Black Horse in the Desert
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Rylee’s Senior Portraits At Sand Mountain: Class Of 2022
High-spirited students, their fun poses, and the lively energy they bring to the scene – there’s a lot to love at a senior portrait session as a photographer. Usually longer in duration, these sessions always get me excited. And I absolutely love creating these portraits! The best part? Interacting with so many incredible young minds and getting a glimpse of their dreams, lives, and aspirations! Every individual has a unique persona, and I try my best to make their portraits match the vivacious spirit these young souls bring to the session.
Meet Rylee!
I’ve known Rylee, now a senior year student of the class of 2022, since she was just 9! Her mom and I used to work out at the same gym around the same time every day and got to know each other. And our shared interests made the portrait session all the more fun and exhilarating. Now, are you wondering what I, a photographer, and Rylee, a high school senior, have in common? It turns out, plenty! To begin with, her love for horses! It was a delight to learn that this bright student shared my fondness for these captivating animals. So much so that she wanted these equine beauties to be a part of her senior portraits. Since she didn’t have her own horse to bring to the session, she requested to use mine. And I gladly obliged.
What’s more? Rylee shared that she and her family have a great liking for camping, especially, at Sand Mountain. Also known as the Singing Mountain, the Sand Mountain in west-central Nevada is a recreation area eyed by many adventure lovers and even makes for a great spot for photography. That’s also one of the reasons why even I love frequenting the place. While conversing with Rylee, I also learned that she enjoys riding various vehicles on the dunes on most weekends. And I was happy that I would get to photograph those moments as well, but more on that later!
Rylee is a longtime volleyball player in school and in club volleyball, but she decided she didn’t want volleyball to be the the focus of her senior portraits. Rylee will be graduating from Spanish Springs High School in Sparks.
Senior Equine Portraits at my Home Studio Barn!!!
I just finished my new barn at my home in Spanish Springs, and so I used it as a studio along with my horse, Pancho, as a model (a great addition to the shoot because of Rylee’s love for horses – like I already told you). Even though Pancho was around Rylee for the first time, they got along great and Pancho stood nicely for most of the session. After she was mounted on the horse and struck a cool equestrian pose in a dress on a chilly evening, he decided to take off trotting! She only had a halter with a lead on one side but was able to take hold of him. Kudos to her spirit, I say!
Senior Portrait Photography at Sand Mountain
On the day of the session at Sand Mountain, Rylee was accompanied by her parents Kasey and Siobhan. And guess what? It was the weekend of Rylee’s 18th birthday party (talk about great timing!) while they were camping with their family, and they invited me to stay for a wonderful grilled tri-tip dinner. And I am so very thankful for their generosity! Rylee sure has a cheerful aura. I could make that out from her exuberant energy and the multiple outfits she planned to wear for the shoot! And there’s absolutely no doubt that all of them were on point!
Circling back to Rylee and her love for riding OHVs. She has driven these vehicles for years and loves playing in the sand! Unfortunately, the vehicle actually broke down at the spot before we started, and they had to tow it back after the session, a bit of bad timing! However, I still managed to make the most of it by directing her to pose around it. The images turned out great, and need I say – “Rylee, you are such a natural when it comes to posing!” And a thoughtful planner as well – the tie-dye T-shirt she wore said “brunette and boujee”, and guess what, she recently dyed her hair dark. Coincidence? I beg to differ! 🙂
As much as I enjoyed the entire photo session, as a photographer, the sunset hour was my personal favorite! Just as the sky turns crimson, that’s when the true magic unfolds! And quite a planner that Rylee is, she had just the perfect attire (a gorgeous tangerine gown) to blend with the mood and tone. This ravishingly pretty lady looked nothing short of a desert rose amid the ripples of sand dunes, for sure! Even though behind the scenes, she was totally freezing, you could hardly see any of those shivers spoil her pose or expression before the camera. Rylee, you go, girl! Your senior portraits were as unique as you are. And I loved every moment I spent creating these lovely images of you.
