Quality work takes time

I believe that if I want something quick I probably need to lower my expectations on quality.
When you buy your wedding dress you order it months in advance because you know that most dresses are made to order and if you want a perfect looking gown that will hug you all over it will take time for the dress maker to create it for you.

I know it's often a very last minute decision on booking a boudoir shoot as a wedding gift or anniversary gift but remember; if you'd like to present it in a beautiful album you will need to calculate with a little more time. After all, you are buying something very special, something you can't just buy off eBay or get in a shopping mall.
You also want to give yourself time to prepare yourself, get the right outfits and feel you're 100% ready when the shoot day comes. :)

Below is the full rundown of the process from start to finish (in general):

• You email several photography studios
• You clarify all your questions with selected photographer
• You lock in a date with your photographer (giving yourself enough time to prepare, find lingerie, etc)
• Your photography session
• Your online/in-person viewing session - approx. 3-7 days after the session
• Post production of selected photographs - approx. 7 days
• Final high res and low res files delivered to you
• Album design and order - same time as final image delivery
• Album delivered to you approx. 2-3 weeks after album order sent to supplier

As you can see there's a tonne that goes into getting you that gorgeous album. It's generally about 2-6 months for most girls and while it sounds like a lot I can assure you it's certainly a good time frame to plan with.

And don't worry, I'm here to help all along the way, there's a lot of communication before the day of your session because my first and foremost priority if for you to feel like a superstar. ;)

Stay Beautiful,

Agi

 

Why does size NOT matter // AT ALL!

Before I start this blog post I'd like to point out that I am the same as all you ladies who are reading this; a girl who's keeping a close eye on the scale so I totally understand the head space of a girl who's worried about their dress size!

Now, what made me write this little not: Last year I've lost a fair bit of weight due to a rough start and was overly happy to see my dress size shrinking with the kilos that were coming off me. After pulling myself back together and feeling great again I wanted to make sure the kilos stay off so I've been keeping my training routine (sort of), been watching my calorie intake however I make sure that while my diet is controlled I'm not starving myself or ordering salad when all my friends are eating pizza at the Italian! Life is good and we shall enjoy it, right?

The best part of my weight loss was seeing the dress size on the labels.. :) While this may be most of our main measure of what slim or chubby is; it is also the most ridicilous out of all! I'm not saying that I was crying when I bought my first size 8 dress last year (or that skirt that is extra small!) but I should have been a bit suspicious because my size was - for years - size 10 or 12.

Let me get this straight: I'm 178cm (5'11") tall and 65kg. That is anything but skinny or extra small. If I would all of a sudden need to buy extra small clothes that would sure make me cry! There would be a problem.

The bubble burst a couple of weeks ago when I've got some pants from the UK and while all of them were size 10 (UK) only 1 of them fit me. Go figure. I ordered a dress online in size UK 10 (which I have always assumed the same as AU 10) and I had to send it back because it was too small.

When I've received 2 items ordered from the same website and cut the labels out it all came clear to me: while brand 1 is showing that UK 10 is EU 36 the other says it's EU 38... Oh, and when I ordered a medium size dress from the US and it had to be taken in almost 2 sizes? That was my best skinny moment! Again: go figure. And how could I forget shopping in Asian countries where everything is designed for the shorter, smaller ladies?

Different brands seem to have different sizing measures and we should all be aware of this - instead of worrining about the number on the label!

My conclusion from this is that SIZE DOES NOT MATTER! Clearly; no one can tell you what size you are exactly!

Ladies, enjoy who you are, embrace it, show off what you are proud of and forget those stupid labels in the back of your dresses! At the end of the day; what makes the dress fabulous is not the dress but who's wearing it! Hold your pretty head up high and smile at the World because you are gorgeous just the way you are!

Stay Beautiful!

AgiM

Boudoir Shoot // Miss D

Since I've started shooting boudoir I've learnt that what I produce is much more than just pretty pictures of women.  They may all have very different reasons to book a boudoir session, but what boudoir really is about; to gain that extra bit of confidence you may be lacking. It's not only about feeling like a million $ but more so to lift that pretty head up a little higher and worry less about what people think, because what really matters in life is how YOU feel about yourself not what you think others do.

Miss D was one of my favourite clients so far because of the amazing transition from her shy, tomboy-self to the confident gorgeousness that the below images reflect. I loved to see the smile on her face after i showed her the first few shots, and seeing her feeling more and more confident front of my camera!

From the moment we greet our client we do everything to make her feel comfortable and beautiful. I believe with Miss D we definitely achieved all and more than that.

Thank you gorgeous for letting me show off a selection of your images here.

