Bridal Boudoir

A GIFT TO YOUR SPOUSE

Your wedding is an exciting time in your life! You want to make sure to savor every moment. A sexy bridal-themed photoshoot is the perfect way to capture some memories and create the perfect custom gift for your significant other.

A GIFT TO YOURSELF

A bridal boudoir shoot is a low-pressure session. It’s a fun way to get over the nervousness and jitters of being the center of attention and spending time in front of the camera. Because you’ll be working on a number of poses for your bridal shoot, it will help your wedding day photos look their best because you know what poses work, and have practiced them in the studio.

These sessions can help a bride-to-be to gain confidence in front of the camera, as well as allow an opportunity to test makeup and hair styles that could be used on your special day.

Don’t forget that makeup for your wedding is going to be more full coverage than you may normally be comfortable with. If you aren’t familiar with wearing makeup, it can be a little bit alarming to see yourself all done up. Having a session beforehand will help you to see how it looks on camera. Hopefully this will help you feel more comfortable with your makeup on your wedding day.

(Note: Our makeup artists also offer wedding day packages. If you love their work, they can sometimes be booked for your wedding.)

OUTFITS FOR YOUR SHOOT

What should you plan on wearing for your bridal boudoir shoot? Many brides will bring a veil or other bridal accessories that they’ll be wearing for the big day. Typically this can include white bodysuits, teddies, garters, stockings, matching lingerie sets, and slips.

We recommend some of the bridal lingerie from For Love and Lemons and Honey Birdette. Both companies have very nice bridal collections if you’re willing to invest in some quality pieces.

Our studio wardrobe also has some options for you, including a variety of veils and a pair of white Louboutin heels.

PLAN AHEAD

We recommend that you plan to do your shoot about three to six months before the wedding date. As you get closer to the wedding date, there will be so many things to coordinate. You don’t want your boudoir session to be just another chore. This lead time also gives you the opportunity to plan the shoot, review and choose your photos, order the prints/package, and have them shipped to arrive in time before your wedding. 

DON’T FORGET ANNIVERSARY SHOOTS OR DO-OVERS

Maybe you decided to skip the bridal boudoir session and now you’re feeling some regret. The wedding is over but you still have the dress. It’s the perfect time for some fun shoots that you may have been too worried about before the wedding. Now we can incorporate your dress in some very creative poses. It could be the perfect one year wedding anniversary gift for your spouse!

We’ve also have some clients come to us after being disappointed with wedding photos done by other photographers. They hired us to do some post-wedding portraits that are a bit more dramatic, stylistic, and sexy. It was a great opportunity to get the photos they really wanted in a more relaxed and stress-free environment.

Huge Giveaway

The last couple of weeks have been hard on everyone.  Covid-19 has impacted us all in many ways. I was so disappointed to have to postpone my studio grand re-opening last month.  I had so many great events and giveaways planned.  I’m also disappointed that my clients aren’t able to shoot with the brand new studio sets but the health and safety of my clients is what’s most important.

And just because we can’t meet in person doesn’t mean that I can’t still do the giveaway.  You aren’t going to want to miss out on this! 

The giveaway includes the following:

·        “Just the Sheets” mini session and 3 image folio with Distraction Photo

·        1 hour makeup session and lash application with MyFairMakeup Artistry

·        Blowout and hairstyle with AlissaDoesBeauty

·        2 bath and body sets from Dehjavubeauty

·        Electric High Frequency Facial with Pretty Please Haus of Vanity

·        Full set of acrylic nails with gel polish and body butter from Martinasnails of Drip Beauty Bar

·        One on one chair dance workshop with Studio Soul

·        Victoria Secret grab bag

Sounds pretty incredible right?!

Here’s how to enter:

1. Like the linked Instagram post

2. Tag 3 other women who would love to win

3. Follow all of the businesses in the post

4. Share the post on your Instagram story

Rules for entry: Must be 18 or older and live in the Cleveland area.  Must have an Instagram account.

Contest runs from April 5 – April 19, 2020.  Head over to my Instagram account @distractionphoto for your chance to win. 

Good luck!

