What You Need to Know About Boudoir Photography

The title of this post just makes me giggle a little bit. I mean I am not an expert with photoshoots, and I am not a photographer either, but I am just in so much awe about this concept.

I just feel that it really screams women empowerment and a great showcase of confidence!

So what am I talking about really?

Credits: Buyagift

 

A Boudoir Photography is “a photographic style featuring intimate, romantic, and sometimes racy or suggestive but classy images of its subjects in a bedroom or private dressing room”.

I am a member of a wedding group, and this is where I learned so much about this rather sensual photography panache. Usually, the bride engages in a photo shoot and wills to give the polished work to her groom as a wedding gift. It has an utter feeling of a “for-your-eyes-only” gift.

So let me just round up some things that you should know, just in case you finally brave up and take the leap of holding your very own boudoir shoot!

 

THE STYLE

You can actually form your own concept. Oftentimes, brides opt to hold it in a private location or room, like the one in hotels, to maximize privacy. You can look like a modern maven, a French maid, a morning-after-look vixen, a sexy Fifty Shades of Grey rip-off, a pin-up girl, the fifty’s, the sky is the limit!

It is up to you too should you want everything in black and white or in whimsy filters and colors.

 

THE MAKEUP

Credits: Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry

I suggest you streamline it with your chosen theme. Most of the time I see women in smokey eyes, and nude lip tints for that sultry look. Or you can always try that innocent, no-makeup makeup look. 🙂

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

This can be a little tricky though because some girls prefer an all-girl team. They feel more comfortable when they know that everything will be handled by females, knowing that the concept is a bit intimate. But for me, I don’t really mind. I am more concerned about their talent, and abilities to execute great images for me to worry about gender.

 

THE WARDROBE

You can actually look for lacy pieces, white button-downs, robes, or sexy lingerie. Just in case you don’t find anything you like in the local stores, you can always try to SHOP NOW at ROSEGAL. They have amazing collections for sheer bodysuits.

 

THE EXPECTATION

Credits: Finesse Boudoir Photography

Here’s the thing, it doesn’t matter if you think you’re over or under the weight that you are supposed to be in. This is about accepting your flaws and highlighting your assets. It is about a celebration of you being a woman, right here, right now.

I am pretty bummed that I haven’t done it yet, but I’m thinking of holding one for my maternity shoot, and once I get my pre-pregnancy body back.

Now if you’re considering on having your own boudoir photoshoot, here is a resounding BIG YES! Go for it, and don’t let anybody tell you, you shouldn’t.

 

Your body, your rules! Go, merfriend!

 

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Versaheel’s First Feature Interview on National TV

Once again, I’m trying to beat myself with my thoughts on the impossibility of blogging via smartphone.

And for another moment, I’m currently eating my own words for I am here at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, parasiting on their fast and generous wifi connection. 

I am ecstatic to come home yet a little jittery for I am about to jump into a whole new world.

I was at Siem Reap when my first national tv feature interview aired. Thank goodness for Facebook!

I was able to watch myself and hear how my little dream is blossoming.

Being interviewed  was surreal. I came from a talk and had to pick up the shoes. I arrived just in time and managed to do a little retouch.

My shoes were laid flat and Ms Laila Chikadora was wonderful enough to get to know me and how I started Versaheel first, before the actual shoot.

It was just like talking to a friend actually. I never felt I was speaking to a star reporter. She was so nice!

My heart leaped heights above when she said she loved the Snaky Reed Somerhalder I gave her.

This was why we mimicked this popular emoji pose! Hehe

I would like you to know that I am just an ordinary girl, who just envisions and works very hard for all of these things to happen. 

That is why I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities and the people who are giving me a chance to show what I’m capable of.

After News5, I am set to have my first live interview for Pambansang Almusal in Net25. 

Catch me live merfriends (for real! Live na talaga OMG!) on Aug 14, 2017 Monday at 6AM.

I’m probably going to be super nerved not to stutter! Hehe Wish me luck! 😀

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7 Tips on How to Survive Your First Photoshoot

About a week ago, I had my first legit photoshoot for my brand, Versaheel. It felt surreal really! I didn’t know what I was doing half the time, considering I really don’t have any background on posing in a studio, or a strong experience in striking poses with a lot of people staring at you.

“Who is this girl? “Why is her hair orange?”

But I survived it! I mean them! I had a 2-day photoshoot, and they were magnificent!

