Events

Marilyn Riel Photography DIY Props Templates How-To Backdrops

May 2 2017

Marilyn Riel – Portrait Photographer

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES DIY, Events, How To, Lisbon, News, Photography, Professional Portraiture, Women in Business

Over the years of taking portrait photos and creating props, sets, backdrops and lighting aids I have relied heavily on my DIY skills to create what I needed for a photoshoot. I’ve decided it’s time for me to share what I’ve learned with others who may be getting started in photography or photographers who are just looking for new ideas.

Many of you know me through Menagerie Photography which is my photo studio located in Lisbon, Connecticut. At Menagerie Photography, I specialize in women’s portraiture including boudior, fashion, fitness, pinup, personal branding and generational portraits like Mother-Daughter photography.

Marilyn Riel Photography DIY Props Templates How-To Backdrops

I am creating a new web site MarilynRiel.com to use as my platform to share with others and display some of my personal Marilyn Riel photography.

Coming soon to my new page:

Helpful hints and tips for photographers
Photography and prop related DIYs
Templates to get you started in your photography adventures
Guides that detail my favorite poses and lighting setups
Images from my personal Marilyn Riel Photography
Plus more information, images and just fun stuff!

Please let me know what you would like to see me post on the page. I would love your ideas and your feedback as I begin this new adventure.

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.

Book your session today!!

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Glamour Maternity Head shots Fashion Editorial Portraiture Photo shoot

March 21 2017

What Does Mother’s Day Mean To You?

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Confidence, CT, Events, Family Photos, Generations, Lisbon, Love Yourself, Memories, Photo Gifts, Photography, Professional Portraiture

Mother’s Day in my family was a celebration of my mother and all she did for us every day. It was a day she would receive cards – hand made when we were little – flowers and sometimes to her amusement we would make her breakfast or our idea of the perfect lunch. When I had children of my own, this grew into a day when my children also celebrated their grandmother for all she did for them when they spent time with her.

We have been celebrating Mother’s Day in the United States for over 100 years. Though generally we consider it a day to thank Mom for all she has done for us, the meaning of the day is viewed differently depending on your family. Traditionally, we celebrate the matriarch of the family with cards, candy, flowers, pictures of the kids and other gifts that are either purchased at the store or even hand made.

With households today being as diverse as you can imagine, the meaning of Mother’s day depends on the family dynamic. The person in the “Mom” role may be Mom, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, or even Dad doing both rolls. To me this is a day to celebrate the love, support and connection that is the spirit of the day.

No matter what your situation, take lots of photos and whoever is the Mom in your family dynamic needs to be present in the pictures. Get another family member to snap a picture with Mom in the image, take turns, use blackmail (ha ha-just kidding), whatever it takes to get her into the pictures.

To all the Mom’s out there – there will come a day when your children will look for pictures of you! What will they find?

If you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, why not pamper her with a professional photo shoot. She gets to have a day all about her and beautiful images to share with her family.

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

March 7 2017

Planning Your Dream Wedding?

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Confidence, Events, Generations, Groom's Gift, Lingerie, Memories, Photography, Professional Portraiture, Weddings

If you’re planning to be among the 15,000 plus couples getting married in Connecticut this year, I have a few questions for you! I’ll be speaking at a Free Seminar about wedding planning on April 7^th ,2017, and in doing my preparations I found as many questions as I did answers. I decided that instead of taking dry statistics from online, I would ask some of you to share your top questions about planning your dream wedding.

I’ll be there speaking about photography, but if you have questions ranging from photography to food go ahead and ask as there will be 6 speakers at the event and I would love to share your questions with them as well. I’ve included a few topics below to get you thinking and would love to get your feedback.

Are you looking for items you may need to get from another photographer such as:

Bridal boudoir to give as a gift to your groom?
Special Portraiture such as Mother/Daughter or Generations photos while everyone is in town?

Do you already have a good idea of the basics your wedding photographer will need to know?

Are you planning an indoor or outdoor wedding?
How many people are you planning to invite?
Do you want coverage for the reception and where will it be?
Are there any other sites you wanted pictures taken?
Do you know the style of images you have in mind and what type of product you want – albums, prints, enlargements…?

I would love to hear from you on what you have planned or questions you have. Want to ask questions in person at the free seminar? RSVP for the event on April 7th, 2017 at the Comfort Suites.

If you’ve dreamed of a full day photoshoot for yourself or if there is a special someone in your life who would love this experience, give me a call and we can set up a day to talk about how to make this dream come true!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

February 28 2017

Bridal Show Fun

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Bridal expo, Confidence, Cosplay, Events, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Lisbon, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography, Trade Show

Where can you go and listen to DJ’s, see Photographers, Jewelry and Florists, sample some amazing Food and Desserts and check out an Inflatable Irish Pub all in one place? Did I mention there were also women walking around in wedding dresses and lingerie? Well that was the scene at the Bridal Show and Women’s Fitness and Health Expo at Mohegan Sun Casino last Sunday, February 26^th 2017.