 

Quarantine Puzzles

I’ve decided to try some new things to keep my mind off of the world crisis.  Covid-19 may have taken away my ability to run a photography business but it isn’t stopping me from being productive.  Besides redesigning my website and planning out my social media schedule for the next couple of months, I’d like to do some things unrelated to photography.  It’s both a blessing and a curse that my job and passion are one in the same.  If you ask me what my hobbies are I don’t really have an answer other than photography.  Now is the time to branch out and discover some new passions! 

My list of new hobbies includes gardening, puzzles and learning a TikTok dance.  The last one may be a stretch but whatever. 

I attempted to find a large (and interesting) puzzle.  Apparently they are sold out at most stores and the ones I found on Amazon won’t arrive until late May.  My solution:  I’ll just make my own.  And since I’m making my own I’ll make them interesting.  And by interesting I mean boudoir themed. 

I have 2 options available.  The first option is to choose one of three images I have already selected from previous shoots I’ve done with Fractured Photography.  These puzzles can be purchased for $70. Check out my Instagram page to see the image choices. The second option is for my past clients.  They can review their old galleries and choose an image.  They just pay the normal fee for a single digital image ($75) and they will receive a free quarantine puzzle with it.  Click here to order.  The final cost of $81 includes the cost of tax and shipping. 

Leah + Sean

This couple is special to me because, before I had even met either of them,  Sean hired me to document the proposal in Cleveland Public Square.  It was a perfect summer day, there were people all around enjoying the beautiful weather, and the time of day was perfect for photos.  It couldn’t have been planned any better! 

I was thrilled when they chose me as their wedding photographer as well.  It doesn’t happen often that I get to be there for both the proposal and the wedding! 

The big day started at the Glendale Lyceum in Cincinnati, Ohio.  It was such a beautiful location for getting ready photos.  So much natural light, great architectural details, and plenty of space to spread out and get some unique shots. 

The wedding colors and decor were beautiful!  The colors were burgundy and grey.  The succulents they used complimented the colors perfectly. 

Leah’s dress was from a dress shop in Reading, Ohio called Something New Borrowed and Blue.  It was an ivory, A-line gown with floral lace on the bodice.  The skirt was made of tulle and it had a gorgeous, long train.  The buttons on the back of the dress were the perfect detail.  I love that she wore a veil as well.  We were able to get some stunning photos with it. 

The ceremony took place at Trinity United Methodist Church in Milford.  Sean and Leah did a first look before the ceremony and it was perfection.  We also got some gorgeous group photos before the rain started.  It was perfect timing!

The day concluded at the Glendale Lyceum for a picture perfect reception.  It was pure magic <3

Vendors for the day:

Hair:  Jen Viox of Salons 117

Makeup:  Carmen of Glossa Makeup

Caterer:  Vonderhaars Catering, Inc.

Cake:  Jeana’s Great Cakes

Dress Designer: Lillian West

Limo Service: Land Force One Limo

Krystal + Kyle

This couple!  They’re my dream clients!  Kyle and Krystal are just the kindest people around.  They are so genuine, and I’m so honored to have been their wedding photographer.  

Their venue was perfect!  Both the ceremony and reception took place at a wedding venue called Skyview Lodge in Brunswick, Ohio.  There are so many great little spots to shoot around the property which meant we didn’t have to spend time traveling to other locations for the formal photos.  I LOVE having everything in one place.  It eliminates so much extra stress. 

We started off with the first look which was EPIC!  One of the most beautiful first looks I’ve ever done for sure.  For those who aren’t sure what a first look is, it’s a way for the couple to see each other for the first time before the ceremony, in a more intimate setting.  Some couples want a private experience with just the two of them and the photographer, other couples allow friends and families to be there to experience it as well.  I love when couples decide to do this because the schedule is typically much more relaxed this way. 

My second shooter and I were able to get the group photos wrapped up seconds before the rain began.  The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.  The rain ended up being a blessing because it forced everyone to sit and relax.  The wedding party got a chance to grab some food and rest before the ceremony. 

 

The rain stopped at the perfect time and the outdoor ceremony was absolute PERFECTION!  We truly could not have asked for a more beautiful day. 

We even got some amazing night shots with the venue in the background.  Krystal and Kyle chose some of these images for their wedding album and they looked stunning in print! 

