The Art of Boudoir

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

2012-01-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-26T00:37:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-30T18:59:00.001-08:00

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

2011-10-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

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

Boudoir Styles -- Which is Right for You?

2011-08-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

Part of the INFINI process of getting clients photos that are the right fit for them is to understand what kind of style they are interested in. Style in this context refers to a blend of "look and feel", and modesty level. Boudoir photography encompasses a wide range of styles, a continuous spectrum if you will. These are four of the more popular ones, though by no means the only ones:

Pin up

This is one of the classic, enduring styles in boudoir. Best epitomized by the nose art found on the sides of WWII bombers, they capture an almost cartoonish, whimsical look with a nostalgic flair. Make up is bold, with lavish eyelashes and deep luscious lipstick while hairstyles carry the retro rolls, pompadours, and beehives. With Marilyn Monroe style satin wraps and full body swimsuits and corsets, this look can be delightful and campy. They also tend to leave more to the imagination which can be an appealing option to some full figured clients.

Victoria's Secret

This is the title we give to the most common contemporary look -- beautiful, dramatic lighting highlighting facial features like cheekbones, glamorous smokey eyes, and provocative lips. Makeup is more subtle than pin up, but also richer in a more natural way. Hair is fluffed for a lush, beautifully messy just rolled out of bed look. Very sexy! Wardrobe usually involves some form of lacy lingerie but can also be implied nude, that is, nude or topless, but posed in such a way that nothing, or little is actually showing in the photo. Provocative and sexy without being too revealing.

Maxim/Playboy

Most people are familiar with what Playboy photos look like, but to describe them for our purposes -- lighting is definitely dramatic and carefully controlled for a high intensity look. Specifically, the body is lit to reveal, but additional lighting is used to provide enticing highlights on different parts of the body *especially* the hair which is fluffed full and lush. Location and setting is also a big part of the Playboy look; it is usually not shot against a simple white or black background, instead opting for an interesting environment. Maxim is generally shot in a similar way; the main difference between the two being the level of modesty.

Artistic

The prior three styles are an "intimate" form of photography. They are intended to be enticing and engaging to the viewer. It is essentially a "come hither" visual appeal. The woman frequently looks at the camera, or more accurately *through* the camera, to the intended viewer, attempting to communicate emotion and desire.

With a more artistic approach, the woman becomes more an objective form of beauty. That is, *anyone* can observe the resulting images and admire the transcendant beauty of the female form. It is not a personal appeal to an individual, but a more abstract and primal statement of art, like a Venus DeMilo, or a Birth of Venus. The images may focus on parts of the body and perhaps not even include the face, resulting in anonymous and stunning works of art worthy of a museum wall.

A typical INFINI Boudoir shoot can often wander through a variety of related styles but we find it helpful to understand what the client is visualizing when they come to us for a photosession. Having a sense of visual style and modesty limits allows us to hit the client's target and maintain our 100% customer satisfaction record.

The Realm of Fantasy Art

2011-06-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

This is an art category that wanders into the surreal -- extra-terrestrial landscapes with sometimes vivid colors, whimsical realizations of timeless myths, and completely unique, dreamy interpretations of pure fantasy. It is a specialized category of the visual arts, promulgated by masters of the realm. There are many realms of the arts I admire, and this is no exception.

The combined power of digital photography and software such as Photoshop provide easy passage into this realm. This is one of those arenas that are easy to enter, but quite difficult to master. Many a photographer has pushed the boundaries of "normal" photography as a rite of passage in exploring the capabilities of editing software. Indeed, its almost unavoidable, since learning such powerful tools requires testing the extent of their control. It is during this process of exploration that a photographer comes to a definitive decision -- are they purely a photographer, or a "digital artist"?

The former is concerned with making the most of what the camera can capture. Photoshop is not verboten, but is used to enhance the power of the image which at core represents a decidedly "real" scene. A digital artist on the other hand is almost a painter using technology as a canvas, palette, and brush. Restrained only by their imagination, the digital artist transfers that which has already been conceived in their minds without limitation. Digital artistry does not come without penalty however. Where a photography-minded artist might set a scene and capture potentially hundreds of images, a digital artist's production is significantly more modest, perhaps a handful of images or less of a certain type or scene. It is painstaking work, crafted with care and precision.

Years ago, I decided to focus on being the best boudoir photographer I could be, leaving behind my attempts at digital art. My market generally prefers many beautiful images rather than a handful of highly processed works, but there does exist a certain fantasy-oriented clientele which desires and appreciates the surreal and elaborate. Recently a couple of clients requested fantasy type images which now fall outside my typical style. Doing anything outside your comfort zone can always add a bit of adrenalin and anxiety to your day, but I'm gratified to say that the results were stunningly beautiful. I'm grateful to be given the opportunity to expand my domain a bit, though I plan to stay well grounded in the realm of the traditional photography of feminine beauty.

Nevertheless, if a client has a desire for this sort of thing, clearly INFINI can deliver the goods.

INFINI
800-941-6640

What If I Want to Shoot REALLY Sexy Photos?

2011-03-27T20:29:00.001-07:00

It does depend on the photographer of course. Certainly you can't go to a Sears Portrait Studio and ask to do Playboy style shots. After turning red they would politely ask you to leave and threaten you with security if you didn't.

But aside from the standard policies of retail photographers, professional photographers operate more on the basis of personal limits. Some photographers won't shoot nudes or Playboy style images (or beyond for that matter), some will. If they don't have a formally stated policy on their website, you'll have to judge from the content of their portfolios whether to even ask.

At INFINI Boudoir, it is our position that it is inappropriate to suggest a certain level of nudity to our clients. On the contrary, each client has their own comfort level and for a positive photoshoot experience, the client needs to be the person that sets the tone for the shoot. We have found as well that a client's comfort level may change during the course of the shoot and they may decide to do more risque shots. In order that we meet our client's expectations, we always ask what their modesty level is.

Some thoughts to consider for your own shoot:

Getting What You Want

You don't do a boudoir photoshoot every day, and it doesn't come cheap, so you should walk away with the shots you want. If you want super sexy shots, you should say so. Remember, it is inappropriate and borderline unethical for a photographer to suggest shots of this type to a client, so it is up to you to indicate if you want them.

You Are Not Committed

You can change your mind either way, even at the photoshoot.

At INFINI Boudoir, we strive to capture the client's vision whether they want to shoot in a shirt and jeans, nothing at all, or anything in between. And we always apply our artistic brand of photography to the process.

