Today I spotted this video, and I simply loved it. It really sums up all the imaginations of the beautiful everyday women who choose to work with me.

In the weeks before every boudoir or beauty client session, I like to do a client consultation by phone. I want to get to know them...To get a sense of their style, passion, their heart. One of the questions that I always ask is...

"What's your era?"...

It's usually followed by some radio silence. And then, I explain further...

The beautiful Eliza, photographed in Bath, Maine.

I like to imagine that all of us are from another place and time. That could be past tense or future tense, but I think each person has an essence that is quintessentially, "otherworldly."

Maybe this sounds a lot like reincarnation. But I like to think of it that way...

A 1960's Madmen-era inspired boudoir shoot in New York City, photographed at Ink 48.

Because, for many, the photo session IS a reincarnation. They rediscover themselves, get reacquainted with aspects of their beauty, or perhaps even meet IT for the first time. It is not denying the fact it's a wonderful thing to live in "the present", but I love that for just a day or so she can be larger than the moment. And every time she looks at her album or wall art, she is reminded that she is bigger than any life moment she encounters -- good or bad.

Great Gatsby-inspired shoot, shot in 2010 at Casa Belvedere in Staten Island, New York.

1930's, New Orleans inspired boudoir session.

1920's romantically styled Gatsby era portrait. Perfect for a fine art wall piece.

This 1980s look would make even CHER jealous. She radiates power and confidence.

My dedicated makeup artist, Makeup Artistry by Miranda Richards specializes in stylized photo shoots such as these...This amazing cosmetic artist does thorough research and creates beautifully authentic looks, no matter what era you fancy.

If you are a woman in the New York, New Jersey or (anywhere in the world beyond!) interested in a BOUDOIR or beautiful DREAMWORLDS NYC Glamour Portrait session, I'd love the chance to work with you... 732.676.3700 or click here.

Now booking through January and Valentine's Day. Don't delay!

xo,

Cate

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: ANTIQUE INSPIRED BOUDOIR ENSEMBLES

"We are all tied to our destiny and there is no way we can liberate ourselves."

Rita Hayworth

...Sometimes I think I was born in another era. Or maybe, I wish I was!

VINTAGE

Antiqued Hues by aibp featuring high heel pumps

When it comes to styling boudoir sessions, there is nothing I love more than to take a step back in time and revisit that luxe glamour of the 1940's. From the dresses to the undergarments, it was all so understated and yet so sophisticated. From my experience as a NYC and NJ boudoir photographer, women of all ages, body types and spirit look fantastic in this styling.

"Glamorous dresses were a luxury during most of the 1940s; times were hard due to world events. Dress manufacturers were allowed a specific amount of fabric and could not keep up with dress demand. As a result, women began to fashion their own style from the materials available to them, and took it upon themselves to create luxury out of minimal options. The results of their work were the fabulous and chic dresses of the 1940s." (...Read more here).

Watching old movies from this era, it's clear to see the leading ladies of 1940s Hollywood had sharp tongues, a quick wit and killer style created all on their own. Yes, perhaps it was by the sign of the times, but the soft hues, lacy details and luxe comfort almost makes me think the women of that time created more for themselves than they did for their men. I love that. It was a post-suffrage era that still echoed those rally cries of empowerment, but with an infusion of femininity and beauty, enjoyed just for her own sake. (The men at their feet? Simply a bonus.)

You'd be surprised to know that during my pre-session consultations, a large majority of my boudoir clients tell me they are booking their sessions more for their own enjoyment than their partner's. Much like the leading ladies of another time, we all know we deserve it.