Andrew + Vanessa

We had originally planned to shoot Vanessa and Andrew’s engagement session in October but the weather just wasn’t cooperating.  Luckily we scheduled for a beautiful day in November and everything worked out perfectly. 

Downtown Cleveland is one of my favorite spots for an engagement session.  I was born and raised in Cleveland and I love it!  I spent a lot of time downtown as a kid so I’m really familiar with all of the best spots to do a photo session. 

The only unfortunate part about the day we chose was the fact that there was a Brown’s game going on downtown…and it just so happened to end at the exact time we had planned to start the photo shoot. 

 As we were trying to get photos, huge groups of very drunk Browns fans were yelling things and causing all kinds of traffic disruptions.  But I’m a wedding photographer; I’ve dealt with my fair share of drunk and yelling individuals.    

We started out on E. 4th and got a few shots before making our way around and past public square.  Unfortunately, they were in the process of setting up public square for Christmas so my typical shots locations in that particular area weren’t available to us. 

We made a big loop and headed back to E.4th once we got some great golden hour shots.  And it only made logical sense to end the session at the casino.  Night shots on a rooftop are pretty amazing.  I always recommend that my wedding clients give me at least 10 minutes on their wedding day to do a few night shots as well.  They always end up being some of the very best shots of the day. 

Vanessa and Andrew will be getting married in September next year and I can’t even wait! 

Celeste + Mark

I had such a great time shooting with Jess of Jessica Sonmore Photography in Canton this past April.  It was a cold and rainy day but the wedding was beautiful and the gallery looks amazing!  The beautiful ceremony took place at Little Flower Catholic Church.  It's such a gorgeous space and even more importantly, such an amazing community of loving people.  Sometimes you walk into a place and just feel at home there; this is definitely one of those places.  

Celeste and Mark have an incredible support system to help and guide them through their marriage.  They had so many friends and family members in attendance.  All of them are so genuinely happy for this couple.  It's easy to see why.  Just the way these two look at one another is absolutely adorable!  

After their beautiful ceremony, the wedding party traveled to a ridiculously gorgeous estate for group photos nearby.  

The reception was held at St. Nicholas Banquet Center.  It was so beautifully decorated for Celeste and Mark's wedding.  I loved all of the twinkle lights throughout the venue.  It definitely gave some amazing bokeh effects in the photos!   

I loved the details of this wedding.  Just look at these florals by Country Flowers and Herbs of Hartville!  The pink was a perfect pop of color for such a gloomy day.  

Some of the other amazing vendors that provided services at Celeste and Mark's wedding were Checkerboard Chessecake, Russel Sound Lab, Work Shed Weddings, and Mad Hair Studio.  It takes a lot of time and talent to put together beautiful events like this.  Each vendor played an important part.  

Arizona

Last month I went on a road trip all the way to Arizona.  It was a brutal drive but the end result was worth every sleepless second.  If you know me, you know I require 9 uninterrupted hours of sleep per night…and maybe an occasional nap.  I did NOT get my 9 hours per night on this trip. 

 

I got a total of 3 hours of sleep before this sunrise shoot with Sarah.  I relied on her for the location selection since I had never been to Arizona before.  We shot at Papago Park in Phoenix.   

I don’t often wake up early enough for a sunrise.  If I AM awake that early you’d better believe I’ll have a camera in my hand and a pretty model standing in front of me.  It’s really the only way to lure me out of bed that early. 

After the sunrise shoot I took a 3 hour nap and then drove to meet with some Tucson models at Gates Pass.  It was a two hour drive in 100 degree heat and the car I drove there had no A.C.  I was born and raised in Cleveland.  I don’t deal with 100 degrees very well so I stopped every 30 minutes to sit in a gas station and cool down.  At one point, my best option was a McDonald’s.  I stopped in and tried to order a slushie.  Apparently McDonald’s doesn’t sell slushies….

 

I arrived at Gates Pass about a half hour early.  I decided to check out the International Wildlife Museum…and by check out I mean sit in their A.C. (there’s a pattern here.)  The woman at the front desk was so passionate about the museum.  I couldn’t admit to her that all I cared about was not sitting in my 100 degree car.  I paid her the $10 admission fee and pretended to go look around.  Why am I like this?! 