Dario

INFINI Boudoir

800-941-6640

The Power of Black and White

2011-03-26T06:01:00.000-07:00

Color is an interesting component of our vision. The ability to see color is like salt and spices on our food, providing an explosion of visual flavor. We experience this every spring when the grey shades of dead landscape bloom into the vivid hues of colorful flowers and vibrant green foliage. We've enjoyed the universal availability of color photography since the 1950's (though experiments in color photography had been going on since before the turn of the century).

But our common visual experience of the 1940's and before is through a black and white filter. We see the quaint history of a simple and sometimes gritty America through a nostalgic lens. Common scenes were filled with meaning and drama, or alternatively were imbued with a certain campy charm, often seen in old carnival photos.

A cache of color photos from the 40s floated across my email recently and I began looking through them with interest. The initial intrigue of seeing a more accurate representation of what old America looked like eventually gave way to a certain disillusionment. What I had become accustomed to as a beautiful era of hardy, hopeful Americans in drab clothes driving charmingly antique retro vehicles was actually a very ordinary, every day reality. The beauty of nostalgia it turned out was conveyed in the shades of grey.

Color was like a harsh light, exposing the almost contemporary mundaneness of their lives. Old America was minted, idealized, and glorified in the drama of black and white imagery. We created an alternative visual memory of our history which was greater than the reality. The mundane was augmented to the height of drama through the removal of color.

Color is in a sense, a distraction. Relating back to the food analogy, it is like ordering filet mignon and dousing it with ketchup. Not that there's anything wrong with ketchup -- fries without ketchup is almost a travesty! But the complexity of a fine steak, or a powerful image, can be undermined with the distraction of color. And hence, black and white imagery is still with us today despite the obvious technological advancement of color.

To be sure, black and white is not a cure-all for injecting drama where there is none, or forcing "artistic interpretation" on a patently bad image. But for some images, their true power is revealed when the mantle of color is removed.

We at INFINI sometimes incorporate a process where the essence of black and white is entreated into an image though a color tone remains. It is a blended treatment that enhances the drama but also provides a hint of visual "flavor", a pleasing compromise between the vibrancy of color and the mystique of black and white.

Dario

INFINI Boudoir

800-941-6640

Getting the Most out of Your Session

2011-02-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

By now you've surely heard about our 100% customer satisfaction record. Its one we're very proud of and we try very hard to keep that record. Because its definitely not as impressive to say a 98% customer satisfaction record. We'd hate to have to explain that a handful of women were not happy with their shots. And because we love what we do, we don't want to live with that knowledge of failure.

Our shoots have a consistent level of success because its a team collaboration. And YOU'RE the star! You have to work with us to create the beauty that we capture. Here's how:

Send us a headshot and full length shot of yourself

The headshot helps our makeup & hairstyle team know how to plan for your shoot. More on that in a future post! What I *can* tell you as photographer is that a full length, clothed shot of yourself is a tremendous help for the success of your shoot. There are all kinds of body types -- different heights, different flexibilities, different body proportions, different skin tones. We've shot every kind of body type but we prefer not to be surprised. Our best work comes from knowing in advance what we're going to do.

Not every pose works for everyone. Knowing in advance how well your body is likely to bend in certain directions or if you have exceptionally long legs (or not) allows us to visualize the *right* kind of poses for you. There is still plenty of room for unique, playful, natural moments that are all your own of course but a good starting point goes a long way towards a productive session. We spend less time compensating and de-emphasizing things on the fly that we were not prepared for, and more time shooting super flattering shots because we had already planned for them. Win-win!

Lighting, too, is heavily dependent on the person in front of the camera. A certain kind of lighting that creates dramatic images on one person can make another person look much older than they are. A different kind of lighting that softens and removes age can make another person look much heavier than they are! You've heard how the camera adds 10 lbs? Well, only if you pick the wrong lighting! Clearly, we want to prepare the right kind of lighting for you rather than be scrambling to change things during your session. The more time we have to prepare for you, the more time we'll have to get fabulous photos!

Which brings us to the last point. We've created a number of packages to fit every budget and every need. We are flexible enough to create custom packages for those who want very specific sessions. No problem! However, a consistent rule of thumb in photography is, the more time you have to shoot, the better your shots will be. There are many reasons for this phenomenon including things such as your initial comfort level, time spent changing the environment, and yes, time spent working with you to get the most flattering angles and poses for you.

Don't Skimp on your Session!

Our most economical package provides for 1 hour of shooting time. This may seem like a lot, but you'd be surprised how fast that goes. We can get up to 40 great, sorted/final shots in that time, but that presumes you are natural in front of the camera and there are no major lighting or posing obstacles to overcome for your particular body type. If you feel for some reason you are a "challenging" subject, for example you feel you have rarely or never liked any photo of yourself, believe that you are not our only client who has felt that way. THAT is, in fact, why they come to us. Because our photos are often the FIRST ones they've ever felt truly beautiful in.

But the reality is, this kind of beauty does not come quickly, easily, or cheaply. Time is a factor in producing truly magnificent shots. And it would be a disservice to you if you feel this way, to book our shortest session. We *want* to create beautiful photos for you, but be cognizant that the more time we spend with you, the better your photos will be. You will still be amazed at your photos with our Reggie package, but you dont know what you're missing with a longer session. If you feel the camera doesn't love you, our cameras will. But they will love you MORE the longer you are in front of them, so definitely consider booking a longer session. After all, most clients only do this once. You might as well get the most out of it.

The Make Up Artist Speaks!

2011-01-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

There is nothing I appreciate more as an artist than to witness another great artist in action. I get to experience this every time I walk into Dario's studio! The man just has vision!!! We have worked together for many years now and as a result, I have a huge respect for the professionalism, vision, and unending creativity that Indy's best boudoir photographer brings to the table with every shoot.

While not particularly catering to the young super model types, I feel we, as a team, excel at finding the beauty in EVERY woman and bringing that out of them from the time they walk up the stairs to the final shot at the end of the day.... from sharing playlists on iPods to bringing out the very best of them with makeup and hair....making sure that every concern is addressed and every asset is played up to its utmost potential... well... we just have a lot of fun!!!!

I recently had the opportunity of being in front of the camera lens while this man of genius captured what I hoped to be a very personal and reflective side of me that no one else has ever been able to capture before. You see....I HATE being in front of the camera. It is usually very uncomfortable for me but I needed great shots for my business cards and website. In a nutshell, we had so much fun that afternoon and the shots, as a result, are more than I could have ever hoped for! Dario made me look and feel like a million bucks!!! He made it so easy for me and it showed...

We have made so many friends over the years and it speaks volumes when a huge percentage of your business is based upon referrals.... Bottom line... ALL women are beautiful... Dario is just a master at finding your personal beauty and transferring it onto photo paper. I LOVE being a part of this team... Dario ROCKS!!!!

