The No Lookin' Zone -- Where to Look During Your Photoshoot

Today in our continuing series on how to get the most out of your boudoir photosession, we cover the eyes.  Not literally of course as that would be counter-productive, but we will discuss and illustrate what you can and shouldn't do with your eyes so far as where to look.  Many of our clients feel awkward and clueless as to what to do when they first get in front of the camera, and that is completely natural!  They don't know how to stand, what to do with their hands, where to look, whether to smile, etc.  We guide you through all that of course, and even reading this you'll forget.  But this is a good backgrounder on why we tell you to do something and why you should avoid other things.

Normally photographers are peering through the back of their camera when they're about to take a shot.  Usually that is, but for a variety of reasons, not always.  

Clients have a hard enough time trying to figure out where to look when the photographer is behind the camera let alone when they're not.  Do you look at the photographer?  The camera?  Somewhere else?

The No Lookin' Zone

Well, in general its a good idea to vary your gaze to a number of locations.  You can look up, down, to the sides, at the camera, just about anywhere.  But there's a peculiar doughnut shaped "No Lookin' Zone" you should not look towards.  

In general, the No Lookin' Zone is hereby defined as a region somewhere in the vicinity of the camera.  The doughnut hole of the zone is where the camera is, and that's certainly ok to look at.  Keep in mind that the photographer is not doing the actual recording of the scene -- the camera is.  If the photographer steps away from the camera to take the shot, generally you avoid looking at him unless he specifically requests it, because there's a good chance he's in the No Lookin' Zone.  This "exclusion" zone extends a few feet around the camera (but does not include the camera itself).  When you look in the No Lookin' Zone, you look zoned OUT.

What do these individuals have in common?  They were looking at the No Lookin' Zone, resulting in a detached, vaguely disconcerting look.  Like the person is reading a cue card behind you or giving secret signals to someone else in the room to make bunny ears behind your head.  And trust me, it wouldn't be the first time for me.  Its not a particularly attractive look for photographs.  

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When looking away, there is a sense of intrigue and mystery.  It is a more artful visual statement because you're not engaging the viewer directly.  Its almost a tease; the viewer gets to enjoy the image surreptitiously.  Plus its a wonderful way to show off your beautiful eyes.

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When looking towards the camera, you make it personal.  Now its a direct enticement and challenge to the viewer.  The image becomes more sexually charged.

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Looking near the camera into the No Lookin' Zone simply results in a weird, zoned out look.

So remember to either look well away from the camera, or directly toward the camera, but never near the camera.  And no matter what, we at INFINI Boudoir will be there to remind and guide you to get the most flattering shots for you!

INFINI Boudoir

800-941-6640

Deciding a Modesty Level for your Boudoir Shoot

Men and women are wired differently in a number of ways.  It's generally accepted that men are a visually focused creature, and as nature would have it, women come adorned with a visually appealing form.  Win win!  This is why women figure so prominently as the subject of the visual arts.  Their form is universally accepted as a pleasing form to behold, and of course obviously so for men.

Women on the other hand tend to relate their sexuality in a more subtle way, appealing to a nuanced sensuality, and expressing desire with body language, gestures, and facial expressions, less so an overt appeal to their physical attributes.

It is this disparity of sexual portrayal that we at INFINI Boudoir sometimes find ourselves caught between.  Sometimes a husband will make the appointment for his wife and give us direction about the kinds of shots he's looking for.  Or sometimes we'll get a call or indication from his wife that he's looking for very revealing and sexy photos.  At the same time his wife will point out she is not very comfortable with the idea.

We're on Your Side!

It is very important that all our clients who step in front of our cameras understand that we are on their side.   We cannot be put in the position to exhort our client to go beyond her comfort level for a given photosession.  It puts us in a very awkward, unpleasant, and unethical position to do so.

We are open to all kinds of modesty levels from the most conservative to the most racy, sexy types of shots imaginable.  However our allegiance lies squarely on the preferences of the person in front of the camera.  That position is one of vulnerability and must be one of decisive personal conviction.  Our clients must feel comfortable and secure for the images to have their maximum impact and intended effect.

