Busting Excuses: Why You Deserve a Boudoir Experience in Reno, Nevada
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My “Why” for Photographing Boudoir
Why Boudoir Photography?
Sometimes I find it hard to put into words why I love to photograph women in boudoir style. To me, it’s so much more than photos. It’s about self-acceptance, body positivity, and art. It is about getting glammed up and laughing your butt off. It’s about the transformation that takes place between the time you walk in to my studio and walk back out that door. It is about feeling beautiful, and that is something I believe every person deserves!
I started shooting boudoir photography because I saw the beauty in everyone that came through our door. I believed I could show any person what I see through my camera. Women tell me they can’t look “that beautiful” because they feel too tall or short, weight too much, or have too many stretch marks. I love showing them the photos from their session and showing that they CAN, in face, feel beautiful. Seeing their reactions to the photographs changed me. From that moment on, I knew I had found my passion.
It was now my job to be a mirror for my clients. Not the mirror that the world shows you that shames you, but the one who sees past all the lumps, bruises, and imperfections. The one that shows your sparkle.
Headshot of Reno bride in window wearing pearls
The Transformation
The transformation that takes place in our Reno studio is the best part of the whole experience for me. When a woman arrives in my studio, most of the time she’s nervous, sometimes even visibly nervous. Shaky hands and voices, sweaty hands and faces are things I see all the time. Once they sit in the chair to get their hair and makeup done, the transformation begins. The client slowly starts to shed those signs and feelings of nervousness and anxiety.
Then the session starts. The first series is to get you all warmed up. When I show a client the back of my camera after the first series, I usually hear “OH MY GOSH, that’s me? NO WAY that’s me!” As we go into the next series and the next, the laughter and smiles start to come out. Then she starts to feel sexy. Her eyes soften and her smile becomes natural. And you can tell it’s starting to click with them.
By the time we finish the session and go into the reveal, we’re friends. We’ve just shared an experience that they will always remember. We’ve laughed and shared stories about our lives.
Once I show them their portraits on a large TV screen, their jaws drop. They see themselves like they never have before. This is one of the amazing things about boudoir photography– I get a chance to show them how I see them, how their spouse sees them, and to be their mirror. When they walk out that door, they’re smiling so big and they can’t wait to tell all their friends about what they just did.
A Little Piece of My Story
I have been a portrait photographer for 37 years. I did a boudoir session here and there- once or twice a year. But since I wasn’t focusing on getting training for it, or doing it on a regular basis, I just didn’t realize the gravity of the power it possessed! At the beginning of 2018 I found a studio to share in a beautiful Victorian House. With a dedicated space I became more motivated to book boudoir sessions, and it truly became a life changer for me too, as much as my clients! It has become my focus since then, even though I’m still doing other types of portraits, but it fills my heart and gives me so much joy to provide this experience to every special woman I work with. I take the time to get to know her and her unique qualities, and capture who she really is at this exact moment in her life. I have even photographed women right before a cancer diagnosis or even mastectomy, or after surgery, and after the birth of a baby, or other major event in a woman’s life. It is an amazing time to create art along with that new chapter, and anchor those memories to that moment in time.
And I have always fought body and beauty insecurities myself since a young age, and every woman I work with gives me more confidence, belief, and acceptance in myself that I am enough.
SivanPhotography.com
SivanPhotography.com
Yep! That’s me at my boudoir session!
I want to make sure I remember what my clients go through and make sure to have experiences in front of the camera, so I have a session every so often to do just that. I had a boudoir session booked across the country in Orlando, FL with a photographer that I admired online. In November, 2021 I packed up all of my lingerie, shoes, and accessories into a full suitcase to bring on a trip to visit family. I felt super nervous, just like you, but I ended up being very pleased with my session and photos, and even had a hard time narrowing them down. I will always have these photos to remember myself as a grandma in my 50s and feeling pretty darn hot! I even hung two metal portraits in my bathroom that I see every day while I’m showering to remind me that I am a hot mama!
