Tait Boudoir Blog 2

NEW BLOG

2008-07-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

PLEASE ACCESS OUR NEW BLOG AT

WWW.TAITBOUDOIR.COM/blog

In Europe :)

2008-06-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

We are currently traveling in Europe. If you send us an email we will get back to you as soon as we can as access to the Internet and phone will be limited.

Here is our travel route if you are interested!

London --> Kent --> Frankfurt --> Heidelberg --> Stuttgart --> Baden Baden --> Bern --> Lausanne/Montreux --> Geneva --> Nimes --> Paris --> Amsterdam --> Brussels --> Paris --> HOME

We will try to post some pictures if we can!

A lovely testimonial

2008-06-29T08:57:00.001-07:00

We are unable to post images because of her position in the field of education, however we appreciate the kind words!

"I decided to have boudoir photographs taken as a wedding present for my fiance. Little did I know that the images would turn out to be even more of a gift to myself. I am normally a pretty nervous and self conscious person but on the day of the shoot, Erica made me feel like a supermodel. She was a calming presence and she provided just the right amount of direction. I had an amazing time doing the shoot and I have many classy, beautiful, artistic images to show for it. The feelings of self confidence that I gained truly are priceless."

Vanity Fair Vanities

2008-06-20T02:37:00.000-07:00

Every month Vanity Fair features photographs of an up and coming starlette in a 50s pinup style. They always come out so cute! I am glad to see pinup becoming more and more popular. Here are a couple of favourite images from the last few months...

One of our all time favourite VF pinup images is of Hayden Panettiere from last year shown at the bottom.

Terri's Images

2008-06-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Terri had her images done last year for her husband to be. She has recently returned from her destination wedding & honeymoon. Congratulations!

Terri suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis but did not let that stop her. Even though she has experienced weight gain due to medications and limited mobility due to her serious illness Terri wants women to know that "you can do anything you want even when there are obstacles in your everyday life". She also told us it was the best thing she could have done to boost her self esteem.

Terri - thanks for allowing us to share your images and your story - you are an inspiration!

What made you want to have images done?
In the fall of 2005 I had foot surgery due to my RA. I was in a wheelchair for 5 1/2 months and part of my recovery was that I wasn't allowed to bear any weight on my foot until it had completely fused itself. It took me the rest of 2006 to regain my mobility and to lose the weight I had put on over the past 6 months .

After going through this it made me realize that I need to enjoy everyday that I can and be happy with what I can do and not focus on what I can't do.

Seeing other women's pictures on Erica's site inspired me to "step out of my box" and do something I would have never done, and posing in my panties and bra was definitely new to me!!

How did you prepare for the session?
I went shopping with my wonderful sister in law who has a passion for fashion and she brought me into the loop on lingerie shopping. I tried on outfits that were out of my comfort zone and settled on ones that made me feel good but were out of my "safe zone". I also watched what I ate leading up to the big day, drank lots of water, got plenty of rest, tweezed, waxed and all that other fun stuff that we do to look good.

Who are the images for?
The images were for my other half as a wedding gift to him. We had been together for 14 years and after making it through my surgery year with our relationship still intact we decided to finally get married!

Have you given them the images yet, what he they think?
I was so excited when Erica sent me a few teasers that I showed one to him and he actually said "Who the heck is this?" I had to tell him that yes it really was me and all he could say was "WOW" , you will be the new Sunshine Girl in my toolbox at work!

How did you or will you present the images to him?
I purchased a few prints for his Christmas gift, then a calendar for his birthday and then I let him chose his favorites to go in an album as his wedding gift.

What did you think of the experience of having the images done?
Having these boudoir pictures done was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I was so nervous but Erica was so calm and easy going that she made me feel like I wasn't posing in my undies in front of a complete stranger!

Having RA has made me self conscious of my body as the meds I take have made me gain quite a bit of weight over the years. I also have joints that have been fused by surgery or have fused themselves so my mobility level is limited. Looking at me you wouldn't know that I have this disease as I have a rarer form that attacks and destroys the larger joints in my body.
Erica worked with what I could do and I am amazed at the results we achieved.

