In part one of our editorial on boudoir we interviewed Calgary Photographer Zev Vitaly Abosh of PhotoArt4U who gave us some great advice and tips on hiring a professional and building a great photographic experience together. Today we are talking to another prominent Calgary boudoir photographer, Christy D. Swanberg of Hello There Darling Boudoir, to learn a little more about her own thought process when composing these shots from behind the lens.
Many women shy away from the thought of booking their own boudoir session, they may wonder – “who are these brave gorgeous women who so fearlessly bear their bodies and souls for the photographer?”. The fact is that they are not experienced models with super self esteem; they are housewives, entrepreneurs, soccer moms, and career women. Some of them have feelings of inadequacy, grief or sorrow regarding their sensuality or their bodies. The boudoir photographer must override those negative feelings and create a feeling of sexiness, authenticity, and joy.
The goal of any boudoir photographer is to make a woman feel confident, beautiful and sexy while leaving her with a lasting memento of that feeling. An experienced professional should be able to anticipate a woman’s movements so that she can be photographed easily. A really great boudoir photographer has the ability to adjust their practices and coach their subject to bring out a woman’s best and most authentic qualities. The idea is to capture her individual beauty, sensuality, and spirit, while making her feel completely comfortable and safe.
We love these images by Christy D. Swanberg of Hello There Darling Boudoir Photography. Her fearless nature and joyful approach to life is authentic, and it shows in her work. Read on for exclusive insight into her thought process and special considerations when composing shots for a some of her clients.
All images by Christy D. Swanberg, Hello There Darling Boudoir
Making every woman look and feel like a knock out movie star takes a lot of determination and know how. Fortunately Christy D. Swanberg is both extremely knowledgeable, talented and determined to do this with every shoot. Combined with a splash of her irresistible southern charm and clever sense of humor, it’s no wonder she is one of the city’s most sought after boudoir photographers. We asked Christy to speak about some of her favorite pictures, and the thought process that she goes through when deciding on the right shot for a particular client.
Christy: “With every single Hello There Darling Boudoir session, it is important to know that I only focus on three positive features of each lady. It is critical that they give me their three favorite features of themselves because they need to see themselves in a positive manner, and I also need to know what to focus on. There is never any need to focus on parts of a lady that they aren’t fond of. (Why would I waste their time with something they don’t like?) For example, Stacey (above) was uncomfortable showing her tummy. So, we used props like the curtain to help provide coverage, and instead we focused on her beautiful smile. She loves, loves, loves how happy she is in life. Men see your smile as one of the most attractive features on your entire body, especially if they can be the man who makes you smile!”
All images by Christy D. Swanberg, Hello There Darling Boudoir
Christy: “ Alaina (above) loved her stomach. So, I emphasized her curves to showcase her muscular yet feminine build. It was super important to her to capture her belly pre-baby because she felt that after having her kids it may not ever look like this again. Alaina was engaged just a few weeks after she gave her boyfriend, now fianc , her Brag Book!”
All images by Christy D. Swanberg, Hello There Darling Boudoir
Christy: “When Ashley (above) arrived, she said she was a very laid back person. I saw her legs and thought, WOW! We have got to show these beauties off right! As I was photographing her in the very beginning, she read more sexy, sassy and couture to me than she looked at herself, so heels were a must. The window was there so we used it, and here’s the final result and her favorite shot. It says “take me seriously, I’m not a little girl anymore” and I am beautiful.” Often ladies have preconceived notions about how they will photograph, however, the camera never lies. The moment I see the test shots I know which direction to take the shoot in, but it’s still my job to reassure my ladies about how amazing they look. I show images thorough the whole session because we are a team.”
All images by Christy D. Swanberg, Hello There Darling Boudoir
Christy: “Kaela had never had a boudoir session before and trusted that I would showcase her best features while hiding any parts she didn’t want to show. This is one of my favorite shots to do because it allows me to shape and show off a ladies curves. After all, being a woman is all about having curves. Here I took pillows and lifted, tucked, moved, whatever I had to do, to show the entire body line. The end result is to showcase the woman just being herself. I sometimes have to anchor myself to a wall or do stunts to get shots like this because I am dealing with very small work areas like hotel rooms, bedrooms or cars.”
All images by Christy D. Swanberg, Hello There Darling Boudoir
Christy: “Stacey’s overhead shot. This shot I do every single session because it what your companion would see, it allows for your face to relax, and we all loose about 10lbs from this angle. Then I moved her face wherever it would look best. Take that and her fabulous hair draped around her face, and the result is glamorous yet, natural! This shot is by far the one photo that everyone is surprised they love, and always put in their Brag Book.”
When looking for the right photographer for you, creativity is an important thing to consider, and so are testimonials, but ultimately the proof is in an extensive and/or professional looking portfolio. Be sure to take the time to do some research in advance and seek referrals to find the right personality fit for you.