For me, boudoir photography is a celebration of your body and who you truly are. I take pride in being able to help show women how to celebrate their bodies, their battles, and their victories they’ve been through. Let me show you your sparkle. Let me remind you how to love and be proud of yourself.
Interested in booking your boudoir experience with me?
Start your journey here…..
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Top 12 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Boudoir Photography in Reno, Nevada
What women are asking us when they inquire about a boudoir session
Boudoir Photography- Frequently Asked Questions
The thought of a boudoir session can be scary. When talking to women about their session, I get asked all kinds of questions. So I wanted to compile a list of my 12 most frequently asked questions to give you some insight on preparing for a boudoir session with me!
Do you share my images?
Our Number One priority is making sure our clients are comfortable, especially with boudoir! It can be a lifechanging experience, but that also makes it nerve wracking. Sometimes, you are just learning to love your body and you aren’t quite ready to share the images with the world. Or sometimes these photos are specifically for your spouse and aren’t for anyone else’s eyes. These are great reasons for not sharing your photos, and it all depends on your personal preferences. I will make sure to ask your permission first before I share, and I’m also very conservative in what I share anyway since everything is so censored these days anyway, I don’t want any of my platforms to be shut down. So I keep things very PG! I shoot a lot sexier (if you’re comfortable), but those stay private.
Do I have to wear lingerie?
Absolutely not! It just depends on your personality! There are a LOT of other outfit ideas besides lacy little things! Bodysuits are great, even the kind you would wear out, as well as off the shoulder tops or sweaters, a cardigan, a sweatshirt or t-shirt, a tank top, crop top, so many more things!!! I will help you plan all of your outfits that suit your taste and personality.
Photo by M.D. Welch, depth-of-field.com
Is Hair and Makeup included?
Professional hair and makeup artistry by skilled pros is complimentary in all of our boudoir sessions! I think it’s really important to feel pampered, even if you feel that you can do it yourself. My amazing artists can help you complete your look, whether that’s “I just woke up like this”, or FULL-ON Glam! You can bring any ideas you have for your makeup and we can try to use them for inspiration. We work with a lot of ladies who never wear makeup, and my artists are great in creating an enhanced but natural look for you, so you still look like YOU!
Do you Photoshop my images?
I do retouch every portrait you select, to the degree that you want me to. I am happy to leave or remove scars, stretch marks, cellulite, wrinkles, bags, lumps, and bumps. It’s totally your call! I see you as perfectly imperfect, so you tell me what you would like to have done. I definitely don’t want to edit out parts of you that make you who you are! Part of the process of accepting yourself and seeing your own beauty means to give yourself a little grace, and don’t pick yourself apart. If there are part of yourself that you are learning to love and aren’t thrilled about, that’s OK! I am skilled in posing and lighting to make you look your absolute best and bring out your shine! But hey, if you want to be flawless I can definitely do that too!
Where should I buy outfits?
There are a few places to buy outfits from and it depends on what you’re looking for and the style of your shoot. Here is a long list to peruse with your different styles and sizing!
- Victoria’s Secret
- Forever 21
- Adore Me
- Torrid
- Eberjey
- Aerie
- Forever Yours Lingerie
- Hips and Curves
- Jasmine Stacey Collection
- and there’s always Amazon!
I do have an Amazon wish list that I’ve curated over the years of things I think would photograph well, make sure to check it out-
And you will have a chance to shop our gorgeous client closet filled with amazing wings, robes, gowns, body jewelry, lingerie, and shoes. You can add your selections to what you bring, or some clients even show up with just nude and black thongs and bras (to wear under outfits), and we take it from there!
What type of print products do you have?
A variety of gorgeous art products! Completely custom albums handcrafted in Portugal. Glass or wood luxury boxes containing your prints. Matted prints in an elegant box. Art for the wall that you may not have even considered! Such a daily confidence booster! Available in many mediums- canvas, metal, acrylic, and wood- framed or unframed. I am thrilled when my clients enjoy all of the photographs that they absolutely love in an elegant album, and feel that surge of empowerment every time they look through it!
