Studio Lighting

I got some new lighting and was playing around with it. Here is some sample shots of me. 

Who I am!

I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a model, a friend, and a photographer.

My parents raised me to who I am today. My father and my best friend worked hard to give my family the best. He taught us that we have to work to get what we want in life. We could be anything if we set our minds to it. I got married in 1994 to my high school sweetheart. Three days later my dad found out that he had cancer. That changed my life forever. In 1997 we were all called home. They didn't expect him to make it much longer. When I went to visit him, I told him he couldn't leave us he was going to be a papa. All he told me was why did I go and do that. Well he was able to spend 5 years with my daughter. He was the world to her. He still is from heaven. My mom is my go to person. We do everything together. That is what I want for my daughter. I am showing her that life is too short so we must live life to its fullest. And that she can be and do anything that she sets her mind to do. As I say dream big. I am a sister to three wonderful people. We may have our differences and some may not talk to others but in time I hope they will. 

I have always had health issues. I was born preemie; I had seizures as a child. I still have health problems. I had low self-esteem right after my daughter was born. I was fat and hated myself. I wore big clothes to hide under but it didn't work. It just made me look bigger and more depressed. I had a health attack that almost took my life. That is when I realized that I needed to change. No, I am not skinny. I am currently a size 18. I am not ashamed of that. I have learned to accept what God has given me and love myself and who I am. I learned that beauty comes from the inside. When my friends saw who I become they wanted to know how I did. So when I hear people talking bad about themselves then I help them to love and see the beauty within. Attitude is the key. You can be pretty on the outside. One of those that everyone drools over but be ugly because you have a bad attitude and don't love yourself. 

I am a plus size model. I really enjoy it and do it just for fun. It shows people that if you are confident you can be beautiful at any size. You have to love and believe in yourself. My passion for photography came from when my dad found out about his cancer. I wanted to have as many memories to pass on to my children. When I started out I wanted to take pictures of everything. I love to be behind the camera. It goes everywhere with me. I wanted everyone to have those special memories. I shot babies, maternity, newborns, etc. But I recently learned that wasn't my true calling. Yes, I will still shoot them type of photographs but my true passion is making women feel beautiful. I am now a contemporary photographer. I specialize in glamor, beauty, and boudoir. I take that every day women that don't think she is pretty and make them stunning. I help them see the beauty within. 

I am telling you all of this because every bit of it has made me who I am today. I by no means have a perfect life. I don't have tones of money. But I live life to the fullest. And I am who I am. I am a plus size women that loves herself and knows that I am beautiful. I believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to do.

I will leave you will two of my favorite quotes. 

Never stop smiled because you never know who is falling in love with your smile. 

“Until you value yourself, you will not value your time.
Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” ~ M. Scott Peck”      

It is up to you to want to better your life. 

Value yourself

“Until you value yourself, you will not value your time.
Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” ~ M. Scott Peck”

What Should You Charge? - Sue Bryce

Inspiring Weekend

                    I watched Sue Bryce on Creative Live this weekend. There was so much information I ended up purchasing her course so I have it for future reference. WOW! is all I can say. She gave so much great information. I don't even know where to begin. My head is spinning with all the information. After listening to part of her on Friday, I was able to narrow down the genre I want to specialize in. I will still do all the others but I will cater to glamor/boudoir/beauty type photography. I had the same envision as she talked about. I have always wanted to make people feel like and know that they are beautiful. I now know who my target market is. I will be doing a lot of changes. I will be redoing everything. I will be working on a new portfolio, new branding, new marketing ideas, and a new website. I will also be looking for a place that I can have a permanent place to shoot my photography. I have set my goals and have a new attitude toward achieving them. Sue had inspired me and woke me up to see the light. She had a wonderful quote, "when you are at the bottom and don't have anything to loose, you really don't have anything to be afraid of". I have nothing so it can only get better from here. So with that said here is to change. The first change will be to know what I am worth. I will simplify my pricing. No more confusion. I will need models for school and to build my portfolio. If you are interested let me know. Here is to a new outlook on life and change.

