The Best Swimsuit for Your Body Shape

Hi dolls,

I thought it would be fun to change it up a bit and talk about how to find the perfect swimsuit for your body shape. Whatever your shape, there are some simple tips which will ensure you find a flattering swimsuit that gives you the confidence to make the most of summer. Keep these tips in mind when you’re struggling into a suit under the unforgiving fluorescent lighting of the changing room.

Personally, my favorite place to shop is Swim 'N Sport in the Annapolis Mall. They have a great selection, and best of all, they have friendly sales staff who know just what you need. Annapolis Mall not even remotely convenient? These tips will get you started.

Pear Shape Draw the eye upward with extra design elements above your waist and downplay your lower-half with darker colors. Horizontal stripes across the bust or waist will balance out larger thighs or hips and make your chest appear fuller. Although you may not need a whole lot of support up top, avoid skimpy tops as they’ll only emphasize what’s down below. Think v-necks or scalloped necklines—it’s all about cleavage. Fuller Belly If you want to minimize your belly, try a suit with shirring across your middle section. Slim down with side detailing, such as stripes or a print, by drawing the eye away from your tummy. Don’t go overboard trying to hide your belly with a billowy suit—more fabric means more bulk. Empaphasize your legs with higher cut bottoms. Small Bust or Petite Avoid girlie, child-like prints and go for something womanly and bold. Lengthen your body with a sassy bikini. You can pull-off triangle bikini tops without a wardrobe malfunction so go for it; but if you want some help up top, a structured bust will shape what you have or you can fake it with some padding. Distract with ruffles, bold prints and bright color. Inverted Triangle Try a halter top to support the girls and provide a deep, feminine neckline. Don’t opt for a high neckline in an attempt to keep things in place, make the most of what you’ve got. Distract from heavier shoulders and bust with an all-over pattern rather than solids. Suits with draping in the middle can balance your upper body with your slim hips. Rectangle or athletic Soften your figure with beautiful feminine prints. On a one piece suit, stripes angled downward toward your belly button create the appearance of curves and a nipped in waist. Bold prints and ruffles can create curves at top or bottom, and tie-side bikinis enhance your hips. The smaller the bikini bottom, the fuller and curvier your bottom. Get out there and flaunt it. xo Clique Boudoir

Boudoir Gift Collection

PRODUCTS

Deciding how to present your boudoir photographs is one of the best parts of the whole boudoir experience. After your photo shoot, we will meet with you in-person for your private photo reveal session and discuss your images. Once you have decided on your favorite shots, together we will decide which products are best for you.

ALBUMS

The majority of our albums are available in 8x8, 10x10, and 12x12. Do you have a special note or a favorite quote you would like to include with your images? Let me know, and we can add it to your album design! Each album is created with high-quality, heavy-weight photo paper and specially bound to lie flat when opened.

MAGAZINES

The first product of its kind, this slick n’ sexy magazine-style album is among our clients’ most highly requested boudoir gifts.  A perfect gift for a husband or partner--and a perfect way to showcase your favorite boudoir images.  To completely personalize your magazine, write down the ten things you most love about your guy.  The intriguing secretive front and back covers ensure the album is for the eyes of one luck man.

CANVAS

My favorite place to display these breathtaking canvases is in a master bedroom or en suite bathroom. Perfect for that space above your soaking tub or over your headboard, a collage of canvas prints is that artistic touch you have been looking for to finish your room decor.

DIGITAL FILES

JPG digital files are available for purchase with all orders exceeding $500. Our digital collections are available in either medium or high definition and should be purchased according to the size you intend to print them. Pricing starts at $250.

xo

Clique Boudoir

Wanted – Boudoir Rep!

Hello Everyone.

We are very excited to announce a new opening within our company. We are looking for beautiful, confident women who are willing to represent Clique Boudoir Photography. There is no maximum age or size requirement, you are allowed to have stretch marks and cellulite—most of us do. No experience necessary. You must, however, be happy to expose a little skin, be confident, and willing to show off!  

Benefits

2 complimentary photo sessions a year—trust me these are fun!

Custom Rep cards to hand out to everyone.

A custom mobile app to share.

Compensation $$ (you have the opportunity to make commission off of everyone you bring in).

Custom swag (t-shirts, koozies, lipgloss...).

Rep candidates will be chosen to test shoot for a social media campaign, for votes. We want to see what you're made of. More than one may be chosen, so tell your friends to join in! To apply, please fill out the form here. You will be asked to send in a recent photo of yourself via email after we receive your application.  

Enjoy your day dolls!

xo

Clique Boudoir Photography

Strike a Pose! How to Pose During a Boudoir Shoot.

 A wise woman once said, "Strike a pose, there's nothing to it."

Well, we love you Madonna but...

