FIFTY AND FABULOUS | BOUDOIR PHOTOS FOR FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY

BEING FIFTY AND FABULOUS IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A CATCH PHRASE. 

"There is a uniquely female wisdom that ripens with age. It is nonjudgmental. It is inclusive. It knows love without ownership. It nurtures and it teaches. It bends but does not snap. It is more concerned with the legacy it leaves than with the personal treasures it amasses. Our society needs this wisdom but it will not be available to us until we put our energy into being what we are rather than wasting our energy on the impossible task of being what we once were." - Jaki Scarcello, Author and blogger

When I got the call from the lovely Ms. Stephanie, who just celebrated her 50th birthday, she seemed a little anxious and apprehensive about doing her boudoir session.

She had been referred to me by our local philanthropist and urban socialite, Carla Murino. Carla, a well known swimsuit designer of C-Girls Swimsuits designs for Sports Ilustrated and other noteworthy showstoppers. Carla knows all about female confidence, in fact exudes it herself. She had done boudoir sessions throughout her life ...and she wanted the same for her bestie. 

Since Carla was familiar with me and my work, she talked Stephanie into contacting me. After much discussion of a birthday gift ideas for boyfriend, we settled on a beautiful image box to be presented to him on his 50th Birthday. I explained to her that in the end, it would truly be a gift for HER. So, I encouraged her to do this boudoir photo shoot for herself and the boudoir pictures would be for both of them. 

Stephanie was still a bit nervous...but it was clear to me that she loves who she is TODAY and was ready to take the plunge. 

She arrived to the shoot, with tons of gorgeous wardrobe -- and Carla in tow for moral support. While I normally like to shoot on a "closed set", I could not lie. I was pretty excited to see Carla again and knew we were in for a lot of laughs that afternoon. They did not disappoint. 

I sifted through wardrobe and explained how we'd take a comfortable approach, beginning with glamour portraits in a beautiful gown, and slowly progress towards the grand lingerie finale.

After Miranda Richards (MRMAKEUPARTISTRY.com) finished the hair and makeup work, I left Carla behind and closed the door to get Stephanie in her groove. The laughter didn't stop. BUT... something else started...

This was a favorite must-have shot from our session, featuring a fur inherited from her dear late mother, who was quite glamourous. We dedicated this moment to her Mom, knowing she'd be so proud of her beautiful confident daughter..

The quiet, accepting confidence of FIFTY YEARS OLD. 

Confidence is utterly gorgeous. I don't have much else to say about how wonderful this session was, so I will let her boudoir pictures do the talking for me. 

Christian LeBoutin heels perfect for any session!

Antique pearls and jewelery honoring her late mother.

Would you or the Fifty Fab lady in your life be interested in a Boudoir or Glamour Portrait? Contact me here or call 732.676.3700. 

THE ULTIMATE GIFT FOR GROOM | YOUR WEDDING DAY GIFT

SOMEWHERE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY CHECKLIST, the  "GIFT FOR GROOM" MAY BE WEIGHING HEAVILY ON YOUR MIND....

A few years ago, I began to notice a trend in in brides searching for unique and highly personal grooms gift ideas. In the past year especially, Google searches for Bridal Boudoir have increased significantly. And, it's with good reason... It's the best gift for grooms and it's also a bachelorette gift for the bride herself. 

In these highly personalized New Jersey And NYC Boudoir Photo shoots, I do a lot of work before the session to ensure it matches the unique vision of each bride as well as for the groom gift. We discuss the unique aspects of their relationship, how they met, how they envision intimacy and how the bride feels most beautiful. We work these attributes into the boudoir pictures we create, for a perfect outcome.

Typically, we do these sessions 3 months in advance of the wedding date, so that we have plenty of time to plan, shoot and select the boudoir pictures for her groom's gift.

Typically displayed in book form as an album, or with my beautiful handmade image boxes. Quality is paramount, because like true love, these are meant to last a lifetime. I import my albums from Italy, or from the world renowned Queensberry Albums, which many brides demand for their own wedding albums. The pages are pristine and layouts, to perfection. 

In fact, I was recently named one of the Best Boudoir Photographers of 2014 by Queensberry Albums and will be published in their first-ever boudoir photography display book. 

