TAIT Boudoir Photography Blog

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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.

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.