We had a booth at the expo and I don’t think I have talked with that many people in one day – ever! By the end of the day (6am to 5:30pm) I had almost lost my voice and my feet were protesting but it was a great day. I truly enjoyed being able to talk with so many women who were excited about planning their wedding. While I have chosen not to do wedding day photography, I love the women’s portraiture I do. Fashion, fitness, generations, pinup, boudoir, I love it all! I love creating beautiful photographs of a woman that make her feel amazing and like a princess for the day. I am honored to create for her a gift that she can give to her husband on her wedding day.

I can, without a doubt, tell you that Bridal Boudoir is on the top of the list for groom’s gifts. There were so many women who stopped to talk about setting up session dates and it seems that August and September of 2018 are the hot wedding months. If you have either of those months picked out for your wedding, don’t wait to get your venues, caterers and photographers booked!!!

One excited bride-to-be stopped by with her mom and we were talking about what’s involved in booking a Bridal Boudoir session. The mom told me that she had done bridal boudoir 30 years ago when she got married and her husband still has the images and loves them! How awesome that her daughter wants to do the same and give her husband a gift he will keep and appreciate for years to come.

If you have never been to one of these expos and are planning your wedding, I would definitely suggest checking one out near you. You can literally go in with a check list of what you need for your dream wedding and find it there. From your dress and flowers to your reception venue and food, there are people to speak with or book right there on the spot. You can check out the DJs and amazing photos by a variety of photographers, and talk to the travel agents about booking your honeymoon. And let’s not forget renting that Inflatable Irish Pub for your next event or backyard wedding as well!

I am already prepping for the next show on April 30,2017 at the Comfort Suites in Norwich, CT from 11am to 3pm. Although this will be a smaller event, if you are in the area and still working on your list, stop by and say hello. Engaged couples get in free!

If you’ve dreamed of a day like this for yourself or if there is a special someone in your life who would love this experience, give me a call and we can set up a day to talk about how to make this dream come true!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

January 11 2017

Will Your Grandchildren Know the Story of Your Life?

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Confidence, Events, Family Photos, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Memories, Photography

Do you exist in photographs? Not selfies, photographs that your children and grandchildren will be holding 20, 30, 50 years from now? Something they can feel and touch and cherish that shares with them your life story?

This is the most photographed generation ever, more photos have been taken in the last 5 years than ever before, but only about 3% of these photos are ever printed.

The other 97% of our photos exist only on our phones, discs or thumb drives and many will not last more than a year. They are deleted, lost, on a PC that crashed or on media we can no longer access. We all want to capture every moment of our successes and our children’s growth. You see it every day on Facebook and Instagram. Billions of people post every day on social media; images of themselves getting their diplomas, their child losing their first tooth or taking their first step. Images of their parents celebrating their 50th anniversary or holding their hand as they lay in bed at the end of their life… images that make us smile, laugh, and even cry. But these amazing moments never get printed!

When your grandchild asks you to see the picture of their mom when she was their age will you be able to show them?

With ever changing technology the likelihood that you will be able to put in that CD or thumb drive 25 years from now to show them is slim. Will you even know where it is after all those years?

There is nothing wrong with having images on your phone and PC but don’t stop there!

As technology continues to change quickly, we run the risk of losing our recorded past to changing needs. Have you ever held an old family album and looked at pictures of your parents or even grandparents when they were young? Did you smile and laugh at the clothes, hairstyles and silly poses? I have and it I something I treasure greatly. I no longer have my grandparents or my mother, but I do have pictures of them I can hold in my hands and relive the memories.

Our grandchildren deserve the same chance to know their family history, the weddings, the births, the graduations and the silly moments captured in time.

No matter how your pictures were taken, print them, hold them and save them for generations to come. Will your grandchildren know the story of your life? You can make that answer yes!

If you want to create images that will be yours to love and pass on to the next generation, call me today to meet, have coffee and plan a day you will always remember.

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

December 13 2016

Creating A Cover Girl

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Campaign, Christmas Gifts, Confidence, CT, Events, Fashion, Holiday, Lingerie, Lisbon, Photography

Ever want to be a magazine cover girl? Well, today I am going to share images and information from the sessions we had creating the cover for our newest studio guide. Yes, there was even a pillow fight involved! I have learned to expect just about anything from the lovely ladies who won our contest!

So, how do we decide who goes on a magazine cover? Well, normally we pick our cover girl from the women we have photographed in the last 6 months as this is a bi-yearly publication.

