Busting Excuses

Busting Excuses

Why you deserve a boudoir experience

When we get nervous, we make excuses. We can make up any excuse not to take care of ourselves and not to love ourselves fully. We all have busy lives, we are too consumed with work, we have someone to drive somewhere that we don’t wanna be… Sometimes it’s more important to spend time with your partner… We make up excuses like “I’m not photogenic” or “I wanna lose weight first” or “I cannot afford it right now”. I am sharing this to show you all that no matter the excuse, you CAN do it! Let me show you that no matter how you think of yourself, you are worthy of your self love.

“I don’t have enough time for myself”

It’s also important to remember that if you aren’t taking care of yourself emotionally, if you’re not blossoming and blooming, you’re not going to be able to handle taking care of anyone else. Which makes sense but it’s much harder said than done. Sometimes I am the WORST at attending to my own needs, emotional needs, sometimes I don’t even stretch for a full week, we all know how that end up feeling! I always give myself mental health breaks when I feel I need to stop and take a break, otherwise, I’ll forget what my life is about, I’ll forget my purpose and my calling and be consumed with life’s rat race, and I don’t want that! I did it in my twenties, now in my thirties I’m done with that and I’m a new me who takes care of herself physically, mentally and emotionally.

The reason I’m sharing this with you guys is sometimes I need someone to look me in the face and say, “SLOW DOWN, give yourself a break, stop moving, breath for a minutes”.

At a boudoir shoot you are able to breath, and able to love yourself for a few hours. Think of all the energy you’ll save on a daily basis if you stop comparing yourself to others, or stop worrying about what other people will think of how you look. You get to see where your beauty really comes from and this lifts such a huge emotional weight and prepares us for a healthy mentality.

You need to take time for yourself, why not spend it having an amazing time and getting glammed up for once?

“I’m not where I want to be physically / I don’t fit the media’s idea of a good enough size”

Did you know that the body type portrayed in advertising as the ideal is possessed naturally by only 5% of females? ONLY FIVE PERCENT.

I will say this over and over again (and sorry, not sorry if you’ve heard me say it before), but WHY do you have to be a certain size to LOVE yourself? WHY do you have to fit a stranger’s messed up idea of a perfect body to love your own body? WHY are you comparing your size to everyone else, when no two women are the same?

In my opinion it’s great and essential to have goals and want to get healthy, but does that mean you hae to hate your body to do those things? Absolutely NOT! You should love yourself every step of the way. Be porud of where you are so that you can be proud of where you’re going. Have a boudoir shoot to celebrate where you are now and have one when you lose those 15 Lbs to celebrate how far you’ve come!

How many times in your life are you going to be at this age? Looking the way you do now? I don’t believe in waiting for boudoir photos. If you happen to look better in a year, then good for you, have another session done. Within 12 months of your first session I’m giving you a waived session fee just because you feel better about yourself and you want to create more art of yourself.

“I don’t feel sexy or sensual anymore so a boudoir shoot must not be for me”

Wrong.

This excuse is actually the EXACT reason you SHOULD  do a boudoir shoot.

Often times we lose touch with our femininity or sensuality when life gets crazy because of health/kids/work etc… there’s no shortage for excuses we give to avoid loving ourselves again is to have a boudoir shoot done to bring that spark back into us. I can show you that you have that sparkle inside you. You hide it well but not from me, and it might even ignite a spark between you and your partner as well!

Another thing to remember is that you don’t have to wear super sexy clothing/ lingerie. If you feel like this doesn’t show your personality, then there are so many other outfit ideas for you. I will gladly talk to you about them or you can check out our blog on finding outfits for your photoshoot.

“A boudoir shoot is an investment and I don’t have all the. money right now”.

Yes, a boudoir shoot is an investment. It is an investment in yourself. You are investing in your well-being and confidence as well. We do offer payment plans!  In order to book your shoot, there is a booking retainer, and after that we can set up your payment plan for the remaining so that it might be easier to book a shoot! if you have any questions about your payment plans, shoot us an email while setting up your shoot.