Mr. Sneaky Husband

One humorous incident of diverging preferences came to us through a client who, during the make up portion of her photosession, provided us with a stack of sample photos for us to review for her shoot.  Having consulted with her prior to the session, I already had a pretty good idea of what she was looking for.  The first few photos in the stack confirmed expectations for a fairly modest, artistic shoot, but somewhere along the line the sample photos diverged into a much more exposed, sexually oriented direction.  Thinking this was a little odd, I sought her confirmation that the far more revealing sample photos were correct, and she expressed surprise and embarrassment that her over-eager husband had slipped the photos into the middle of the stack.

                                            

It is important to us that couples are on the same page for the direction of the photosession.  The first question to ask yourself is who the final images are intended for.  Some women come to us of their own volition desiring to feel and look beautiful as a visual work of art.  In this case, we are interested in pleasing her sensibilities and capturing her vision.  Many women on the other hand come to us to give a very special gift to their husband or boyfriend.  Thus begins a more complex navigation of issues.

First, consider the target eyes will be his and not yours.  It is an unfortunate missed opportunity to go through the time, effort, and expense of a boudoir photosession and yet fail to meet his expectations.

When you know his expectations, its then a matter of bridging a compromise between what he may want and what you may be comfortable with.  This is an understanding that the two of you should come to resolution on; it is our policy to strongly resist advocating on his behalf in the modesty level of your photosession.

Alternatively, estimating his expectations is an important exercise in judgment when the gift is a surprise that he doesn't know about.  Will relatively modest shots underwhelm, or hit the mark?  Equally consider how more risque shots will be received and come to a decision on what you want your photoshoot to look like.

When you've given consideration to all these factors before the date of your photosession you will be much more resolved and comfortable with your decision which always provides the best possible results.  Regardless of the modesty level you choose, you will always be treated with respect and dignity in a non-judgmental environment at INFINI Boudoir.  We see the feminine beauty in all our clients and our mission is to use our artistic talents to capture your vision.

INFINI Boudoir

800-941-6640

An INFINI Boudoir Session Survival Guide for prospective clients, from a recent client "Tracy":

I recently had a boudoir photography session with Dario and I thought maybe I could help others by writing my thoughts down while they’re still fresh in my mind. I know I was incredibly nervous and had no idea what to expect. Maybe I can help others with that.

In the first place, if you’ve just booked yourself a session? You’ve just done yourself one of the biggest favors you’ll ever do. It will make you look at yourself in a whole new way. Just wait … you’ll see.

The first obstacle I came across was … what do I bring to wear?!? I’m not a girly‐girl and I hate shopping so I don’t have a lot of clothes. I have some decent work clothes but my after‐work attire is usually a man’s big shirt and a pair of sweat pants. As long as my underwear doesn’t have holes in it, I’m a happy camper and bedtime means throwing on an old football jersey. Not very photogenic. And let’s face it … these sessions are too expensive to consider buying new clothes too.

So I went digging. My significant other did a double‐take once upon seeing a photo of a woman wearing a suit jacket and nothing else. I’m sure you know what kind of look does it for your guy too. So that was a given. Then, because I usually hang around in a man’s shirt, I found one that was kind of filmy and brought that. A couple pairs of pretty underwear and a couple decent plunging bras and that was all I really needed. I felt bad that I didn’t have some sort of exotic lingerie but after seeing my pictures? I’m glad for what I was wearing … it was truly representative of me … not someone else. So that’s my first rule … be true to yourself and who you really are and what you really feel comfortable in. Depending upon how you wear it, just about anything can be sexy for pictures, I think.

The next hurdle was hair and make‐up. I’m not very good at those things either so I put myself in Kathy’s very capable hands. It seemed like it took forever. How could it possibly take that long to put a few swipes of make‐up on? The only directive I gave her was that I didn’t want to look highly made up … just be the best possible me that I could. But when she finally got done and I looked in the mirror? I was shocked … and scared! I thought for sure that someone was going to think I was channeling Tammy Faye Baker. But they kept assuring me that it would look perfectly natural in the pictures. Despite their reassurances, I was fully prepared to be disappointed when I saw my proofs. But no! It was perfect!

Maybe it did look like me on one of my better days and not my every day look … but there was no doubt that it was me … and not a Mary Kay fanatic. So rule #2 … trust Kathy.