Our Volume #1 cover was from the first in a series of sessions of maternity shots, and the Volume #2 cover came from a pinup session held during our “Fall 2015 Fantastic Five Campaign”.

This being our third volume, we had a number of women to choose from and it was a very difficult decision. We finally decided that it was impossible to narrow it down to just one woman and decided to do something a little different. We chose two women for this volume and they won a Best Friends session where we would be taking the cover image for the magazine.

Their best friends’ session included a separate 30 minute session for each, along with a time to take some images of them together that represented their friendship. Having shot with both of the ladies before, I knew we would be having a blast! There were amazing images from each of their individual shoots and when we did the time together, they were all about having fun! As you can see by this image, they really did have a good time…

These two were great sports and came into our studio as part of our “Spring 2016 Celebrating You Campaign”. Each woman who took part in the campaign had their individual stories to tell and shared why this was a time of celebration for them. We had women who were celebrating weight loss of over 100 pounds, women who had reached health milestones, and women who decided now was the time to embrace who they were and celebrate that beauty today.

Both of our winners – Jessica Keegan and Jessica King – (yes they even both have the same last initial!) have a mindset that includes being physically fit, which is how they got to know each other. Jessica Keegan owns Jessica’s Dance Fitness in Jewett City’s Slater Mall and Jessica King goes to her classes. We had fun doing some editorial photos with both women as part of their sessions along with lots of fun shots for the two of them.

The idea for our cover came from the shirts they were wearing during part of their joint session “It’s a Jessica Thing”. We worked with a number of Jessica’s during that time and it seemed every new contact we had was with someone named Jessica! We decided why not embrace it!!! This shot reflected their love of fitness and Converse sneakers and was perfect for our latest cover.

Stay tuned for information about our next guide – Volume 4 which will be published in the Spring!

Here at our Menagerie Photography studio, each session is tailored specifically to the woman we are photographing and her style. If you would like learn more about how you can schedule a photo session for yourself or the woman you love, give us a call! And remember, we have gift certificates available for the perfect gift for the holidays or any occasion.

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Fantasy Cosplay

September 6 2016

The Fantasy Season is Upon Us

Marilyn RielALL BLOG POSTS Cosplay, Events, Photography, Pinup, Steampunk, Super Hero

Our recent blog about Steampunk generated a lot of interest and seems to lead right into the upcoming months where fantasy becomes real events we can visit. King Richard’s Faire is in full swing, the Connecticut Renaissance Faire starts soon, Halloween is just around the corner, and the Rhode Island Comic-Con is following shortly after. There is no shortage of reasons to don the attire of your favorite fantasy or cosplay character. For many people, this is not a one day or holiday fun dress-up, but a style choice that they blend into their everyday lives.

No matter your role-play character choice, it’s definitely the time of year to take a chance and check out at least one of these events. Many of the people involved in these events spend a year or more perfecting their attire, make-up and mannerisms. This is a hobby for some but a serious lifestyle for others.

If you have ever attended a Renaissance Faire you are probably familiar with the actors who are in full character for their time period. Not only are they dressed for the part, but speaking in the language style appropriate for the time or place the faire represents. They are very serious about their faire and want everyone to have the best time possible. They do their best to fully immerse their visitors in the experience.

At the first faire I attended, a gentleman approached me yelling “Young man!” and I started moving out of the way when he then loudly asked why as a woman I was wearing “man’s attire” – Jeans and shirt. I learned quickly how to play along with the fun and joke back and had an amazing time. I was able to eat more than I should, shop period clothes, jewelry and accessories and have a great time with some cross-bow type devices made to shoot mini marshmallows!

Halloween parties are always fun and a great excuse to get dressed up and spend time with friends. Halloween celebrations have changed drastically since its inception but today it’s generally celebrated as a time to go trick-or-treating, have parties, put on costumes and just have an all-around fun time! So no matter how you celebrate it, make sure you are capturing the moment with pictures. These will let you look back, smile, laugh and remember the fun.

If Comic-Con events are more your style, you are in luck! The Rhode Island Comic-Con in November will have the last New England appearance of Stan Lee! Born in 1922, Stan Lee, former President and Chairman of Marvel Comics, is the creator of Spiderman, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Daredevil, Thor, the X-Men and many other fictional characters. Many of these characters have been re-born to new generations with the resurgence of comic character based movies. True followers of these events spend countless hours perfecting their costumes and makeup. There are costume contests, and even the opportunity to apply to get married at the event! It is an expectation that there will be professional photographers at events like Comic-Con to take pictures of people in costume and even some to take your picture with one of the celebrities at the event. With so much happening and so many people in costume, you can’t help but have a great time while you’re there!

So if any of these events fit your idea of fun, check them out, have a blast and maybe even get dressed up in character to join in the festivities. And don’t forget to get your picture taken to immortalize this moment!!

