Groom’s Gift

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Glamour Maternity Head shots Fashion Editorial Portraiture Photo shoot Boudoir Gift Ideas

September 12 2017

3 Beautiful Ways to Gift Your Boudoir Photos

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Christmas Gifts, Confidence, Cosplay, CT, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Headshots, Holiday, Lingerie, Lisbon, Love Yourself, Memories, Photo Gifts, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography

Over the years, I’ve discovered that no matter how you present this gift it blows them away! Jaws dropped, comments of “OH-MY-GOD-I-LOVE-IT!!” and even tears have been responses to receiving images as a gift. Ladies, if this is for your man have no fear, this is a gift he will love and treasure for years! If this is a gift for yourself, selecting the image style that fits your personality is key. No matter who your images are for or what the occasion is, this is an amazing gift.

Planning a surprise gift is always a challenge and when that gift is pictures of you it seems to make it a little harder to decide just how you want to present it. You prepped, you planned, you booked your session and had an amazing time. Now you’re picking out your photos but not sure how to present them to your special someone as a gift. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Giving you options that fit any occasion or style of photo is important to me so I know you will be happy with the final end result of your session.

So let’s talk about options!

The Folio Box Collection

The beautiful folio box collection comes in either 5×7 or 8×10 size. You can choose the style of box cover for your beautiful images. Each image is mounted on 2 mm polystyrene and has an amazing luster finish.

The Album Collection

A favorite choice, the album collections range from our 5×7 little black book to our 8×10 album size. The pages are gilded in black or gold marble and there is even room to put a small message at the bottom of the book if you desire. The albums come in beautiful black boxes for display or safe storage.

The Matted Collection

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Glamour Maternity Head shots Fashion Editorial Portraiture Photo shoot Boudoir Gift Ideas

This collection features each 8×10 print, matted in white to an 11×14 size and ready to go into the beautiful black collection box. You can display or store your images in the box or they are ready to be framed and hung on the wall.

No matter how you present these, they are breathtaking and definitely provide that wow factor.

As well as the three favorite choice options, larger images that can be framed, canvases, acrylic and metal prints are available. Whatever your personal style and whatever the reason for your photo session, we can help you put together the perfect gift.

Remember if you are planning on booking a session to create a gift for this holiday season, our last date to have your session is November 1^st so don’t wait, contact me today to set up your complimentary pre-shoot consultation!

If you’re interested in a personal tour of the studio or a complimentary pre-shoot consultation, give me a call or use our contact form and we can set up a date for you to come in!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.

Book your session today!!

August 29 2017

Their Biggest Fears and What Happened!

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Christmas Gifts, Confidence, Cosplay, Excuses, Fashion, Groom's Gift, Lisbon, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography, Testimonial, Transformations

If you’ve ever been nervous getting up in front of a group of people to give a speech, you’ve probably heard the advice of imagining them all sitting in their underwear to make you less nervous. But what if you were the one going out to give the speech in your underwear?

Everyone has things that they fear and I’m right there with you!!! Find out what my clients biggest fears were when considering a photo shoot and what really happened when they got in front of the camera.

I’ve asked each client to tell me about their biggest fear when considering a photoshoot. After their session, I want to know if it came true and if not, what happened instead. Here are a few of their fears and what happened…

Ms. G: My biggest fear was looking bloated or too small/flat chested for the skimpy lingerie I’d chosen! It did not happen – instead I looked really sexy and feminine.

Ms. S: I was afraid I would have fat hanging out in places you didn’t want people to see. Didn’t happen! It was fun without feeling nervous and there was no judgement zone! I just felt gorgeous.

Ms. R: I was worried about posing and feeling comfortable holding a pose for long moments. Marilyn was so easy to follow and was very quick and enthusiastic.

Ms. B: My biggest fear was of not being photogenic or comfortable. It definitely did not happen! The pictures were amazing and the atmosphere was great!

These ladies ranged in age from their 20’s to their 50’s and were all amazing!