What's a hard angle? What are soft hands? Why am I breathing through my mouth? Speaking of hands; what the heck am I supposed to do with them?

Never fear because Clique Boudoir is here!

First of all, relax. And I mean relax; your mouth, your neck, your chin. Do not however, relax your hands or your shoulders (this leads to slouching and fidget fingers, lol).

Let's first understand one another. Are you looking for a fun and flirtatious session or are you looking for a seriously sexy bombshell session? How comfortable are you with showing a little skin? Remember we strive to keep our boudoir classy rather than trashy, but a little skin goes a long way!

Second, we want you to feel comfortable with our photographer guiding you into poses that may be a little uncomfortable to achieve. If at any time you are uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Now let's get started.

So, let's concentrate on those hands. Have you ever seen pictures of women who look like they were born to pose? Well, trust me, they were not. They were in fact coached—they had awkward fidget fingers and rigor mortis necks until someone stepped in to show them how.

Yes, we want you to "touch" yourself. We are trying to capture a perfect image, to bring out that goddess, that beautiful and playful seductress. So we are paying close attention to every detail. Sharp angles such as elbows and knees, pointed toes, an elegant chin angle (no one likes a double chin) and of course soft hands. While you are feeling like a prop we see you as an inspiration.

Your hands can be used as magnificent props if used properly. If used incorrectly they can turn your photos into an epic fail.

Here are some examples of the dos and don'ts of hand posing courtesy of Marlen James.

Let's explore some yes and no facial expressions for perfect posing. See the photos below.

Work your #selfie face!

We all know that chin out and down/tilt to the side/look up at the camera perfect angle. It's in all of your Instagram photos because it shows you at your best, right—bright eyed and jowl-free? We love that angle!

We will use several props to help bring your poses to life, such as chairs, window sills, floors, beds, pillows, jewelry and hats. Or guitars...

Of course, our photographer will be there to coach and guide you into gorgeous poses from relaxed head to pointed toes.

And remember dolls: CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY!

So go ahead ladies—get your vogue on.

xo,
Clique Boudoir

Behind The Scenes (what really happens in the boudoir)

Have you ever looked at pictures from a boudoir session and wondered, "What is really happening here?"

I know there was a time when I did. So I have decided to go behind the scenes on a recent photo shoot and document what is actually happening.

I give you: Behind the Scenes with Clique Boudoir Photography & Crystal Gargani.

Upon arriving at the boudoir studio I was able to watch as Crystal had her makeup professionally applied by one of Clique Boudoir’s makeup artists. During this time, the two of them were talking and laughing while the photographer, Michelle, was busy setting up the boudoir for the shoot.

When you look at Clique Boudoir’s pictures you see gorgeous props and perfection, right? Well, I am here to tell you that they get creative!

I noticed a few lighting props, a fan, a colorful ottoman, a couch, a bed, and a back drop.

Michelle (the owner of Clique Boudoir and our photographer) is running around in her bare feet getting all of the last minute details together.

It is a very laid back atmosphere. Today we are shooting an ad for a local swim suit and sportswear company. So while we are keeping a certain elegance in place, this shoot is not going to be as "glam" as most of their boudoir sessions. However, the atmosphere is always the same. Warm, cheery and inviting.

We will be shooting inside the boudoir as well as outside today so I see several different outfits laid out on the bed. I also notice a few hats, a pair of heels, and a couple of swimsuits.

After hair and makeup, Crystal is ready for her first wardrobe change. At this time we are shooting in front of a backdrop and need minimal props. With our makeup artist on standby (for any touch-ups that may be needed), lighting in place, and Michelle with her camera in hand, I aim the fan at our model to create atmosphere and Michelle goes to work.

She talks to her model patiently and guides her, directing her into postures which show off her figure and the sportswear she is modeling.

Click, click, click and boom! We have some amazing shots in the first fifteen minutes of the session.

After a few perfect shots and some laughable situations (such as hair getting stuck in  Crystal’s lip gloss) we are ready to head outdoors.

Being that this is a summer shoot we are now poolside. Michelle drags a lounge chair over to the pool and just before I can hop into it and request a margarita she is instructing her model to use this chair as a prop. And it was FABULOUS!

In some situations the model knows exactly what the photographer wants. And in other situations the photographer has something particular in mind that that needs to be explained to the model. And then there are times like these where it's just, "Go with the flow."  Even the makeup artist was in on the fun!

I guess what I am trying to say is that this is an experience that you will never forget. There is no need to feel awkward or to feel like you are among strangers because even though you may enter a stranger you will certainly leave as a friend. This is a bonding experience.

From the first meeting, through to the makeup and then the actual shoot and reveal, it's a learning process for everyone involved and a fun way to experience boudoir.

So get rid of that hesitation and come see what boudoir is all about!

