Photography

October 3 2017

What Should I Wear for My Photo Shoot?

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Cosplay, Fashion, Glamour, Lingerie, Lisbon, Photography, Photoshoot, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, Sexy, silhouette photography, Top Five

If you’re unsure or confused about what to wear for your photo session stop worrying, I’ve got you covered. I’m here to help you all the way from your pre-shoot consultation through the day of your photo shoot. Fully clothed, partially clothed, or implied nudity can all be beautiful and sexy. It’s important that you plan your clothing items around what your style and comfort level is. You can bring items you already have and feel beautiful in or you can purchase new specifically for your shoot. I have items in my studio wardrobe that can be borrowed and some items you can purchase as well. If you plan on shopping, make sure you’ve tried the clothing on, moved around, and love it. Don’t wait until you get dressed for your shoot to try something on for the first time. You may find it’s the wrong size or you just don’t like how it fits on you. You will look the sexiest when you feel confident and good about yourself.

Remember, this experience is ultimately about what you want, what you like, and what you want to see yourself in. Your clothing should reflect your taste and personal style.

**Thinking about Lingerie for a Boudoir Session?**

Vintage slips, a teddy and/or camisole always photograph well. A corset or a bustier with thigh high stockings, a garter belt, and heels are a common choice. Start simple and go from there. Think about what colors look good on you. If you have something your significant other finds especially sexy, bring it along! We do suggest you avoid the Baby Doll outfits as they have a tendency to give even the thinnest girls a heavier bell shape that does not photograph as well. Most importantly, bring a varied selection of bra and panty sets. Start with basic black and white, but also bring colors and patterns if you have something you particularly like. Bras and panties can be photographed alone or paired with other clothing items or accessories. Make sure they fit well and don’t cause bulges from tight elastic bands.

Casual Clothes more your style?

Everyday clothing is another option to bring with you. Items such as lacy or sheer tops, lose knit sweaters, jeans, shorts, sportswear, and pajamas can look cute and sexy if photographed properly. A simple white tank top or silky t-shirt is a must have! Looking to do images for social media or personal branding and your the casual type? Bring in what fits well and suits your personality. Normally staying away from busy prints or patterns is best, but if that is what you’re all about, bring them in! Leather jacket or cowboy boots can be paired with a comfy pair of jeans to capture amazing images.

**Is Glamour and Glitz what you’re looking for?**

Do you want pictures of you in a gown or that amazing little black dress? Then do it!!! Don’t have that in your closet? We can talk about your options; I have my wardrobe you can choose from or we can discuss other options to find that amazing dress (or dresses!) for your shoot. And don’t forget your heels and jewelry or if it’s more your style, barefoot is ok too.

**Do you want to include Something of His?**

If this is a gift for him, then bring something from his wardrobe. You might pick one of his favorite ties, a button down shirt, a sports jersey, or military uniform; anything that makes the images more personal and sexy to him!

What I want you to know is that there are no required outfits, no restrictions on style and no limits to how you can use your imagination in creating this shoot. It’s always best to bring a variety of outfits that make you feel great when you put them on and items that show your personality. Don’t forget to bring some accessories with you like jewelry, scarves, hats, high heels, boots, gloves, stockings, garter belts, military tags or whatever it is that has special meaning to you.

This is your day and it is going to be awesome!!

Remember if you are planning on booking a session to create a gift for this holiday season, our last date to have your session is November 1^st so don’t wait, contact me today to set up your complimentary pre-shoot consultation!

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!!

September 12 2017

3 Beautiful Ways to Gift Your Boudoir Photos

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Christmas Gifts, Confidence, Cosplay, CT, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Headshots, Holiday, Lingerie, Lisbon, Love Yourself, Memories, Photo Gifts, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography

Over the years, I’ve discovered that no matter how you present this gift it blows them away! Jaws dropped, comments of “OH-MY-GOD-I-LOVE-IT!!” and even tears have been responses to receiving images as a gift. Ladies, if this is for your man have no fear, this is a gift he will love and treasure for years! If this is a gift for yourself, selecting the image style that fits your personality is key. No matter who your images are for or what the occasion is, this is an amazing gift.