A Luxurious & Custom Portrait Experience With Sierra Elegance Photography
Kasey and Siobhan (Rylee’s parents), thanks for trusting me with photographing Rylee’s senior portraits. And Rylee, you are such a vibrant soul and a delight to photograph. Just continue to be your natural self. I hope I did justice to your expectations and could match your energy! Here’s wishing all the best for the years to come!
Hey, you! Hope you enjoyed reading this blog! If you wish to plan your next photo session, feel free to contact me or call me at (775)745-0445 for a complimentary consultation and plan further. Let’s discuss your vision! I am all ears. To learn more about my photography style and services, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest pages.
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Breast Cancer 2 Bikini
I had the honor to celebrate breast cancer THRIVERS who trained six straight months to get more fit and compete in a bikini fitness competition!
These ladies each told me their story over the phone and it was so meaningful to relive those experiences with them. They all have overcome so much and gone on to do more than survive, they thrive!
Each of them lives life to the fullest and they are definitely inspirational!
I photographed them over the course of two days in my studio. The organizer asked for black and white and minimal makeup and hairstyling to have the true beauty and raw feeling of this experience come through, other than that she gave me free reign for styling.
I decided to do a simple look and a glam look, so I asked them to wear black bodysuits and then let them choose from my studio wardrobe to make it a little fancier! I also used my blush angel wings with all of them and they loved them! For the group photo I let them each pick a tulle skirt, and I have a LOT of them!
It was up to me to choose the best one of each participant and I wanted them to be cohesive so it was a bit challenging but they were unveiled at the Nevada Museum of Art for the first time and all of the ladies were in awe! They had large black and white portraits on display to honor Breast Cancer Awareness month, and when they walked in it was totally silent. Such a humbling experience! Everyone loved their portraits and I was truly thankful to give them a fun and empowering day in front of my camera!
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Your Sierra Elegance Boudoir Experience- all the details here!
Step One: The Contact Form and Questionnaire
The first step after you contact me by either messaging me or filling out the contact form on my website www.nevadaboudoir.com is filling out a questionnaire. I want to find out lots of details about you and the things that mean the most to you. I know it takes a little time to fill it out, but it helps me know what additional questions to ask you and what your vision is for the session as well as your “why”. Then you schedule a call through my calendar link to find a time that’s convenient for you.
So many women don’t feel seen or heard, I want you to feel both! I will ask you a few questions but I mainly LISTEN! That is pretty rare in this day and age, but it makes my clients feel great, and to think about why they love their partner and themselves. I listen to any concerns you might have and tell you the details of the whole experience as well as pricing ranges. This call starts us off on the right foot and you will be more confident and prepared going into your session, and feel comfortable with me and the experience I want to create for you!
Step Two: The Consultation
The next step in planning your boudoir experience- the consultation! We meet in person so that we can see each other face-to-face before spending such intimate time together. It will help you feel so much more comfortable and confident! We will discuss your outfits or if you need help with planning them. I love to share the large variety of luxury products I offer, I believe that printed art products will be meaningful to you for the rest of your life and have so much more value than just digital images on your computer. I will show you all the options and pricing and talk about payment options if you need them. You will be able to view the studio and wardrobe and see what you love the most and want to make sure to use! This meeting usually takes less than an hour, but it makes a huge difference! Even my clients from out of the area usually come for this meeting and have no regrets for spending the extra time.
I didn’t mention it earlier, but when you book your session over the phone and reserve your date with a credit card I send you a custom planning guide as well as my Amazon wish list that has lots of suggestions and ideas of items that I know photograph well. You will have lots of outfit inspiration and I am happy to help you in any way that I can!
Step Three: Professional Hair and Makeup Artistry
Step three in your luxury boudoir experience is being pampered with professional hair and makeup artistry! My go-to artist is Kristina McKeegan Nierman with Kiss and Makeup. She has decades of experience and works with all kinds of hair, skin tone, ages, etc. She works magic on every client and creates the perfect look that transforms but doesn’t look so over the top that you don’t feel like yourself. She can do a range from natural to enhanced glam! My clients all enjoy her friendly manner and professionalism! You get to put on a comfy robe, sip on your favorite drink, and listen to music while you sit back and get glammed up. This is all done right at my studio, so you don’t have to go to a salon or another location, it’s so convenient and relaxing!