- Kathy

Faces by KLM

The ART of INFINI Boudoir

2011-01-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

We've decided to create a new type of package catering to those clients who are more artistically minded. The reality is that there are many different ways to shoot the female form. Boudoir is a category with multiple sub-categories -- things like Victoria's Secret style glamour, pin-up, Playboy, etc. But the artistic realm is a different direction. Its intent is less oriented towards the provocative and sexy, and more towards the classics.

Focusing on form, substance, and story telling, such creations require some thought and collaboration with the client. We become less interested in lots of sexy shots, instead focusing on a small number of "concepts". Each concept is pre-conceived and developed with story elements. Considerations include the client's body type, incorporation of the client's interests and preferences, and constructing the "scene". Sometimes this means selecting a suitable location that provides the correct ambiance for the concept. Other times, the scene is more abstract and can be effectively constructed in the studio.

Photographic art is something that can hang on a wall and be objectively admired and appreciated by many viewers. It stands the test of time. Achieving this requires some painstaking effort. Many shots are taken with small adjustments along the way to adjust and perfect the various elements in the shot. Each shot is an improvement towards a final image where all the elements finally come together in harmony. Having captured that piece, we move on to the next concept. In practice, 2-5 concepts are about all that can be achieved for the normal working duration of a session. Beyond that someone starts to get giddy and the intensity and productivity of the process wanes.

Your take away is a fraction of shots from our regular INFINI boudoir sessions which can number 150 or more beautiful images. But each of the handful of artistic images will be a masterpiece in its own right, admired by multiple generations, family, and friends alike. And included with the Sanders package is a 16x24 canvas print ready to make a bold statement on your wall. Fabulous!

New Referral Program Announced!

2010-11-16T06:01:00.000-08:00

We've finally formalized a definitive referral program. For years, we've cultivated a word of mouth presence in conjunction with our regular advertisements. Our clients have been so universally pleased with the results of their photoshoots that they've broadcast their satisfaction far and wide to all their friends and co-workers. We have of course been grateful to them for their referrals and now want to show that gratitude with an incentive plan.

What You Get

Now when you refer a friend to us and they book their own session, you both get an 8x10 of your favorite print! After three booking referrals you get a framed, matted 16x24 wall portrait ready to hang! An astounding $559 value! And ladies, after 10 referrals you reach our INFINI VIP Super Star status!

That entitles you to your own REPEAT SESSION with professional hairstyle & makeup AND a beautiful 10x10, 20 page album of your incredible photos, absolutely FREE, as a thank you for being our own INFINI Super Star! Altogether the referral rewards total over $1700 of value ABSOLUTELY FREE!!

The truth is, ladies, that subsequent sessions ALWAYS result in even better photos than the first session. The reason is that as an experienced pro, you know how we conduct our sessions. You know what to expect. You're familiar with the magical transformation that happens when the fans blow your hair just right, the fabric flutters in just the right way, the lights fire at just the right moment. You "get into the moment" rather than worry if you look silly or if the outfit is flattering on you. So a follow up session with the included album will result in artwork worthy of museum walls! A wonderful gift as a thank you from the INFINI team!

How it Works

Simply have your friend enter your name in the special instructions section of the booking form and its as simple as that!

When you shoot with INFINI, you become part of our INFINI team of beauty specialists, spreading our special brand of glamour far and wide!

Why INFINI?

2010-10-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

Boudoir photography has been around for a very long time. Probably since the day someone put together a small box on a tripod with a sheet of film inside, they've been taking elegant photos of women. Not surprisingly, photographers who specialize in this arena can be found in just about every city and town.

So when you are looking for the right photographer for you and you see that the INFINI team conducts a roving national tour, traveling city to city providing boudoir photo services, the question might arise -- "Why INFINI"?

Well, there are three MAJOR, serious, no kidding, for realz, very important reasons!

Posing Guidance

ALL our clients come in nervous about their session for different reasons. A recent client admitted it wasn't running around in her underwear that made her nervous, it was whether she would be able to look sexy and pose right. And I was frankly surprised at that. "Thats the EASY part!", I said.

All women are beautiful and have a natural feminine sense to them, but lets face it, not all women are naturally lithe and physically sultry especially under the scrutiny of a lens. Hence you will often see in other photographer's portfolios shots of women that look awkward or uncomfortable.

That is a major difference to our approach. We don't just throw you in front of the lens and let you go to it. Fashion models might be comfortable with this photo session technique, but we don't shoot fashion models typically. We shoot every day housewives, girlfriends, and single ladies who just want to look pretty. And we guide them into poses that look natural and sensual for them. I'm not saying the poses ARE comfortable. In fact, our photo sessions give our clients an appreciation for the rigors of modeling. Its hard work! You probably will be sore the next day. Its been said that "modeling is pain" -- the poses look comfortable from that angle! That doesn't mean they are comfortable; they may be quite awkward and feel ridiculous. But rest assured, from the angle we are shooting, the shots are absolutely fantabulous!

Professional Hairstyle & Makeup

We know what a difference high quality makeup and hairstyle makes. Sure you're beautiful and yes you are comfortable as a natural girl, but so are Hollywood celebrities. Yet you don't see them wandering around the set or some high profile function like they just walked out of the shower, do you? Oh yes, sometimes you do. And we know what they really look like when their unfortunate candid snapshots are plastered all over the tabloids.

EVERYONE can benefit from professional hair and makeup. It makes a huge difference! A lot of photographers won't bother with it or will offer it as an option. Not the INFINI team. In fact, that's why we're a team. ALL our packages include hair and makeup. We think our photo sessions are a very special event in your life that you don't get to do very often. This is not a hair appointment you do every month, or a movie or restaurant outing. This is a boudoir photo session, and we want you to look your very best.

YOU Own the Photos!

Copyright can be a confusing concept, but it is a common practice for photographers to retain copyright to the images they shoot. This is why you see the photographer's brand on the prints you receive. It is essentially a notice to the salesperson at the local print shop that the image you want copied is copyrighted and cannot be legally reproduced.

At INFINI Boudoir, we give you full license and copyright to the images. You are free to do as you wish with them. Copy them, distribute them, SELL them. We are at odds with much of the industry. We don't care. You are the subject in the images and your rights, privacy, and discretion are part of what you are buying with our photo session.

In fact, we do brand our prints, but only because we want everyone to know where you got your fantastic photos. You get a disk of all the images in full resolution with the license release RIGHT ON YOUR DISK so you can make as many prints as you like. Print 'em big, print 'em small, print 'em all!

Book your session TODAY, you won't regret it!

The Redhead Speaks!

2010-10-10T05:20:00.000-07:00

A number of people have asked who the redhead is that seems to recur on my website. Her photos are strewn about the INFINI gallery and now appears standing next to me in our "Contact Us" photo.