Then we get to the posing. Much harder than it looks. Dario puts a lot of thought, effort, time and energy into getting it just right. He even invented a new phrase while I was there … “If it hurts, it works.” Some of those poses were downright uncomfortable and I thought they’d look it when the pictures were done. He kept telling me that it would end up looking natural and he was right … again.

But after viewing my pictures … I did learn something. The pictures I like the best are the ones that have me posed in a manner very similar to the way I’d ordinarily sit to watch TV or hold a conversation. So I kind of wish I’d gone more in that direction. For instance, I do office work. Maybe I could have brought my glasses into the picture or something, gone for the sexy secretary look. There was a bathtub there and I should have inquired about using it. I’m known for spending hours lounging in the bathtub. Here’s my suggestion in a nutshell … just as Kathy made me up to look natural and I wore clothes that were representative of my normal attire … perhaps you should try to have your poses build upon your real life situations.

One last thing. My very favorite picture has turned out to be one that was completely un‐posed. I was laughing at something (you’ll do a lot of that during your session!) and had my hand up by my mouth.

It’s a look you’d see me in 100 times a day … only I was looking better than ever, wearing my clothes in a sexy manner and otherwise posed to my best advantage. Just as I started out wanting … it is the best of my real self. I felt very awkward trying to move at all while he was posing and setting up the shots, so determined to be cooperative and get them just right but now I think that I should have relaxed a bit more.

To recap:

1. Wear what you’re comfortable in but make it sexy.

2. Trust Kathy. She’s a real artist with a make‐up brush.

3. Trust Dario. He sees things in his mind in ways you could never imagine.

4. Be yourself.

5. Last … relax and enjoy!

INFINI Boudoir
800-941-6640

World Imitates Studio, and Vice Versa

On occasion we'll get an artistic boudoir shot that is taken outdoors and somehow has a "fake" look to it.  The technique used may be unusual, causing a "studio-like" effect as if it was shot in a studio and manipulated to look like it was shot elsewhere.  Its not necessarily a bad thing if the shot was compelling but it can undermine the sense that the shot was indeed shot in the field.

This photo is one such example.  Shot with a time lapse effect, the water smoothed out over the duration of the exposure causing an unexpected "polished" effect, vaguely resembling our studio floor.

We were intrigued with the possibility that such an exquisitely beautiful image might be reproducible or at least emulated in the studio.  We're always looking for ways to push the boundaries of our abilities further.

In our considerations were creating at least some kind of plausible background.  A complex cloud and distant boat structure were possible, but not necessary to capturing the essence of the shot.  What was important for realism was emulating a distinct, glowing horizon.  The horizon is what gives the image a feeling of "depth".

I often mention to my students that as photographers we do not have the luxury that videographers have in conveying a sense of depth in a scene.  A great shot will have to capture that sense through careful composition of elements in the shot, as well as traditional camera techniques such as a wide aperture and careful focus.

Next was creating that mysterious water element.  While our floor did indeed provide the reflective glow captured in the original shot, we decided to try a technique that would give us the flexibility of different lighting options.  The result ironically is a look that resembles reality more than our original shot.  The "water" has a rolling, wave-like texture to it which is not reminiscent of the typical studio environment.

So oddly, our in-the-field shot looks vaguely studio-like, and our studio set up looks vaguely real.  The important thing is that both techniques result in very beautiful environments that can be used to complement the unparalleled beauty of the female form.

INFINI Boudoir
800-941-6640

Prepping for Your Shoot

Many of our clients actually worry that they will disappoint us or be disappointed at the results of their shoot.  They worry that the people we feature in our sample gallery are super-beautiful photogenic specimens of the human race and they couldn't possibly measure up.

The concept of being photogenic (we refer to a person's "photogenocity") is a real one, but our job as professional photographers is to tease out the natural beauty in ALL our clients.  We always get results but there are things you can do to increase the total number of awesome shots.

Beauty Within, Beauty Without

We have always felt that...

being full of life is more important than being strikingly beautiful.  

If you come to INFINI for boudoir photos, its already clear that you are abundantly full of life.  And pulling that inside life from you is part of the photoshoot process.  It's a personality thing, an interaction thing, a relaxing and letting the inner person come out thing.  That's our job.

And your job is to practice a few things that will help us get better shots of you.  First, get a hold of a few Victoria's Secret catalogs and study the photos inside.  They are a wonderful illustration of classic and contemporary feminine allure.