Step Four: Your Boudoir Session
Now we’re on to your actual boudoir session! Lots of women are nervous that they won’t know what to do or will feel awkward. Most people believe they aren’t photogenic! In front of my camera you will look your very best, I promise! I will pose you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes, plus coach every expression. You won’t be wondering what to do next! You are welcome to save pictures of poses you want to try and I can figure out how to put you into those poses and look the best for your body. Everyone starts out a little fearful, but you will realize by the time you change into your next outfit you’re feeling great and having a blast! My clients leave really happy and super excited! We have multiple sets, furniture, and lots of options to create beautiful settings for every single client that works with your outfit choices and colors.
Step Five: Ordering Your Art
After your boudoir session, you can go get some lunch and relax for about 60-90 minutes (there is also a massage therapist in our building!). Come back to the studio and your previews will be ready to view and you can place your order the very same day while you’re still super excited! I will guide you through the simple ordering process– choosing your favorite poses and the artwork that you love! Then you decide which collection you would like, choose your cover materials and options as well as your wall art– or you can wait until later if you want your partner to help you choose. Then your selections are professionally retouched by our skilled female artist and designed into the artwork of your choice. You get to review and approve your album before it’s ordered to make sure everything is perfect!
Contact us today for your complimentary phone consultation to find out if we’re a good fit and we have a date available for you!
775.745.0445 sue@sierraelegance.com
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10 Tips for Curvy/Plus-Size Boudoir Photo Shoot Clients
- Go sleek and formfitting! Sometimes you might want to hide your body, but the best way to accentuate your curves is to wear clothing that shows your shape. Trust me on this!
Make sure all of your lingerie and clothing choices fit well. And it’s much easier to retouch the small lumps and bumps than it is to shrink a baggy garment. - Bodysuits are a definite DO! They are flattering to all shapes and sizes. They can have long sleeves, straps, lots of options (but I don’t recommend short-sleeved, they cut off arms in the wrong way). Strappy, lacy, solid, high cut, low cut in front or back, so many choices!
- Solid colors are important. Don’t wear patterns, neon or bright colors, anything that will distract the eye. Those will bring attention to the areas you may be trying to minimize.
- Don’t wear babydolls or gowns. They can be comfortable but are not figure-flattering on anyone, they make all sizes look bigger than they are. Pretty much nobody wants that!
- You can wear shapewear! Yes, you can wear Spanx under your lingerie if you feel that it holds you in better! They can shape and smooth your curves. Just make sure they fit correctly under your chosen outfits and are the appropriate color. You can also wear a bra that fits you well under your lingerie for a layered look.
- Corsets- you can choose to wear a corset if you really want to bring your waist in tight! I will help you lace it up. Just know that it can be limiting when posing, and you want to make sure you’re not spilling out the sides or back. If you can find a corset with cups it will look better than ones that flatten your chest.
- Posing is super important to flatter your figure and make you look your very best. I pose my curvy clients the same way I would any shape client– I never turn your body straight on to the camera, I would never shoot from below, and I know the right angles to hide and showcase all the right places! It really takes an expert to make every client look perfect, and I have that experience!
- Details- pay attention to all the details to bring your A-game to your session! Make sure your nails are perfect, I always recommend a neutral color polish or French manicure. Toes and feet should be looking their best too, don’t forget to check your toenail polish! Moisturize your body and drink plenty of water in the week before your session.
- Stretch! You are going to be doing a lot of arching and bending which really makes your body look amazing! I’ll be honest, it’s not always super comfortable, but it’s ALWAYS worth it! You will probably be sore for a day after.
- Relax and enjoy the experience! You will have amazing memories of a special day that you were completely pampered and felt like a supermodel! Isn’t it worth investing in yourself for a luxury experience with premium art products to match?
