If you are interested in your own boudoir session (indoor or out!), I’m interested in you. Let’s talk.

Last week I had a portrait session with Rachel, a senior in high school that channels Marilyn Monroe in her everyday wardrobe. Check out her post here. As I went through her images, I knew I wanted to edit them in a slightly different way because it would fit her session perfectly. I’ve posted three images below: 1) the original 2) edited in my usual way 3) edited in a special way for this session.

Here is an image from the session straight out of camera (SOOC) at 1/320sec f/1.6 ISO 640. Taken with Canon 5D an 50mm 1.2L:

It’s not a bad image, I know that because I chose it as part of the final collection Honestly, I could probably give this image over to any client and their naked eye would accept it as final. I would never do that because I am an artEEST, but still. So when I looked at this image, I looked for the areas in the image that are good, but that could be better. For instance, I think it could use a little more contrast and deeper black-tones. I also think that I will add a bit of clarity so that Rachel’s silhouette is more distinguishable from the doors in the background. This thought process is one that I go through for each image; asking myself how it can be better. The editing process doesn’t exist so that you can make an image, you are supposed to do that in camera. The editing process exists to highlight the image you’ve already made.

Here is the image with my normal editing:

Because I know how I shoot, what needs to be done to an image is usually pretty consistent. I’ve created a preset that I apply when I import an image into my editing software (Lightroom) so that I don’t have to rinse and repeat on each image. I applied that preset to this image, too, which is what I mean by my ‘Nomal’ editing. My preset includes adjustments in: tone curve, highlights, saturation &vibrance, noise, and clarity. Often I am so consistent in my shooting that the preset is enough to make the image presentable to clients. I’m not bragging on that, I’m saying it because it’s one of the best things that I’ve learned.

Here is the final image, with further edits:

As you can see, the image retains the same exposure and tonal curves as the image before it (normal edit). What I wanted to change in the image is the warmth and color tone. The reason for this is because I thought that it fit the theme and mood of the session and would give it a slightly more ‘vintage glam’ feel. To achieve this look, I applied a split-tone treatment in Lightroom. Split-toning allows me to change the colors of the highlights and shadows within an image, and adjust further until I am pleased. This image is the final image that was presented to the client.

Here’s a recap of all three so that you can see the difference, it took me about 2 minutes total:

Happy Editing!

As we talked on the phone about the upcoming session’s details, I grew more and more excited. I knew the perfect spot for the location, and we’d be shooting at the perfect time of day. I did some last minute scouting to make sure everything was good to go, and then I requested that Rachel and her mom meet me at Atlanta’s famed Fox Theater. The Fox Theater is an Atlanta landmark, complete with gorgeous architecture channeling vintage picture shows and Indian palaces. I knew it would be perfect for channeling ‘Marilyn’ as well. To finish up the shoot we would travel across the street to the Georgian Terrace for additional photography options. The Georgian Terrace boasts equally beautiful architecture, and is the site for one of the scenes from ‘Gone With The Wind‘. Rachel fit the part perfectly, pulling out a variety of outfits for our hour-long shoot.

Here are some of my favorites from the session. Rachel, you are stunning.

The Not Wedding Atlanta couple's shoot in downtown decatur, ga

Meet Lauren. She’s 7. She’s got a wit about her that puts her more at 15, and has a natural comfort about her that puts her among the most experienced models. I loved photographing her in Marietta Square on President’s day, and I think she had fun, too! There are so many amazing backgrounds for photography in the Atlanta area, and I find myself getting to Marietta quite often. We spent about 45 min walking around and captures some amazing images. This is my favorite image from the session, I believe it’s quite glorious.

This is Sullivan. He is 2. He is also a stud.
Happy Birthday Sullivan!

I had boudoir sessions this weekend at the W Hotel in Buckhead. The room had amazing light, and Mrs. M knew exactly what she was doing. This is my favorite image from her session (aside from one that I can’t show!).

We shot Kelsey’s boudoir session at the W Hotel in Atlanta. She looked stunning in every look that we did, but there is something glorious about this Fishnet and chair setting. I love how simple and sexy it is. This was my favorite from her Boudoir session, a gift to her hubby for their 1st anniversary.

I had a wonderful time photographing Hayley at the Grand Hyatt in Atlanta for her Boudoir Session. I try to pick one ‘Glory Image’ from each session, the image that I believe is the most beautiful and cannot stop forcing into people’s faces. This is hers.