Planning a surprise gift is always a challenge and when that gift is pictures of you it seems to make it a little harder to decide just how you want to present it. You prepped, you planned, you booked your session and had an amazing time. Now you’re picking out your photos but not sure how to present them to your special someone as a gift. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Giving you options that fit any occasion or style of photo is important to me so I know you will be happy with the final end result of your session.

So let’s talk about options!

The Folio Box Collection

The beautiful folio box collection comes in either 5×7 or 8×10 size. You can choose the style of box cover for your beautiful images. Each image is mounted on 2 mm polystyrene and has an amazing luster finish.

The Album Collection

A favorite choice, the album collections range from our 5×7 little black book to our 8×10 album size. The pages are gilded in black or gold marble and there is even room to put a small message at the bottom of the book if you desire. The albums come in beautiful black boxes for display or safe storage.

The Matted Collection

This collection features each 8×10 print, matted in white to an 11×14 size and ready to go into the beautiful black collection box. You can display or store your images in the box or they are ready to be framed and hung on the wall.

No matter how you present these, they are breathtaking and definitely provide that wow factor.

As well as the three favorite choice options, larger images that can be framed, canvases, acrylic and metal prints are available. Whatever your personal style and whatever the reason for your photo session, we can help you put together the perfect gift.

If you’re interested in a personal tour of the studio or a complimentary pre-shoot consultation, give me a call or use our contact form and we can set up a date for you to come in!

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!!

August 29 2017

Their Biggest Fears and What Happened!

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Christmas Gifts, Confidence, Cosplay, Excuses, Fashion, Groom's Gift, Lisbon, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography, Testimonial, Transformations

If you’ve ever been nervous getting up in front of a group of people to give a speech, you’ve probably heard the advice of imagining them all sitting in their underwear to make you less nervous. But what if you were the one going out to give the speech in your underwear?

Everyone has things that they fear and I’m right there with you!!! Find out what my clients biggest fears were when considering a photo shoot and what really happened when they got in front of the camera.

I’ve asked each client to tell me about their biggest fear when considering a photoshoot. After their session, I want to know if it came true and if not, what happened instead. Here are a few of their fears and what happened…

Ms. G: My biggest fear was looking bloated or too small/flat chested for the skimpy lingerie I’d chosen! It did not happen – instead I looked really sexy and feminine.

Ms. S: I was afraid I would have fat hanging out in places you didn’t want people to see. Didn’t happen! It was fun without feeling nervous and there was no judgement zone! I just felt gorgeous.

Ms. R: I was worried about posing and feeling comfortable holding a pose for long moments. Marilyn was so easy to follow and was very quick and enthusiastic.

Ms. B: My biggest fear was of not being photogenic or comfortable. It definitely did not happen! The pictures were amazing and the atmosphere was great!

These ladies ranged in age from their 20’s to their 50’s and were all amazing!

Before their sessions, we met at the studio and talked about what they had envisioned for their session. They filled out a short questionnaire to tell me a little more about them like, what is your favorite part of your body, how outgoing do you consider yourself on a scale of 1 – 10 and even if they have any phobias or allergies. These things help me to prepare for their shoot and also, to make their experience customized and as comfortable for them as possible.

So whether your fear is posing, not being photogenic, or needing to lose that last 10 pounds, it’s OK. You are not alone in your fears and I’m here to help you through one of the most fun, amazing days you’ll have.

If you’re interested in a personal tour of the studio or a complimentary pre-shoot consultation, give me a call or use our contact form and we can set up a date for you to come in!

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!!

August 15 2017

What Are You Waiting For? Time is running out!