I know, I started selling shoes way back 2009, with only a 2-megapixel camera phone and my too-tired set of feet from long hours of standing in nursing duties, I brave the traffic and sometimes rainy weather to go to the Marikina Market, and take photos of newly delivered shoes!

It felt like a real treat for me! I remember dreaming for hours to pass by until dismissal so I can quickly pack my bags and head home, and oh, make a not-so-quick stop from my kind suppliers! 😀

There were also times when I console myself by cheating a self-promised 30-minute Multiply (the social media giant that time, Facebook wasn’t popular yet) posting and selling just so my wits will wake up amidst studying for the finals. The 30 minutes usually turn to 3 hours. 😀

Fast forward to now, I have a studio, an outdoor venue, photographers, makeup artist, and a publicist! I could have never imagined these things when I was only 20 years old!

So if you’re a teenager, a 20-ish person, or someone who has a lot of dreams, never let those go! You’ll never know the world is actually watching you, and someday it will be ready to launch you.

I’m not a pro on this, but just in case this may come in handy, I’ll tell you things I learned on how to survive your first photoshoot.

1. Sleep early and arrive early.

This helps so much to ease away the appearance of the dark circles under your eyes. It’s also good to arrive early so that you can have a lot of time for your hair and makeup, consequently more time for the photoshoot itself!

More time could also mean more photos! It also buys you time for changing and retouch!

2. Hydrate yourself.

This is quite a problem, especially that I don’t fair well with the water department. If you’re not hydrated enough, your lips will be chappy! This doesn’t look nice, especially on headshots and closeups!

3. Know your angles.

I have quite a pudgy face, and I know my right cheek is extra plumpy than the other side. So I could say right sideways is my best angle! Practice in a mirror so that you would know!

Hey, don’t stress too much! No one is that perfect! Every picture-perfect model also knows how to look best on camera, and we should too!

4. Have a concept in mind.

What are you trying to highlight? Is it your hair, your makeup, your outfit, your shoes? Know the goal of this shoot so you could also prepare!

Most high-end shoots will probably take care of everything – the clothes, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. But while you have a say on how you will look, it’s better to be vigilant on the things you bring on the set.

For example, I am promoting my shoes, so I have to downplay my dress, by sticking to plains and basic colors, and let my shoes shine! You don’t want to distract your audience by looking at the other things in the photo you are not even meant to advertise!

5. Be nice to everybody.

I think this is such an obvious thing, but we’d like to keep a happy and nice environment, no matter how pressured you are. I mean if you need help with getting some BTS photos or some extra hand to zip your dress, and the people around are not compelled to even do these for you; you’ll get extra mileage and points by being nice and hopefully (and naturally) these people can extend a hand to do your little requests.

6. Close your eyes. Open them. Smile/Radiate the aura.

There are times when you are so tired already, your smile turns into a fake smile, worst a frown. The easy refresh button technique that I learned is to relax your mouth, close your eyes, and then pop! You will look natural again!

As what Tyra Banks also said, “SMIZE!” Smile with your eyes!

And it also helps to uplift your spirits, even if it has to be on your own! I mean you’re the model, you should do your job! 😀

7. Have fun.

And the best advice is to have fun, and just enjoy it!

It’s not everyday you don’t have to ask someone to take a photo of you and hopefully, they get the right frame and angle. I mean you’re dealing with professional photographers here, and it’s such a wonder to not instruct them on how you’d like the photo to turn out.

Plus, your next Instagram photo will not be a selfie! Yay!

I hope you learned a thing or two on this! I did too! And I am extremely grateful for all the people who have helped me make this photoshoot into a reality! These photos were released in an article about my story on how I started as a shoe designer. You can read that in The Story of a Dreamer : Via Galang.

As for this photoshoot, big applauses to these awesome people!

Hair and Make Up: Alvicel Cee of Alluring Vison by Cel

Studio: MeMo Photography Studio

Studio Photography: Evan Mogol Photography

Outdoor Photography: Elvie Manlulu of Rugged Pixie

Outdoor Photography: Tobi Cabrera of Funkadelic

Publicist: Blog Talk with MJ Racadio

Published Article Writer: Viva Alvaro-Galvez

And of course, my darling fiancé for being my driver that day, forever BTS photographer, sometimes my critic, and always my number one fan!

