Toronto Intimate lifestyle portraits | Pratik-Out of his comfort zone

This past summer, I attend a boudoir conference/workshop called “Camp Do More.” It was held in a small town outside of Toronto, Canada. Attending the conference was an amazing experience, allowing me to hone my craft while connecting with other like minded people in a welcoming environment and in a beautiful secluded location perfect for boudoir photography (is it time to go back yet?).

While there, in addition to learning, I also photographed several fellow photographers, including my friend Pratik.

While Pratik has extensive experience behind the camera, it was his first time in front of the camera for an intimate lifestyle portrait session.

He rocked it, and I’m so excited to share photos from his session!

I asked Pratik to share some of his thoughts about his experience in front of the camera………

"I was able to teach at Camp Do More for two years in row. It's what got me formally introduced into the boudoir community. One thing I never understood was the intent of it all. I'll be honest and tell you that right now. However, I wanted to learn and understand. I wanted to know more. An outsider never truly understands but it's our responsibility to be open minded to find out.

“What I soon learned is that boudoir itself allows people to celebrate themselves and accept who they are. It isn't for anyone else as much as it is for themselves. You can love yourself and you truly realize how powerful of an experience it is being in front of the camera. Like many guys out there, I have a lot of insecurities and I often look at myself in a way that isn't positive. It's because we see ourselves through our own eyes and not the eyes of others. What would it be like if we got to see what we looked like through the vision of someone else?”

“Working with Ore I understood fully. I truly saw myself in a light which I hadn't before. I was so nervous being photographed, but she was able to make it like a trip to the grocery store! Super easy and painless, without the lines! I felt like I was talking to a friend and she captured me in a way that made me feel comfortable.”

“We often see women as subjects but I wanted to do this because it's important for men to be photographed more often. We don't see guys like myself as often in front of the camera but it's an amazing experience to be documented like this for ourselves. Guys often feel like they can't be represented in the genre and it's also important that we appreciate ourselves and get a chance to see how others see us. It can change the outlook of who we are and give a chance to embrace ourselves amid any insecurities we may have. "

Toronto Couples intimate lifestyle portraits (Part I) | Instant Connection - rob and mark-che

Sometimes you get to photograph something that inspires you, invigorates you, and makes you realize you are on the right path. This creative couples boudoir session with Rob and Mark-ché was one of those moments for me.

Rob is normally behind the camera as a commercial photographer, but stepped in front of the camera to model with Mark-ché , a Toronto based model, LGBTQ+ community activist, and, on that day, a student with a final the next day who agreed to pause his studying to help us create magic!

Rob and Mark-ché met for the very first time the morning of the session, but their chemistry was instantaneous.  They were playful, relaxed, open to experimenting, and ready to help tell a story of connection and intimacy.  Having the opportunity to photograph them together on the rooftop of the airbnb I was staying at made it even that much better. 

One of the people I was staying with had this gorgeous pink tulle skirt, and we quickly determined that both Rob and Mark-ché were able to fit into the skirt.  That additional pop of color weaved throughout the images, and the colorful mural incorporated towards the end of this part of the session made my creative heart so so happy.

I hope you enjoy the images from this collaborative effort.  While these photos are more editorial/portrait based, in Part 2 of this series, I'll share the more boudoir inspired photos from this session.

Camp Do More - Rob | Oklahoma City Boudoir Photographer

Last month I attended a Boudoir Workshop in Haliburton, Ontario (about 2.5 hours outside of Toronto) called “Camp Do More” hosted by Brianne and Ewan Phelan from Do More Photographers. It was this boudoir photographer’s dream. Over 150 boudoir photographers came together for a week of learning, photographing and bonding. It was a chance to learn from leading photographers in the boudoir industry, meet online friends I’ve been connecting with for months (and in some cases years), and experiment to my hearts content.

The Camp takes place in a “sleep away camp”, far away from any distractions, so it was 100% all about boudoir. I was able to experiment with outdoor boudoir (including some amazing lake shots), and there was always someone willing to get naked at a moments notice!

