5 Tips for Selecting Lingerie for Your Boudoir Session
So many women worry about picking out the right lingerie for their boudoir session. If you’re planning a boudoir photo shoot and are lost in the sea of choices when it comes to lingerie, read on! The first thing I tell women is the most important thing is to pick something that makes you feel […]
What Should I Wear for My Photo Shoot?
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 […]
3 Beautiful Ways to Gift Your Boudoir Photos
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! […]
Their Biggest Fears and What Happened!
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 […]
What Are You Waiting For? Time is running out!
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 […]
Menagerie Photography Studio Tour
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 […]
I Want to Spend the Day with You!
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 […]
Hot Photo Gift for 2017
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 […]
Plan Ahead – When to book your photo-shoot
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 […]
Marilyn Riel – Portrait Photographer
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 […]
Sharing One Client’s Story
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 […]
The Perfect Gift
As most of you know, we’ve always had gift certificates here at the studio but we wanted to make it even easier to purchase the perfect gift. With that in mind, we’ve added a gift card page to our website that offers several options depending on what you’re looking for. Whether your looking for that […]
Our Latest Product Project … The Reveal Wall
We wanted you to see our latest studio project … our reveal wall! We’d been debating about adding a reveal wall for about a year and decided it was time. What is our reveal wall? Read on and check it out! Our new, remodeled studio has been open since 2015 and is always getting little tweaks […]
What Does Mother’s Day Mean To You?
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 […]
Planning Your Dream Wedding?
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 7th ,2017, and in doing my preparations I found as many questions as I did answers. I decided that instead of […]
Bridal Show Fun
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 […]
DO YOU DREAM OF YOUR OWN PHOTO SHOOT? Part 2
Your day has arrived and you’re filled with excitement and a bit nervous. You spent the last month preparing your outfits, thinking about what props to bring, making sure your haircut is up to date and getting your nails done. You arrive at the studio by 9am and take a deep breath… the fun is […]
Do You Dream Of Your Own Photo Shoot?
What is a photo shoot? Models, lights, cameras, professional photographers, hair stylists, makeup artist and magazine style images? Something reserved for Victoria Secret models or famous people? Have you ever dreamed of being that woman at the center of all the attention? You can be that woman! You can have a photo shoot designed specifically […]
Why Are We Captivated By Stories Of Transformation?
Are you a fan of Rehab Addict, Fixer Upper, or Good Morning America’s Makeover, we are all captivated by the idea of makeovers and transformations. Whether it is a single room or an entire house, people watch shows like the Property Brothers to be inspired or to dream. Do you watch the makeovers from What […]
Why Are We Intrigued By Silhouette Photography?
Have you ever seen a silhouette photo and been amazed at the power it seems to hold? These photos often are used to convey drama, mystery, emotion and mood. Instead of an image that is full of detail, color and telling a full story, silhouette images leave much to the imagination of the viewer allowing […]
Will Your Grandchildren Know the Story of Your Life?
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 […]
The Phoenix Has Risen
A new year a new you! How many times have you heard or said that phrase? New Year’s is a time when people are filled with hope of new opportunities and belief that change can happen for them. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes to new life, a new year gives us the feeling […]
What First Impression Are You Making For Your Business?
We all know that it’s very hard to change a first impression; and a person often makes their first decisions about who you are based on your looks. Now, I know that isn’t fair and it’s socially a big no-no, but it is a reality! If a stranger looked at your professional photo, how would […]
Redefining Women’s Portraiture
Another year is almost at an end and it’s time to take stock of where I’ve been and where I want to go. It’s been a little over a year since I started specializing in women’s portraiture and it’s been so amazing! I’ve worked with amazing women, laughed, cried and hugged. Over the year I’ve been […]
Creating A Cover Girl
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! […]
Share Your Memories – Display Your Photos This Holiday Season
Do you remember making the macaroni picture frame in grade school, spray painting it gold and putting your picture in it as a Christmas gift? Our kids may still make us wonderful gifts using their creativity and lots of glue, but as adults, there are ways we too can share our favorite photos and memories […]
What’s Your Favorite Brand & Style? Part 2
As we said in Part 1 of this blog topic, with the overwhelming number of places to shop either in person or on line, it can be hard to decide what styles look best, are comfortable and fit the needs of the outfit you’re planning to wear. No matter what type of photoshoot you are […]
What’s Your Favorite Brand & Style? Part 1
There are so many places to shop and so many different styles of bras it can be overwhelming deciding what to buy that will look best and be comfortable at the same time. This article will share some of the different styles and what we have found looks best on most women when being photographed. […]
Are Your Walls Naked?
Do you have naked walls? Are they bare or have just the token seasonal decorations? Or do your walls proudly display your history and your family? Are you like so many of us who have hundreds or even thousands of images either printed and stuffed in boxes or saved digitally on our PCs or other […]
I Don’t Do Nudes!
While I do believe that artistic nudes are a beautiful and valuable form of photography, I made the decision that this was not my style. I admire the works of great artists that celebrate the shape and texture of the human body in art, but believe leaving a little something to the imagination can often […]
Celebrating You Photography Campaign 2016
There are so many women out there who have, like all of us, faced challenges or life changes and aren’t feeling as beautiful or as special as they deserve to. Every woman should know she is beautiful today! Our spring 2016 campaign was designed with this in mind. This blog is dedicated to the lovely […]
Are You Ready to Release Your Inner Super Hero?