“20 Glorious and lustrous pages from my boudoir shoot that I flip through every chance I get. I think I look at them more than he does. It’s a daily reminder that my self-image has completely chanced after having my boudoir shoot.”– Alex, on her experience with her boudoir shoot and her album
Do you offer digitals?
Yes, all of our collections include some sort of art printed product, but there are also A la Carte options that you can choose from as well! On this list we have the option to add on digital images to your collection! These digital images come in a password protected online gallery, for you to download and share!
Do you have payment plans?
We offer a few payment options! There is a booking retainer to schedule your session on my calendar, and the balance of your chosen collection is due 2 weeks before the date of your session. If you want more time to be able to pay off your shoot, you can schedule it a few months out and pay it off in payments. Let me know if this is something you want to set up, it works well for many of my clients!
I’m freaking out! How do I calm my nerves?
Nerves are part of the experience! I always say that it would probably be weird if you WEREN’T nervous! The nervousness in the beginning of your session makes your moment of “WOW” seeing your photos for the first time so much better!
We also will have a consultation in the studio before your session date, so that we can get to know each other and start planning your outfits. This step alone alleviates so much of that nervous feeling, and you will be super excited! Aren’t we always nervous before a big event in our lives, and it always turns out great?
How many outfits should I bring?
We usually photograph 3, but you can bring more if you’d like me to help you choose the best ones. I will give you plenty of recommendations while you’re planning as to what will work the best.
Should I arrive at my session early?
No need to arrive early, just plan to arrive right on time- which is normally 10 a.m. The hair and makeup artist will be setting up, and it might take her longer if she gets distracted with chatting. But she should be ready for you at your scheduled time to jump right in!
Where is your studio located?
The studio is located at 328 California Avenue, Suite 2. We are between South Virginia and Arlington, just two doors down from My Favorite Muffin. It’s a three story brick building with an alley on each side. We have labeled parking in the back, enter on the right side alley and you’ll see it. Park in the second spot away from the building, which is our first labeled spot.
Our Reno Boudoir Studio
Want more info on our Boudoir Photography???
Click here now!
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Sue Halliburton | The Reno Photographer Behind The Lens
I’m Sue Halliburton, the photographer and owner of Sierra Elegance Photography in Reno and Sparks, Nevada, since 1998, and a professional photographer since 1988. I worked for other studios as well as running my own business in California before relocating to Northern Nevada in 1994 and never leaving!
I have done all types of portrait photography, as well as years of weddings, but have found my calling working with women and helping them find their inner power and strength with a photographic transformation.
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Tips and Tricks for Bridal Boudoir in Reno, Nevada
Reno bridal boudoir photography is one of the most unique and intimate ways to both capture your beauty & sensuality before your big wedding day! It’s a chance for you, the bride, to not only feel comfortable and empowered, but to have a special gift for your partner right before you walk down the aisle. Let’s go over some tips to help you prepare for your big day before your big day.
Choose the right photographer
The first step in booking a bridal boudoir session is to choose the right photographer. Look for a photographer who specializes in boudoir photography (cough cough MEEEE) and has experience working not only with brides, but also someone who has extensive experience working with all different body types. It’s important to find someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident, and who can guide you through the process of posing and styling. Obviously this goes for any type of session- but especially a boudoir session.
Plan ahead
Bridal boudoir sessions should be planned well in advance of your wedding day. This will allow you to schedule your session at a time that works best for you and me, and to allow plenty of time for editing and ordering prints or albums. Keep in mind our normal turnaround time is 6-8 weeks from your session date for products.
Choose your lingerie carefully
The lingerie you choose for your bridal boudoir session can be chosen to match the style and theme of your wedding – isn’t that AMAZING?! Consider colors that complement your wedding dress and accessories, and choose lingerie that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Don’t forget to include touches of your wedding like your veil or wedding shoes. If you’re not feeling those whites & ivories? No problem; let’s go with some sultry blacks. There’s no wrong answer in choosing colors. Your session doesn’t HAVE to scream bridal.