If you were to have your first photoshoot, what will it be about? Let me know! 😀

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Beauty and the Beast Shoes

Apart from having restless feet, I also have a deep-seated liking for traveling and parading in style. There is just something about clothing your most tired body part with the most exquisite shoes. I mean, you could at least provide them with better (and hopefully beautiful) forms of protection, don’t you think?

Now, since it is the most enchanting season for our childhood Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast, that I love very much, by the way. I was just wondering how could a pair of high heels embody such magic. Lucky for me, imagining wouldn’t be so far-fetched at all!

I am seriously in love with these! I wonder how am I going to get a pair. Hmm. Anyway, maybe I’ll do something like this for Versaheel. I mean, who knows! There is always a Disney Princess in each and every girl.

We don’t really outgrow our first heroines, we just learn how to channel them in different ways. You know what’s mine. 😀

What do you think of this design? Would you wear something like this? Let me know in the comments! 😀

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Shop and Save with Groupon Coupons

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are on my prerogative.

“Whoever says that money cannot buy happiness, doesn’t know where to shop!”

I actually developed an affinity to this quote that has stemmed way back in 2012. I mean, you have to know what you want. Those pieces of monetary bills may not equate to happiness per se, but these will surely be a means to get you what will.

I actually remember the pain from a broken heart easing, when I bought three new pairs of shoes one December night. I mean, I may be single (that time), but I (back then) have the most gorgeous snakeskin and suede high heels on the planet!

But now that it’s 2017, and I kind of thought that I should be paying more attention on how I spend, it should come to people’s senses that managing one’s finances can bring a huge impact on how you set your priorities. BUT. There’s a big but. Shopping doesn’t have to be a gruesome experience to your conscience when you try to splurge on something you really want, and need!

Good thing, Groupon Coupons is here to save the day! Consequently, keeping up with shopping-until-you-drop is still amenable! Especially, if it’s for someone you love!

I know, I may have been pretty extravagant when it comes to spending cash before, but getting coupons to save on my shopping will do wonders once I plan to buy something. I may live in the Philippines, but it doesn’t mean I cannot avail the coupons. It basically serves a lot of locations in the west, and I may have to ask a friend or family to avail one for me, but who cares? I can still save by using my shopping coupons! And have them shipped here to my country.

So my dear International merfriends, this is something exciting for you! I know you will be delighted to use Groupon Coupons in your next purchases! Go check out their site, your ‘missing shopping piece’ awaits!

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for more updates!

Note: Photos are courtesy of my 21 year old self, donning my shopaholic costume for the yearbook’s creative shot.

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Li-Luck Holiday

Honestly, I didn’t know what I was going to wear when it was announced that we’ll be having two Christmas parties in one day, not to mention that we ARE the organizers for both events.

Yes, we’re suicidal and badass like that!

Anyway, goodie both celebrations have an identical theme, which means I get to wear two different ensembles. I just have to work on some things to make both looks stand out.

So for my formal wear number one (worn in AURA: Empire East ‘s Sales Christmas Party), I decided to use the gown I wore as a bridesmaid back in 2014. It’s silver and rhinestones hinted a party vibe, along with the mellowing down a bit of lilac chiffon for the bottom part. It made me feel more girly.

One thing, this dress isn’t exactly mine. I accidentally picked my sister’s gown instead of my own. We have the similar bridesmaid gowns with slightly differentiated straps. I must have confused the straps when I was rummaging in the closet.

My sister is extra busty and shapy by the way, so I had to cinch the strap with a pin. Good thing everything went smoothly! Plus, I didn’t spend money in buying or renting a gown! Oh yeah, I had it drycleaned pala!

Oh well, I think it’s worth it!

What is your Christmas Party theme? Let me know in the comments below!

 

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Why A New Home Can Be the Best Gift this Christmas – Empire East

It’s Christmas time, and I’m sure you have done a fair few errands to prepare for the holidays by now! I can imagine what wonderful things you have bought and flights you have booked already! But  just a thought, have you actually considered investing in a new home? Why not? Don’t worry, you don’t need to spend all your Christmas bonus to get one!

I’d also like to share that I recently bought Harry Potter and the Cursed Child book. And I am happy to announce that I’ve finished it in 3 hours! It’s THAT good! You see, during my free time, I always try to sneak in some reading because it basically fuels my mind now that I have started this blog. I can’t wait to get my hands on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, let alone watch the movie! 😀

I reckon it would always be a happy reading time whenever it is done in a serene place. It pays a lot when the surroundings are in tiptop shape and noise-free don’t you think?