Stay Beautiful x 

Boudoir Shoot with Miss C

You know those photographers who call themselves "International XYZ Photographer", right?They earned this title by photographing on locations outside of their country of residence, they travel a lot, they have to carry around a LOT of equipment usually, live in hotel rooms and by flight schedules. (All this which I love too by the way) But if you live in a country which is pretty much far far away land from most other countries; you may end up becoming (sort of) and international photographer just by the look of the nationality of your clients.

Living in Sydney means that I come across all sorts of nationalities and blessed to be able to shoot beauties from all around the World without having to pack my passport. I absolutely love this aspect of my life as a photographer because I see the biggest variety of looks and shapes. It definitely makes a boudoir photographer's work much more exciting!

A few weeks ago a young German lady got in touch with me to book her shoot. As per usual I recommended her to book it a few weeks in advance - giving herself enough time to prepare. She wanted to book a date in as soon as possible because she felt her absolute best and fittest. Well, you don't mess with the German! If they want something you better give it to them! :)

She was right and a dream to work with and she looked drop dead gorgeous! Thank you Miss C for letting me share your beautiful images!

Stay Beautiful!

xxx

 

Sun, Beach, California // Boudoir Retreat 2014

If you are following my Facebook page you have seen that it's been inundated with pictures, updates and messages about my recent trip to San Diego, California to the Boudoir Divas Retreat.This trip was one of those that you are dreaming of forever but can't see yourself ever make it happen. How could anyone's dream be travelling all up 24 hours on 3 different flights just to stay for 4 nights, turn back and do the same travelling home?

Well...

Yes, I'm the kind of person who: 1. LOOOOOVE to travel (but hate packing) 2. Love to do things that make no sense to most people (just to prove that we should all fight for our dreams because no one else can make them come true) 3. Try everything in my power to make things happen if I really, really want them (even it takes years of waiting - which in this case was about 5)

It was not as crazy at it seems by the way. If you travel often you would just look at it as another airport, another check-in desk, another flight, another serve of plastic food (which I actually like!), another delay (because there will be at least a couple if not more if you take 5 flights return), another smiley flight attendant.

I would also like to add that I find the time spent in the air priceless because this is the only time where my productivity level raise to the max. Where else can you get hours without mobile phone reception, wireless internet and phone calls?! Not many spots left for that in this World guys! Try to embrace the time you get to yourself on planes.

Moving on to the reason of my trip (that I meant to write about before I got totally off topic); I went to San Diego to spend 5 days with the Boudoir Divas and 6 other like minded, passionate boudoir photographers to talk about all things boudoir, shoot styled models and basically learn from who I consider the best in the industry: THE BOUDOIR DIVAS!

The retreat exceeded my wildest expectations; not only the beach house we were staying was amazing, not only I saw the biggest fridge in my life (fully stocked I may add), not only we shot all up 9 gorgeous girls in all shapes and sizes, oh and not only we've been catered with the healthiest and yummiest food but I also made friends with some fantastic girls who I will stay in touch forever for sure! I made a new best friend before I even got to San Diego - what better start I could have asked for!

What I found absolutely priceless that even tho we are all doing the same thing in theory; our photography studios couldn't be run any more differently! It was so good to see the different business models, brainstorm ideas, collaborate and dream together. It just showed me how much more this industry could be if photographers would not be afraid of sharing their knowledge. No one can be good at everything so why not show off what you are best at and hope it will help at least one person? How could anyone "steal" your ideas or "copy" your business when your business represents YOU? You, who is a unique individual therefore no other photographer will be able to do what you do!

I came back to Australia with a huge amount of inspiration, a much clearer head about all aspects boudoir and making new friends.

Tell me how it would have not worth every cent or every hour on the plane?

But because I'm a photographer and not a writer, I may be better off sharing some images that shows what a bunch of amazing women I spent those unforgettable days with and no doubt; a once in a lifetime experience.

Spending an entire day in the Boudoir Divas' studio and see Marissa&Kimberlee in their element was definitely one of the highlight to me!

The below image shows you how much fun we had while shooting the models in the La Jolla beach house. Krystyn from Flash Photography and Miss Reese from Urban Jungle Photography

This is what it looks like when you let a few boudoir photographers onto the beach to shoot a beach set. :)

This is Denise from Modern Love Photography and Natasha creating their magic.

This big smile belongs to the sweetest girl I've ever met. Krystyn and I shared a room in the La Jolla beach house and became good friends pretty much straight away. She is a bubbly, inspirational and hardworking girl who owns Flash Photography and I'm blessed to call a friend.

