So this new adventure…. I’ve always tossed around the idea to incorporate Boudoir portraits for women into my offerings here at The Lucky Duck Studio. Why shouldn’t mom have a chance to feel amazing about her body? So I am officially offering boudoir style sessions. Please feel free to inquire!

So here’s your warning… The boudoir images I post will not be explicit in nature (as that is simply not my style) but be advised that there may be partial/implied nudity in images. I apologize if anyone may be uncomfortable with it, and if that is the case, please avoid any posts with a title involving “boudoir”.

Without further wait- let me introduce you to Ms. L! I had the opportunity to be introduced to her when I took portraits of her little one who is not so little anymore! My how time flies. Ms. L remember that I had mentioned my interest in Boudoir and when she was finally ready to make the plunge, I was excited to know that I was on her list! We had an amazing time and I’ve learned that when I work with a fan, my favorite word is “BAM”. I think Emeril Legasse would be proud to have me as an assistant! Look at this amazing woman and hopefully she feels empowered now.

“This letter wasn’t mailed – it was at my doorstep when I got home a couple months ago. I read it, I cried, and read it again – probably a hundred times by now. It wasn’t easy to read – and honestly, as much as it validates what I do for a living – I wasn’t sure I was going to share it either.”

I have wonderful clients, and I appreciate every single one of you. Sometimes we [as photographers] come by a handful of potential clients who want pictures of their family but don’t think they look their best. Or perhaps little Johnny is missing his front teeth and want to wait until they come back.  But let me tell you… You are not too fat, you don’t need the make-up, you don’t need to find the perfect outfits… you just need to take the time and get IN the pictures with your family. In 20 years your children won’t look at the pictures and talk about how you could have been skinnier, how your hairstyle was crazy… they will be smiling and so thankful that they have a portrait of you with them. So whether you decide to get professional portraits done or simply candid photos you take on your own… GET IN THOSE PICTURES!

July 2nd, 2011

Jeanine - 

Today I am writing for a couple of reasons.  I have some quiet time at the moment and need to get a couple of things off my mind.  I will leave this for my husband to deliver to you when he is ready.

You photographed my wedding, you photographed my first pregnancy and my first baby.  I contacted you awhile back to photograph my 2nd child and family.  After getting prices and realizing I would want all of the pictures as we love your work – I decided against spending $500+ – which is what I normally spend for portraits and prints with you..  Please know it is not because I don’t value your amazing eye, or how much we love the experience.

That week that I decided to NOT do a session with you, this is how I spent some money.

On Sunday I called and cancelled our session.  Monday I went out and got my hair cut ($39+tip), and colored ($65), Thursday I had my nails done ($24), my family went out to dinner at a somewhat expensive restaurant for no particular reason costing us $79 + tip.  This was just 4 days since canceling our session, already totaling over $200 for un necessary things.  My nails only lasted about 2 weeks, my hair is gone, and seven weeks passed when I got the phone call from our doctor.  It was not something I expected and the cancer has spread very quickly.  I will be leaving my husband, my 6 year old girl and my now 2 year old – not by choice.  It is very hard for me to talk about it which is why I need to write you.

I watch your Facebook page and your posts about the value of a photo and if I could give back all of those things that I purchased this few weeks after I cancelled my session with you, knowing what I know now, and have that session, well… I would do it in a heartbeat. 

Now my time is done and there are no more chances for me.  The next time someone cancels a session – my wish is that you forward this letter to them.  Time is fragile, it is gone before you know you had it.  If you charged $200 for one print it wouldn’t be enough for what it is actually worth.  I cringe to think that my priorities were a manicure over a memory to pass onto my babies and husband.

My love and thanks for what you have given us from past photos.  I am so sorry that I did not see it as more than paper until now.

Karen L

Check out the video featuring OpLove photographers that made the news!

I came across an awesome website that has the most adorable matching PJ sets for the whole family! If you don’t use the idea for this year, I may have something up my sleeve for next year!

Check it out! 

The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.

Here is this gorgeous little girl and her beautiful family when she was only just a few days old and then again at 6 months old!

A petite session is great for you if you’re thinking about trying custom boutique portraiture, but just don’t want the initial investment. These sessions last 20-30 minutes and take place at a designated location set by the photographer. Since these sessions are shorter in length, only one outfit is allowed and no more than 5 immediate family members. Petite sessions are not for newborns and any children being photographed alone should be at least 4 months old. These types of sessions provide a smaller number of proofs (images to choose from) and are paced rather quickly.

A traditional session lasts between 1-3 hours in length (sometimes more for newborns). These sessions allow for unlimited amount of clothing changes and you pick the location. Again, these sessions allow for up to 5 immediate family members with the option of adding additional members. More time means more proofs and a less rushed session. With traditional sessions we go with the flow. We give time for the little ones to take a break or have a snack or simply get some cuddles from mom. You’ll receive the full treatment with a traditional session from beginning to end. Traditional sessions also offer you the option of taking advantage of in person ordering sessions where we’ll walk you through the ordering, show you printed proofs of your images and help you design the perfect wall display!