Boudoir photography is a rapidly growing trend in Calgary, and lately the creativity and quality of images being produced by renowned photographers is inspiring. Beautifully mounted and boxed boudoir albums are sensual and traditional wedding gifts, often given from bride to groom, and a wonderful keepsake for any woman for years to come.
Still, for many women the idea of booking a boudoir session can seem a little intimidating. The pictures we see of models in magazines are so beautiful, so fearless, so relaxed- it is hard to imagine that this could be you. The fact is that the whole point of a boudoir session is to find the beauty and fearlessness within you and bring it out, if only for a second (because that’s all your photographer really needs to get the shot). The good news is that you don’t have to be a model to have a stunning boudoir shoot, your photographer and stylist will make you look and feel like one, though!
All boudoir photography by: Calgary Boudoir – BoudoiArt
Every woman has a different comfort level, and a different idea of what “sexy” means to her. The goal of a boudoir photographer is to make a woman feel confident, beautiful and sexy in her own body, and leave her with a lasting memento of that feeling. A professional will be able to photograph any woman beautifully and with ease.
Like all professional artists, they are trained and experienced in composition, colour, light, contrast, and technology. If you relax, and let your photographer do their job, you will be able to do the same. Your job during a boudoir shoot, of course, is to act flirty, have fun and make pretty poses for the camera. Sound like a fun day? It’s supposed to be, and you will be richly rewarded with images that make you look and feel like a movie star!
Boudoir photography by: Calgary Boudoir – BoudoiArt
Exploring the elegant world of professional boudoir photography led us first to Zev Vitaly Abosh of BoudoiArt and PhotoArt4U, who is well known for his boudoir and wedding photography in Calgary. We asked him to talk a little about his style and photographic practice, below is our exclusive interview. You can also see some of his work on pages 36-39 of Luxe by Calgary Bride, available on major newsstands throughout Calgary, and on his websites www.photoart4u.ca and www.boudoiart.com.
Read on (below) to find our more about Zev Vitaly Abosh, and his fearless photographic style.
Photography by: Calgary Boudoir – BoudoiArt
Boudoir photographers are often known for photographing other subject matter, such as: weddings, fashion, or nature. Few are known exclusively for their boudoir sessions alone. It is advisable to seek out a boudoir photographer with a good reputation, extensive portfolio, and if possible a few references. Look for quality images and presentation when reviewing portfolios, and take the time to meet photographers for coffee in advance to make sure you feel comfortable together. Some photographers, like Zev Vitaly Abosh of PhotoArt4U, include engagement and boudoir sessions as part of wedding photography packages. This is a great way to become comfortable working together, and you will walk away with a complete and lasting portfolio of some of your most beautiful and cherished moments.
Catherine: For how long have you been a photographer?
Zev: “It’s funny, my experience started actually with video. My dad had one of those old-school 8mm video cameras, and he taught me how to use and stabilize it. He was always the family photographer and videographer, developing all the films on his own. I actually have most of my own childhood recorded on 8mm films and photos. I was always surrounded by cameras, photography, films. My official photography business began in 2000.”
Photography by: PhotoArt4U
Catherine: How would you describe your photographic style?
Zev: “I’ve never considered myself as a photographer with one style, mainly because I’m not a niche photographer. I love and use different styles and applying those to my work. I love photographing weddings, fashion, and boudoir, but I think photo-journalistic style is one of my favorites. I also prefer to work with one source of light, whether it’s natural or flash/strobe.”
Photography by: PhotoArt4U
Catherine: Why do you prefer photography over other artistic mediums?
Zev: “Photography has the ability to capture and record moments as they happen, instantly. Imagine that a bride and her bridesmaids are getting ready. Laughter, tears, excitement, emotions… You can’t really capture and showcase those (as they are happening) with any other medium. Only with a photo.”
Photography by: PhotoArt4U
Catherine: Zev, what is “luxury” to you?
Zev: “Luxury to me is something that has a “wow” effect to it when you see it, or hold it in your hands.”
Catherine: Can you provide a statement or a memory that comes to mind when you were working on any of these shoots?
Zev: “Every single time I work on whatever it is – I have one quote in mind:” “Be so good they can’t ignore you” – Steve Martin
Next week at Luxe: Boudoir Photography continued, with Christy D. Swanberg Photography!