Aren't you just envious of Maggi's husband (Maggi Woo Photography) who was getting a sneak peek of the process of model shooting. Lucky man for sure!

I met Peggy in Las Vegas last year when I booked my shoot with the Divas and Peggy transformed me into something beautiful! I was thrilled to have her with us at the beach shoot. She is a sweetheart and makes me laugh every time I think about the stories she was telling me in Vegas :) Definitely one of my very favourite hair&makeup artists.

I just adore Jennie form Pink Photography firstly because she reminds me of another dear photographer friend but also because I got to spend a little bit of time with her at the end of my trip which was really nice! Check her work out! She built some amazing sets in her new studio since the workshop!

This lady is Natasha and she is not just an amazing photographer but also introduced me to the craziest 20 minute workout I've ever done; Insanity. What better way to start the day than an exhausting workout!?

We've also done a bit of shooting together which was great because I've never shot boudoir with another photographer. It was nice to be able to collaborate and create together.

That moment when all we wanted was a photo of the 2 of us and it ended with Krystyn from Flash Photography getting pushed over by a wave. (Eventho she believes it was me who pushed her! :))

And this is how a pro sets up for a group shot which she wants to be included in :) Amazing sprint, Marissa! :)

And if it was not enough goodness already the Divas surprised us with one last gift pack at the end of the retreat! I can't tell you how much I loved every bit of the time I spent in San Diego! It definitely worth the 5 years wait :)

Big thank you to the whole team at the Boudoir Divas' studio for pulling off such a big project! You guys rock!

Stay Beautiful,

AgiM

Cheating on Canon... With Nikon.

I'm sure there has been a gazillion posts about the pros and cons of Canon vs. Nikon but when I started advertising my Canon gear on Gumtree and eBay I have got sooooooo many people asking me the question "WHY THE CHANGE?" that I thought it may be worthwhile to write a blog post about it. Here it is - why I made the switch.

*image courtesy: Amber Kelly

First and foremost: I am not as tech savvy as I make myself look sometimes. I'm good at things I'm interested in but there are bits of photography that I only know because I have to. (I train new photographers therefore I had to learn a lot more than I actually need to know as a photographer) If you are reading this for some tech specs I recommend you to stop here because I will touch only as much on that as need be.

Someone once told me that when you chose a brand (and lets say you are trying to choose between Nikon and Canon) you should look around and see what brand your friends prefer/use and know most about. When you need help with your settings, want to borrow a lens, want to swap stories about whatever brand related topics it may be you will need someone who's in the same 'fan club' as you.

That's exactly how I chose Canon about 6 years ago. A super-fun, night club photographer let me take my first shot with his fancy, pro camera and I fell in love. This same guy also helped me a lot when I bought my first camera (which was far from his 5D, yet the basic settings were the same). As I worked myself more into the photography industry I kept meeting more professionals who were Canon users rather than Nikon so it seemed like a good choice.

The first time I got curious in what Nikon has to offer was only just before I was upgrading my camera - but still: Canon won the battle. I was over the moon and back to have such an amazing camera and felt super-confident because it was brand new on the market and I thought this will be my big break through! Well, it's very true that unless you have the vision, the eye for creativity; no matter what fancy camera you hold in your hand, no matter how precise the lens on it; your photos will be just average. I'm saying this because I see many people buy expensive gear to expect that will make them a pro - but at the end of the day if they don't get the framing right, don't keep the main elements in focus, don't achieve the viewer to see what they meant to show; it was a very expensive toy they bought.

Over the years and shooting a LOT taught me one thing: Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony... Whatever brand; it doesn't matter. Your eyes and passion is the most important element of your photography. Keep this in mind!

I was quiet happy with my Canon and wasn't going to buy a new body for a while but I randomly bumped into some people from Nikon Australia who really wanted me to try their equivalent of my 5DMIII, the Nikon D800. Just this itself would not make any photographer switch between brands of course and I'm no different - it's a lot of hassle to sell your existing set up and you probably lose a bit of money too, so why would you do it?!

The day Nikon Australia handed over the D800 and let me test it on my upcoming boudoir shoot, it truly made me feel like a pro. Nikon Australia loaned me a fabulous piece of equipment and I was able to test it on my upcoming shoot. What is that if not freaking amazing?!

Now, here comes a little bit on the technicality.. I was still not 100% convinced on this camera because of some well-know reasons, firstly; turning the exposure dial the opposite way as you'd do on a Canon. Turns out however that Nikon listened to the consumers and lets you change this in the menu now! It was also a little frustrating to find how to switch between user modes (manual, Av, etc), how to change between focus setting options, etc... However I have to admit that I just love that I don't have to fiddle between 2 buttons when I want to manually select the focus point (which I do all the time), and Nikon also makes it much easier to lock/protect the images - One press of a button easy to be exact.