If you already have or are planning a spectacular costume and would like to have professional images taken, keep a look-out for our upcoming Fall Campaign announcement!! Here’s a hint – our theme this year is “The Costume Party”. More details to be announced in the next few days! Our Newsletter members will be the first to get all the details!

As always, if you have a topic you would like covered or want to contact us about setting up a photo session, maybe even in costume? Contact Us to schedule your session now!

King Richard’s Faire – Every Saturday and Sunday plus Columbus Day from Sept. 1st through October 21st, 2018 in Carver, MA
CT Renaissance Faire – Every Saturday and Sunday plus Columbus Day in October in North Haven, CT
Rhode Island Comic-Con – November 2nd- 4th,2018 at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
For the Pinup or Rockabilly enthusiasts don’t forget the New England Shakeup #6 Sept. 28, 2018 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, Sturbridge, MA

Boudoir / Glamour / Pinup Photography Fall Campaign

December 31 2015

Find out how the Fabulous Four became the FANTASTIC FIVE! – Photography Contest

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Campaign, Events, News

When we started planning our Fall Campaign – The Fabulous Four – we were looking for four brave women to help us capture images to re-brand our business. We sent out our invitation for a complimentary mini-session with a free digital 8×10 and wondered what the response would be. We were excited when responses started coming in right away and from such a variety of women. The most important part of the form for us was the brief explanation of why they wanted to participate in the shoot. These were really the decision makers for us and though there were many candidates, we had narrowed down our selection to four lucky ladies from across Connecticut. Then, we received an entry notice that we really liked and when we looked to see where she was from we saw Cleveland, Ohio. Yes, all the way from Cleveland!! I will admit we were not sure if it was a mistake, so we contacted this marvelous woman and verified she knew where we were. Lisbon, Connecticut… little town, off the beaten path, a beautiful New England town but, blink and you might miss it, Lisbon. She assured us she was aware and that she was willing to drive all the way from Cleveland to Lisbon for the opportunity of a one day shoot with us. We had already chosen our Fabulous Four and did not want to replace anyone so decided to make them our Fantastic Five!

I am so happy we made this decision as each woman who participated was wonderful. We even expanded from our original Fashion / Boudoir shoot plans to include Pinup sessions and they were awesome!
We are currently using some of their shots in our ads and on our web page and will be including them in our new Studio Welcome Guide – The Menagerie – that will be coming out beginning of 2016. I applaud the strength and beauty in each of these women and am honored to have worked with them.

November 7 2015

“The Fabulous Four” Fall Fashion / Boudoir Campaign has been closed

Marilyn RielALL BLOG POSTS Campaign, Events, News

The Fabulous Four Have Been Chosen

A huge Thank You to all of you who entered our Fall Fashion / Boudoir campaign contest!! We have chosen the four lucky ladies to represent the Fabulous Four. We’ve already completed the first of the four shoots and are planning the others. We will be shooting the planned boudoir and fashion sessions but have also and added pin-up by popular request! We are looking forward to a truly FABULOUS time with each of our lovely ladies but would also like to let those that were not chosen this time, know that we will keep them on record to be automatically entered into upcoming contests and campaigns.

We will be posting images from their shoots throughout the month of November and working out our next big event.
But why wait to join in on the fun?! Contact us Now to schedule your amazing photoshoot!

Keep an eye out for our next campaign or sign up for our NEWSLETTER to be notified of campaigns, contests and/or discounts.

October 5 2015

“The Fabulous Four” Fall Fashion / Boudoir Campaign – Photography Contest

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Campaign, Events, News

It may be cooling off outside but we are preparing to heat things up at our studio!

“The Fabulous Four” – is our fall fashion / boudoir campaign and part of the re-branding for Menagerie Photography. We specialize exclusively in Women’s Portraiture and are offering to four lucky ladies a complimentary mini-session which will include a 30 minute photo shoot, as well as one 8×10 digital image of her choosing (total value $300). Two women will be chosen for glamour / fashion photography and two will be chosen for an elegant boudoir session. Each session will take place at our studio using one of multiple sets, various poses, as well as instruction from me during the photo shoot. No hair or makeup services will be provided for these mini-sessions but participants will be able to arrange to come early to use our new hair and make-up room if needed.

The Entry Deadline is Midnight, Oct. 31, 2015. If selected, you will be notified via email. If you cannot complete your photo shoot during the month of November, your spot will be given to a runner-up.

PLEASE NOTE: No full nudity or topless images will be taken. However, you must be comfortable with lingerie shots and implied nudes (bits covered) as there is no guarantee which you will be selected for, glamour / fashion or boudoir.

To have an opportunity to join us in the fun, fill out The Fabulous Four entry form!

Thank you and good luck! I’m looking forward to meeting you and having an amazing time.

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