Post # 1
Member
1299 posts
Bumble bee
I have read a lot of previous posts on this topic but I was looking to get some fresh ideas. I’m thinking of doing them DIY for my groom. I’ve read stories of them backfiring and it seems as though it’s when FH thinks someone else saw the goods. I have done a little modeling (nothing even close to boudoir) but did a retro shoot once in an oversized t shirt and tube socks for an art project. FH really loved those pics of me, which got me thinking that this might be a good honeymoon gift for him. So any ideas from anyone who has done this little diy project on their own? Thoughts, props, tips, suggestions? I’ll take any help I can get. I figure if the pics turn out horrible, I’ve only lost my time…
Post # 3
Member
4049 posts
Honey bee
I think it would be really tricky to DIY. Do you have a nice camera? A nice tripod? Lighting? Photoshop skills? If you don’t have the equipment, it’ll show.
You’ll also be limited on angles. If you have a standard tripod, you’ll really only be able to get shots straight on. There are some tripods that allow you to bend the camera though, so you’d have more options with that.
Lining up the shots might be really tough too! Even with the utterly casual mini shoots I’ve done on my own, I’ve constantly run back and forth to the camera and my positioning trying to zoom the camera in or out, or adjust it slightly here and there. So be prepared to spend a lot of time doing that. Maybe have some colored painter’s tape to mark off where to stand/lay to make things a little easier when lining up a shot.
I feel like I am being a total Debby Downer! They could turn out great, for sure. Have a plan, get some equipment (nothing fancy is needed – camera, tripod, a lamp, some aluminum foil for light reflection, photo editing program…), and have fun with it. The pro to DIY is you’ll be totally comfortable being with yourself and not having to pose in front of someone else.
Post # 4
Member
1299 posts
Bumble bee
@bowsergirl: Yeah, I worried about all of those points you bring up, but if they are awful… no loss! Then again i’ve heard and seen by googling, some really awesome ones with like no fancy bells and whistles at all! I have a pretty good little camera, and I’m pretty crafty. Where theres a will theres a way i guess… and I don’t really think spending a ton of money on professional pics is what my hubby would want anyway. He’s so laid back, and honestly I just think he would think its a pretty sweet idea I went to the trouble of thinking about it… lol. I never thought of aluminum foil tho. So thanks for that tip! Lots of good ideas there. thank you!
Post # 5
Member
732 posts
Busy bee
Im going to ask my friend to do them.. my sister has a kick ass camara and the friend that im going to ask knows photoshop like the back of her hand haha. If they dont work out o wont be too disapointed.. I got ALOT of working out to do till i let that happen! But i figure it would be really cute to send a bridesmaid over to my Fiance morning of the wedding with an envelope with a couple pics and a cute love letter.
Post # 6
Member
1076 posts
Bumble bee
What if you have a very close female friend to take your pics? Since you’ve done some modeling, if your photographer has no experience, you can direct the shoot.
Post # 7
Member
1299 posts
Bumble bee
@fzesguer: That would work but I’m living out of state now bc my hubby is in the military and I don’t know anyone here, let alone anyone I’d let take these pics! Otherwise that would work!
Post # 8
Member
5242 posts
Bee Keeper
I want to do these types of pictures also but also not sure how it would be in front of a staranger and if fiance would feel comfortable that I did that. I wish I had a friend that could do it!
Post # 9
Member
1765 posts
Buzzing bee
I did them myself. I do have a pretty nice camera & some background in photography. I used a tri-pod. You can do simple re-touching in some cheap programs, or even if you use something like pic-monkey (I think they have an airbrush tool for smoothing skin & something for enhancing eyes…. I can’t remember for sure though). I shot them in our bedroom, but I moved all the furniture out of the shot, and just had a plain white blanket on the bed, no patterns. That way the focus is really on you. And you can always try taking some, and if you don’t like how they come out, then just don’t give them to him 🙂 You can also look up some pose ideas online.
Post # 10
Member
1299 posts
Bumble bee
@sweetchiquita12: I know but even my “friends” i wouldn’t want to do it because I don;t want to be acting that way around my friends. I have some snarky friends or not really friends I guess you could call them lol. Plus its totally different how you act intimately with your other than with your friends, at least I’d hope so! Ha Ha. My professional photographer friend I would want to pay for her time, and prints, and still I wouldnt feel comfortable. So I think id rather sacrifice the great effects ( i dont need to be airbrushed hubby knows what I look like!) and be comfortable and not look like a loony in these pics lol.
Post # 11
Member
8461 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@nl: I’m scheduled to do a boudoir shoot next weekend and my photographer is bringing feather boas, a few silk wraps, and I’m not sure what else, but I’ll definitely let you know. My Fiance was a little concerned about the shoot at first, but I’m not doing any nudity (basically I’ll be covered as if I was wearing a bikini the whole time), so it’s pretty PG-13. Best of luck with your pictures!
Post # 12
Member
1299 posts
Bumble bee
@housebee: pg 13 here too! Boudoir is meant to be classy afterall. I have been searching the web and theres some pretty distasteful looking “boudoir” stuff out there.
Post # 13
Member
8461 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@nl: yeah, I’ve definitely seen a few boudoir pics that looked “borderline” to me (I’m just not that comfortable with my body), but then again I don’t really have too much experience. That’s why I’m just trusting my photographer, however, if I didn’t have her I’d probably be doing the shoot myself.
Post # 14
Member
1299 posts
Bumble bee
@housebee: The things we do for our men! I’m sure you will be beautiful. A good photog will know how to make you feel comfortable and get the right angles and all that good stuff. Remember even those models are all airbrushed up and down!
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