- Bonus tip– you don’t have to lose weight before your session! Every woman says that no matter what size she is! Use this as a real opportunity for body love and acceptance, just the way you are at this very moment. You are perfect just the way you are! If you do make the choice to lose weight I will photograph you again with no additional session fee. You only pay the hair and makeup artist. Great deal, right?
Comment below, what are your favorite outfits and sets?
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What to wear for a boudoir session when you’re not a lingerie girl
A lot of women think because they are not into wearing lingerie, or maybe their partner doesn’t really care about it, that they can’t do a boudoir session.
I want to give you lots of ideas for things to wear besides lingerie that will make you look beautiful, feel like your true sexy self, and not have to buy things you don’t even like and will never touch again!
- A crop top- wear a sexy top that bares your midriff and that might be too scandalous to wear in public! Pair with pretty panties that are your style, short shorts, or nothing else!
- Jeans- wear your ripped jeans or your dressy jeans, whatever suits your personal style. Pair with bare feet, boots, or stilettos
- Bodysuit- these are some of my favorites! They are available in so many places and so many variations that work well. Anything from lace, sheer, solid, strappy, long-sleeved. They all look great and flattering to every body type. You feel a little covered in all the right places. See my Amazon wish list for lots of suggestions.
- Boots- what boots do you love? Thigh-high stilettos, cowgirl, blingy, biker? Let’s talk about what goes with them!
- Sports gear- let’s be honest, I don’t love photographing girls in jerseys. They are big and bulky and not that flattering. But you can still bring them and they can be used as a prop for sure! I recommend tight t-shirts and crop tops with your favorite team that just barely cover you. Ball caps or beanies might be OK at the very end of your session as well. You can bring balls, bats, etc. if it’s super important to you or your partner, but I don’t do a lot of “props” usually.
- Jacket- if you have a leather jacket, blazer, etc. that can be a dressy addition to your wardrobe. Wear a lacy or strappy bra underneath or nothing at all.
- Business attire- fulfill a little fantasy with a business skirt and blouse with pearls and start slipping them off.
- Fishnet stockings– ok, these are lingerie technically, but you can pull them on over a pair of panties or bare, and they are a great outfit all on their own! Easy and hot!
- His shirt– I recommend a solid color shirt and only if he’s not twice your size! There are lots of ways to use a shirt but I try to make sure it doesn’t add to much bulk and it’s still flattering.
- Body chains– a lot of ladies have never considered this idea, but body chains are readily available on Amazon and add a lot of depth and dimension to simple outfits like bodysuits, or add texture to skin with nudes. Very pretty and elegant!
- Bridal– most brides default to white lingerie, but you can use your wedding wardrobe to add beauty to your boudoir session. Definitely your veil if you’re wearing one and your shoes. Many times I will hang the bridal gown to show in the background of the boudoir set. You can even be stepping into your gown with many sexy poses at different angles.
- Sheets– I do a lot of poses with white sheets that every woman loves, but you are welcome to bring the sheets of your choice! I recommend queen size so the fitted sheet can go on the bed, and you can wrap up in the flat sheet as well as using the pillowcases. Ideas that work beautifully are gold satin sheets, turquoise or teal, and even black!
- Wings! We have gorgeous couture wings available for rental in a flattering blush color. They will truly make you feel like a celebrity and supermodel all in one!
- Hats– only if they are truly YOU, but a hat can be a fun add on. Maybe you want to go for a steampunk or boho style?
- Skirt– we have a lot of flowy tulle skirts available for a truly romantic look
- A comfy sweater– it can be really sexy to wear a sweater that falls off your shoulders but looks pretty at the same time
- A cocktail dress– how about your favorite elegant dress that you never get to wear? It’s a great way to get warmed up for your session too!
- A fur– wearing a real or faux fur jacket or vest can make you feel extra elegant
- A bathing suit– it might sound weird and it needs to be the right style, but swimsuits can be flattering and hold you in. They can also be great for pinup!
