Happy Spring!

Some of my favorite Spring locations to shoot portraits.

Today being the first day of Spring, I thought I would share with you some great Spring places to shoot. Some are actual locations, while others are general locations. I have to admit many places are great four season locations.

1. Washington Park, Albany NY. The tulips adorn this Dutch city park. The peak time for photography is a week or two before Mother Day weekend which is aka Tulip Festival. You also have a few days after the festival for photography but the city removes the tulip bulbs the following weekend. An excellent location for environmental and portraits.

2. Yaddo Gardens, Saratoga Springs NY. This is one of my favorite four season shooting places! Located next to the Saratoga Race Course. It was the home of the Trask family. They left the property as an artist retreat, the gardens are open to the public. To get the full effect of the gardens you need to wait for them to uncover the statues. Some would argue that one has to wait for the roses to bloom but there is plenty of areas to photograph, that does not include the roses.

3. Congress Park Saratoga Springs NY. Right in the heart of Saratoga Springs you will find a tranquil park. Many areas for great photographs, many couples like to have their engagement and wedding photos taken in the park.

4. RPI Troy, NY. Again another area with great features, mostly architectural, still great backdrops for portraits. The overlook or approach to RPI offers a wonderful view of downtown and a western sky. A short distance away is the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center or EMPAC building, which offers awesome fiery reflections at sunset for dramatic portraits. Especially, on cloud filled warm evenings!

5. Apple Orchards various locations. This is a tricky locations due to the small window that one has to shoot the blooming apple trees. If done at the perfect time the portraits are spectacular! I would recommend that you have a subject waiting for a shoot and go when the time is right.

6. Water locations various locations. Areas by the Cohoes Falls are always a treat. The Flight of Locks in Waterford, the lakes, including Saratoga and Lake George offer great backgrounds for portraits.

Although, the snow is still on the ground, it will only be a few weeks before the April showers bring May Flowers. Happy first day of Spring and happy shooting!

10 Boudoir Photography ideas , for the Modest

I know that this genre is not for everyone. I hesitate to discuss it because it may offend some people but many of you are afraid to ask. The topic: Boudoir and Bridal Boudoir Photography. Many people believe that this form of photography is to revealing. Yet it is becoming an increasingly popular gift to give a partner for wedding and anniversary gifts. So I wanted to give you some ideas that are less revealing.

Boudoir comes from a French word meaning a women's dressing room, bedroom, or private sitting room. Wikipedia defines boudoir photography as a photographic style featuring intimate, romantic, images of its subjects,primarily intended for the private enjoyment of the subject and their romantic partners. They go on to say, it produces images which are not intended to be seen by a wide audience, but rather to remain under the control of the subject. This article is meant to focus on boudoir images for our modest clients. I have 10 ideas for you that will still make you look attractive within your comfort level.

Country girl. Being at many country concerts in the Capital District I know that this is popular attire. A plaid shirt, jean shorts is all you need for this style. But you may also want to bring along cowboy boots and hats to complete your look!

Dress. Any dress will do, especially one that makes you feel fabulous! Some suggestions are, the dress you wore on your first date, last cocktail party or formal event.

The Pin-up. This is in fact, its own genre of photography but it still works to create memorable images. To pull this look off , we recommend a white t-shirt or tank top, shorts, a collared shirt and high heel. Red lipstick and big curls will complete this modest look.

Over-sized sweater: This look is playful, comfortable and yet very modest! One sweater can cover you nicely only exposing your legs for a little kick.

Favorite team jersey. Just does not have to be his favorite team. Maybe you have a favorite team and you feel that he needs a little persuasion on why he should support your team.  Knee high socks and boyshorts puts the exclamation point on this look. Make sure the socks match the jersey.

Tied up white t-shirt. The next several looks allow for some more risk, if one chooses. For this look one could couple it with jeans, shorts, or booty shorts. It is all about how you feel!

Button down sweater or dress shirt. You determine just the right amount of skin to show for this look. Again you can determine what you wear on the bottom!  It is both a classic glamour and casual look. It is a bonus if it is one of his shirts!

Lacy bralette and high waisted shorts. This look maybe a little more risky but nothing more than one would see at the beach.

Pleated babydoll. This romantic look is not just reserved for supermodels.

The Film Noir. Hats, a blazer, shorts and high heel boots all create a glamorous but mysterious look. Of course, it is done in the classic black and white film style.

Anyone can create a wonderful style that meets their comfort level. Most clients say that it is something that they are doing for themselves, I believe that is important.  If you are considering, my advice is to only do what makes you comfortable. It is the only way to guarantee that you will be happy with your images. Most of these ideas can be altered to fit your personality. Please contact me if you would like to collaborate on putting a different spin on any of these ideas.