That is why a timely Christmas Rush Promo is here to help get you decide faster! Instead of buying a new gadget, why not invest it in something that will yield higher return in the future?

Condominiums are all the rage now, considering how our transportation system targets its development in the coming years. Living in one of Empire East‘s projects, especially those that are connected to train stations will allow you to live luxuriously at a price you can afford, and will keep up to your dynamic and fast-paced lifestyle! Less travel time, means more time for yourself!

And you get this amazing discount!

To let this blow your mind even more -you can actually have your unit rented out!  Passive income in an instant!

Wait, there’s more!

You can actually reserve now, and have an ample time to pay your monthly payment!

Are you excited? Send us a message or leave a comment to know more! 🙂

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When hair is 90% of your selfie, it better be by Padrino Pomade!

I’ve always believed that the classics are eternal. They never go out of style and they never die; much like your first love, addiction to pearls, and that little black dress you reserve for spontaneous night-outs with the girls. There is just something about living a posh and versatile lifestyle that’s very unkillable. It’s almost like a disease you can’t cure. Maybe because they are easy to pull off? Or it’s something that doesn’t need too much explanation. You’re gorgeous. Period. Let them deal with it.

I have always wondered if men are also like that. I mean, when you go out, you would see different styles of men, and I just kind of think that if I were one, I probably wouldn’t be straight – considering how fancy are my takes on things.  But seriously, I guess I would still stick to classy ones. Because precisely my point, they never go out of style.

I’m talking about classic sense of fashion, in clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, makeup, and of course, hair!  Speaking of hair, I have tried quite a fair number of different styles and colors, but not adventurous enough. I promise to be more in the coming years though! Haha 😉 If work permits, that is! It’s really a no-brainer to have to convince anyone that the hair gives an extra impact to the whole outfit. You have this underlying detail that it has to match the style that you are trying to work on. So I’d like to share with you this one recent find that I am so excited about.

This is Padrino – made for men with class. This up and coming pomade brand was essentially created to bring back, or rather highlight the elite and classic hair fashion, the Pompadour. Pompadour is a hairstyle sported by men and women way back in the 18^th century and had huge comebacks in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. The concept basically is sweeping the hair upwards, and worn high over the forehead. The face is steered clear from any stray hair stands, and the sides and back are swept evenly as well.

Padrino, which means Godfather in Italian, is a brain-child of five chivalrous gentlemen called “The Young Gents” or TYG. The idea came to being when one of them was seeking ways on how to succeed in business. This was later then quenched by an idea that focused on men’s fashion. It is a diverse industry indeed, and people would always want to look good, so capitalizing on this will give them a lot of advantage and opportunities.

Taking inspiration from the movie, The Godfather, TYG has deduced that honor; discipline and class are the key points on living the mafia lifestyle. These qualities constitute the kind of impact Padrino wants to exude to its clientele. Furthermore, Padrino believes that through good and classy hairstyle; much is achieved in creating authority and influence towards the ever-changing standards of living.

It was such as a surprise though when The Young Gents gave me their sample. I mean I’m a girl and I don’t use pomade much. But as my research says that Pompadour hairstyle is both popular with both genders, dating from way back, I thought I’d give it a try. I can’t wait to do a post about hairstyling using their products, merfolks! I am quite intrigued how that will turn out, because I have longer hair now. But, lets see! So you better watch out for that!

My photo below shows my pixie cut way back 2012. Haha 😀

Meanwhile, are you looking for a new spice in your hairstyling kit? Try Padrino now and discover amazing possibilities you can do with your mane!

It is also made from organic ingredients, so you are sure that your hair is well taken care of. Being it oil-based allows easy restyling and permits you to be confident enough, that its hold will be long-lasting; considering how warm the weather is. Plus, their scents are addicting!

Get a HOLD of The Young Gents’ Padrino Heavy Hold Pomade! Style your hair with these freshly brewed hair pomades! And they’re available in three classy scents!

AMORE for accentuating your sweet lifestyle, alongside with your always-on-the-go vibe!

ROSSO for a romantic day out!

SUAVE for any sporty everyday lifestyle!

So there’s a new fix for your classy case that’s perfect for everyday use! Sport stylish pompadour hairstyle and begin emanating sophistication! I am excited to try this myself!

Remember, invest in your hair, it is the crown you never take off!

Like and Follow Padrino in Facebook and Instagram to know more!

Stay classy. Be suave.

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