- Shapewear– some shapewear looks good all by itself, and don’t forget to look at vintage shapewear if that’s your vibe.
- BONUS!!! Wear NOTHING at all!!!
Here are a few ideas for you below!
If you haven’t already, join my private VIP Facebook group for more ideas and interaction, and a chance to win great prizes! https://www.facebook.com/groups/sierraeleganceboudoir
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One of the best sessions I had almost didn’t happen….
We had a workshop scheduled in Yuba City, California for the amazing Gypsy Horses owned by Pat and Kelly Daddow, and had professional child models planning to attend. Yente is a gorgeous silver dapple mare, and Sequoia is a black and white gelding with Paint markings.
Well, during that June of 2018 there were horrible fires and the air was thick with smoke. We traveled from Reno to stay in our fifth wheel at a campground in Nevada City and then drove to Yuba City from there, and the photographer who was planning to lead the workshop decided to cancel, as well as the models. When I saw the horses and the beautiful backyard where the session was to take place I was so disappointed that the session was being canceled. They wanted to reschedule on a date that I wasn’t available also, so I had one chance and it looked like it just wouldn’t happen.
The Daddows had a girl who was working as their helper and groom, and another one that helped too and was their neighbor, and they stepped up as models even though they had never done it before, and the session was back on! They had all worked hours on grooming the two Gypsies before the session, and it would have been a shame to let that go to waste and start all over again another day (as horses never like staying clean!).
There were lots of helpers that day! Helen and Alicia were the models, and Helen’s mom was a big help, and other friends too. The girls followed my instructions on posing and Kelly held the horses and tried to keep them in place. My wonderful husband came along and held my light for me and moved it around.
Kelly and her friends came up with some costumes, which weren’t the couture gowns the original models planned to wear, but they still looked beautiful and it all came together! The moms did their hair and makeup too!
To plan your own fantasy session, contact us today for a complimentary consultation and we can talk about your horses and your vision!
We fully assist you in choosing your clothing and location, and how to prepare your horses for the best experience and results!
775-745-0445 Sue Halliburton sue@sierraelegance.com
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10 Reasons You Need To Do A Boudoir Session Now!!!
I know how it is as a wife and mother to put yourself on the back burner, and especially during an unprecedented quarantine with everyone at home! I don’t have kids at home anymore, so I can’t imagine how hard it was when school was canceled and there are literally no activities to send them to. I think all moms deserve to truly pamper and care for themselves and even reward themselves for their hard work and dedication to their families! There are so many other reasons to have a boudoir experience with Sierra Elegance Photography, but that is definitely a big one! Here are some more–
- You have a birthday coming up! This is such a fabulous way to celebrate your special day, being totally pampered with hair and makeup and a super fun time. You will be the center of attention and go home looking gorgeous and ready for a night out! Or a night in is great too if that’s how you want to celebrate, but it will be an unforgettable day.
- For your anniversary! It’s truly the ultimate gift to give your partner, but it’s also for you. Give him something so special and intimate that nobody else could give. He will be blown away!
- You are a bride to be! Whether your date is postponed or you’re in the stages of planning, this is a gift that your new husband will truly treasure. You will always treasure this special time, and a boudoir album of stunning photographs will bring you back to this moment, and appreciate your true beauty as you were becoming a wife.
- It’s on your bucket list! Conquer your fears and go for it! This experience will give you so much confidence and you will never regret doing it!
- It’s an opportunity to be pampered! You will relax and indulge in professional hair and makeup artistry, maybe a mimosa, and a silk robe. Listen to your favorite music and then you’ll be coached and guided through posing and expressions to look your very best!
- You are getting divorced or are newly single…your life is changing dramatically and you want to celebrate your new start. This is a great way to feel your best and get off on the right foot. These photographs will bring you confidence in yourself and your choices in life!
- You are celebrating a milestone in life! Whether it’s a job change or promotion, a move, or something else that means a lot, this is a great way to celebrate yourself and your accomplishments!