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Christmas Gifts, Confidence, Cosplay, CT, Fashion, Generations, Holiday, Lingerie, Lisbon, Memories, Photo Gifts, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography, Testimonial

I shoot many styles of women’s portraiture including head-shots, glamour, editorial, fitness, pinup… Boudoir photography has been one of the hottest gifts for the past few years but we’ve noticed a huge increase in its popularity in 2017. Not only is it empowering and a confidence supercharger for the women that choose this style of portraiture, every recipient of this gift has said that it was the sexiest, most personal and amazing gift they’ve received. Who doesn’t want to open a gift of sexy images of the women they love wearing lingerie, his shirt or perhaps, just the bed sheet?

A client recently shared the reaction her photos got:

He opened the box…”Wow!” Then he quietly looked at all the photos with a look of astonishment on his face. When he finished he smiled and said “Can I look at them all again?” When he was done he said “I am floored!!!!- I can’t believe you would do this. That photographer did an amazing job, she must have made you feel so comfortable to be able to take these shots!! She captured what I see every day when I look at you… You’re beautiful, sexy, and mine. You look like a super model. This is by far the best gift anyone has ever given me!!! I love that you did this for me and I love you.”

This is so much more than just having a few pictures taken, both for the woman coming into the studio and the person she is gifting the photos to. This is an all-day event that we plan carefully with each client to capture something unique for each person. I love each woman’s session and we all have so much fun no matter the age or reason for the shoot.

The problem arises when women don’t realize that a session with me should be booked anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks in advance and that it takes another 3 to 4 weeks to view, select and receive there printed images or books. Each of our photoshoots are custom designed for our clients so that we can provide the hair, makeup and photo styling that you have envisioned for your perfect session. In the weeks before your photoshoot, the team assigned to your session will work with you in a private Pinterest board to choreograph images that help inspire you and it gives you a chance to shop for outfits, get a mani-pedi, cut / color your hair… all in preparation for your session date. One to two weeks after your shoot, you’ll be scheduled to select your favorite finished images and choose how you’d like to have them presented. It then takes about 2-3 weeks to have them prepared, ready for you to pick up.

So, if you’re thinking about surprising your significant other with amazing images for Christmas, you’ll want to think about scheduling a session soon. Our calendar books up quick around this time of the year and the last date I’ll be scheduling a photoshoot for Christmas gifts will be November 30^th which means you’ll need to schedule your shoot before October 31^st. Don’t miss this opportunity for the gift they will cherish forever.

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!!

July 18 2017

Menagerie Photography Studio Tour

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Cosplay, CT, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Headshots, Lisbon, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography, Studio, Transformations

If you’ve never been to my studio, today’s post will give you an idea of what it looks like, some of our sets and where all the magic happens! I have 1000 square feet of space and use every inch of it! So read on and see where I work and where my clients spend the day when they come in for their sessions.

Being in a rural area, the first thing people see is our sign at the road and my awesome pink door when they pull up to the studio.

Our studio space is private and designed to be comfortable and welcoming.

The main gallery room is where we do everything from personal branding to pinup, fitness, fashion and even some boudoir. This is where I set up the window wall for your amazing silhouettes.

We call this space the Victorian Room. The chandelier, bed with tufted headboard and large mirrors make this a great room to get amazing shots. This is primarily used for boudoir style shots but we have also done portrait photos by the fireplace for the Christmas holidays and our recently added vanity can be used for boudoir or pinup images.

Our Hair and Makeup space is one of my favorite rooms with the black and white theme and the pink ceiling. – Yes I painted the ceiling pink! This is where our hair and makeup artists spend the first two hours of your day getting you ready for your shoot. There is also a changing room for privacy off of this space.

This room is used before you come in for your session day and for your image reveal. This is where we sit and talk during your pre-shoot consultation about why you want your picture taken and what you have envisioned. You have a chance to see photos from other sessions and touch the different types of product you can purchase.

About two weeks after your shoot, you will come back to the studio to see your images on the 55 inch screen and choose the ones you love.

The reception desk is where we get paperwork prepped and where the beverage station is set up and my private office is in the back.