Hair is Sexy

Hair is one of the defining qualities of feminine beauty.  Notice there's a lot of playing with hair in Victoria's Secret images.  It's sexy, guys love it.  When we shoot, we ask you to run your hands through your hair.  RUN them through -- we take action shots.  Its motion, its movement, its exciting, its capturing the right moment when it happens.  HOT!

Curves are Sexy

Its the sexy curvy girl look, and women know how to do it.  Just not always on command.  So here's how -- pop the hip out to the side and drop your shoulder on the same side as that hip.  Move your arms in the air like you just don't care.  But we do, cos we're getting fabulous shots!

Looking Away is Sexy

When you do that, it looks like you're doing your own thing.  When guys look at your photos, it says you're sexy in your own world.  It gives them a visceral thrill, like they're catching you from behind closed doors.  Sexy!

Looking at the Camera is Sexy

When you do it in a sexy way.  You're not just looking at the camera -- you're looking through the camera -- at your mate looking back at you.  You are communicating with your eyes and lips -- you're looking with intensity, with desire -- you're saying come get me.  You squint just ever so slightly, like you have a slight headache, LOL.  Part your lips slightly, like you're about to tell him off.  If you can, practice raising an eyebrow, maybe a slight smirk.  SEXY!

We've just given you some helpful hints to help you get the best shots possible from your session.  Put them to use!  We look forward to getting some super sexy shots of you, and we have the highest confidence that we'll do just that.

Dario

INFINI Boudoir

800-942-6640

Photography and Sports, but Not Like You Think

We are all familiar with sports photography, the Sports Illustrateds of the world with great action shots of our favorite players doing what they do best. I admire the great shots I see that capture the players' emotions, their raw strength and skill.

But there is also another link between photography and sports. I find myself using certain analogies over and over when describing to a client or student what we're doing and why. I should warn the reader this post has a tongue in cheek sense to it. On the one hand, what I'm about to say is silly; on the other hand, the analogies are true, and illustrative.

Photography as Baseball

When I'm shooting a client or a model, I find it necessary to advise that there will be a few warm up shots I take over the course of the shoot to ensure the lighting and general environment looks good. No need to smile or pose for those, they are just technical "test shots". And after that, there will be lots of shots taken when we're on point. Why do I take so many? Won't one do? Snap and move on? Probably not.

If you have ever watched America's Next Top Model, you'll note that they shoot perhaps hundreds of photos of extremely beautiful women. Then when they're reviewing the shots, certainly there are lots of very nice photos, but at some point, everything aligns.

The hair waves just so, the fabric falls just right, the prop is in the most flattering, complementary position. The model's hand, her arm, her shoes... all ease into a natural and appealing position. And her expression... finally her expression captures the inner life of her personality, the intensity that penetrates and transcends a static image to captivate the viewer... forcing them to stop and look. She "pitches" her shots at me, look after look, while I tease and coax out her best throws. I'm swinging away as batter with a camera. Snap, snap, snap. Foul away, out to the bleachers...

The camera is a time capture machine. I dont have the luxury of the continuum of video, picking out the best moment from the reality presented. I have to snap it when it happens. And I miss. She pitches, I swing, and like most batters, there's a lot of missing. But at some point, she throws, I hit, and wow, home run. And when we hit that home run, then yes, time to move on to the next play.

Photography as Football

When I'm teaching a photography student, I'm often taken by the complexity of what I'm trying to explain. On the one hand, I have internalized an awful lot of subtlety and inter-related issues that affect each other. Sometimes its hard to pick a starting point; it sometimes feels like a big circular wheel of complexity. I can't explain this without first explaining that. And I can't explain that without discussing the other thing.

On the other hand, photography can at its most basic be reduced down to a fairly simple set of rules that can get someone grounded. Adding complexity from that point on is relatively easy once you understand the rules. Its not something that is easily understood by watching other people shoot, or by looking at great photographs. Someone essentially has to explain it to you, at some level.

I remember for years strongly disliking football as a sport of very large men beating each other senseless, then picking themselves up off the ground and doing it again. Until someone explained a few basic rules of the game -- the idea of first and 10, the idea of first down, the touchdown, the field goal, the defense, and the quarterback. SUDDENLY the game was enjoyable. No, I didnt understand all the nuances of the game, but now I could understand the progress of the game, why the players did what they did, and could even cheer along with everyone else when something identifiable good happened. But someone had to explain it to me. You can't really understand football by just watching the game.