- You are having a BIG birthday! Or maybe he is? Every one is worth celebrating, but when you have a 30th, 40th, 50th birthday, or beyond, it’s extra special to have something so memorable for yourself or someone who means the most to you.
- You are having a milestone anniversary! Marriage is definitely worth celebrating in these trying times, and celebrating the bigger ones is worth going all out! We have so many album cover options in different materials and textures, you can even celebrate with wood, paper, silver, and so many more.
- You deserve it! You have worked so hard to take care of your family. You never have any “ME” time. You have entertained, educated, cooked, cleaned, and maybe still tried to work from home and keep all the balls in the air. Splurge on yourself to recognize how much you’ve done and just take it all in. Look back on these times and remember the good parts!
There are so many more reasons, this is just a start!
Book your complimentary consultation today, and select a time between now and the end of the year. Our availability is limited and going fast, so don’t delay if you’re even considering it.
We offer the highest level of service to every client, including a phone discovery call, a planning consultation, professional hair and makeup, guided posing, ordering guidance, and professional retouching of all of your photographs. We only offer premium products that are the most luxurious and will last for a lifetime!
Call or email today– 775-745-0445 boudoir@sierraelegance.com
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Scooter is a Model!
Our little horse, Scooter, was a perfect gentleman for this portrait session! Amaya just turned 7, and Emma is only 2. Their mom booked this session in December, but we had to reschedule a couple times due to weather. She was hoping for snow, but Amaya isn’t a fan of the cold! Emma doesn’t care, she is happy in any kind of weather.
The girls chose dresses from my extensive studio closet, there were so many choices that would have looked great on them, but they ended up with pink. It was still chilly on that May evening, so I grabbed coats for them to put over the dresses in between poses, but they were shivering because it was very windy. They were troopers though, and did a great job!
Scooter was great too, he stood very still knowing these little girls needed to stay safe. He was falling asleep and didn’t move his feet unless he was told to. I’m glad he’s so mellow, our other horse never would have been that calm! He didn’t mind when they climbed on his back either. Emma wasn’t quite ready to get on all the way, but she was happy to hug his neck and leg with Mom close by.
I think the next thing I want to try with Scooter will be my beautiful blush angel wings! I am happy to offer his services for any little horse lovers who would like to pose with him!
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Class of 2020 Free Prom Photos
I know the Class of 2020 must be more than disappointed in how their senior year has transpired. Everything humming along just fine, hardly back from winter break when there was a little buzz about some virus in China that was spreading fast. Ok, so what does that have to do with us?
But by March, things were heading our way and it was getting worrisome. The kids made it to spring break, and thought they would see their teachers and friends again soon. By St. Patrick’s Day, it was serious. People were getting sick in the United States and a quarantine was going to be necessary to rein this in and hopefully get it under control. The news came that school would not be returning and they would all finish online. The seniors were crushed that they were missing out on senior prom, spring sports, and graduation is still up in the air at this point. Such a sad way to end a promising and exciting year.
Girls love to shop for prom dresses, and sometimes get them months in advance, or even a year before if they really fall in love with one! So I thought it would be fun to put those dresses on, along with fancy hair and makeup to go with it!
I set up a Saturday afternoon in the park for complimentary prom photos for the students that wanted them, and to have an opportunity to get dressed up and have that special feeling. I encouraged them to plan a family dinner and even dance together, I hope they did!
Here is a sneak preview video, and I’ll add the finished photos to the post later! I was busy working fast, so didn’t get video of everyone, but I will post pictures of each participant. Enjoy!
2 Responses to “Class of 2020 Free Prom Photos”
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Camille Roberts
Thank You so much for this very special opportunity for the Class of 2020 that didn’t get prom…. Your photos mean the world to us❤
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Melanie Strait
How do I sign my daughter up for Senior prom pictures. She just walks around the house with her dress on. So sad…
Thank Melanie
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I would like to just look amazing and feel confident in my own body again.
Hi Kaily! Let’s chat and make that happen! Fill out the contact form on my other website, nevadaboudoir.com and we’ll talk soon!