When we opened the new studio space in 2015 I couldn’t believe I would ever feel cramped but the time has come for us to look for more space. We are planning an expansion and the goal is to add another 1000 square feet in 2018. The new space will include large windows for natural light photography as well as an area specifically designed as a pinup garage space with a vintage truck.

If you’re interested in a personal tour of the studio or a complimentary pre-shoot consultation, give me a call or use our contact form and we can set up a date for you to come in!

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!!

June 20 2017

I Want to Spend the Day with You!

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Confidence, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Lisbon, Memories, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography, Transformations

Most people think of having their picture taken as 30 minutes to an hour of “stand here, move there, OK we’re done!” That isn’t the experience you have when I take your photos. I will be spending the whole day with you.

Yes, I want to spend the day with you. The whole day, 9am until 3pm having fun, doing your hair and makeup, drinking coffee or cold drinks and snacking on chocolates, fruit and pastry! You will bring 5 or 10 of your favorite outfits and your most amazing shoes.

You’ll spend the day feeling pampered and like a princess or a celebrity model. You will leave at the end of the day feeling confident, empowered and loving the skin you’re in right now.

Why do I want to do this? Because you deserve it… and the special people in your life deserve to have pictures that show you on your best day, happy and having fun, that they can cherish as well.

So how can you do this? It’s easy! Just give me a call and we can set up a day to meet at the studio. You’ll tour the studio, and then over something to drink talk about how you want to be photographed and what your experience would include.

I look forward to seeing you soon! Do you want your coffee black or with cream and sugar?

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!!

June 6 2017

Hot Photo Gift for 2017

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Christmas Gifts, Confidence, Cosplay, Family Photos, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Lisbon, Memories, Photo Gifts, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography

After you’ve been pampered and spent the day feeling like a princess or supermodel, it’s time for me to get to work on editing your images. I edit each one in preparation for your reveal. When you’re back at the studio for your reveal, what are your options for your images? Well we have a variety of presentation options to match your style; folio boxes, matted prints, albums all come in varying sizes. Our hot gift choice this year has been what we refer to as our Little Black Book.

The Little Black Book is a soft black Ecoskin bound book with black gilded pages. The lustre coated images are mounted on .05” thick page with rounded corners to last for years to come. It’s 5×7 size is perfect as a discreet gift for someone special and is always loved by the person receiving it.

Our albums including the Little Black Book start at 10 images but you can have more pages added to it as well. We also offer a larger 8×10 album if that fits your style better.

Other collection options include our 5×7 or 8×10 folio boxes and our matted/ready to frame prints. We have larger images available for mounting on the wall or gallery collection options.

For more information or to see these products in person, give me a call to set up your complimentary pre-shoot consultation!

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!!

May 23 2017

Plan Ahead – When to book your photo-shoot

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Confidence, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Lingerie, Lisbon, Photography, Professional Portraiture, Transformations

If you were planning your wedding would you wait until a few weeks before the date to start calling photographers? Of course not, right? You know wedding photographers are booked out months or even a year ahead. Well, many people forget that professional portrait photographers work the same way. With this in mind, I wanted to explain what a professional photo-shoot entails and why planning ahead is so important.

I get a lot of phone calls, emails and social media messages from women who want to give a gift of images to their special someone. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and military deployments are some of the great reasons for their photo sessions. I love working with these ladies to create a unique, personalized experience that culminates with an amazing gift they can give. When a woman works up the nerve to call and schedule her session, the worst thing that can happen is to hear that there is not enough time to get this done. Often they are calling less than two to four weeks before they need to gift their images. Unfortunately this doesn’t leave time to have them come in for their session, edit their images, have them come in for their reveal to select their favorites, order their product and receive it back in time for them to give it for their special occasion.

So how can you be sure you’re planning with enough time?