When did I fall in love? When I saw the final image quality... Booom! That was definitely different from my Canon. Yes, I know; the file size is huge and depending on what you intend to use your images for it may be painful to process these images, but for me; it was mind blowing. Super-fast focusing, razor sharp outcome. I was hooked.

I was lucky because I managed to sell all my Canon gear within 2 weeks but it definitely worth the change. Nikon Australia also provided me with a loan camera while my new baby was on its way which is why I also tell everyone; my main reason for the switch is the brilliant customer service of this brand. They truly care about you and your photography! If you are even just a little bit inclined to check out what Nikon has to offer I would definitely see it with my own eyes if I were you.

This post got much longer than intended... However: if I helped at least one person to make a decision on their next purchase; I'm happy. :)

Stay beautiful!

AgiM

Hello from beautiful New Zealand - and why this blog has been soooooo quiet lately

I feel I spend half my time with booking flights, hotels and cars in different cities and I always think I will have all the time in the World to update this blog. After every single trip - without fail - I get home and get overwhelmed with how much more behind I've got with work BECAUSE of the travel - which means meetings.I must learn better time management I guess.

While I'm traveling around Australia due to other commitments; this blog has been a bit neglected. I wish there was a Siri update that takes notes of my thoughts so I don't have to wait till I can write them down..

Having lack of time and not being much of a writer either I recorded a little video update on my way home from my last trip (this time New Zealand). BIG THANK YOU to my awesome friend, Steph (who joined me for the weekend in Auckland) to be videographer of this snippet.

Note: It was about 6am in the morning (waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too early for looking fresh (me) or play pro videographer(Steph), we were both rather tired from the weekend and as neither of us is a master of film making: please excuse us if the quality is not top notch. :)

Stay Beautiful! xxx

What to expect from a boudoir shoot?

Well, I could tell you all about it but I think it's best if you hear it from a girl who experienced it :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdMpZEVfbf0

Do you want to know more? Check my website and let me know if I've forgotten anything you may have a question about :)

Stay Beautiful!

Thank You!

It's been 7 months since I seriously started making things happen started planning a boudoir portfolio shoot, set up a blog and built a website. It's been 7 months of hard work as I'm one of those girls (and I know many other photographers are the same) that I'm building my plans while I still have to perform in my full-time job as well. My website launched a week ago and I wanted to dedicate a blog post to this step because it could have not happened without all the support around me (there's a LOT of you) and I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who:

• forgave me for being locked away with my laptop
• listened when all I could talk about is my plans and dreams
• proof-read the copy of the site and gave suggestions what to change
• looked at the site in its different stages and gave me feedback on it
• understood why I'm not going out
• helped me with all the IT part and design I have no clue about...

THANK YOU!

And the best part of it all? On the very same week, my submission to the Boudoir International referral site has been accepted and I am now the VERY FIRST AUSTRALIA BASED boudoir photography studio who is

I kinda wanna throw a big party for you all but I think that has to wait a little while - I'd like to assure you though; you will not be forgotten off the guest list ;)

And for those who missed the launch of the site:

Enjoy and Stay Beautiful! 

Why boudoir photography?

I'm sure that many people who I ever talked to about my dream of becoming a boudoir photographer raised their eye brows and thought: "Why boudoir photography? And what is it anyway?" Well, I've never been married, had babies or been pregnant so the options of becoming a wedding-, family- or baby photographer were very slim. I've never been the popular girl in high school either but always dreamt of beautiful things, always wanted to look like the girls in the magazines which I guess helped me grow passion for boudoir.

For those who don't know me or haven't know me long enough; here's a little snippet of what I thought will make me look cool at age 15:

The picture says it all - I think we can all agree on that without going into too much detail on why my "style" is all kinds of wrong and how ridiculous I look on this photo. And while my parents constantly "lied to me" saying how beautiful I was, deep down I always knew I will never be as popular as my friends who all had better taste in fashion than me, all were prettier than me and had boys running after them. Well, at least I got to hang out with the beautiful ones which is still better than being part of the nerd's gang. :) Hated those glasses. I remember going to my very first date and after my friend did my makeup we agreed it's best if I wasn't wearing glasses. I hardly saw a thing but the guy never showed up so it didn't matter at the end. (Bastard!)