Before their sessions, we met at the studio and talked about what they had envisioned for their session. They filled out a short questionnaire to tell me a little more about them like, what is your favorite part of your body, how outgoing do you consider yourself on a scale of 1 – 10 and even if they have any phobias or allergies. These things help me to prepare for their shoot and also, to make their experience customized and as comfortable for them as possible.

So whether your fear is posing, not being photogenic, or needing to lose that last 10 pounds, it’s OK. You are not alone in your fears and I’m here to help you through one of the most fun, amazing days you’ll have.

If you’re interested in a personal tour of the studio or a complimentary pre-shoot consultation, give me a call or use our contact form and we can set up a date for you to come in!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

July 18 2017

Menagerie Photography Studio Tour

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Cosplay, CT, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Headshots, Lisbon, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography, Studio, Transformations

If you’ve never been to my studio, today’s post will give you an idea of what it looks like, some of our sets and where all the magic happens! I have 1000 square feet of space and use every inch of it! So read on and see where I work and where my clients spend the day when they come in for their sessions.

Being in a rural area, the first thing people see is our sign at the road and my awesome pink door when they pull up to the studio.

Our studio space is private and designed to be comfortable and welcoming.

The main gallery room is where we do everything from personal branding to pinup, fitness, fashion and even some boudoir. This is where I set up the window wall for your amazing silhouettes.

We call this space the Victorian Room. The chandelier, bed with tufted headboard and large mirrors make this a great room to get amazing shots. This is primarily used for boudoir style shots but we have also done portrait photos by the fireplace for the Christmas holidays and our recently added vanity can be used for boudoir or pinup images.

Our Hair and Makeup space is one of my favorite rooms with the black and white theme and the pink ceiling. – Yes I painted the ceiling pink! This is where our hair and makeup artists spend the first two hours of your day getting you ready for your shoot. There is also a changing room for privacy off of this space.

This room is used before you come in for your session day and for your image reveal. This is where we sit and talk during your pre-shoot consultation about why you want your picture taken and what you have envisioned. You have a chance to see photos from other sessions and touch the different types of product you can purchase.

About two weeks after your shoot, you will come back to the studio to see your images on the 55 inch screen and choose the ones you love.

The reception desk is where we get paperwork prepped and where the beverage station is set up and my private office is in the back.

When we opened the new studio space in 2015 I couldn’t believe I would ever feel cramped but the time has come for us to look for more space. We are planning an expansion and the goal is to add another 1000 square feet in 2018. The new space will include large windows for natural light photography as well as an area specifically designed as a pinup garage space with a vintage truck.

If you’re interested in a personal tour of the studio or a complimentary pre-shoot consultation, give me a call or use our contact form and we can set up a date for you to come in!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

June 20 2017

I Want to Spend the Day with You!

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Confidence, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Lisbon, Memories, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography, Transformations

Most people think of having their picture taken as 30 minutes to an hour of “stand here, move there, OK we’re done!” That isn’t the experience you have when I take your photos. I will be spending the whole day with you.

Yes, I want to spend the day with you. The whole day, 9am until 3pm having fun, doing your hair and makeup, drinking coffee or cold drinks and snacking on chocolates, fruit and pastry! You will bring 5 or 10 of your favorite outfits and your most amazing shoes.

You’ll spend the day feeling pampered and like a princess or a celebrity model. You will leave at the end of the day feeling confident, empowered and loving the skin you’re in right now.

Why do I want to do this? Because you deserve it… and the special people in your life deserve to have pictures that show you on your best day, happy and having fun, that they can cherish as well.

So how can you do this? It’s easy! Just give me a call and we can set up a day to meet at the studio. You’ll tour the studio, and then over something to drink talk about how you want to be photographed and what your experience would include.

I look forward to seeing you soon! Do you want your coffee black or with cream and sugar?

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

June 6 2017

Hot Photo Gift for 2017

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Christmas Gifts, Confidence, Cosplay, Family Photos, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Lisbon, Memories, Photo Gifts, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography

After you’ve been pampered and spent the day feeling like a princess or supermodel, it’s time for me to get to work on editing your images. I edit each one in preparation for your reveal. When you’re back at the studio for your reveal, what are your options for your images? Well we have a variety of presentation options to match your style; folio boxes, matted prints, albums all come in varying sizes. Our hot gift choice this year has been what we refer to as our Little Black Book.