 

Caitlin’s Boudoir Experience

Caitlin’s Boudoir Experience

Caitlin’s Boudoir Experience Shared by Caitlin Herself

When I asked Caitlin to talk about her boudoir shoot experience and share it with us in our group and with our new clients, she was enthusiastic and said “Yes”. When we filmed her testimonials, I was brought to tears a couple of times. She is a strong confident woman and we wanted to have all the women we meet feel how good and beautiful she felt about herself. Her multi-genre photoshoot has been one of the most memorable photoshoots at the studio. Here’s her experience described by Caitlin herself in the testimonial video. Note that we didn’t showcase many many of her gorgeous revealing images.

by the time I walked out of the door, I felt incredible, every woman deserves to feel this way.

I decided to be photographed by Christina Wehbe studios for professional headshots. I just started a business, I needed professional headshots, and then the boudoir shoot was my 30th birthday gift to myself.

During the photoshoot, I was just excited, and Christina would show me some of the photos, and it just kind of reenergized me because they were so incredible and so beautiful.

I was just so excited to do the next pose or try on the next piece of lingerie. Christina showed me one of the shots and immediately I was like, yeah, I’ll pull this together, we need more of these!

it’s just the most stunning light, it makes everybody looks beautiful.

I think boudoir photography helps women own their femininity because it’s a personal experience, and I think also you know Christina allows for each client to really have a lot of say in their shoot, and what lingerie they are wearing, how their hair and makeup are done. so it’s really the client’s control of the shoot and then Christina directs it to make it beautiful.

Christina helped me pick out one of my favorite boudoir photos, and then she transformed it to look like it was hand-painted. and it is stunningly beautiful and that’s the one photo that I keep up on my wall to remind myself to own my femininity and own my confidence.

When I saw the photos for the first time and I got to take them out and put them on the wall, it was a really special moment, they were absolutely stunning, so I couldn’t be more happy with what Christina produced.

I wanted the experience, it’s a very glamorous process, and I’ve always wanted to do a boudoir shoot.

you know I’m kind of in the prime of my life and I want it… captured…

You know it’s empowering, it makes me feel confident, and it kind of gives me the reminder that I am this CEO and I am beautiful and confident and strong.

Yes, I use the photos as a daily reminder that I can do this…

Caitlin.

Portrait Photography Gift Certificates

Portrait Photography Gift Certificates

Have you thought about what we do here at the studio? Have you wondered how your girlfriend or wife or mother would like to enjoy a photoshoot with us? If you’re a man looking for a great gift for your lady or mother, you’re at the right place.

Legacy photos live forever, women who get those photoshoots have always expressed that they love themselves more because of the experience. If you’re a woman and you want a family or mother’s day or even a Christmas gift to your family, what says close family better than a legacy photoshoot?

We sell gift certificates that you can gift your significant other or your family or even yourself. Contact us at the studio and we’ll make sure to take care of your family portrait needs.

Boudoir Photography Workshop Laguna Beach Orange County

Boudoir Photography Workshop Laguna Beach Orange County

Are you a photographer? Have you taken photography classes? Are you interested in the art of boudoir and portrait photography?
If photography interests you and you know the basics of camera and lighting, then this class is for you.

This is a one-day intensive learning experience. Our boudoir photography workshop objectives are to help you build your portfolio. As a result of this class, you’ll get competent with lighting and posing especially we’ll be sharing techniques on how to get “the shot”.
Posing! bed poses, standing up poses, bodyscape poses and how to get the right expression out of your client!
You will see and witness how we light a set using one, two and three lights with and without the ambient light.
We’ll teach you how to master the available light and how a simple studio setup can create stunning boudoir photographs. This experience will help you become a better photographer. You will be taken step by step to edit the boudoir photos to complement your lighting exactly how I edit my client’s photos.
You will leave with the tools and knowledge to create your own sets and set up your own lighting. And you’ll leave with 4 PSD actions to help you with the editing.

Also, We will shoot three models during the workshop. You’ll be there when they are getting ready to witness how we prep our ladies for the camera including on what to do or NOT do with the makeup. We offer a few workshops a year, pick the date and city that suits you and meet us there! Only five photographers are going to be invited to attend so book your spot now.

