The third presentation in the series of talks by Chantal at the Photo & Film Expo was 'Essentials of Boudoir Lighting'. 

Foxy Miss Roxy is so awesome to work with, so we asked her to be our model again.  This gorgeous young lady is extremely versatile, and this time she chose a sexy black steampunk feel outfit that suits her personal style. Our super talented Makeup by Monique did the most beautiful smokey eye for Roxy and finished up her look with a gorgeous hairstyle, which perfectly complimented Roxy's outfit choice.

Roxy's final look prompted us to do something a bit different from normal ... and we decided to create a simple but really beautiful set from a pop up backdrop, a red chair and some dark coloured organza.  As our demonstration was about using the Photon Continuous lighting, we created the whole look on stage, and showed how to add different lights to change the feel of the photo.  

Our aim was to illustrate the simplicity and softness of continuous lighting, and we demonstrated some easy tips & tricks to achieving great looking images, and this was really well received by our wonderful audience.   

Here is a peak at the gorgeous Roxy, who is always willing to work with us & is just fabulous in every way.

The ladies at femme fatale boudoir would like to thank everyone who attended the talks, and especially a big thank you to our fabulous sponsors: Photon Lighting and Vanguard Camera Bags & Tripods for the opportunity to not only represent them, but also for allowing us to demonstrate how to use their wonderful products on stage at the Photo & Film Expo.

Love
the femme fatale girls
xxx

Sexy Ms Scarlett is one of our ladies who we just love working with! Her porcelain skin and strawberry blonde are so gorgeous on camera!

With her having been in front of our camera before... she was not at all nervous for her shoot, instead she was really excited and looking forward to it. We chatted about different ideas for her shoot while Monique did her beautiful makeup and hair styling. Ms Scarlett had a specific request when it came to the styling of her shoot... she wanted a hint of red. So we paired her stunning nude coloured lingerie with a bold red lip and a glass of her favourite red wine... which just looked stunning!

Ms Scarlett is super sexy, and her sensuality just oozes out, when she is on camera! We love every minute that we work with her and we are looking forward to doing more shoots with her in the future.

Here is a peak at the Sexy Ms Scarlett's, hint of red boudoir shoot:

Love
the femme fatale girls
xxx

Beautiful Liv is one of the ladies who we love to work with...over and over again. As she is not only drop dead gorgeous, but also one of the sweetest ladies we know, not to mention extremely intelligent as well!

Liv is currently living in Vienna, as she is completing her studies. But, when she mentioned she was coming back to South Africa, for a holiday. We jumped at the opportunity to work with her again. With it being Spring time, and we obviously wanted to celebrate it! We decided to do a Pretty in Pink inspired shoot. This required us to get our hands a little dirty for a change, as we made Liv's stunning flower crown, as well as the tutus she is wearing...if we are to be honest...we had the best time doing so!

Shandre made sure that Liv's hair and make up looked gorgeous, with a pretty and soft smokey eye and pink lip. After Shandre worked her magic, we were ready to start the shoot. Liv's skin tone beautifully complemented the different shades of pink...it was the perfect combo! 

To Liv, it's always awesome working with you...you are so beautiful in every way! We wish you the best of luck with your studies and we look forward to our next shoot together!

Here is a peak at a few of our images from Liv's pretty in pink shoot:

Love
the femme fatale girls
xxx

When preparing for your photo shoot, there are so many things to think about and remember. Yet, often we forget one of the most important things....our hands and nails. It is often said that our hands reveal our true age, so it is as important to care for them as you do the skin on your face.  Here are a few hints and tips to keeping your hands looking beautiful and camera ready:

• Moisturise your hands with a nourishing hand and nail cream, as often as needed, at least twice a day.
• Protect your hands from the harsh African sun by applying sunscreen with at least SPF15, to them.  This prevents sunspots and premature aging.
• Apply moisturiser or cuticle oil to the base and sides of your nails including the cuticles to stop them cracking and tearing, and preventing infections and hangnails. 
  
• Protect your hands by wearing gloves when doing the dishes or household chores. Hot water and chemicals strip your skin and nails of their natural oils and leave them dry and chapped.
• Remove old nail varnish with a moisturising and non-acetone based nail varnish remover. If you like to wear dark colours, they tend to cause yellowing of the nail. Make sure you remove and reapply once a week to prevent this. 
• Soak a cotton pad with nail varnish remover and apply to the nail for 10 seconds before swiping towards the tip of the nail. Swiping vigorously in all directions irritates the nail and cuticles.
• File your nails in one direction to prevent tears and splitting.
• Paint your nails with your favourite colour, or treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure before your shoot.
  

It is also important to consider what colour/style/nail art to use for your shoot. We suggest a more neutral colour, avoid too much bling and nail art as this tends to date your shoot. You want your photos to look timeless and elegant. Bright nail colours tend to compete for attention in photographs, and takes emphasis away from the important things, like your eyes or beautiful smile. Another thing to keep in mind is that a neutral colour will go with all the outfits you choose for your shoot.  

Love
the femme fatale girls
xxx

Taryn, recently joined us for her glamour shoot, and would you believe this blonde bombshell always felt insecure about herself?

As Taryn sipped on her champagne and felt her nerves begin to calm down, she shared her life story with us. While this was happening, Monique worked her magic and produced fabulous airbrushed makeup and hair styling. 

Taryn always avoiding the camera, was shy and lacked confidence but after working exceptionally hard for 3 years, she shed 40kgs!  She says: " I have worked so hard and shed plenty of tears and now after 33 years - for the first time in my life, and still with all my natural curves, I feel beautiful, have confidence and want to have special memories to remind me of my journey."

After her shoot, Taryn sent us the nicest of messages: "I just wanted to thank you all again for a truly amazing and memorable experience in studio yesterday. Monique, I never thought I could look that hot - ever - you are amazing and thank you for helping me look and feel just absolutely gorgeous. (I am still rocking my sex hair)
Chantal and Shelley, you both made me feel so comfortable and at ease the moment I arrived. Thanks for your patience and guiding me through all of it. It was honestly such fun and if I could do it again, I would do it in a heartbeat. I could not believe the photos I was seeing of myself, you are both so talented and I cannot wait to see them on screen. 
You are an amazing team. Thanks for a very special afternoon xxx"

We think Taryn is absolutely gorgeous, this mom of one has no reason to avoid the camera!  It is really exciting for us to be sharing her glamour shoot, here is a peak at what we got up to in studio:

Love
the femme fatale girls
xxx