The Little Black Book is a soft black Ecoskin bound book with black gilded pages. The lustre coated images are mounted on .05” thick page with rounded corners to last for years to come. It’s 5×7 size is perfect as a discreet gift for someone special and is always loved by the person receiving it.

Our albums including the Little Black Book start at 10 images but you can have more pages added to it as well. We also offer a larger 8×10 album if that fits your style better.

Other collection options include our 5×7 or 8×10 folio boxes and our matted/ready to frame prints. We have larger images available for mounting on the wall or gallery collection options.

For more information or to see these products in person, give me a call to set up your complimentary pre-shoot consultation!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

May 23 2017

Plan Ahead – When to book your photo-shoot

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Confidence, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Lingerie, Lisbon, Photography, Professional Portraiture, Transformations

If you were planning your wedding would you wait until a few weeks before the date to start calling photographers? Of course not, right? You know wedding photographers are booked out months or even a year ahead. Well, many people forget that professional portrait photographers work the same way. With this in mind, I wanted to explain what a professional photo-shoot entails and why planning ahead is so important.

I get a lot of phone calls, emails and social media messages from women who want to give a gift of images to their special someone. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and military deployments are some of the great reasons for their photo sessions. I love working with these ladies to create a unique, personalized experience that culminates with an amazing gift they can give. When a woman works up the nerve to call and schedule her session, the worst thing that can happen is to hear that there is not enough time to get this done. Often they are calling less than two to four weeks before they need to gift their images. Unfortunately this doesn’t leave time to have them come in for their session, edit their images, have them come in for their reveal to select their favorites, order their product and receive it back in time for them to give it for their special occasion.

So how can you be sure you’re planning with enough time?

The perfect planning would be to start making your inquiries about 3 months before you need your finished images in hand. Yes, I know that sounds crazy, but stop and think for a minute; there are other women out there planning their sessions and they have already called and booked their dates. Like any other business, they have appointments already set and your product also takes time to be created and delivered. This also gives you time to find someone you are comfortable with who can work with your schedule. There are many photographers out there but finding the right one for you who is also available may not happen on the first phone call or email.

Your actual photo session should be 6 weeks or more before you need your images. Yes, at least six weeks. There is a lot of work still to be done when you leave the studio the day of your shoot. The photographer needs time to edit your photos, set an appointment to show you the final images so you can pick the ones you love, and get your product ordered and delivered.
No one wants to stress about not getting their gift in time. If you’re considering a photo session, give yourself time to prepare and enjoy the experience. Your session with me is a day long event that we beginning planning weeks before you come in. The day of your session begins at 9:00 am and includes a full day of pampering and fun. When you come in, we go over what clothes you brought so we can plan out your day. You have beverages and snacks available and you move right into hair and makeup. While you’re in hair and makeup, I’m preparing the sets and lighting based on the outfits you brought and putting final touches on the plan for your day. Your hair and makeup are done by our professionals here at the studio. When your finished being pampered it’s time to change into your first outfit and we begin. You are coached through the posing so you can relax and let me guide you through the shots. Getting to change outfits multiple times and use different sets, is like playing supermodel for the day and tons of fun! At the end of the day, usually around 3:00 pm or so, we wrap things up and give you a sneak peak of a few images before you leave. It is a day all about you and creating images you will love.

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

April 4 2017

The Perfect Gift

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Fashion, Generations, Gift Certificates, Groom's Gift, Lisbon, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture

As most of you know, we’ve always had gift certificates here at the studio but we wanted to make it even easier to purchase the perfect gift. With that in mind, we’ve added a gift card page to our website that offers several options depending on what you’re looking for.

Whether your looking for that special gift for Mother’s Day, a birthday or holiday, a gift certificate for a day all about her is sure to be a hit.