How do you feel about your images?
"Super Star" are the exact words I used when I sent a few of the photos to my sister, sister inlaw and my best friend. They died laughing at the title but that is how seeing them made me feel! I was a little apprehensive about doing them as everyone on Erica's site seemed to be in their 20's and here I am pushing forty and living with a disease that is slowly stealing my mobility from me. Looking at my images makes me feel that I can do anything! Keeping positive and having a good support system around you makes a world of difference and saying "What do I have to lose" more often has made me a better person since posing in my undies!

Any other info or interesting story about your experience?
If you are thinking about having your boudoirs done sign up before you can change your mind! If you are on the fence get off and just do it! Having these pictures done changed me and made me see myself in a whole new light-we are all beautiful no matter what obstacles we face on a daily basis. Love yourself for who you are and be proud of what you can achieve.

"Every woman needs to know no matter what challenges you face if you have a positive attitude you can do anything!" - Terri

GNO Slideshow

2008-06-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

Girl's Night Out was a great success and we raised over $750 for the Women's Centre while having fun watching the fashion show, belly dancer, enjoying massages and 'shopping' for raffle prizes.

To view the large slideshow click here, otherwise click play below.

Most of our lovely models (all but one!) I only had a few minutes to photograph each of them in they alley before the show started.

Album and Print Orders

2008-06-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

We will be in Europe from June 25th through July 20th. If you are planning on ordering an album and need it in the next 2 months please place your order by June 20th so we can create it for you before we go. Thanks!

Nelson Girl's Night Out

2008-06-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

If you are tuning into this blog from Nelson, BC there is a super fun event happening next Friday at Kootenai Moon Furniture on Baker Street. It's called Girl's Night Out and it will have mini massages by Mountain Waters Spa and a fashion show with designs from Global Underground. There will also be a raffle with tons of fabulous prizes donated from local business. Admission is free and raffles proceeds will benefit Nelson's Women's Centre.

Visit Nelson Girl's Night Out website for more information.

Leah

2008-06-04T07:45:00.001-07:00

Leah was one of the other workshop models. Here's a couple of images of her on another set...

Cortney

2008-06-02T20:30:00.001-07:00

We told you they were hot! Here are some images of one of the workshop models - Cortney.

Boudoir Workshop

2008-05-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

I posted about the mini-workshop I attended a few months ago with the Boudoir Divas of Woman Captured Studio in San Diego. Well I just finished the two-day intensive and it was awesome. It was great to meet more women who shoot boudoir and celebrate it because of the empowering effect the images have on the girls we shoot!

Stay tuned for some really smokin' boudoir shots... but for now...

Here are the divas: Kimee and Marissa...

The attendee group shot (I am sitting lower on the couch toward the right with a green and white top and jeans.)

-- Erica

Sex and the City

2008-05-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

We just can't wait until the movie comes out... only 2 more days! Here's a little behind the scenes video of the Vogue fashion shoot by Annie Liebowitz (the same photographer who shot Miley Cyrus) and the amazing image results are below.

This one is our favorite!

Hmmm what is this all about?

Haley

2008-05-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a selection of Haley's pinup inspired images. She changed her lipstick color half way through the shoot which was a great idea to get a variety of looks. Hair and makeup was done by Jackie Johnson.

What made you want to have images done?
My main reason was I wanted to do something unique for my boyfriend. My second reason for wanting these images was that I really wanted something that would help me with my self confidence and self image. My third reason was that when I looked at the boudoir galleries online I was certain that I would be proud to show these pictures to my Mom. They are so classy.

How did you prepare for the session?
I did a small amount of tanning (I still wanted to look like me!), a little bit of waxing, and LOTS of water. I knew that I wanted some images to have red lips, so I did buy my own lipstick. And last but not least, I SHOPPED TILL I DROPPED!!!

Who are the images for?
My boyfriend and I just celebrated our 10 year anniversary, and I wanted something special and personal for him. Something VERY unexpected! He has a clothing line that he owns, and he has currently been working on a pin-up girl that is based on me. I wanted to give him the real thing!

How did you or will you present the images to them?
I want him to view and pick his favorites, but I want to send him an email with one picture attached, “There is more when you get home tonight! WINK WINK”

What did you think of the experience of having the images done?
It was empowering! It made me feel confident, strong, and of course sexy. I am sending my sis-in-law, and a co-worker!