If you're getting married and would like to consider a boudoir session as your ultimate grooms gift, please give me a call at 732.676.3700 or click here. I look forward to creating the best day of your life (next to your wedding day, that is!)

xoxox,

Cate  

WHAT IS COUPLES BOUDOIR ? | NJ and NYC Boudoir Tells All

" WHAT IS COUPLES BOUDOIR ? " ...

My friend Denise messaged me privately, perhaps triggered by my recent post about What to Get Your Boyfriend or Husband for Valentine's Day. "I am afraid to even ask what you're doing today," she said. 

This Valentine's Day, I spent my day photographing a beautiful couple in Red Bank, New Jersey as part of my boudoir photography deals for NYC and New Jersey.

This exclusive first-time event included a penthouse suite at the beautiful Oyster Point Hotel, with complimentary Hair and Makeup by Makeup Artistry by Miranda Richards, complimentary wardrobe and accessories and dinner reservations for two at Char on Broad Street in Red Bank.

 Best known for my New Jersey Boudoir Photography, most people do not think of me when it comes to photographing couples. But why not? Couples Boudoir pictures are gaining popularity just like any other intimate portraiture. With busy day to day lives, and life's little complications thrown in our way, it is a simple, beautiful and unusual way to reconnect. It's purely an elegant or classy boudoir session that celebrates moments of intimacy and love. What better more romantic way for a couple to spend a Valentine's Day? 

Upon arrival, we started with boudoir hair and makeup. Miranda created a look for my client that was playful, daring and flirtatious all at the same time. With smoky eyes, tousled hair and a killer wardrobe, we were well on our way to creating something epic. 

Next we mapped out a storyline for the afternoon. Rather than just have the couple kiss and be intimate in front of me, we felt it would be more interesting to create a visual story... one that would allow them to be "actors" in their very own idea of a perfect evening.

It was fantasy and reality at the same time. The "acting" part allowed them to play a role, without feeling uncomfortable kissing, hugging or touching in front of another person. It is all very conservative, I assured them, even though the outcome (couples boudoir pictures) will be evocative and sexy. I would even occasionally yell "Cut!" so that we could move on to our next wardrobe or "set". 

All in all, it was a very elegant boudoir photography experience for this longtime boudoir photographer.

And, because my client's photo privacy is something I hold sacred, I will share a few illustrations of how my couple's boudoir images resonate...It will give you an idea of how fun and incredibly special this day was for all involved. 

Couple's Boudoir Photography Demonstration...

There's a first for everything, and this was my first real couples boudoir photography shoot. In the future, I hope to attract more. As a devout believer #LOVEISLOVE, I also welcome same sex couples to contact me for same sex boudoir photo shoots, in honor of your affection and devotion. 

To contact me and book your devoted boudoir photographer in New Jersey and NYC, click here. 

RED BANK RESTAURANT WEEK BEGINS WITH BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT FOR DATE NIGHT

RED BANK RESTAURANT WEEK IS HERE AND NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK CITY (NYC) BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER  CATE SCAGLIONE IS OFFERING BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT SPECIALS 2/16/15-2/26/15

RED BANK RESTAURANT WEEK JUST GOT A LITTLE SEXIER!!!

It's that time of year again, RED BANK RESTAURANT WEEK, when food lovers descend upon RED BANK New Jersey's culinary capital. Red Bank is also the home to my boudoir photo and portrait studio, Life As Fine Art by Cate Scaglione.

For me, one of the best things about living in Monmouth County is being so close to Red Bank. It is where my husband and I go to enjoy a chic, upscale evening with the best food outside of New York City. One might even argue, it's a better date night, with its old world charm and wonderful main-street vibe to stroll. 

We love dining in Red Bank, and this year I decided to invite the rest of you all into town, to experience our little slice of culinary and shopping heaven. 

As a boudoir photographer who creates glamourous photo shoots for women, men, couples boudoir photo shoots,  and even Boudoir Bachelorette parties or Ladies Night Outs.... I thought to myself, what could be a more spectacular evening than to start with a sultry, empowering photo session? 

I have scheduled a week of photo sessions so my clients can enjoy my time, along with Red Bank Restaurant Week.

LIFEASFINEART.COM 

Imagine having your hair and makeup styled to perfection. Then having a chance to feel like a supermodel for an hour or so. Then, head out to this sexy little town feeling amazing! Sound good? 