There’s “The Perfect Gift” which was designed to cover the cost of our Full Day Session. This is the perfect way to treat her to a full day of pampering with a professional studio photoshoot. The custom designed session includes Hair Styling, Makeup Artistry, Multiple Sets, Unlimited Wardrobe Changes, Pose Coaching, a fully stocked craft cart of her favorite snacks and beverages. Normally (when purchased at the studio) the price is $190 plus CT sales tax but since we are offering this as a gift card on-line, we are extending to you a 6.35% discount making the total price $190.

Other Gift Card options are for commonly requested amounts from $100 – $1000. These are a great way to help her buy all of her favorite images for any session or register your friends and family to purchase gift cards for your Bridal or Baby shower. That’ll make it easy to buy all your favorite Maternity or Bridal Boudoir images.

All of our gift cards come in a gift-ready box with bow or can be held here at the studio for use when the lucky lady comes in for her session or image reveal.

We’re also tossing around different ideas on how to create the ultimate studio gift basket. This would make it easy to surprise her with everything she might need for her perfect day here at the studio. A voucher for her session, a manicure/pedicure set, skin softening lotions and perhaps a gift card to help her buy some new lingerie, shoes or dress for her photoshoot. Of course all of this would be presented as a gift already wrapped and ready to go. If you have any good ideas of what you’d like in our studio gift basket, please comment below and let us know what you think.

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

March 7 2017

Planning Your Dream Wedding?

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Confidence, Events, Generations, Groom's Gift, Lingerie, Memories, Photography, Professional Portraiture, Weddings

If you’re planning to be among the 15,000 plus couples getting married in Connecticut this year, I have a few questions for you! I’ll be speaking at a Free Seminar about wedding planning on April 7^th ,2017, and in doing my preparations I found as many questions as I did answers. I decided that instead of taking dry statistics from online, I would ask some of you to share your top questions about planning your dream wedding.

I’ll be there speaking about photography, but if you have questions ranging from photography to food go ahead and ask as there will be 6 speakers at the event and I would love to share your questions with them as well. I’ve included a few topics below to get you thinking and would love to get your feedback.

Are you looking for items you may need to get from another photographer such as:

Bridal boudoir to give as a gift to your groom?
Special Portraiture such as Mother/Daughter or Generations photos while everyone is in town?

Do you already have a good idea of the basics your wedding photographer will need to know?

Are you planning an indoor or outdoor wedding?
How many people are you planning to invite?
Do you want coverage for the reception and where will it be?
Are there any other sites you wanted pictures taken?
Do you know the style of images you have in mind and what type of product you want – albums, prints, enlargements…?

I would love to hear from you on what you have planned or questions you have. Want to ask questions in person at the free seminar? RSVP for the event on April 7th, 2017 at the Comfort Suites.

If you’ve dreamed of a full day photoshoot for yourself or if there is a special someone in your life who would love this experience, give me a call and we can set up a day to talk about how to make this dream come true!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

February 28 2017

Bridal Show Fun

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Bridal expo, Confidence, Cosplay, Events, Fashion, Generations, Groom's Gift, Lisbon, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography, Trade Show

Where can you go and listen to DJ’s, see Photographers, Jewelry and Florists, sample some amazing Food and Desserts and check out an Inflatable Irish Pub all in one place? Did I mention there were also women walking around in wedding dresses and lingerie? Well that was the scene at the Bridal Show and Women’s Fitness and Health Expo at Mohegan Sun Casino last Sunday, February 26^th 2017.

We had a booth at the expo and I don’t think I have talked with that many people in one day – ever! By the end of the day (6am to 5:30pm) I had almost lost my voice and my feet were protesting but it was a great day. I truly enjoyed being able to talk with so many women who were excited about planning their wedding. While I have chosen not to do wedding day photography, I love the women’s portraiture I do. Fashion, fitness, generations, pinup, boudoir, I love it all! I love creating beautiful photographs of a woman that make her feel amazing and like a princess for the day. I am honored to create for her a gift that she can give to her husband on her wedding day.

I can, without a doubt, tell you that Bridal Boudoir is on the top of the list for groom’s gifts. There were so many women who stopped to talk about setting up session dates and it seems that August and September of 2018 are the hot wedding months. If you have either of those months picked out for your wedding, don’t wait to get your venues, caterers and photographers booked!!!