Well, her story is interesting and I've asked her to put it in her own words. So I introduce to you, Lisa Marie!

Deciding to have your pictures taken professionally can be nerve-wracking, whether it is a simple portrait headshot, or a full blown glamour boudoir session. Being involved in community theater much of my life, I was not new to headshots. Finding a photographer with the talent and skill to be able to capture a professional looking headshot, as well as glamorous boudoir pics led me to 2 months of research here in the Indianapolis area before I settled on contacting Dario.

Photography, much like all of the arts, has always been an interest of mine. Looking through the galleries on Dario’s website, I was immediately drawn into the stories he is able to tell through his work. As an actress, that speaks volumes to me. I don’t want to just look at a ‘picture of me’, I want to look at a photo, and be able to see the story the person and scenery tells. Dario’s work does just that. In every picture, he tells a story and leaves you wanting to see more.

So after consultation with Dario about what I was to bring, the shots I wanted, all the details, the day came. Dario and his makeup artist Kathy were pros at making me feel absolutely beautiful and comfortable right off the bat. I love to be pampered and I can honestly say I TOTALLY ate it up! We were able to go through various looks and Kathy did an amazing job making me look spectacular! As if that wasn’t enough, a few days later when I received my link to the images, I was blown away at what I was looking at. He had not only managed to capture me, but in every picture I saw the ‘story’ that I was so impressed with from his other work.

Because I am in marketing in my day job, and I still am very involved in theater, I do have a need to have recent pictures of myself. The choice to work with Dario again was a no brainer – when you find the best, you don’t want to let go of it!
Becoming Dario’s assistant was a humourous ‘happen-stance’…as we would shoot, I recall jokingly telling him he “needed an assistant” as I watched lights topple over (on accident) or while he changed the background paper (which is clearly a 2 person job!!), or running to the store because he needed batteries…because clearly, there were some jobs it was handy to have another set of hands for. I mentioned I also do freelance “admin” work for various business on the side – and if he ever needed help, let me know, he immediately asked if I had an interest in learning photography. Well, what I don’t know about photography, I more than make up in marketing, sales, and admin skills. I have been Dario’s assistant about 2 years now, and every shoot is fulfilling for all involved. Whether you are in front of the camera, or a ‘behind the scenes player’, like myself, working with Dario is a fulfilling experience.

Dario outshines others in his field with his level of professionalism, creativity, and respect for beauty. When you choose to work with Dario for your images, you are not just choosing “some guy with a camera” to shoot pictures. You are choosing a team of individuals who give 150% each and every time for YOU. And we love it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To add a few thoughts of my own, I do find that clients are so amazed by our award winning imagery that they become part of our permanent fan base. Some have become friends, and on occasion like Lisa Marie, they join the team.

World domination is still a long ways off, but we're headed in the right direction.

~ Dario

Pink Ribbon Connection Breast Cancer Fundraising Calendar Released!

2010-09-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

Months in the making, the Pink Ribbon Connection 2011 calendar has debuted at the Girls Night Out Health and Beauty expo with smashing success! The proceeds go toward helping the medically underserved because as Pink Ribbon Connection's mission proclaims -- no one should face breast cancer alone.

In the spirit of fighting this terrible disease, the INFINI team felt a calling to reach out to this community of fighters -- women who refused to give up, whose spirit remained resolute in the face of adversity, and who were handed undue burdens to bear. These courageous women have faced the double threat of facing life and death issues while at the same time grappling with their feminine identity as women.

At INFINI, we have recognized for some time the ability of our photography to affirm and uphold the essence of the female spirit. Our inspiring imagery is not only beautiful to behold, but has a deeply uplifting effect on our client's psyches. They come to us with an apprehensive sense of inadequacy and leave with an indescribable giddiness and joy.

It was at this realization that we conceived of the notion of this fundraising calendar with a similar double-pronged purpose: to raise funds to help this community of survivors, and to bring a psychological boost to their spirits. That their beauty and value as women transcends the physical body and triumphs over personal adversity. A woman is beautiful not because of societal definitions of ideal curves, but because of the essence of the feminine spirit and the universe of powerful qualities it encompasses.

And why did Pink Ribbon Connection accept INFINI as the photography team for this task? Because of our unique ability to capture that feminine spirit in all women, regardless of age or any other factors:

"Dario Infini is a master at capturing the beauty of women. He is able to work his magic and show us both the inner and outer beauty of these twelve survivors. The women in this calendar felt pampered and comfortable as they worked with Dario to get the perfect shot to fill these pages. Thank you to Dario Infini for his patience, sensitivity and deep appreciation for the female gender as a whole and these lovely “calendar girls”, in particular. Dario has a gift and we are so thankful he shared his amazing talent with Pink Ribbon Connection." - Dori Sparks-Unsworth, Executive Director, Pink Ribbon Connection

Our model-survivors varied in age from 38 to 79 years young! Their inspiring messages have been included with their photos with a common theme centered around faith and strength, creating an emotional and inspiring visual journey throughout the whole year. You can buy your own calendar on Pink Ribbon's website.

You too can be a part of this campaign by joining us in our support of this worthy organization. For every session over $500 booked in October 2010 we will donate 10% of the proceeds to Pink Ribbon Connection. Now you can feel good for supporting Pink Ribbon while feeling good about getting your own calendar-worthy photos! Book your session here.

Stop the Insanity and Take Better Photos!

2010-09-24T22:13:00.001-07:00

Today, a post not about boudoir but about how to improve your own photos.

Like all technology, cameras have steadily improved in quality while dropping in price over the years. Today's point and shoot pocket cameras can pack 12 megapixels and higher and even detect blinking eyes and smiles! Their intelligence is truly amazing but they have yet to replace the human brain. That's why no matter how intelligent cameras get, there will always be a place for professional photographers like myself. Great photography is not a trivial matter and there are a lot of factors to juggle *simultaneously* while framing a great shot.

Easy Trick to Better Photos

There is one relatively simple trick towards getting better photos a lot of the time. I often see people taking photos with their SLR cameras, a nice modern piece of equipment. The light at the time is not the brightest, and I see the little pop-up flash on the camera come out. I watch the photographer look on the back of the camera and they work hard to hide their confusion and disappointment that the photo didnt come out nearly as well as they had hoped.

The reason is they assume the camera has enough brains to do the job -- they simply put the camera on auto and it should work. But the reality is that the camera makes some assumptions about how to take the shot which may well not be what you had in mind. The assumption they make is to take a good enough shot that you are unlikely to call customer service to complain about it. But a "good enough" shot more often than not does not make for a *good*, or artistic shot -- the kind of shot you hoped to get when you decided to shell out money for a higher grade camera.