Is there any other info or interesting story about your experience?
For anyone considering taking part I would say “DO IT!” it was one of the best experiences of my life. When I am old and grey I can look back and remember what I really did look like in my twenties!

How To Look Look Naked

2008-05-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

We LOVE this show and if you haven't seen it you must check it out on Lifetime or the W Network.

The show originally started in Britain with host Gok Wan. Each episode features one woman and her transformation both in her physical appearance and her self esteem. Now there is also an American version with Carson Kressley (originally from Queer Eye). We prefer the British version because the host seems more genuine and does not steal the focus away from the women with silly antics. However both are equally good in terms of the effect they have on women's perception of themselves.

The show always includes a similar process for the women. It may sound a little strange so you must check it out an actual show (available online here). The first step is having the woman strip down and look at herself in a mirror and describe what she doesn't like about herself. After her perceived flaws are identified she is asked to place her body in a line of ladies with ranging sizes. The woman always puts herself in a spot that is bigger than her actual size. It is always interesting to see how false women's self-images really are. Then the host moves the woman into her actual position in line, which definitely helps the woman's self-perception. Then they project an image of the woman in just her underwear and asks people passing by what they think. The responses are always positive which helps to show the woman that she looks better than she thinks.

Usually the woman is then fitted with properly sized undergarments that help refine the body shape. As in real life, most women are wearing the wrong bra size and when corrected, it always helps tremendously. Then a full makeover ensues with included shopping trip, hair, and makeup.

Finally the host surprises the woman by asking for a nude photoshoot and most women go for it. This image is also projected and the woman receives praises by the public.

We particularly like that both shows do not encourage cosmetic surgery but rather feeling beautiful in the skin you are in!

Miley

2008-05-07T02:59:00.000-07:00

OK well we didn't want to go there but since the Miley-sheet controversy is STILL going we thought we would comment.

At first when we saw the images come out we thought "What is the big deal?!". But then I asked "Would we take this shot?" and we wouldn't - not of someone who is 15 - no matter how old they look.

Yes we have seen grad photos that are a lot more provocative - with girls bearing midriffs and showing cleavage. However the suggestiveness of this image is what is slightly inappropriate about the shot.

With all the issues of child abuse and exploitation out there - showing an underage girl in what appears to be a bed sheet does not send the right message. Some say she was wearing a top underneath (who knows?) But it is what we see in the photo that matters not what we don't. For instance we do not take fully nude photos in our boudoir sessions but we do have some poses that are meant to appear nude. Although one is not bearing all, it is the illusion of sans-clothes that gets a different response from the viewer than an obvious partially clothed counterpart.

Because Miley is a role-model to many young girls even as early as age 4 - we think that this is what not the best image to take. There's already enough pressure on young girls and we certainly don't want to see them grow-up too early.

However if it wasn't for programs like Entertainment Tonight covering it for 2 weeks straight the youngest Miley fans would never see the picture. I know for a fact no one under the age of 12 reads Vanity Fair Magazine! We think ET did go a little too far in one of their commercial previews trying to imply that she posed topless.

We do have options for underage women wanting a photo session - we call it a "Fashion Shoot" which is no lingerie or implied boudoir. And for of-age women who want awesome images of themselves without bearing all you can book "Model for A Day" or "The Sexy Shoot" - it's not quite boudoir but still hot!

We still love the "now controversial" photographer Annie Leibowitz (behind the camera).

We do find this shot is a little more icky than the sheet one!

Casandra

2008-05-05T00:25:00.000-07:00

You might recognize Casandra from our earlier fishnet post.. well here are more of her beautiful images!

What made you want to have images done?
Actually, I heard about the marathon from a friend of mine. I told her that I would LOVE to do something like that, partially to suprise my husband and partially to help me, because I am a very self-conscience person. My husband and I have been together since Jr. High School, and this is something he would not expect EVER!

How did you prepare for the session?
I went tanning and spent HOURS in Victorias Secret (and on the website). I also was trying to surprise my husband, who is a Marine, so I tried to get some uniforms without him knowing. I was very excited to get his Digital Cammies without him knowing! (Uniform images will be featured later!)

Who are the images for?
Definitely for my husband. But also to try and help me be more confident about myself.