Get professional hair and makeup
Professional hair and makeup can make a big difference in the final results of your bridal boudoir photos. And guess what? You don’t even have to find your own hair and makeup artist! Our all-women team includes several insanely talented HMUAs who will not only pamper you to the fullest on session day, but are able to create the exact look you’re envisioning. Want to go bold and dramatic? We’ve got you. Want to choose a look that errs on the side of vintage romance? Look no further. I promise, our team can help you create a look that complements your lingerie and enhances your natural beauty.
Communicate with your photographer
Communication with me is KEYYYYY to creating a successful bridal boudoir session. Be sure to communicate your ideas and expectations, and to ask for guidance and suggestions from me. I can help you choose poses and settings that flatter your body and create a mood that matches your vision, while simultaneously delivering photos that I have no doubt will blow your – and your fiancé’s – minds.
Relax and have fun
Most importantly, remember to relax and have fun during your bridal boudoir session. This is a chance for you to celebrate your beauty and sensuality, and to create a special gift for your partner. Trust me and let go of any insecurities or self-doubt. Between my killer skills and your positive mindset about yourself- we are sure to create magic that your partner will love.
Are you ready to create stunning and empowering photos that you and your partner will cherish for a lifetime? Let’s chat– Click here to schedule a call or check out our website- NEVADA BOUDOIR
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Grand Worthy Advisor- Rainbow Girls
Carlie Wade is Nevada’s Rainbow Girls Grand Worthy Advisor for 2024-25 and she wanted some special portraits capturing the importance of this top position, as well as the significance that Rainbow Girls has had in her family for generations. Her grandma participated in Rainbow Girls growing up as well, and Carlie was honored to follow in her footsteps.
Carlie lives in Reno, Nevada. She loves purple and dolphins, and dolphins were the mascot for her year of duty. Her theme is “Mystical Midnight Dream”, which we captured in composite art in her portraits.
Her motto is from Walt Disney himself, “If you can dream it, you can do it”. Carlie has definitely proven that to be true!
Her symbols include: Moon, Mushroom, Fairy, and Dragon.
The other colors she loves are Forest Green, Midnight Blue, Fairy Purple, and Moonlight Silver. Her flower of choice is the red rose.
The scripture she chose to represent her year is “All things are possible for the one who believes.” ~Mark 9:23 which echoes her Walt Disney quote.
The project she is advocating for as her State Service Project is Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Her mom created a special rainbow blinged out tiara to complete her reign, which we featured in her session. Her mom gifted her own mom- Carlie’s grandmother- a gorgeous wall portrait and custom album for Christmas from this session. She couldn’t wait to email me after the holidays and told me her mom immediately started crying! Even her dad was quiet, which she said rarely happens. They absolutely loved them and were completely thrilled and blown away by such a beautiful and meaningful gift!
Enjoy some of her incredible portraits!
Are you celebrating an accomplishment in the Reno area? I’d love to create some lasting and innovative memories for you! Give me a call- 775-745-0445 or email sue@sierraelegance.com and we’ll chat about it!
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Behind the Scenes of a Boudoir Session: What to Expect
So you’ve been considering booking a boudoir experience, but you aren’t sure what to expect during your session. While the idea of posing in lingerie or revealing clothing can be intimidating, understanding our process a bit more and what happens behind the scenes can absolutely help ease your nerves and make the experience more enjoyable. Here’s what to expect during your boudoir session with Sierra Elegance Photography:
Initial Consultation
Even before you book in for your boudoir session, we’re going to start off with an initial consultation. This will happen via phone. During our phone consultation, we’ll go over every single aspect of your session! I walk you through the entire process, and when you decide you’re ready to schedule your consultation and session? We get that done at the same time too.
Pre-Session Consultation
I’ve found having a consultation in the studio is so important to make you feel comfortable and get even more excited about your session! You will see all of the studio sets, get to touch and look at all of the art product samples, and think about what wall art options you love. You will get to browse the incredible studio closet, including wings, robes, dresses, robes, gowns, body jewelry, shoes, and so much more! There is some lingerie as well, which you’re welcome to wear but many of my clients opt to bring their own.