So whats the secret sauce towards getting some good shots? Its called ISO.

ISO: Insanity Stopping Option

ISO refers to how sensitive the sensor in the camera is to light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the camera, meaning it can more easily shoot in dark light settings, one of the more common environments to shoot in. It is a variable control -- you can set the ISO on most cameras.

So should you set the ISO high and leave it there and just keep things simple? Not necessarily. The trade off is that high ISO comes with a price -- the images are more noisy... "grainy". The camera does correctly set it low for most shots because it is trying to get the "cleanest" shots it can. But it chooses this strategy to a fault, opting to using the built in flash to add light when the scene is too dark instead of increasing sensitivity.

Why Does It Matter?

Well lets take a look at an example shot taken with and without flash.

Which shot is more appealing to you? Which feels like a more natural setting. Which feels like a more professional shot? Well presumably you agree that the shot on the left fits that description. It was taken without flash. The one on the right was taken with flash.

So if you agree that the left side shot is more appealing, lets take the two apart and analyze why it seems better. This is a lesson in observation. Observation and analysis is a powerful tool in the journey towards better photos. And it is always a journey. We never "arrive" at great photography, we are always on a journey towards better photography.

Click on the photos to get a full size version to compare the finer details. The first and most obvious issue with on board flash is the egregious shadows it tends to leave in the worst places. Take a look at the shadow of the floor lamp cast onto the background behind my assistant's head. You dont see that in the non-flash shot. It makes for a jagged, ugly distraction from a pretty lady.

The second issue is that lighting from on-camera flash is coming essentially from your head -- a very unnatural type of light unless you're a miner wearing one of those lit miner's helmets. In this case, it lights up my assistant's head and arm, removing the natural shading that would ordinarily have been there. Notice how it makes her head and arm seem wider, larger. On-camera flash is some of the most unflattering light you can have. It also causes very amateur, "snapshot" looking reflections on shiny surfaces like the floor lamp stand -- notice you dont see that in the left hand shot. The reflections you see there are natural looking -- it is obvious they are coming from the lamp light itself, not from your miner-helmet light.

The ISO Penalty

Now as I mentioned before, the use of high ISO in lieu of flash does not come without penalty. Do notice that the book's cover in the left shot is no longer visible. There is no light on that side of the room, therefore in the left side shot you cannot see the cover. If the shot *you* are taking has an important feature to be included such as the cover, then that is an issue to address. Perhaps another light of some sort needs to be applied just to the book cover.

Another issue is the grain/noise I mentioned earlier. Notice in the two samples below the photos which are crops of the wall in the background, the left side shot has a much more grainy appearance than the right side shot. This grain happens *everywhere* in the shot, not just on the wall. It is less noticeable in areas with more significant texture like my assistant's face, or the pillow she is leaning on, but it is there and it can be significant in extreme cases. Nevertheless, this is a tradeoff that for a majority of cases, is worth engaging. I would rather have a natural looking, grainy shot, than a clean, amateurish looking shot.

I'm Sold -- How Do I Set the Insanity Stopping Option?

Probably the easiest way to do this is to simply go into the menu or push the ISO button if you have it on your camera, and set the ISO to a higher number. The maximum ISO is different for every camera -- some only go as high as 400, some higher than 120,000. Remember that the higher you go, the grainier and noiser the resulting shots will be, so you want to pick a maximum ISO that is right for you and the camera -- one whose noise you can tolerate. You will have to experiment with your camera to figure out what number that is.

If the camera won't let you change the ISO, look for a "Program" mode on the camera. Program is like Auto, except the camera will allow you to change certain controls like the ISO. It still controls the majority of the functions of the camera and will essentially act like "Auto", but taking some direction from you like the ISO setting.

Finally, the shutter speed will likely be slow which *can* result in blurry photos. Blurry photos of course don't do anyone any good. When taking the photo, be sure to hold the camera very steady and minimize any motion when pressing the shutter. Don't move the camera AT ALL until the shot is done. If the shot still comes out blurry, the dark lighting conditions may simply exceed the ability of the camera to deal with and you may be stuck using the flash. But at least, this is an option of last resort, not the FIRST option like the camera wants to do.

These helpful tips should help you get better quality shots more often. Happy shooting!

~Dario

Its not just about photos, Its an EXPERIENCE!

2010-09-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Ladies, its time to revisit what the boudoir experience is all about.

The era has finally come when women have reached equity with men in just about every way. In fact, women now EARN more than men!

Congratulations, ladies. You've earned it. You now also recognize the struggles men have always faced, except you balance even MORE on your plate. Not only are you a competing and perhaps principal breadwinner of the family, you also wear the hat of wife, chef, mother, housekeeper, and wound-healer!

No wonder women treasure their getaway moments where they are soothed and pampered. Its hard being a modern woman. Full service salons are treasured, hallowed ground for good reason.

But our beauty conscious image saturated society does seem to play havoc with a woman's psyche. Have you ever had the nagging feeling you don't measure up? That while you're busy playing all the roles women have fought hard for, you are wondering if you are living up to the standards of beauty imposed on us by prime time TV and beauty magazines? Do you secretly worry about whether your guy's eyes hold the same fire for you as

they did when he first laid them on you?

That's a common experience for many women, leading to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy.

Ladies, its not that you don't measure up. Its that the images of glamour we are surrounded by are created by a crack team of beauty specialists. And your response might be, well *I* would look great too if I had that kind of team working on me. And you'd be absolutely right.

Thats why I put together my own crack team of beauty specialists and have created the INFINI Boudoir photography experience -- Hollywood glamour for ALL women. YOU can be a Hollywood starlet, or centerfold, or glamour magazine cover girl. You CAN.

And more importantly, you can feel great doing it. Our sessions start with no less than an hour of hair and make up primping by a staff that *loves* what they do -- making women look and feel beautiful. I love to look at my clients' shocked expressions when they see the result of that preparation. They have NEVER looked so beautiful, EVER. In fact, I too am always, always pleasantly surprised what my beauty team does with my clients. I love to see the final unveil right before we start shooting. Its an incredible experience for me, let alone for my clients.

Once we knock off a few shots and I show the client what they're looking like, they are again hit with a wave of delighted surprise. The lighting makes everything look different. Not until the lights and camera fire do they see what is actually being recorded. Its at that point that they slip into character, feeling beautiful and sexy and playing that part.

Ladies, sexy is about attitude. In the right lighting with the right wardrobe and make up, surrounded by a rich and lush environment, you become your own Marilyn Monroe -- the sexy girl within you is finally unleashed. For many of my clients it may well be the first time they've ever felt that way.