Here's the details: 

• Schedule your photo shoot between 2/16/15 and 2/26/15.
• Hair and Makeup will be included.
• Choose from a Boudoir Photo Shoot, Couples Photo Shoot, Glamour Ladies Night Out Photo Shoot, or Bachelorette Boudoir Photo Shoot   
• A Luxe Hotel location for your photo shoot shall be included, with an optional overnight stay (available for an upgrade). 
• Choose from Among 25 Red Bank Restaurants, each with a prixe fixe menu special, (some even offering dinner entrees for TWO for $30!)

In the weeks following the photo shoot, we'll meet to review your session and dream up the many gorgeous ways to display it. It's a night out, commissioned art, and vacation getaway all in one! 

If this sounds like your idea of a perfect date night, please contact me ASAP at 732.676.3700 or Cate@LIfeAsFineArt.com

HOW TO PREPARE FOR BOUDOIR SHOOT

NEW YORK CITY AND NEW JERSEY BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER SHARES THE FASTEST WAY TO GET YOUR BODY READY FOR A BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT in 2015

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New Year's Eve is upon us. How about a little game of... TRUTH OR DARE? 

TRUTH=  

I believe, wholeheartedly, 1000%, irrevocably, that you are perfect to me, and I can photograph you right now. You do not need to prepare at all.

Every individual has an element of beauty that is invisible to themselves. I can see it. I always see it. EVERY SHOOT, EVERY CLIENT. I want to capture the beautiful sensual person you are TODAY. And then again tomorrow. And maybe even next year, if you'll indulge me.

But time and time again, my new and prospective clients hit me with that old cliche...

"I am just nowhere near boudoir-ready."

Boudoir Ready? What is that? To me, it is NOT about perfection. It is not about looking like a Victoria's Secret model... 

It IS about celebrating confidence. Allowing yourself to feel a little vulnerable. Taking a leap of faith that you just might be pretty spectacular. And, it's a chance to open yourself up to something extraordinary. (Not to mention kick one off the bucket list). 

Ok, so "I'm not boudoir ready"... That phrase might be YOUR imagined truth. (I still don't believe it, but OK.)  So then, I offer you this... 

DARE=

I dare you, to book your shoot, and in 21 Days, get into amazing shape...Feel as gorgeous and confident as ever. Go ahead I dare you. Seem too hard? If you think you need more than 21 Days, go ahead and take it. To me, progress is about having goals and just plowing through them. 

Not being a huge risk taker, I usually go for the TRUTH rather than the dare. But it's New Years, so let's "go streak the quad" and go all out on a limb. To help you, I've brought in a DARE MASTER....

Anna Vega is a Professional Fashion & Runway Model, a devoted Mom of a 4 year old toddler, and ... A BeachBody training coach.

Starting TONIGHT, December 29, we are daring you to create your "Boudoir Ready Self" with Anna as your Coach. She will help you get on track with a healthy effective diet, fitness plan and personal support. You will be immersed in a BOUDOIR DARE challenge group, which starts JANUARY 5, 2015. It's includes a group of motivated, supportive people who just like you want to prep for their photo shoot with me.

Here's what You Need to Do...

1. FIRST, TAKE THE LEAP. YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO DO THIS SESSION.  
Click here to pre purchase your 2015 BOUDOIR OR GLAMOUR PHOTO SHOOT. (Clients who are already booked with a date skip this step!)

2. GET READY FOR YOUR BEST CONFIDENT BODY in 2015. Click HERE to purchase and get IN ON ANNA'S 21 DAY CHALLENGE.  Just look for the orange colored JOIN link, and create your free account there.  Log in, and ORDER your 21 DAY FIX. This will include: 

•The 21 day fix 30 min/day workout programs

•A full meal plan and grocery list

•The color coded food containers that go with the program

•30 days worth of the nutritional shake shakeology in your flavor of choice (30 breakfasts)

•A to-go shaker cup for your shakes

•A calendar of different shake recipes

•A free health and fitness coach (PRO MODEL ANNA VEGA!)

•Free 30 day club membership to to the team Beachbody site to track meals, workouts and tons more

YOU WILL BE BOUDOIR READY. I DARE YOU! 

xoxoxo, 

Cate