... nat-tu-ral... WO-man. WOMAN!"

I ran these through a Photoshop action that I really like:

Black corset, burgundy nightie, black lace bra, thong, garter belt and thigh-highs are all from Fredericks of Hollywood. Red lace custom embroidered panties are from Personalized Presents. The black patent leather shoes and red satin shoes are from Zappos.com. The pearls are from Michaels (in the wedding decor section, sold as pearl garlands)

Once I got all of the photos, I ordered 2 photobooks for DH for his anniversary gift. One I ordered through Blurb in approx 11x8.5. The second book I ordered through Shutterfly because they had sent me a coupon for a free 8x8 photobook. So I made a second "travel book." Which worked out because DH travels a lot for work, so the travel book stays in his suitcase.