Here's a testimonial from two sisters who booked individual sessions:

Mary: I cannot express to you how much Denise NEEDED that photo session. She’s all giddy and cute about it.

Denise: What you captured are the most flattering images of myself that I’ve ever seen – and you can’t possibly imagine how magical and therapeutic this whole experience was. You are a master - a true genius - with your camera! Have I mentioned HOW MUCH I LOVE THESE PHOTOS?!

Therapeutic? Yes. Because possibly for the first time, they have finally tapped into the inner reserve of what makes them feel like a woman. Sexy, provocative, indulgent, teasing, and desireable.

I do this for ALL women, no matter size, shape, age, or confidence. ALL women have the ability to capture that sense of style and glamour. Its just a matter of applying the INFINI recipe for stunning images formerly reserved only for Hollywood starlets.

Book your session today! You wont be disappointed. NONE of our clients ever have been.

A fundraising calendar, for the win!

2010-04-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

The idea was hatched in one of those "Aha!" moments. In consideration of a client who was a survivor of breast cancer and in recognition of her incredible courage and vivaciousness, I thought wouldn't it be nice to give something back to the community.

This disease attacks not just a woman's body, but her very sense of self -- her identity as a woman, taking toll on her psyche as well as her physique. I have often marveled at what a therapeutic experience a boudoir photo session is for my customers. And it occurred to me that my special skill in bringing out the most feminine qualities in ANY woman, and making her feel beautiful and valued might be a special gift to a breast cancer survivor.

Finding a partner in the Pink Ribbon Connection organization which specializes in reaching out and providing resources to the medically underserved community, we set out to accomplish two things:

Lift the spirits of 12 beautiful women by capturing their enduring feminine radiance in special dedicated photosessions, and

Raise money for the organization's operations by using those images in a fund raising charity boudoir calendar.

We've had our first round of shoots so far, and the results were fabulous! One of our models commented after the shoot -

"I had a lot of fun doing the shots – playing model was exciting and I wish I could do it for a living!!" - Amy

Clearly one part of our mission has already been accomplished. We're shooting for a September release of the 2011 Red Ribbon Connection INFINI Boudoir Calendar and are hoping for a smashing success!

The Art of Boudoir: Chicken Little, 50 times over!

2010-03-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

The beauty of true art is founded in the visualization of what's to be. The artist must be inspired with a vision and then sets out to birth that vision to life. Interestingly, more often than not the artist's final creation may not live up to his expectations. Sometimes inspiration is hard to come by; other times the skill, talent, and resources to realize the vision is inadequate to the task.

And sometimes, you just have this goofy idea in your head that wants to burst out. It may not be a Picasso, but it can be fun and rewarding nonetheless.

I've had this "naked chicks" concept for years. A simple play on words and maximum cute factor. What's not to like?

Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?

And where do you get such chickens? And when? Remembering that birds are generally born in the spring delayed the project by a year due to the missed hatching season. That was after the year or two it took to figure out where to actually acquire them. Turns out Craigslist is the new ramshackle eBay, providing a no-fee flea market environment of local buyers and sellers. If you live in NYC, maybe you don't have a chicken farmer within reasonable driving distance. But without Craigslist, I would not have discovered the one living near me with a few chicks to sell... or upon further inquiry, rent.

Finding a couple of models willing to go through the indignity of being prodded by curious baby chickens was surprisingly easy -- both Olivia and Carrie were excited to shoot with them. In the process of getting the shots, the chicks even huddled around the models for warmth, like drawing to the mother hen. Made for a relatively odd and unique experience, I'm sure.

In the end, the INFINI team created two very cute, very funny posters. For Easter even.

We also documented some of the process in a little video so you can enjoy it as much as we did.

Happy Easter!

~ Dario INFINI

Can INFINI Make Me Beautiful?

2010-03-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

I receive many inquiries from women who are captivated by the images they see in my boudoir gallery. It is a basic desire of the female psyche to be beautiful and those gallery images resonate with that desire. Many women then turn to themselves and feel great inadequacy. They want images like this but feel at pains to take them. They worry they wont measure up. That somehow we wouldnt manage great images for them. That somehow they will be the FIRST to disappoint us, and in turn, disappoint themselves.

My heart aches for these women. They fail to understand that ALL the women in my galleries have been shot at their maximum potential. None among us are perfect. Hollywood actresses are not my clientele. Instead, I bring Hollywood caliber service to ordinary housewives across the country.

I have enormous respect for those who gather their resolve and muster their courage to come in and put it on the line to have their photos taken. We endeavour to honor that courage with striking images that far exceed their expectations.

How do we do it? How do we manage an unbroken 100% customer satisfaction record?

Lighting

You've heard it said that lighting is everything. Well, not quite everything, but a whole heck of a lot. Great photography is as much about what you dont see as much as what you do. Strategic lighting puts shadows where they need to be and highlights your best features. With the aid of well placed props, fabric, arms, hands, legs, etc, we can bring out the best in anyone.

Posing

Not every pose works for everyone. Body types are different and we dont bind ourselves to a specific set of shots and looks. No, we are a custom photography company. We choose poses that bring out the best in you. We guide you into scenarios that make you look natural and sensual.

Make up

We've all seen photos of celebrities caught without "their face on." We are shocked because these glamorous luminaries look like ordinary people and sometimes, worse! Professional make up and hairstyle makes a huge difference in how you look. We have the best staff in the industry, and provide this service with all our packages.

Retouching

I think at this point we all understand that "cover girls" dont really look like that in real life. The camera is a cold instrument, capturing every stark detail. It doesn't have a heart; it doesn't have emotions. It doesn't admire feminine beauty the way a man does.

Retouching is basically a way to close the gap between what the camera sees and what the human eye sees. It's truly amazing how little "adjustment" it takes to subtly align our real bodies into something even more beautiful.

I've often said if I could do in real life what I do in photos, I'd be REALLY rolling in the money! All wrapped together, our little bag of secrets revealed result in testimonials like this:

"Dario, I just viewed all those pics. I am speechless. They made me weep. No one has ever... what can I say? I had no idea -- I -- could be -- captured -- that way. You captured everything about me, every single thing about me. Viewing each of those pics was like reading an biography. I had a great appreciation for your work before, certainly, but now I see its genius." -Mia

Can we make you beautiful? Oh, I certainly know we can.

Dario

What Happens to My Photos??

2010-03-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

One of the questions clients often ask is "what happens to my photos"? These aren't your every day family portraits. Where they end up matters, and in today's internet age, its a legitimate concern.

Perhaps the question is partly borne out on the question of where the samples in my gallery come from, or where the artwork I have for sale comes from. These are legitimate concerns and there is a lot of misunderstanding about these issues, even in the photography industry.