Valentine's Day Special extended

You don't need a special day or holiday to do boudoir photos or any type of photos for that matter. So we decided to extend our Valentines special to the end of the month. Remember it is $75 and you get 8x10 or 5x7. Mention Facebook when setting up appointment and get another 8x10 or 5x7. The photos don't have to be taken in February you just have to set up the appointment in February to get this great deal. Email us at info@jrussellimagery.com or boudoir@jrussellimagery.com or call Jacque at 307-286-1908.

Tips and Hints for a success DIBS- Delicious Intimacy Boudoir Shots

DIBS- Delicious Intimacy Boudoir Shots are tasteful portraits with a hint of sexiness. Everyone has their own idea of what sexy is and what they are comfortable with. Our sessions are fun, sexy, flirty, and sensual while staying within your comfort level. 

Why have a DIBS Boudoir session done?

Many clients come wanting sexy, sensual portraits for their significant other. Others come in wanting to do a session for themselves. Having gorgeous and sexy portraits of YOU can be an incredible self esteem booster. Confidence….. Nothing is more sexier than that.  You will be walking out of the session with your head held high with confidence. It is all about the experience and feeling of being beautiful.

Here are some tips and hints to help you prepare for your session. 

Hair and Make-up:

Most women do their own hair and make-up. Salons and department store make-up counters are also good resources. We will also provide this service for a small fee. Who ever does your make-up please let them know that it is for a photo shoot. It will need to be a little darker than normal.

Body weight and Image:

Most women (including myself) don’t have bodies like a super model. Don’t worry. That doesn’t mean we can’t have gorgeous and sexy photographs. We will highlight your assets while disguising the parts that you are self conscious about. One thing to always remember, your significant other loves you just the way you are. Our goal is to let you see how beautiful you really are. No matter your size, your portraits will be stunning.

Pick a theme:

Pick something that makes you feel sexy. It can be lingerie, business suits, doctor coat, fire fighters, turnouts, police uniform, or any other fetish that you or your significant other may have. You can also do Pin-up style clothing.

Clothing Choices:

Bring clothes that you feel sexy and beautiful in. Bra, panties, corsets, teddies, stockings, tank top, booty shorts, sports jerseys, and men’s business shirts are all popular. Remember to bring accessories for each outfit as well as sexy shoes. We do have some jewelry and shoes that can be borrowed. We also have some plus size lingerie.

Modesty and Nudity:

You don’t have to take your clothes off to be sexy.  Clothed, partially clothed, hinted nudity, a full nude can all be sexy. We will only shoot what you are comfortable with showing in your photographs. We will never push you into doing something that you don’t want to.

Retouching:

We do a little bit. We will soften the skin, brighten eyes and remove bruises, acne, stretch marks but only if need be. We will do creative editing to give you more printing options. Example of creative editing is color, vintage, color, and black and white.

Privacy:

Privacy is a concern due to the intimate nature of boudoir sessions. All our boudoir images are kept in strict confidence and NO images will be shown without written permission from you, the client. All images on site have written permission to be displayed. We print and make our own albums in house. See sample page to see some of our custom albums. If a large print is wanted we use a professional lab that safeguards the privacy of our client’s portraits.

Girlfriend Session:

You and three to four of your best friends can get together and do your session at the same time. Each girl pays the session fee. They can be done at your home or in a local hotel. Each of you will be photographed individually as you are ready. We will make sure that each of you get the appropriate amount of images. At the end when everyone is dressed we will take a group shot to commemorate the session.

Where to do your session:

Your session can be done at my home studio, your home, a local hotel, a bed and breakfast, and even outside in a private or secluded area.

Tips for the morning of your session:

Drink lots of water and wear loose fitting clothing. Avoid tight fitting undergarments as they are most likely to leave markings on your skin.

Tips for after your session:

Getting into and holding some of the most flattering poses can give you a work-out so don’t be surprised if you’re a little sore afterwards. Drink lots of water and take pain meds as needed.

As always if you have any concerns please contact us at 307-286-1908 or email us at boudoir@jrussellimagery.com