One excited bride-to-be stopped by with her mom and we were talking about what’s involved in booking a Bridal Boudoir session. The mom told me that she had done bridal boudoir 30 years ago when she got married and her husband still has the images and loves them! How awesome that her daughter wants to do the same and give her husband a gift he will keep and appreciate for years to come.

If you have never been to one of these expos and are planning your wedding, I would definitely suggest checking one out near you. You can literally go in with a check list of what you need for your dream wedding and find it there. From your dress and flowers to your reception venue and food, there are people to speak with or book right there on the spot. You can check out the DJs and amazing photos by a variety of photographers, and talk to the travel agents about booking your honeymoon. And let’s not forget renting that Inflatable Irish Pub for your next event or backyard wedding as well!

I am already prepping for the next show on April 30,2017 at the Comfort Suites in Norwich, CT from 11am to 3pm. Although this will be a smaller event, if you are in the area and still working on your list, stop by and say hello. Engaged couples get in free!

If you’ve dreamed of a day like this for yourself or if there is a special someone in your life who would love this experience, give me a call and we can set up a day to talk about how to make this dream come true!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

February 14 2017

Do You Dream Of Your Own Photo Shoot?

Marilyn RielSTUDIO ARTICLES Boudoir, Confidence, Fashion, Groom's Gift, Lisbon, Photography, Pinup, Professional Portraiture, silhouette photography, Transformations

What is a photo shoot? Models, lights, cameras, professional photographers, hair stylists, makeup artist and magazine style images? Something reserved for Victoria Secret models or famous people? Have you ever dreamed of being that woman at the center of all the attention?

You can be that woman! You can have a photo shoot designed specifically for you that reflects your personality and style. You can be the center of attention for the day, having your hair and makeup done and being posed from your nose to your toes.

Today I’ll share with you how you can make that happen and what to expect as you prepare for a day you will never forget!

When I tell a prospective client that we will be spending a month preparing for their photo session and that it will be an all day event, I’m often met with a disbelieving look or a blunt “Why does it take so long?”

Many people who come to see me about photography sessions have little or no experience with a professional photo shoot. Their experience is limited to traditional 30 minute, book the date over the phone and show up appointments. Often images are digital only and after the initial shares on social media, are never printed or looked at again. There is nothing wrong with that experience at all if it fits the need for your situation well. If you are looking for more, let me share what makes us different.

The services provided at my studio are quite different and are more of a boutique experience that allows the session to be tailored around your personality and style. Our 1000 sq ft studio and professional hair and makeup stylists are ready to make this your special day.

Before you book a session at my studio, you come in for your complimentary pre-shoot consultation. This gives you an opportunity to meet me and see the studio where your images would be taken, the various sets, and hair and makeup room. You also have a chance to see the quality of our work and the various options you have for how your images can be displayed. We talk about why you want to be photographed and what your style is to make sure we are a good fit to provide the images you want.

Once you have decided we are the right fit for you, we book your session date. Normally this will be at least 4 weeks out as this includes booking your hair and makeup artist as well as setting up a private Pinterest board to collaborate on ideas for your session. I have found this collaboration gives an opportunity for you to look at images from our Pinterest boards as well as others to show what inspires you and what your vision is of what sexy means if you’re planning a boudoir session. This is also a way for our stylists to see just what you have in mind for you hair and makeup. You have the chance to pin styles and update the comments to share exactly what you like. For instance there may be a picture where you love the hair style but hate the makeup. The more we share, the better we can plan your day.

You are also provided with guides to help you get prepared along the way to your shoot covering everything from selecting your outfits to getting your Mani-Pedi just before your session. We also keep in touch along the way via email and are always available by phone to talk about any questions you may have. This preparation includes not just getting your outfits selected, but also deciding what props or accessories you may want to bring to make the images more meaningful to you or the person you are giving them to. This may be anything from his football jersey to hats, to fancy jewelry or that killer pair of heels.

The time will fly by quickly and before you know it you special day has arrived… Read about the experience the day of the session in next week’s blog.

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

Book your session today!!

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