The In-Between: Booking & Session Day
So you’ve locked in for your session date. Now what? We continue to stay in constant communication, sending over a wide variety of emails that will help you to prepare for your big day. If you need any help with planning or choosing your outfits, I am here to guide you!
Hair And Makeup
On the day of your session, you’ll start with hair and makeup with our absolutely phenomenal in-house H&MU Artist. She is a dream, and helps to bring your vision to life. This is a chance to relax and pamper yourself before the shoot. Professional hair and makeup can help you look and feel your best, and I have no doubt you’ll want to bottle up our glam team and bring her home with you once you’re all done!
Outfit Selection
After hair and makeup, we’ll choose your outfits for the session. We’ll review what you brought to determine the best choices, and see what we want to add from the studio closet. Or, we’ll pull out everything we’ve already selected from the closet at your consultation!
Posing And Direction
Once you’re ready to start the shoot, the real fun begins. I handle EVERY SINGLE ASPECT of posing, including showing you how to do all the crazy poses before we really start. Once I’ve shown you what to do, I’ll then help you to pose your hands, feet, and even your face! I control it all, so that you don’t have to worry. But it will be super enjoyable as well, even though it’s a bit of a workout!
The Reveal:
After our session, we take a quick 1-1.5 hour break where you can grab lunch or coffee someplace nearby, a little chance to wind down. After our short break you’ll return to the studio reveal room. This is when it REALLY starts to feel like magic. You’ll get to see your images for the first time (about 90% edited) on our big screen. The only thing left to do is skin retouching which we will do on any of your final images that you choose for your albums + keepsakes!
Once we finalize all your selections we will talk a little about retouching your images. If you have any special editing requests such as scar or small removal, or a B&W edit etc. we will talk about it. Don’t worry about anything in terms of small skin retouching either – I handle it all, from bruise + acne removal, to adjusting the lingerie if it isn’t fitting just right. I’ve got it ALL handled for you.
Delivery Of Photos:
Once you head out of the studio on cloud nine, I send out your album images to the retoucher. As soon as they are ready (about 48-72 hours), I place the order. Once we place your order you’ll also receive whatever digital products you purchased as well. Typically your products would be in no later than 6-8 weeks after you receive your digitals. We use different labs for different products to ensure we are always providing our clients with the best quality. As soon as your order is complete we will arrange pick up. Get ready to fall in love with yourself all over again!!!
Does that sound like an amazing time? Yeah, I think so too! I can’t wait to spoil you. Are you ready to book in for your own session? Let’s chat → Nevada Boudoir
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Mexican Pinup Beauty in Reno, Nevada
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Elegance Over 40 Experience
I have truly found such a joy giving women over 40 a luxury experience where they feel valued, heard, and loved, as they should be!
I believe every woman should leave a legacy of portraits for her family, and to do that she needs to actually have them taken! Most women are so busy DOING for everyone else, there is never time for herself to take time out for a pampering experience where she feels like a star for a day!
Now is that time. I create that transformational experience where a woman can find herself again, remember who she was and who she still wants to be, and then find that power and strength every day as she’s empowered looking at her gorgeous album of portraits, or the art on the wall that exemplifies her beauty daily.
Many of the women choose to wear fancy gowns or cocktail dresses from my extensive wardrobe, it just elevates the experience when you truly feel like a princess! But they can also opt to have a casual and/or business outfit that is more of their “real” look, but their very best version. Combining those all together in the session gives a great variety to choose from, and to use for different purposes! Branding for work, a super gorgeous headshot she’ll be so proud of, an elegant look for wall art, and some casual portraits to capture the real “YOU”.
And so many women tell me they never get their portraits taken, maybe not even as a high school senior! And they aren’t in family portraits, it’s all about the kids. Then lots of women tell me they’re not photogenic at all. I’d love to prove you wrong! Time for you to have your moment in the spotlight and shine!
Here are just a few women I’ve photographed for this experience over the past few years, and they have all been so special! Every one of them realized it’s worth investing in herself, and every one of them thought it was well worth it!