Are you a fan of Wonder Woman, Storm or Lara Croft? Well, women super heroes have been around for quite some time and the list is constantly growing. I believe every woman has what it takes to be her own super hero. So how do you identify your inner super hero? As this is Wonder […]
Are you missing out on the Perfect Groom’s Gift?
Are you getting married and trying to decide what gift to give to your husband on your wedding day? Well, wonder no more! The hot gift (pun intended) that is trending now is gifting your boudoir images in a keepsake box or album. What man wouldn’t like beautiful pictures of the woman he loves, taken […]
Confidence is Key! Especially During Your Photography Session!
“Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have. It’s much sexier than any body part.” – Aimee Mullins. I truly believe this quote is right on target when it comes to women and photo sessions. It’s completely normal to be nervous and unsure of yourself when you’re preparing for your session but when the […]
What Fear is Stopping You? – From Having A Perfect Photoshoot
Is fear stopping you from doing things you’ve dreamed of for years? Stopping you from feeling great about yourself and celebrating who you are today? Fear that you aren’t ready, that you won’t do it right, fear that you aren’t pretty enough or don’t meet society’s definition of beautiful? Well, I’m here to let you […]
A Photographer’s Answers to the questions you were afraid to ask!
I know there are a lot of you out there with questions for me that you may not be comfortable asking. Well, wonder no more. I’m going to give you the answers to the top five questions people are often afraid to ask before they book their photo session! Q: If I choose […]
Part Three: The Day Before Your Photography Session and Your Big Day!
Time has flown by and it is the day before your photo session! You have been preparing all month for this and have gotten your clothes ready, your shoes are shining and your nails are polished. You have had a blast surfing Pinterest for those images you pinned to show your ideas of what sexy, […]
Part Two: Five Days Before Your Photography Session It’s Time To Spoil Yourself
So here we are with part 2 of our 3 part blog series: Preparing for your Photo-shoot. We are so excited that your BIG DAY is almost here!! Last time we talked about what you need to get started on the month before your session. By now you have already booked your session and have […]
Part One: The Month Before Your Photography Session – Putting Together The Pieces
Your session is booked and you have the date for your big day; now the fun starts!! Planning your photo-shoot can and should be a lot of fun and I want to share some things that will remove the stress and let this be a fantastic experience! When you’re preparing for your photo-shoot, you should start getting […]
What Genre of Photography Inspires You?
As a Woman’s Portrait Photographer I am often asked to explain more about the genres of photography I create. Some types of photography are easy to explain like business head shots, and maternity. Business portraits have been used for years and with the increase in social media and web development, your business photo is often […]
It’s All About The Communication – The Perfect Photography Session
Have you ever felt unprepared for a special event or meeting? Were you sure you had forgotten to bring something or you were just not ready to get up and give your speech? I know I have! Imagine if you had to give that speech in sexy lingerie in front of people you had never met before. […]
What to Wear to Your Boudoir Photography Session – and What to Avoid!
Are you unsure or confused about what to wear for your boudoir session? Fully clothed, partially clothed, or implied nudity can all be sexy. It’s important that you plan your clothing items around what your comfort level is. You can bring items you already have and feel beautiful in or you can purchase new specifically […]
Top 10 Common Excuses For Not Doing A Boudoir Photography Session
I’ve been meaning to write this for a while and decided now is a great time to just get this done! I hear “reasons” all the time from women why they can’t do a boudoir session and I’m telling you today that those “reasons” are really just excuses! I’m a huge believer in loving yourself […]
BRA SIZE CALCULATOR (BETA)
AT MENAGERIE PHOTOGRAPHY – WE TAKE BRAS SERIOUSLY!Making sure women are comfortable and looking their best is our business.As a boudoir photographer I see a lot of lingerie and making sure women are buyingwhat fits them to make them look their best while also being comfortable is important. That is why we created this Bra Size […]
Five Great Reasons to Up Your Water Intake – Tips From The Photographer
Many people only think about drinking enough water during the hot summer months but I want to share some reasons it is important to drink enough water all year long. I have heard from many people that water is bland and they want something with flavor. At the end of this post you will find […]
2016 BEST OF LISBON AWARDS – ARTIST / Photographer
“We did it again for the second year in a row! A huge thank you to our awesome clients – without you we could not have had such a successful year. You ladies are not only gorgeous but also my dreams come true. You are my Dream Girls! Thank you all and let’s make this […]
Find out how the Fabulous Four became the FANTASTIC FIVE! – Photography Contest
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 […]
Star Wars Inspired Fashion – Awesome!
Are you a Star Wars geek like me? I couldn’t believe how cool this is and I LOVE this idea. Check out these one-of-a-kind “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” clothing designs. Bloomingdale’s will be displaying them until they are auctioned off on CharityBuzz.com to benefit the Child Mind Institute. I wouldn’t be interested in wearing […]
That Extra Special Photography Gift
***Offer ends December 18th 2015
Welcome to our Photography Studio
It’s been a long road but we finished remodeling our 1,000 square foot studio and I am so excited! A year ago I decided to move into a separate studio space and had a vision of what I wanted. When we finished the studio it was more than I had dreamed. I love working in […]
“The Fabulous Four” Fall Fashion / Boudoir Campaign – Photography Contest
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 […]
March Photography Shoot Out
March Shoot Out A big thank you out to the group that did our March Shoot Out with us, it was a fun day! We were able to setup some free studio time for a few customers and get creative with their shots. We appreciated the opportunity to work with four great people, it […]