We have worked with photographers all over the United States and Europe, our workshops are always in English. As a result of this workshop, you’ll make international friends especially once you start traveling with us. This experience is pretty valuable. Feel free to reach out before you book and ask questions.

How to Prepare for a Boudoir Photoshoot

How to Prepare for a Boudoir Photoshoot

Preparing For Your Shoot

Now that you’ve booked your Boudoir session, here are some useful tips to follow that will make your experience and photos the best they can be!

One Month Before Your Session

Inspiration

It is never too early to start planning for your Boudoir session, and this planning should be a fun part of the process!  Think about what kinds of outfits you’d like to wear and get them together.

  • We do have an extensive lingerie and boudoir props wardrobe at the studio, but you’re welcome to find clothing, sexy heels, accessories and props to use in your shoot
  • Order your outfits and accessories way early for your shoot
  • If you are using hair extensions, order them now and bring them with you to your photoshoot
  • If your shoot is of a pinup or Hollywood style nature, shop for your size and order your outfits ahead of time
  • Lingerie is nice and definitely sexy, but sometimes a tight t-shirt, soft sweater or over-sized button-down shirt can be even sexier, we have full sets that requires only a sheet and feathers!
  • Using something meaningful to your significant other is a great way to personalize your shoot: A favorite tie or button-down shirt or Sports fan jerseys, hats and gear!
  • Visit our Pinterest page @christinawehbe for inspiration and ideas we collected for you
  • Feel free to send me your inspiration photos to my email before the shoot christina@christinawehbe.com

14 Days Before Your Boudoir Photoshoot Session

This is when your final payment is due to confirm your spot.

5-2 Days Before the Boudoir Shoot

Ladies, it’s time to pamper yourself!

  • If you wax, do it two days before your shoot
  • Brow grooming and facial hair removal :: Please have your brows groomed–either tweezed, waxed or threaded–1-5 days beforehand (depending on how sensitive your skin is). Having cleaned-up brows will make a world of difference in how your eyes and whole face will look! Remove any other unwanted hair beforehand, too. It makes a difference for how the makeup will lay on the face and blend into the skin.
  • Exfoliation, face and lips :: Either the night before or the morning of (or both, if your skin is used to it/can handle it), exfoliate your face. You can do this with just a washcloth and cleanser, or you can use a gentle scrub. Don’t rub too hard! Focus on the nose–dead skin cells tend to gather in those crevices. Use a sugar-and-oil scrub or even your toothbrush on your lips to get rid of dead, chapped, flakey skin on your lips for a flawless lip color application!
  • Hydration and moisturizing :: Moisture is KEY! Hopefully you’re doing this every morning and every night. Whether you do or don’t, moisturize the night before AND morning of your shoot. Also, try to drink plenty of water the day before and day of your shoot. Moisturized, hydrated skin is smoother and fills out fine lines and plumps up the skin, PLUS it keeps it looking glowy.
  • If you’re planning on getting a haircut or color, give yourself a few days to make sure you are happy with it
  • Hair Preparation :: Arrive with clean (from the morning or night before at the latest), dry hair, worn down, with no marks/dents in it from being worn up. If you can add in mousse, gel or any texturizing product while it is still damp, after it has been washed, before it has been dried, that can be helpful, but don’t worry if you don’t have anything. Do NOT come with straight-ironed hair unless you want a straight hairstyle; If you want soft waves or curls, the previously straightened hair will make it more difficult to achieve.
  • We highly recommend a salon manicure and pedicure for a flawless finish
  • Stay out of the sun – while a base tan will be nice in photo’s, red skin will not
  • PLEASE – NO SPRAY TAN
  • Drink plenty of water for luminous skin
  • Watch your salt intake if you’re worried about retaining water
  • Try on your outfits and lingerie to make sure they fit properly; remove all tags and labels with scissors

The Day Before

This will be a workout, be mentally prepared to work your butt off! Your body will be in poses that it normally is not in, which can be a work out! Just trust that even if it feels uncomfortable, we know how to pose you so that you look amazing!

