Editor's Note: In our continuing series of behind-the-scenes looks at epic portrait photography shoots, our friend Kat Armendariz from hushXpose in Las Vegas, offers her expert tips for making the most of a photo shoot with a client.
Portraiture is all about capturing the individual personality of the model while also helping the model achieve their goals for the photo shoot. Learn more about boudoir poses on our website PhotographyTalk.com.
Sometimes, that means tackling a bit of a challenge in order to meet the client's needs.
From Kat:
"Bobbie came to me wanting to surprise her husband with a boudoir album, but most of all she wanted to replace her husband's screen saver! Ha! I LOVE a challenge!"
Though beautiful portraits often look easy and effortless, there's a TON of behind-the-scenes work that has to be done.
In Kat’s extended video above she explains where and how to light, how outfits can be just a panty, and facial expressions to avoid (like raised eyebrows).
Additionally, the video addresses:
- The best backdrops and floorgrounds (Yes! You can walk on them in heels!)
- How to add more print sales with shadowed faces and body shots
- How to plan outfits to make the client more comfortable during the nude photography sessions: Have them pack a pair of nude thongs
- Flexed feet, pointed feet, sickled feet can make or break an image
From Kat:
"The coolest part about the backdrops is that they are a heavy duty matte vinyl and they completely wipe down clean! I can even mop them after we’ve been trampling on them all day with stiletto heels and lots of furniture! They have been the number 1 best investment I’ve made since owning my studio."
"(A little secret: I was charging $1,500 per session in May 2018 when I purchased 12 of the Click Props Backdrops. WITHIN 2 MONTHS, I was able to jump to $2,800 per session AND was shooting my first F.L.O.D. Magazine cover because of the full studio sets I could offer! Umm... I sound like a late night TV sales host but I’m completely real! Google me! Kat Armendariz, Kat on the Web!)."
What you don’t want to miss is all the TONS of behind-the-scenes footage in the video. Vanessa Witholt joins Kat to chat about pro tips with hair styling. In this video, Kat and Vanessa also discuss how to problem solve with bright colored hair, editorial vs boudoir, and so much more! You can also check another post about boudoir ideas. Be sure to subscribe to Kat's YouTube channel, Click Props Backdrops, so you don’t miss out on more of my PhotographyTalk articles. ~ Kat on the Web, Unleashed."
Gear Used for This Image
- Sony a7R II
- Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM
- Backdrop: Cracked Concrete Brick (Large)
- Floor: Factory Floor (Large)
- Lighting: Westcott IceLight, ProMaster B270 LED 2 Light, ProMaster B270 LED 2 Light Studio Kit - Daylight Studio Kit
- Camera Settings: 1/100, f/2.5, ISO 640
About Kat
Kat Armendariz is a published studio photographer in Las Vegas. She has a passion to create out-of-the-box portraiture and to give women an experience that will be a stepping stone to new found confidence.
Her photo studio sits in the heart of Las Vegas where she gets to work with incredible clients from all over the globe. Her studio, hushXpose, is a compilation of her two studio names: Hush Hush Shoot (boudoir photography), and Pose Las Vegas (glamour photography).
hushXpose offers an all-inclusive Hollywood experience where Kat and her all-female team work with clients one-on-one to create custom sets and scenes tailored to their clients. You can also check another post about essential boudoir poses.
Kat and her husband, Ephraim Armendariz, also own the US District for Click Props Backdrops, which specializes in professional-grade heavy-duty vinyl studio backdrops. Click Props Backdrops let you choose from an extensive and exclusive range of multi-award-winning backgrounds and floorgrounds to give you the opportunity of offering clients a multi-set portrait experience.