Have you given your partner the images yet, what did he think? If you haven't given them how do you think he will react?
This is a funny story. I cannot keep a secret, but I was very proud of myself for not telling my husband! I got to the photo session and told EVERYONE about how Kyle had NO CLUE I was doing this and everything. Then, I got home from the session, and quickly jumped into the shower so that I could wash my face and hair, (I RARELY wear make-up or get my hair done). I had JUST gotten into the shower when he came in and saw me and said "Why are you wearing so much makeup??" I tried to come up with an excuse, but of course I had nothing. So I told him that I had a surprise for him that he would have to wait a little while for. Of Course, he asked questions like "what type of surprise would you need make up for?" I felt so bad that I told him about it!

He was a little surprised that I did it. Then when I got the teasers he said that they looked really good. I got the website pictures on a Saturday and he sat with me and looked at EVERY picture! He said that they were really good and he like different outfits with different poses!

How did you or will you present the images to him?
I just showed him them while I looked at them because the surprise was taken out of it when he caught me with all of my makeup on!

What did you think of the experience of having the images done?
I cannot stop talking about it. I want EVERYONE to see my pictures because I was so excited about them. I have told SO many people to check out the website and go to a photo session!

How do you feel about your images?
I am excited about them! I would love to do another photo session!!

Which images are your favourites?
I think my favorites are the ones where I am in my husband Digital Cammie and my pink corset ones!

Myspace Page

2008-04-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

We have a new myspace page:
www.myspace.com/taitboudoir

Fishnet Girls

2008-04-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

One of our earlier blog posts featured our new fishnet top and thigh highs. The results have been stunning!!! These girls look like professional models who could sell fishnets to anyone with images like these!

Green Undies

2008-04-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Most lingerie is made from fabric such as rayon, polyester, and nylon - all of which are non-renewable and non-biodgredable. There are alternatives such as bamboo, hemp and of course organic cotton. These alternative textiles can be grown without the use of pesticide and fertilizers.

We hear that Victoria Secret will soon be offering a full organic line and we hope the other larger companies follow suit. Until then, here are a couple of green lingerie finds from across the pond:

Eco-friendly British company Green Knickers makes these adorable side-tie panties. This company is all about greening their processes such as using organic dies, cold washing, recycled packaging, fair trade, local material and of course sustainable fabrics such as hemp and bamboo.

Eco-Boudoir uses fabrics that are highly renewable and which do not bring pollution to people or the environment in their processing. Eco-Boudoir is at the forefront of the movement to and leads by example with their philosophy of 'People, Planet and Profit'. Although there are no organic standards as yet for silk Eco-Boudoir produces their silk using organic compost, resins, berries.

And finally taking it to the extreme, Luva Huva's collection is made from mill-end, remnant, and cut-off materials otherwise destined for the landfill. The do make the cutest ruffle panties.

Happy Earth Day

2008-04-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

A day to celebrate the earth and raise our awareness of what we can do to consume less energy and produce less waste.

Here's a couple of simple things you can do today:

1) Unplug your cell phone charger when not in use - it continues to draw power even when not charging your phone.

2) Turn off your computer when you go to bed.

3) Which is better: paper or plastic? Neither. Reusable canvas bags are now sold at most grocery stores. It's simple to buy a few and leave them in your car when needed.

4) Use your own coffee container. Many coffee shops including Starbucks will give you a discount when you bring your own. And for today, April 22, they will give you free coffee in your own cup! If you have to go out an buy a reusable cup that basically pays for it.

5) Use greener cleaning products. Besides being better to your health natural products are produced in more green ways. We use local products, but a good place to start is Seventh Generation which is also now offered at many regular grocery stores usually in the organic sections. We also love Pink Solution, this cleaner is really amazing and doesn't give you a headache. Many conventional cleaners have ammonia and the ones that say they are "magic" contain formaldehyde - both are known carcinogens.

6) Get a water filter instead of using bottled water. When you buy one bottle of water you are actually using 6 bottles worth of water due to the manufacturing of the plastic.

Jane-Jack

2008-04-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Jane's nick-name is Jane-Jack. She says... "I love Jack Daniels, pure and simple. It's sexy, bad and full of attitude…like me. It's all I ever drink. HAHAAA!!!"... We love it too!