Relax and Be Ready

  • Shave and moisturize
  • Double-check everything you will be bringing the night before and make sure that you leave plenty of time to get to the studio without stressing – lingerie, accessories, special bras, heels, hair extensions and props
  • Have a nice and relaxing evening with no stress and try not to have more than one drink
  • Get a good night’s sleep – Seven to eight hours is great

Let us know ahead of time if there is a problem area for you and what you are uncomfortable doing.

Last but NOT least, make sure we know what parts of your body that you’d like to highlight and which parts you’d rather hide. If you feel insecure about your ears, then we’ll make sure when you move around that your ears aren’t showing, this sort of thing. If you tell us that your significant other loves your back dimples, then we can make sure to showcase that in some of your shots!

The Day of your Photo Shoot

Get ready for a wonderful experience

  • To avoid marks on the wardrobe Use clear deodorant or none
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing to your session to avoid red marks on your skin (no jeans, tight bra straps, tight socks or tight clothing), we do have robes at the studio for you 🙂
  • Eat something light but filling before you leave the house, protein bars are a good idea
  • Come with clean dry hair and a clean face
  • Stretch, maybe yoga, walk on the beach, the aim is to RELAX – it is completely normal to be nervous, but don’t worry because you are in very good hands. Our hair stylists and make-up artists are the best in in the area, and they will make you look amazing. Your photographer Christina has several years of experience, and she knows exactly how to coach you, pose you and make you comfortable throughout the shoot.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most clients – enjoy it!

View & Order Session

Right after your photo session, you will view all of your photos on our projection screen! Pick out your favorites and leave with the boudoir photographs that you absolutely love. We offer complimentary boudoir photo editing to all of our clients. We also offer albums, print boxes, portfolio boxes, and many other packages.

If you have ANY questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Transformational Portraits :: What is a Makeover? What does it look and feel like?

Transformational Portraits :: What is a Makeover? What does it look and feel like?

Have you ever went through a transformation in your life? It’s letting go of an old mindset or look and embracing a new one that represents who you really are. I went through many transformations in my life. When I was a teenager I went through my first transformation that wasn’t guided or informed, and nowadays I still experience transformational experiences that change my life and makes me see and get to know who I am better.

A transformational experience is a very conscious thing to go through. At our photography studio in Laguna Beach Orange County in California, we help our clients shed their old image off and embrace who they are today, who they are becoming and show them the best version of who they are. Sometimes my clients need their photos for personal branding, sometimes they need it to create a legacy album for themselves and their families, sometimes they just need a headshot and since all of our portrait photography studio experience include hair and makeup styling, our clients always opt to have some portraits done and they absolutely love the experience.

We start with the consultation. Our consultation is an informative session. We show you what the experience is like, we get you comfortable with the studio. Most of our clients are normal people like you and me and not celebrities who are used to having their celebrity portrait done on regular bases, now that I’m thinking I can surely say that most of my clients haven’t been in front of a professional photographer in the last 10-20 years.

Sometimes my clients opt to have a celebrity style experience, it’s what we call a Vanity Fair Magazine style experience, where all of their portraits are photos that are over the board, props, makeup, dramatic sets, and poses, or sometimes they opt to have character portraits done, and that’s what they get. I personally always advise my clients to have a multi-genre portrait session. In the multi-genre session, we start with the headshots, then we move to portraits then we do one boudoir set, then I create a piece of art of them out of one set, this is the photographs that turn heads when they frame it and enlarge it on a metal print or big canvas in their homes, this is what I call their personal MonaLisa 🙂

 

 

 

A transformational portrait session isn’t about the hair and makeup styling, or about the dress or wardrobe or props, it’s about your attitude and your new you that you are ready to embrace and show off to the world. It’s about owning your powers and #OwnYourFemininity and loving who you are becoming and growing into. We often change and transform in our lives and It is fantastic to have memories of the transformation every 3-5 years. My personal transformation takes place every two years, I grow out of my old Christina Wehbe and I embrace what I’ve learned and became in the past two years and I own it. Owning your femininity and knowing the effect of your transformation is a powerful thing to know about ourselves.