(Swimwear, workout gear and accessories featured in this blog can be found at Swim 'N Sport in the Annapolis Mall or www.swimnsport.com)

What to wear for a sexy shoot

Congratulations—you finally did it! You booked your boudoir session and are ready to get your sexy on.

Now what? No need to panic, trust me.

You are looking at the shots in our studio of gorgeous women who resemble professional models and thinking, "Umm, but I don’t look like her!"

Stop fretting. Guess what ladies? Before those gorgeous women stepped into the studio they all felt just like you. Most of the women who go to a boudoir studio are NOT professional models. They are everyday super women just like you.

So, you are probably wondering what you will be wearing for the shoot session. Should you bring something? Do they provide wardrobe changes? How do I show my own personal “sexy”?

Clique Boudoir does carry a few items such as corsets, stockings, thigh high boots, scarves and costumes; however, we strongly suggest—no scratch that—we insist that you bring a few things from home that you feel comfortable and sexy in.

Wait a minute…comfortable and sexy? Now you are really confused, huh? I bet you are picturing yourself in yoga pants and a pair of stilettos, right?

Well, if that’s what your man goes for, I’m not judging… No, what I mean is that we want you to feel comfortable and confident in your sexiness.

Once so you have shaved, waxed, exfoliated, had your mani/pedi done, and even stopped at your local salon to touch up those roots and are standing in front of your closet staring into the abyss of un-sexiness that is your wardrobe, don’t panic.

Stop right there!

Of course we want you to bring a few sexy pieces of lingerie and a nice pair of heels, but before you max out that credit card at Victoria’s Secret I ask you to take a look around your own boudoir (not that we don't love VS).

Be creative! Grab your favorite pair of jeans, your honey’s work shirt, a colorful tie, a wife beater, cotton panties, even your kitchen apron. Anything around the house can be made into "sexy". I bet you have "sexy" hiding all over your house and you don't even know it!

We once shot a session for a woman whose husband was a plumber. We put her in a pair of ripped fishnets, tied her hair up in a bandanna, handed her a plunger, stuck a Marlboro (not lit of course—lol) between her bright red lips and sent her to the kamode! And let me tell you, those pics were HOT!

So ladies, there is really NO LIMIT to what you can do and certainly NO RULES to being sexy!

And if you really need some advice on what to bring you can always give me a call and talk it over.

Here is a list of some of my favorite accessories:

Jerseys

Hats

Gloves

Pearls

Hoop Earrings

Ribbon

Wife Beater

Cotton Panties

Floral Cotton Knee Highs

Stockings!

Shoes and Shoes!

Ripped Jeans

Panties and Bras

White Button-down Shirt

Neck Ties/Bow Ties

Kitchen Apron

Glasses

Now stop fretting and start strutting!

xo

Clique Boudoir

Why is a boudoir session so $$?

Okay, so I want to talk about a rather touchy subject that I know is weighing on your minds. Whether you speak about it or not, I know that everyone is wondering why a boudoir session is so darn pricey. I mean come on, really; if you can go to Shutterfly and Snapfish and order prints for $xx why do professional photographers charge hundreds of dollars for these sessions and products? I hope to shed some light on the question!

Not only are we professional photographers with years of training and experience, but most of us are working folks just like you. And if we are lucky, some of us get to live our dream through our work; meaning that this is our only means of income (that's me). I mustn’t forget to mention the children, husbands and wives who see very little of us anymore. So, it has to be worth it, right?

Have you ever thought about the time it takes to upload a picture and then "edit" it? Next, you need to order it or print it out, right? Well, multiply this by 300 shots per session across multiple sessions per week. Consider the countless hours of editing and you might just get a glimpse at a very small part of my job as your photographer. I live and breathe this job. Making every image into a work of art—a masterpiece—is what I strive for. Each image is stared at and tweaked, over and over, to get it just right so that when you get the final reveal, VIOLA! Your breath is taken away! That is why I pour myself into every image. After the dinners and dishes and kids and husband are tended to I spend HOURS not sleeping, not relaxing on the couch—but hours staring at you, and perfecting your session.

Now, let's talk about the rest of what goes in to making you the vixen/goddess/hot mama you always knew you were.

There's studio lighting; classes to keep us current on style and new technology; expensive editing software; our studio space and furniture; our hair and makeup artists' salaries—they're pros too; and pose coaching—have you ever looked at a picture and thought, "If only she arched her back a little more.."No? Well we do—all...the...time! We pay to take the classes and use the tools necessary so that we are prepared when you step in to our studio. We can guide you and coach you to perfection.

Michelle – working her magic

We are a luxury service; we cater to our clients and this is why our clients leave bragging about how much fun they had and how great they felt!

As the the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for," right?

 Bye bye Snapfish. 

 Hello gorgeous!

xo

Clique Boudoir

www.cliqueboudoirphoto.com