At age 16 or 17 I finally got rid of those terrible glasses and my Mum got me contact lenses! Did the World just became a better place?! It definitely did for me however I still had a long way to go before my style was acceptable. Nonetheless, wearing contacts were a step forward feeling a bit better about my looks and I was still imagining being as pretty one day as those girls in the magazines...

Fast forward the story line; I'm not 17 anymore, a few years older now, but that girl who used to wear glasses, who was never feeling like she's one of the pretty ones is still there deep inside. I don't think it will ever change completely, but by now I've learnt to believe that we are all unique and that looking beautiful isn't just what's visible on the facade.

For a while I've been thinking of getting a boudoir shoot done but it seemed too hard, too expensive and too much of a hassle - especially that the photographers I've dreamt to do it with are in San Diego, California and I'm in Sydney. Then I booked my flights to Las Vegas to attend to WPPI 2013 which is one of the biggest photography conventions in the World. This is where the above mentioned boudoir photographers usually have a stand, speak and overall share the love for boudoir. This year was different because they offered a few boudoir shoots for photographers who'd like to experience how it is to be on the other side of the lens. I think that was the moment when I stopped thinking about the $$, I knew I will do whatever it takes to book this shoot because this time I couldn't find an excuse why not to do it once we'll all be in Vegas at the same time. The excitement of the preparation was just what I needed as at the time I was going through heartbreak (which at least helped me lose a few kilos and get into shape for the big day). :) From the moment of booking my spot it was great process of communication between The Boudoir Divas and the other girls who had a shoot too; we could share ideas, inspire each other and get ready for the day.

I know it will sound over-the-top, but I will say it anyway: words can't describe what an amazing experience it was from the moment of buying my first piece of outfit to getting my glass of champagne in my hand in the hotel suite before getting my hair and makeup done by the fabulous Peggy Rogers, then being photographed by The Boudoir Divas. This was the day I felt like I AM one of the girls in the magazine who I was so envious of at age 16. Being told by Marissa, Kimberlee and Peggy how good I look was so surreal yet I've never felt so beautiful in my life! Thank you ladies! :)

That feeling will stay with me forever just like the photographs to remind me that yes: I am beautiful. And no, I don't need to look the same as my pretty girlfriends or the models in the magazines. I just need to be me. Confident, the girl who I truly am.

This is my story what made me believe that EVERY WOMEN should shine their beautiful! :)

How it all began

Hi! Welcome to my boudoir photography blog! :) I thought it would be best to start with how it all began; how I discovered boudoir photography, why I fell in love with it and what made me start my own adventure to offer an amazing experience to all women out there who wants to feel fabulous.

As far as I remember it all started with Twitter a few years ago when I started following professionals of the photography industry and came across The Boudoir Divas. 2 girls who own a boudoir photography studio in sunny San Diego, California. I checked their website and was blown away by the pictures. And when I saw that they run workshops as well I immediately started dreaming about how I could make my way to San Diego and learn it all. Of course I couldn't afford a trip to the U.S., nor paying for the workshop on top of that so I just kept dreaming and learning from what Kimberlee and Marissa were sharing online.

As a NYE resolution I promised to myself that I'll make my boudoir photography dreams happen - whatever it takes. My friend and I booked our flights to Vegas to attend - what was also another big plan of mine for a while - WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photography International). This event is an annual convention for photographers with tons of workshops and speakers, LOTS of inspiration and kick in the butt to push you further achieving goals in your photography business.

Shortly after booking everything for this trip The Boudoir Divas sent out a newsletter offering every girls dream: JAMES BOND INSPIRED BOUDOIR SHOOT IN VEGAS, IN A PENTHOUSE SUITE!! Ok, maybe it's not every girl's dream, but it hit the spot with me and without thinking I booked my spot to be photographed by Kimberlee and Marissa who I've read, seen, heard so much about and could have never imagined I will actually get the chance to be photographed by them. Ever.

Was I a little star struck to meet them in real life? Maybe a little. Ok. According to my friend, Janine (who's also an amazing photographer by the way!) I was as star struck as a girl can be. Was I feeling like I'm living the dream? Definitely! (The details of this shoot coming soon in another blog post. Bare with me :))

After an amazing week in Las Vegas, seeing and hearing a lot of photography goodness, I arrived back to sunny Sydney and started planning what I've been talking about FOREVER: yes, a boudoir portfolio shoot! 6 gorgeous ladies, 2 amazingly talented professionals, some extremely supportive friends and a whole lot of excitement later; I made more happen already than what I've dreamt of and I'm certainly ready to rock the World and make another countless women believe in their own, unique and shining beauty - just like The Divas did it to me.

Thank you for stopping by!

Stay beautiful x