The perfect planning would be to start making your inquiries about 3 months before you need your finished images in hand. Yes, I know that sounds crazy, but stop and think for a minute; there are other women out there planning their sessions and they have already called and booked their dates. Like any other business, they have appointments already set and your product also takes time to be created and delivered. This also gives you time to find someone you are comfortable with who can work with your schedule. There are many photographers out there but finding the right one for you who is also available may not happen on the first phone call or email.

Your actual photo session should be 6 weeks or more before you need your images. Yes, at least six weeks. There is a lot of work still to be done when you leave the studio the day of your shoot. The photographer needs time to edit your photos, set an appointment to show you the final images so you can pick the ones you love, and get your product ordered and delivered.
No one wants to stress about not getting their gift in time. If you’re considering a photo session, give yourself time to prepare and enjoy the experience. Your session with me is a day long event that we beginning planning weeks before you come in. The day of your session begins at 9:00 am and includes a full day of pampering and fun. When you come in, we go over what clothes you brought so we can plan out your day. You have beverages and snacks available and you move right into hair and makeup. While you’re in hair and makeup, I’m preparing the sets and lighting based on the outfits you brought and putting final touches on the plan for your day. Your hair and makeup are done by our professionals here at the studio. When your finished being pampered it’s time to change into your first outfit and we begin. You are coached through the posing so you can relax and let me guide you through the shots. Getting to change outfits multiple times and use different sets, is like playing supermodel for the day and tons of fun! At the end of the day, usually around 3:00 pm or so, we wrap things up and give you a sneak peak of a few images before you leave. It is a day all about you and creating images you will love.

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!!

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.

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.

Book your session today!!

April 18 2017

Sharing One Client’s Story

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Best Lingerie, Boudoir, Confidence, Fashion, Photography, Professional Portraiture, Transformations

When I tell people I’m a portrait photographer, and that I specialize in women’s portraiture, I am still asked, “So what kind of photos do you take?” Instead of just telling you, let me show you and share one client’s story!

Not everyone who comes in for a session at Menagerie Photography wants their images shared and we totally respect that. But there are many women who come in who have amazing stories to tell and who want to share their images to let other women see that they can do this too. Today I want to share one of our client’s stories and some of her images with you. I do this with respect and am honored she chose me to capture her images at this time in her life.

When she came to us about having her pictures taken, she was celebrating one year clean and sober. She had become devoted to taking care of all aspects of her health- physical, emotional and spiritual, after years of neglecting herself. She told us that as there are many women struggling with addiction and dependency, she thought it would be refreshing and inspiring to see a woman who had overcome extreme challenges and who had come out happy, healthy and on top!

When she came in on the day of her shoot, she was looking beautiful and relaxed. She looked just like the rest of us getting ready for a day off with no makeup and hair down, just being herself.

She got to be pampered for the beginning of the day, getting her hair and makeup done by one of our stylists.

Once she was done with the stylist we went through what she had brought for clothes. She had brought a number of outfits from dresses to lingerie. The lingerie was her personal challenge to step out of her comfort zone, something I hear from a lot of women. She brought the lingerie to have some boudoir photos taken along with some outfits that were more fashion portrait style.

She let me know she was nervous about feeling awkward posing or that she would be unhappy with her body in the images. I let her know that it’s my job to pose her and not to worry. I did let her know that some poses may feel odd, but to trust me that she will love the final results and will look amazing! At the end of the session, she said she felt comfortable and happy and more accepting of her body.

We had a great time going through her outfits and using the various sets to create a special day for her. She is a beautiful woman and deserved the opportunity to experience a day that was stylized just for her. A day to celebrate her beauty, her spirit and her journey that has made her the woman she is today.

When asked what advice she would give someone considering booking a session, this is what she had to say:

“Think of it as a big gift to yourself. It’s your life, your body, and every woman deserves to feel beautiful and sexy. You’re treated like a princess – hair, makeup, creativity and really hard work as well as care on the staff’s part. You’ll feel glamorous like I did and enjoy the wardrobe changes and all the set ideas. I highly recommend it!”

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!!

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