 

The museum is lovely but the water from the water fountain was not (totally irrelevant.)  I spent all of five minutes there and then met up with my first model, Kimberly.  She hiked the mountains with me, dodging the cacti WHILE WEARING HIGH HEEL BOOTS.  That was terrifying.  But everything worked out and we got some killer shots. 

 

Next, I got to meet Skyler and we shot together before the final group of models arrived. 

Ana, Kourtney, and Zuleika did a golden hour shoot with me at Gates Pass.  I was so excited to shoot with them.  They all had very different outfits and looks.  It was so much fun! 

 

I didn’t stay for sunset because I was a little worried about driving on the winding, mountain roads at night.  I know the shots would have been stunning but I decided not to risk it.  The drive back to Mesa was reallllly exhausting.  But guess what I got on the drive back?!  A SLUSHIE!  And it was the slushie sent straight from the heavens, I promise you that.  

 

I got a few hours of sleep and woke up bright and early to do another sunrise shoot at Papago Park.  This time I met up with Kaecy at Hole in the Rock.   If you want to see a cool place, definitely stop by there!  It’s so amazing!  And a perfect spot of photos.  It’s a really easy hike so it’s a nice place to bring kids too…there just may be women in lingerie walking around. 

 

And to conclude my stay in Arizona, I did a shoot with Shea and Dani.  These ladies are amazing!  They brought a ton of great outfits.  We ended up with an amazing gallery.  It was the perfect way to end my trip.  I made my way to Phoenix airport (and in case you're wondering, they DO NOT have a Starbucks accessible to every gate so good luck with that), hopped on a plane (you couldn’t pay me a million dollars to drive back) and headed back home to my favorite place in the entire world – CLEVELAND, OHIO <3<3<3

Myssfit Magazine

I'm super excited to announce that my photos are featured in this month's issue of Myssfit Magazine!  You can find photos from sessions with two of my models in MYSSFIT ALL-ternative Magazine VOLUME 2 JUNE 2018.  

Here is a photo of one of my beautiful models holding up her copy of the magazine.  

I'm so honored to be featured in this magazine for June.  I really love my career as a photographer and it's so exciting getting to see my photos in print.  

This photoshoot with Stephanie was so much fun!  I don't have much time to get creative like this anymore so I really enjoyed it.  This was my first attempt at applying gold leaf.  I'm so happy with the final results and I will be using it again in more photo shoots this summer!  If you would like to incorporate gold leaf into your boudoir session let me know.  It adds about an hour of prep time but it is totally worth it!

This was my first time shooting with Bree and I can't wait to work with her again!  She rocked this super cute set from Forever 21.   And those purple, glittery heels!!!  

Check out Myssfit Magazine on Facebook and Instagram!   To purchase a copy of this issue CLICK HERE.  

Xpressions Magazine

I am very excited to announce that my photos of Justin Jones are featured in this month's publication of Xpressions Magazine!  My photos are featured in JUNE ISSUE – VOL 2 – LITTLE MISS INKED COVER #122.  

 

The photos are from a doudoir session we shot together a couple of months ago.  We did this session at the perfect time of day.  The natural lighting in this Ohio City studio is so stunning.  It's one of my favorite indoor locations in the Cleveland area!  Mention this studio when you book your next session with me!  You will absolutely love it! 

 

MODELS IN THIS ISSUE:  Little Miss Inked, Tasha Blu, Kayla Wagner, Miss AliKay, CANDICEStyles,

Joyce Liu Huan, Shey Assar, Jamie Lynn, Ashley Pitzer, Erin Leigh Pribyl, Gina Pearson, ElleyCat,

Justin Jones, Prettypixy Kirsty Louise, Anna Katarina, Natalie, Kalee Maria Andres, Penny Lane,

Lexii Shepard, Elaina D., Tymika, Skidget, Lauren Amber Jones, Ashley Dermott, Juliet Frew,

Rachel Berkman, Francesca Flame, Cassidy Dias, Jazmin Gontiz, Mary Ramirez, Tina Marie Duran,

Brittany Dana Taylor-Clark, Rozlin Gomez

 

Check out Xpressions Magazine on Facebook and Instagram.  To purchase a copy of the magazine CLICK HERE.