Be prepared to learn something about the law with respect to photographers and their subjects!

First, to put your mind at ease, privacy and security of customer photos are among my highest priority concerns. My reputation RELIES on how closely I safeguard my client's photos, and reputation is EVERYTHING in this industry. The images I produce belong exclusively to YOU, the customer.

Now to explain the nuances of how the industry works and the differences between photographers.

Copyright law gives the photographer ownership of the images s/he produces. Many if not most photographers retain this ownership following the business model established when film was the dominant technology. Thats why most of the time your parents had to buy prints from their wedding photographer. They could never legally make copies of their photos at a local photo shop to give friends and family -- they always had to buy them directly from the photographer. That's because s/he kept the film and only sold prints. It was a source of income for the photographer and they guarded it jealously. The law remains on their side in fact, and its a fair set of laws that protect artists of all kinds including those in the music industry.

While photographers in general own the rights to their images, they are actually restricted from using those images for any purpose without express permission from their subjects (except for specific arenas like journalism, etc). In order to use your images for promotional use, for marketing, as portfolio samples, or on a website, the person(s) in the photo must expressly give permission for these and any other purposes. Customers often sign forms when they are shooting or picking up prints, and it is possible that permission is hidden in the fine print .

I know of one photographer who frankly shocked me when she said she didnt care what their clients thought, she retained the full rights and posted the images as she pleased. What an incredible breach of trust! When you consider getting boudoir photos taken, it requires a lot of consideration and research, and a leap of faith that the person you select to take your photos can be trusted in every way. That they will do you justice in the final images, that they will treat you with respect and dignity, and that includes how they treat your images once they are created.

Why then are there customer images proudly displayed on my website gallery? How is it that the art I have for sale are in part from customer images? It is because every one of those customers have been approached for permission and given permission to use those images in that manner. Approached without obligation, and with respect, indicating that those images are very special. That they have value not just to the customer, but an objective value to ANY viewer because they are simply beautiful and artistic. And there is no pressure whatsoever; it is an open invitation to join the other spectacular images in the array. They retain the rights to those images, because I have released them completely. They are in effect, LOANING me the images with permission, but I no longer own them.

This is a significant difference to how many if not most photographers operate. Compare INFINI Boudoir to other photographers in the field; most retain their ownership of the images. This means you get monitor sized photos, not images you can legally print at any local shop. Nor would you want to as they would appear small and blurry or pixelated. We give you FULL SIZE images, and the full ownership rights. Many photographers will charge you exhorbitant prices for this type of licensing.

Why do we do this? Because we genuinely care about our customers. We care enough to create the highest quality images, to protect our customer's privacy by safeguarding their images, and to provide them with a great value for their money.

- Dario INFINI

Why Is Artistic Photography Soooo Expensive?

2009-05-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

Frugality is on all our minds these days. In these tough economic times, we prudently take extra steps to economize wherever possible. Where we would like a Lexus, perhaps a Toyota will do. We cut back on eating out or downgrade where we eat out in the interests of trimming costs, yet still living and enjoying our lives to a reasonable degree where possible.

For a high quality service such as custom artistic photography, there are real costs incurred. A physical shoot location such as a brick and mortar studio or a high value parlor suite is a heavy cost adder. The other main component is the cost of skilled labor, or what should more accurately be called "talent". Dedicated hair style and make up staff are a critical component of a successful shoot. And finally there is significant time invested with a client during the consultation, the photosession, and on retouching and creating the final products.

The time factor is an important element of the shoot. We often find that clients relax into their true personal style 30-45 minutes into the shooting part of the session. The most dramatic shots usually come after this initial period. Moreover the shoot is constructed around the style you want to achieve. Everything from austere bodyscape art through Victoria's Secret style images and beyond. Capturing images that are beautiful and flattering to your form usually takes effort and time to tease the inner beauty out to complement the outer beauty.

In general, mall photography is a time limited affair designed for a high volume market. Actual shooting times in such establishments often range around 20 minutes, barely enough time to start to feel comfortable let alone get compelling, communicative shots.

Their marketing often relies on low entry price lures to bring the customer in for a session; the revenue is then increased on the back side of the session through upsell/upcharge sales techniques. Moreover, as a volume oriented business, the studio is designed around tried and true props and shooting styles. While this does create a studio consistency in the look and feel of the work, it also tends to limit the uniqueness, variety, and innovation that is possible when working individually with a client.

Surprisingly, the average sale from a mall photo session experience is not always markedly different from the cost of a custom photo session. Whereas the balance between studio expense and talent costs are weighted in favor of talent with a custom photographer, they are instead weighted in favor of studio expenses for the mall studio, necessarily because of the exhorbitant costs of retail sales space.

What this means is that while a client ultimately pays similar prices for either experience, it is the custom artistic photographer that will provide the better quality and service because that is where the greater share of the revenue is going.

The difference in quality also comes from the custom photographer spending far greater time with the client as well as the caliber of the experienced staff's artistic talent.

Why is it expensive? Because it costs a lot to deliver this service. And it is mostly a service. The value of the delivered product is in the time, effort, and skill it took to create and capture the images, not in the actual prints. In my business model, I prefer to be honest about costs so my clients dont have a surprise bill when they try to leave a session with a few finished prints.

For me, its a matter of integrity and a part of the ethics with which I conduct my business.

Dario

Female Boudoir Photographers - Right for You?

2009-04-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

There are some female boudoir photographers who market themselves or their teams as specifically female, playing to and emphasizing the concerns of those clients who harbor reservations about boudoir photography. I dont begrudge them their attempts to leverage any particular area to marketing advantage; this is a business after all. And I have indeed seen a small minority of clients who do suffer a legitimate personal phobia in posing for a male photographer. However for the average client who entertains the normal apprehensions about it, I can say that though I cant relate in any meaningful fashion, I certainly sympathize with those concerns.

With today's technology that allows anyone to purchase a powerful though relatively inexpensive digital camera and call themselves a "professional photographer", the industry is indeed rife with practitioners with little or no vision, questionable talent, and less than a solid sense of ethics and appreciation for human dignity. There is little outright criminal behavior in the industry, any more than any other. But feeling awkward and uncomfortable is a legitimate complaint that no customer should have to contend with.

The most important aspect of differentiating those who take their craft seriously and those who view it as a tool of questionable intent is to examine the quality of their work. One can check references as well and though that can be an additional tool of consideration, just about anyone barring hardcore criminals can find one or two people willing to vouch for them. Quality on the other hand is unmistakable. A boudoir photographer with an extensive portfolio of quality work provides three important indicators:

A) that they know what they're doing,
B) that they've been doing it for a reasonably long time, and accordingly and most importantly,
C) that they are not likely to jeopardize the career and livelihood they've built up with criminal and/or questionable acts.