What made you want to have images done?
I have always wanted professional photos of myself done that portrayed all of who I am. I have seen lots of portrait photography done of just head shots….which is nice but boring to me. When Shanna proposed the idea that she is getting a boudoir session done for her soon-to-be husband and invited me to do it also, I JUMPED at the chance!! I saw examples of Erica's work online and my heart just started racing with excitement….this was it, I thought. This is something that I want.

How did you prepare for the session?
Shanna and I are perfectionists so to say the least we spent about a month or so preparing. Tanning, eating healthy, scrubbing, nails, frequenting all kinds of lingerie stores and getting ideas through websites like Victoria's Secret. I, myself, tired on almost everything in the stores I could get my hands on and picked what looked good on me.

Jane had a couple of funny stories about her experience doing the photos on the same day and how she was able to help when Shanna was in need and their experience after the session:

"Shanna didn't take any of her tags off her wardrobe so on her last shoot, one of her panty tags was showing through the black mesh. Shanna tried to tuck it in but with no luck. So I hear my name called and in I go into the room to see Shan standing on the bed with her pants half down and bum with thong hanging out facing the camera, along with the panty tag sticking out. So I walk up and try to fix the matter by tearing it off with no luck. Then I proceed to use my teeth. So we have Shan's bum right in my face and I'm biting it. I told Erica: Take a pic!! Take a pic!!!"

"Shanna and I went for lunch after to Moxie's, and we, of course, were in our jogging pants and runners and t-shirts with still the full hair and make-up on. As we were walking in the restaurant these middle aged men were walking out talking amongst themselves and one caught a glimpse of us, kept staring and TRIPPED!!! Shana and I laughed so hard and so did the gentleman's friend!!"

Thanks for your great testimonial:
"Erica did an AMAZING job and just can't believe how stunning they turned out and they aren't even enhanced yet! **HUGZZ!!** for her and the make-up artist (Sherry). I am telling all my gal pals about it because I think it's such a good thing to do for yourself let alone your man."

Here's a few more fun images from the session:

Shanna's Images

2008-04-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Shanna who is featured below clarifies what sexy and classy is all about. Photographs capture so much more then the visual image, they show the true essence... when you look at these photos you see a beautiful and confident women.

We gave Shanna a mini interview, read her answers below to learn more about her Boudoir session...

What made you want to have images done?
I am getting married in September and they are my gift to my fiance.

How did you prepare for the session?
Went shopping, lots of shopping. I think Erica has never seen two girls come with so many outfits and props! Also did tanning a couple weeks before to have a glow and the morning of I used lots of mosturizer.

How do you think your fiance will react to seeing the images?
I hope he will be shocked and very impressed and happy with them. I have shown them to my mom and she loved them.

How will you present the images to him?
I am going to wrap them up in a fancy black case with ribbon around it and get him to open them alone the morning of our wedding.

What did you think of the experience of having the images done?
It was one of the most exhilarating experience . . . I guess I would use that word. I was worried I would feel very self conscious but after the first few picks it was a lot of fun. And the pictures really show me and I happy with that. I can't wait to do it again sometime.

Jane & Shanna

2008-04-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

Jane and Shanna are good friends that decided to share the experience of participating in a boudoir marathon on the same day.

"I highly recommend going with a friend. You can help each other coordinate the wardrobe changes in-between takes once your make-up is done, help strap/lace/fix things that you can't reach. Plus it totally makes it more fun to experience something like this for the first time along with someone else. So memorable and what a BLAST!!" commented Jane.

Shanna says, "We were both really nervous to go, but having someone there with you took off the ease. It was also nice having someone to help you in and out of outfits, bouncing ideas off of, and making sure you looked hot! LOL. Plus the whole experience doing it together will be a memory we can cherish forever. We have always done everything together so why not this? The only thing I regret is not having one photo done together. But we have already said we will do that the next time!".

The two of them had different reasons for having the images done. Jane is in her prime and happy as a beautiful single women, to me she represents the power of the feminine. Thank you Jane! Shanna is engaged and lucky to have found the man she will spend her life with.

Here are a few pics from their session. Come back to the blog on Friday to see more of their beautiful images...

Jane:

Shanna:

2008-04-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

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