Retro Rosie

I recently connected with a badass business owner in Lakewood.  Miranda's shop is called Retro Rosie.  If you haven't been there before you need to stop by!  The shop is located in the heart of the city.  Not only is it in a great location on Detroit Road (right next to Cleveland Vegan) but it's so adorable inside! 

Retro Rosie has the cutest lingerie too!  These outfits would be perfect for your upcoming boudoir session!  They also carry a variety of sizes that are perfect for all body types.  Stop in and try some pieces on!

I love what this shop is all about!  Women empowerment, pampering yourself, being original, all of the things I emphasize with my boudoir photography.  Plus Miranda is one of the coolest people you'll ever meet.  The vibe of the shop is super inviting because of her very warm and welcoming personality.  You'll love everything about your experience at Retro Rosie!  

Here are a few of my favorite outfits at the shop!  I recommend these to any of my boudoir clients.  Many people try to hide behind loose fitting clothes to hide "problem areas."  In reality, there are many tighter fitting options that look much more flattering.  High-waisted pieces look great on everyone!  

Check out Retro Rosie on Facebook and Instagram!  

Kat + Ivy

When clients book outdoor sessions I usually recommend to schedule them between May-October to increase our chances of good weather.  Sometimes clients want to plan an engagement session during February and that's okay too!  It's just much more difficult to plan.  It could be 70 degrees or below zero, 12 inches of snow or none at all.  I'm always ready and willing to shoot in any conditions though.  

Since Kat and Ivy live out of town, we were limited on dates for their engagement session.  We decided to schedule it for President's Day weekend.  And wouldn't you know it, we had a beautiful weekend.  They didn't have to bundle up in heavy winter coats and we were all comfortable for the entire shoot.  

They chose the most beautiful location for the engagement session: Jeffrey Park and Mansion in Bexley, Ohio.  If you haven't been here you need to make a trip to see it!  It's a public park so anyone can visit the space and take photos during set hours.  You can even rent the indoor space for your wedding!  

Not only is the mansion gorgeous, but there's an amazing wooded area that runs along the back of the property.  It has beautiful trees and a walking path as well.  

And to make the session even better, they brought their dog with them!  He is such a sweet boy and he is the most well behaved dog I've ever worked with.  He was the perfect little model and did everything we asked him to do.  He is going to be the ring bear at Kat and Ivy's wedding too!  Can't.  Even.  Wait.  

Kat and Ivy will be having their wedding at Waters Edge in Hilliard, Ohio.  I can't wait to capture their special day and post the images from their wedding gallery!

Taylor + Christopher

I had the opportunity to work as a second shooter with Amilia of Amilia Photography this past December.  Taylor and Christopher's wedding took place on December 29th.  It was a very cold day but the snow provided a gorgeous backdrop for outdoor wedding photos.  

 

The day began at The Bertram Inn Hotel & Conference Center in Aurora, Ohio.  It is such a gorgeous venue.  Taylor and Christopher used this venue for getting ready photos and for the wedding reception. 

The ceremony was held at St. Mary Church in Hudson.   What an incredible place for a wedding ceremony!  The church is GORGEOUS!  To top it off, the church was still decorated for Christmas.  The decor was an incredible addition to the wedding celebration.  

 

 

The reception was the party of a lifetime.  Darryl Cameron of Flash Jam Entertainment kept the dance floor packed with his amazing talent.  The music was a great mix of old and new, slow and upbeat.  The crowd couldn't get enough of it!  I really love being a photographer at receptions like this.  

 

Madeline + Kishan

I'm OBSESSED with Madeline and Kishan's engagement gallery!  This couple is absolutely adorable and I'm so excited to be shoot their wedding at Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland, OH July.  Can't. Even. Wait.  

We decided to do the engagement session at one of my favorite photo shoot locations - The Cleveland Museum of Art.   I'm so happy we chose this location.  We had the most beautiful weather that day and we were able to get some amazing photos both inside and outside of the museum.  

We started the session with some ADORABLE shots that included their dog.  What a perfect little model!  

The chemistry between Madeline and Kishan was so much fun to capture.  They are just too cute together.  They RADIATE love for one another.  Sweet couples like this are the reason I love my job so much.  I'm so honored that they chose me to capture their special day this summer.