I had the opportunity to photograph some amazing models and other boudoir photographers while there, including Rob Woodcox. After discovering Rob Woodcox, I fell in love with his photography work. While not specifically boudoir, it’s creative, colorful, original, and just breath taking. But I didn’t know any of that when I asked him to step in front of my camera. He seemed to have a fun personality, and I reached out to him and asked him to step in front of my camera, which he willing agreed to do.

Then when I realized who he was, I was even more excited to collaborate with such a creative mind. And his intimate portrait session at Camp did not disappoint. He has the sweetest soul of anyone I’ve ever known, and it was such a an amazing creative outlet to explore, try new things, and just bounce ideas of each other, creating some of my favorite images to date.

I have several sessions from Camp Do More that I’ll be sharing with you over the next several months, and Rob’s session is first up. Enjoy!

What Should You Wear to a Boudoir Session? Here are 3 Tips to Get You Ready to Rock Your Session

I want you to feel comfortable during your boudoir session.  That means if you feel sexy and gorgeous in frill and lace, than maybe a leather bondage suit shouldn’t be your first purchase for your boudoir session. However, if you already own said leather bondage suit, than bring that bad boy!

Here are 3 tips on what to bring to get you ready to rock your boudoir session:

1. Accentuate the Positive

Identify your specific body type, and buy outfits that flatter that body type.  Don’t worry about what works well for other body types.  Purchasing well-fitting and quality pieces for your body type helps you to worry less about not having the “perfect body”, and more on accentuating your “positive assets” - the parts of your body you love the most. 

2. Lingerie

There are several different types of lingerie options, but I find that bodysuits and teddies (which you can think of like lacy bodysuits) work well for varying body types, and in various sizes.   

3. Non-Lingerie

Don’t want to wear lingerie? I have several dress options to choose from.  Going for the more girl next door look?  Booty shorts, large button up sweaters and tube socks are a fun option.  Panties and a simple t-shirts are another great option.  Note that T-shirts are not a one size fits all option.  You can bring a crop tops, a form fitting t-shirt, a white t-shirt (to get wet), or even a t-shirt that skims your body and falls near the hips (clients can pull and tug on a longer t-shirt for a more sultry look).

For anything that you bring, make sure it fits your body.  I don’t recommend bringing anything that will leave marks on your skin (like a too tight fitting bra that once removed will leave indentions and/or cause marks on your skin) or have you feeling uncomfortable. 

 If your still concerned with what to wear, that’s not a problem.  I have you covered with a lingerie style closet with well over 300 pieces for you to choose from!  The sizes in my lingerie style closet range from XS to 3X and are designed for all different body types (with additional sizes available upon request). 

 I ask everyone to bring a nude thong, a black thong, one matching bra and panty set, and 2-4 pairs of your favorite high heels.

 Finally, note that if clothing just isn’t your thing, you always have the option of doing your boudoir session fully nude! 

Oklahoma City Intimate lifestyle Portraits | Brooklyn

What was your motivation for scheduling a boudoir session?

I’ve always wanted to do one, but was to afraid or nervous I guess. But then winning the contest [held this summer for ladies in my VIP Boudoir Facebook Group] pushed me to just do it, and I am so glad I did!

What made you choose Intimate Lens Studio?

I love [your] work. You make everyone look beautiful, strong, and comfortable in their own way. Not 1 session looks exactly the same so I like how your able to individualize each session based on your client.

What were you nervous about going into your session?

Being in front of a camera with basically no clothes on.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

Finally seeing my pictures. I was honestly shocked with how good they looked and how it made me feel. (My own insecurities, nothing to do with Ore’s amazing talent!)

How do you feel now that you've completed the session?

When can I sign up for another one??

Would you recommend Intimate Lens Studio to others?

Yes, already have!

Would you do a boudoir session again?

Yes, a couples session would be awesome.

Based on your experience, what would you tell someone who was thinking about booking a boudoir session with Intimate Lens Studio?

Just do it, it’s such a great experience. You don’t even know what to expect or how to feel until your in front of the camera and then when you see your pictures, it’s such a confidence booster!

Anything I haven't asked that you would like to add?

Ore is amazing! She makes you feel so strong and comfortable you forget your in front of a camera with no clothes on.