And to get better at photography so that your shots progress beyond the odd lucky shot, someone at some point is going to have to explain to you the basic rules of the game.

And there is even a similarity between photography and boxing, if nothing else, in the phrase, "Stunning shot!" LOL.

Whether teaching students or shooting our INFINI boudoir clients, we always strive for "stunning shots" that leave a mark.

A Customer's Testimonial

We do understand that the INFINI Boudoir experience is a transcendent one, far beyond merely taking photographs of feminine beauty. For many if not most clients, it is an affirming, almost religious experience, deeply gratifying and uplifting.

It is testimonials like this that help us see our work as something more than just an exercise in the creation of beautiful art, but of touching someone's soul in a way that we never could have set out to do. We present to you Danielle's words of gratitude.

Dear Dario,

I’m not entirely sure where to start. It is the day after my photo session and I still find myself at a loss for words. When we were researching photographers and came across your website, I found myself immediately drawn to your photographs. As I told you when I met you yesterday, there wasn’t a single photo on your site that I didn’t like. However, going in, I hoped to have some good shots, but quite honestly, I figured that I am 43 with bulges and sags I didn’t have 20 years ago and therefore, I didn’t think my photos would be as good as those on the site. I’ve been happily married for19 years and I knew that my husband would really like for me to indulge and have these types of pictures taken and I really wanted to be able to give him this gift.

My husband asked me afterward, what the shoot was like. The only way I could describe it was to say that during the entire shoot I felt appreciated. From the time that Kathy started applying my makeup, through all the work you and Lisa did to stage the shots, through the time that you spent at the end of the shoot, I felt appreciated and valued.

Late last night we received the link to the photographs. With more than a little doubt in my mind as to how the pictures would look, we opened the link…and there they were.



Through the first four or five pictures that scrolled across the screen, I found myself surprised. I thought to myself…wow that one was really good, and then the next would scroll and I’d think, that was one pretty good too! I glanced over at my husband and he had the best smile on his face. I turned back to the screen and realized that all the pictures were absolutely amazing. As I watched shot after shot scroll on the screen,

I realized that you had created these amazing images (just like the ones on your website) with me…for me.

I have to admit, as I watched, I couldn’t help it…I wept. I could see the great smile that you kept talking about (you see it’s just my smile, I use it every day, what could be so great about it?). I saw all the things that you encouraged me on and complimented me on. I never think of myself as beautiful, mostly just average.

I believe you have a gift

and you found and captured so much of the essence of me. Of the 90 pictures we received, there wasn’t a single one that I didn’t like. Of course I liked some more than others, but seriously, I’m not sure that I have 90 pictures taken in the last 19 years that I can say I really liked. You were able to crush that in a few hours.

Thank you seems inadequate.

I want to take a minute and also thank your team. Kathy was absolutely amazing with the makeup and hair for the photos. When I saw myself in the mirror the first time, I actually thought to myself, I’m not sure who this person is. With my heavily lined eyes and false eyelashes (a first for this 43 year old!), I wasn’t really sure. I really had to step out and put my faith in the professional. What I saw in the photos was that it really was me there, under the shadow and lashes. Only, my eyes glowed and the expressions were more pronounced. The images were made more powerful by Kathy’s artistry, using my face as a canvas.—A million thank-yous Kathy!

Lisa wore many hats yesterday. I especially appreciated her coaching and encouraging throughout the process. I tell you, I passed my nursing boards, but nothing was more complicated than, pop your hip, but don’t bend your leg, keep your toe pointed at the camera…oh yeah, and smile! Her “styling” made each photo the most flattering they could be. Between Lisa and Kathy I knew that all of those little things would be caught; straight laces, hair lying just right. I could relax and enjoy the shoot, or just the ride around as she pulled the bathtub or couch with me on it! Thank you Lisa!

Your team is outstanding! It is no surprise to me that you have a 100% customer satisfaction. During the shoot, nothing is more important than the client. I feel honored and privileged to have the opportunity to experience this with your team. Since I really have no better words,

let me just say a heartfelt and grateful…thank you.

Danielle