Is it your turn? It should be! Give me a call or email me, right now! I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m available. 775-745-0445 sue@sierraelegance
Or go to my special website, eleganceover40.com and fill out the contact form
Reno’s Premier Over 40 Luxury Portrait Experience!!!
One Response to “Elegance Over 40 Experience”
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Anja Jepsen Fotografie
Thank you for sharing such good content on your blog.
Your approach to unveiling the intricacies of photography makes your posts truly engaging.
It’s clear that an immense amount of knowledge and
passion is poured into your work, making it a valuable
resource for photography enthusiasts such as
myself. Please keep on delivering such quality content, and thank you for
expanding our knowledge of photography. Best regards, Anja
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Rainbow Baby Maternity Session
I am truly honored and blessed to work with this special couple, and I have shared their journey since their engagement and now they are preparing to welcome their baby girl in April of 2024!
Here is their story…
This is the sad post that Kylie and Anthony had to share in July of 2022. They got to hold and love on their baby boy who became an angel, it was devastating news. I wanted to share their own words.
Dear friends and family, we have some difficult news to share. We welcomed our angel boy into this world on July 8th at 8:03pm. Anthony and I were told at our anatomy scan that my placenta was small and was failing. We were then told that our boy had stopped growing at about 18 weeks. We were told that stillbirth was imminent. We enjoyed every last moment we had with him, every last kick. He was such a strong boy. Our sweet boy was born stillborn at 23 weeks and 1 day. He was so perfect. Perfect little nose, ten fingers and ten toes. He was so little. We are devastated that we didn’t get to bring our boy home and watch him grow. But, we know that he is all around us and will help us get through our grief. We are so thankful to be your parents, Noah Anthony. We chose your name because Noah means “to rest” and we knew when we met you, that is exactly what you would be doing. Resting peacefully. We miss you so much and every moment is filled with thoughts of you. We know that God is holding you tight and giving you lots of love for us. We can’t wait to be with you one day. Until then, please watch over us, help us make the right decisions, and help God pick out the most perfect brothers or sisters for you. We love you sweet boy, we always will.
With lots of love,
Mommy and Daddy
Now they are getting ready for their baby girl soon! When we took these portraits for their pregnancy announcement, they were beyond excited to be expecting again! I can’t imagine how nerve wracking every week was, counting down to viability. But they were also thrilled to share the news, and everyone who loves them was incredibly happy as well!
A rainbow baby is a baby that is born after a loss, the rainbow gives your hope back!
Fast forward to almost 31 weeks, and it was time for a full maternity session! We decided to have a studio session because of it being mid-winter and unpredictable weather. It was nice to have a completely different look and vibe to the session as well. For both sessions, Kylie chose several of my studio wardrobe gowns, skirts, and bodysuits as well as a ruffly purple robe to compliment her beautiful baby bump!
Telling your own story with a maternity session is a lasting legacy. Your child will look with wonder every time at the beautiful photographs, amazed that he or she was that bump that was being showcased. It is part of your history that will be enjoyed again and again, and so meaningful as time flies by. You may not feel your best, whether it’s the morning sickness (that lasts all day), the stretch marks, the extra weight, or the pain or discomfort. I will take my time to make you feel gorgeous and you’ll receive the pampering you deserve! I will guide you through planning the perfect outfits, or shopping my incredible studio closet, or a combination of both. Don’t let this special time disappear without this special commemoration of your journey to bring this child into the world.
I love to get creative with maternity sessions! If you have a baby coming this year, don’t wait to reach out to schedule your session at about 30-35 weeks. We can create portraits in the studio, outdoors, or in my boudoir studio. 775-745-0445 sue@sierraelegance.com
3 Responses to “Rainbow Baby Maternity Session”
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Diana Juarez
How beautiful that you were able to capture such a blessing of a time for them! In such a classy and empowering way.
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Heather Cummins
Thank you Sue for being such an important part of capturing so many priceless moments for our family! Our house is full of beautiful moments you have captured for our family and now the families of our children as well.
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Pat Sulaty
What precious time in your life! Beautiful pictures, United with parents who love one another and their new baby girl! God’s love in a nutshell!
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Divinely elegant.
A very fine job