Why a Gift Certificate to Maria Slattery Photography Makes a Wonderful Gift

Every moment we live is singular and fleeting.  Photos capture these moments so that we can look back on them and recollect exactly what we felt in the second that image was taken – they are the best medium we have to preserve our experiences and share them with others.


This is why a gift certificate to Maria Slattery Photography makes a wonderful gift.

Give the gift of–

  • a maternity shoot for an expectant mother

  • a portrait session for a graduating senior

  • a newborn session for parents celebrating the birth of their little one

  • a portrait session for a family photo shoot

  • a couples shoot for that special duo celebrating their anniversary

  • a holiday photoshoot

  • a “just because” shoot for a special little boy or girl celebrating a birthday

    …the list goes on.

    I am happy to help custom design a portrait session catered to your gift-giving needs.

    Don’t want to purchase a gift certificate for the entire cost of a session?  No problem.  Simply purchase a gift certificate in any denomination you’d like and the recipient can use it toward the cost of the package of their choice

Preparing for a Boudoir Photo Shoot

You booked your FIRST Boudoir Photo shoot and wondering what to do to prepare. Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your session.

  1. What are you going for? Sexy outfits, business outfits, tool belts, 40's pinup, football cheerleader, hot firefighter, dangerous police officer, etc? Less is more, keep it simple yet creative and let your unique beauty do the talking.
  2. Select the clothing items that you will need. Bring something that you feel comfortable, beautiful and sexy in. Ensure your clothing items are fitted to accentuate your curves but not skin tight to avoid red marks on your skin to show on your images. Some ideas, Corset, Teddy, Garter w/stockings, Something pink, Lace, Something white, Veil, Something blue, just undies, His uniform, Jersey, Men's dress shirt, vest, tie, Cowboy boots and hat. Tools of his trade or tool belt. high heels, Bustier, Something thin and transparent, Fishnets, Thigh highs, Jewelry, Tank tops and boy shorts.
  3. Bring accessories for each outfit such as pearl necklace and some stilettos. Try on  your outfits and lingerie to make sure they fit properly; remove all tags and labels.
  4. Most women are very worried about what they look like and think that they need to be models or be skinny to have nice images. However, most women are not super models or size 2, but that doesn't mean that you can't have beautiful, sexy photos! I will know how to highlight your best features and avoid parts that you are not so in favor of.
  5. Hair & Makeup-professional makeup and false lashes are strongly recommended to add the drama to your images. Photography makeup tends to be a little on the heavier side than what you would apply day to day but that is because the flash takes away a bit of the heaviness and creates a  sensual dramatic look. If you wax, do so a few days before your shoot, make sure your eyebrows are nicely shaped and groomed, I recommend a salon manicure and pedicure for flawless finish. If you plan on getting a haircut or color, give yourself a week or two to make sure you are happy with it.
  6. Know what you are comfortable with showing in your images but you really do not need to take your clothes off to be sexy. Be sure to tell me what you are not comfortable with.
  7. Where will your session take place? It can be done in  your home, a friends home, or a hotel room.
  8. It is important to be well prepared for  your boudoir session to get the best results. The day before, shave and moisturize. Double check everything you will be brining the night before and make sure that you leave plenty of time to get to the session without stressing. Get a good night's sleep the night before, have a nice relaxing evening with no stress. For the day of your session, please use clear deodorant.
  9. During your session you will be in many different poses that your body may not be used to and  you may actually be sore the day after your shoot, be sure to drink lots of water before and after your session. The morning of your session, have a light breakfast to avoid being bloated. Avoid bringing tight fitting clothes or if possible avoid wearing a bra on your way to the session as it leaves elastic pressure lines on your skin.
  10. Finally, RELAX-it's completely normal to be nervous, but don't worry because your are in good hand!

Outfit Ideas To Make An Ordinary Photo Session Extraordinary

  1. Coordinate but don't match. Start out with a basic color palette and go from there. Have one person wear a pattern in their outfit that the rest of the group's clothing can pull from. It's a good idea to keep everyone else's outfits simple.

  2. Use scarves, hat, jewelry, flowers in the hair, jackets, vets. All of these can help make your outfit complete.

  3. The choice of shoes can make or break an outfit. Be selective when it comes to your shoes. You can make it fun by picking out shoes with a pop if color. Also think about wearing boots, like cowboy boots. Don't forget some funky socks to add another splash of color or personality if your overall look of the session is fun and bright

  4. Think about the reason you are doing the session and dress accordingly. If your session is for holiday cards, you might want to dress in wintry seasonal clothing.

  5. Choose clothing that is timeless--make sure your choices won't look terribly dated years from now.

  6. Get comfortable--make sure that the children can move freely in their outfits and that they aren't going to be pulling and scratching at their new clothes. You want them be comfortable during the session.

  7. Avoid anything with logos, graphics, characters, labels, etc. These tend to take the look of a professional portrait down a few notches, and will date the photo quickly.

  8. If anyone is in need of a trip to the salon, be sure to let the haircut grow out 2 weeks or so in order to look natural. Take the time to style everyone's hair before the photo session, as well as have makeup done by a professional. Ladies will feel more confident and happy they did.

  9. Don't make everyone wear all the same color. Matching is boring and dated. Coordinate colors and looks. Please no families in khaki pants, or all in denim and white shirts. You will look back on the images and say.......so 2014.

  10. Last tip--go on Pinterest and look for outfit ideas. Create a board to help you shop for color schemes.