Of course there are always exceptions; you will find them in all professions -- dentists, doctors, even sadly, the clergy. Nevertheless, some sense of confidence in your selection of photographer will help put you at ease and get the best results for your money.

How can you tell what is a "quality" portfolio? It is similar to the difference in detail between a scam/spam email offer and a legitimate request from a friend. Almost invariably, scam emails are replete with poor punctuation, sentence structure, and an improbable storyline. Those are surely bound for the delete folder, not that all legitimate email is written in the King's english. But you can have a strong sense of what's real and what is highly suspect.

When evaluating a photographer for your employ, examine his body of prior work. Does it show magazine quality aspects? Does it show a command of lighting that flatters the subject rather than look like it was taken with a snapshot camera? Does it show an ability to compose a shot that arranges the subject in her most beautiful, feminine lines and curves? This is not an accident but a directed skill. Even a supermodel can be made to look unseemly and awkward if posed incorrectly. Does the photographer's website indicate a sense of credibility, of establishment, and continuity?

Finally, when considering the gender of your artistic photographer, include in that consideration who these images are for. While many women have boudoir photographs taken for reasons of their own fulfillment, and this is perfectly fine, many do have the intent of giving them as a gift to a special significant other, likely male eyes. It is clear that not only are men and women different physically, but their psyches work in different ways. While a woman photographer is perfectly legitimate and may be entirely talented and skilled in her craft, one should account that we as men and women see and appreciate with different sensibilities.

When one thinks of the celebrated renaissance masters of art who painted the iconic masterpieces of their time, it is unavoidable to consider Rembrandt, Raphael, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Boticelli. Of course it would be disingenuous to overlook the influence of their respective paternalistic cultures, and that women are without doubt, strongly represented in the arts, nevertheless, there is something to be said for being photographed with a male perspective.

Ultimately, if one cannot under any circumstance consider posing for a male photographer, then it is of course out of the question. It is better to have pictures taken well than to be uncomfortable during the entire session as that would undermine the whole point. However in all other circumstances, what should be the overriding decision is not the gender of your photographer, but the quality of their work.

Which is why we market INFINI Boudoir as photography for the discriminating woman.

~Dario

Boudoir Photography as Therapy

2009-03-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

"I cannot thank you enough for this experience it was absolutely amazing for me."

So she wrote to me in a thank you note. She later expressed that I would never know what this experience meant to her. And I think she is right, I cannot know. I am only the photographer. Charged with the task of sculpting and teasing the individual beauty from each of my clients. I am not a psychologist or licensed therapist of some kind.

But what I do know is that there is an unintended second order reaction to a boudoir photography session. A reaction that may in fact be more powerful than just receiving a handful of beautiful images. I have often been advised by many a client how the experience has been a fulfilling one, one with deep meaning, reaching into and filling a void in self-confidence, self-worth.

Women become interested in boudoir photography for a variety of reasons, and their concerns number almost as many. Our society finds itself in a raging hurricane of images of feminine beauty, blasting from every form of media. While intellectually, the mind knows the imagery is manufactured and carefully tailored to sell a product; emotionally, women compare themselves to the impossible perfection found in these images and wrestle with terrible self-doubt.

Yet, they know that they somehow must compete. While they have the attention of a special person, yet they know he is blasted with the same ubiquitous imagery. And so they come, interested, and harboring a great deal of trepidation for their perceived shortcomings, yet they come. To see if they too can be held in such esteem by their loved ones. To give them a special gift, the visual feast that conveys desire to crown the affectionate relationship that they already have.

To this end, women show great courage as they do in all their great endeavours. Seeking to become mothers because they have so much love to give, but at great pain and danger to themselves. Seeking out boudoir photos because they have so much love to give, and yet engaging the scrutiny of personal vulnerability.

They arrive to the photosession not knowing what to expect, unsure of themselves, unsure of the process. And because of this, we go out of our way to make them comfortable, welcoming them, helping them select their best outfits, talking with them, laughing with them. The make up staff is as personable as your best friend, asking about your husband or lover, your background and interests, and your hopes for this shoot, all while pampering you with the attention lavished on a 5th Ave. Supermodel.

As supermodels dont typically walk around looking like supermodels (ever see the before and after shots of models in their every day lives and during a shoot?), so through the magic of make up, hairstyling, lighting, and expert camera work, we transform our every day clients into supermodels for a day. And they truly look stunning; even I am amazed every single time.

We want this to be an enriching experience. For our purposes, we need them to be engaged, to communicate what they came to say to their loved ones. In our images, they must let themselves go, to be able to impart through body language and facial expression, an earnest and genuine affection and desire. And to this end, we encourage them during the process of the shoot in a non-judgemental atmosphere so that we can achieve what they came to do.

We find that after 30-45 minutes, their initial concerns melt away and they are encouraged by the sample images they see and our exhortation to do even better. By the end of the session, they are physically sore (posing is hard work! -- modeling is not a trivial exercise!), but emotionally they are recharged and gratified.

And even still they harbor a twinge of self doubt. Until they see their photos. And then the tears start flowing. Yes, tears. Its that powerful.

Me, personally, I like to create beautiful images. The world is a weary place, filled with corruption and misery. And so I wallpaper my life with beautiful images. But I am deeply touched by how this simple visual craft is able to so powerfully affect my clients, as if I was a counselor or special friend. It makes what I do that much more meaningful. Its not simply boudoir photography anymore, its

'Chicken soup for the soul'

The Art of Boudoir

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

The No Lookin' Zone

Deciding a Modesty Level for your Boudoir Shoot

We're on Your Side!

Mr. Sneaky Husband

World Imitates Studio, and Vice Versa

Prepping for Your Shoot

Photography and Sports, but Not Like You Think

A Customer's Testimonial

Boudoir Styles -- Which is Right for You?

The Realm of Fantasy Art

What If I Want to Shoot REALLY Sexy Photos?

The Power of Black and White

Getting the Most out of Your Session

The Make Up Artist Speaks!

The *ART* of INFINI Boudoir

New Referral Program Announced!

Why INFINI?

The Redhead Speaks!

Pink Ribbon Connection Breast Cancer Fundraising Calendar Released!

Stop the Insanity and Take Better Photos!

Its not just about photos, Its an EXPERIENCE!

A fundraising calendar, for the win!

The Art of Boudoir: Chicken Little, 50 times over!

Can INFINI Make Me Beautiful?

What Happens to My Photos??

Why Is Artistic Photography Soooo Expensive?

Female Boudoir Photographers - Right for You?

Boudoir Photography as Therapy

The ART of INFINI Boudoir