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Blush Boudoir

Blush Boudoir Celebrates 5th Anniversary With FIrst Friday Open House

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BlushBoudoir_Studio(1)Blush Boudoir, the Dayton Region’s premiere boudoir and beauty photography studio, is celebrating its five year anniversary at its current location in Downtown Dayton with a special First Friday Open House on February 6th, 2015.  “We are so happy with the growth we’ve experienced since moving our studio to Downtown Dayton,” says Tracy Malott – owner and principal photographer. “We’ve had over seven hundred clients walk through our pink doors in that time, and with the help of an amazing team of the area’s top makeup artists, hairstylists and photographers we look forward to making many more women look and feel beautiful in the years ahead.”

Blush Boudoir began two years earlier in West Carrollton when Tracy opened a storefront studio as a place to meet clients of her then-successful wedding photography business.  As more brides requested “boudoir” shoots with albums that they could gift to their future spouses, Blush Boudoir was born.  And with the need for more natural light and a better location, Blush Boudoir moved to its current location at 120 N. St. Clair Street in Downtown Dayton in February 210730914_922880241057481_7571423788952456559_n010.  Soon, Tracy eventually stopped shooting weddings to focus all of her time and energy on boudoir photography.

In order to continue growing Blush Boudoir, Tracy and her boyfriend Billy Pote became business partners in late 2012.  The studio has since then grown from one photographer and one makeup artist to a team of four photographers, four makeup artists and three hairstylists.  And in 2014, Blush Boudoir opened the Blush Boudoir Lingerie Boutique featuring hand-made pieces by lingerie artist (and past client) Dianne Gallagher.  It is open by appointment as well as to the public on the first Friday of every month.

Blush Boudoir is also gaining national recognition.  In addition to attracting more and more clients to Dayton from cities like Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis, the national association Professional Photographers of America brought their PhotoVision team to Dayton in 2014 to feature Blush Boudoir as part of their annual “Best of the Best” educational video series that spotlights the top photography studios in the country every year.  Also in 2014, Blush Boudoir was invited to be a member of the Association of International Boudoir Photographers.

10421965_952121538133351_1992052376582247236_n-1The Blush Boudoir First Friday Open House will be on Friday February 6th from 6 to 10 pm.  In addition to featuring their popular lingerie boutique, Blush Boudoir is proud to host local fashion boutique Bloom who will have several items from their Vandalia clothing boutique available for sale.  “We enjoyed joining Blush Boudoir for their First Friday Open House in December,” says Bloom owner Kristy Stephens, “and look forward to doing it again for their five-year anniversary celebration.  It is great when local businesses can work together and  cross-promote.”  Both Blush Boudoir and Bloom Fashion will also be giving away gift cards to lucky guests.

For more information and/or interview requests, please visit BlushBoudoir.com or email [email protected].

Gifts Outside the Box – Blush Boudoir

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December 1st is a perfect time to start a list of unique gift ideas.  What’s different about these gifts, however, is that it will help your mind think out of the box – mainly because these presents can’t fit into a box.  I’ll be updating this list quite frequently, and actually would love some ideas to add to it if you so desire. Just email me at the address listed below.

Ok, so, time to get started.  The first outside the box gift idea is très magnifique!  Just like the Jelly of the Month club from “Christmas Vacation”, this is the gift that will keep on giving.  (PLUS there is a special Dayton Most Metro discount for our reader – see details at the end of the article)

Blush Boudoir truly is just the coolest place around.  Set in the oldest home/building in Dayton, Blush is the place that women go to get pictures taken so their men drool over the final results. I know, sounds risqué and intimidating, doesn’t it?  The risqué part is wonderful.  The intimidating part not so much.  Trust me, I was a little leery myself, so I went to talk to owner Tracy Malott in person.

First of all, Tracy is a model worthy photographer who has an eye for – and a gift with – the camera.  Not only does the camera love her from the picture end, but it also loves her from the lens end as well.  Let me just tell you that the minute you walk into Blush, you will feel à l’aise (translation: at ease.  I loved it there so much I can’t stop speaking French.  And I don’t even know French.)

Tracy greeted me at the door with a hug and a chocolate covered candy cane.  Ok, really?  What’s not to love?  She is so dang sweet (and has the most luscious eye-lashes) that I fell into immediate girly admiration.

Tracy started out as a wedding photographer, and changed over to boudoir when she realized that she really had a gift for it.   Let me share our conversation…

KK: So, Tracy – why did you switch from shooting weddings to taking pics of women in scantily clad clothing?

TM: Honestly?  I realized I could truly change lives.  This entire experience has the ability to make every woman that comes here feel confident and sexy.

KK: Well, just walking in here and seeing all the beds, the claw shaped bathtub with the crystal chandelier above it and all the romantic surroundings, I was ready to just jump in and get started!  But that’s not how it works, is it?  Because truly, I’d be a little hesitant.  I mean, these women are baring more than just skin, aren’t they?

TM: Yes! In the end, this isn’t about pictures.  It is about making all the women feel beautiful.  It’s about helping them see themselves the way their partners and spouses see them – sexy and pretty.

KK:  I love it.  How wonderful.  I’ll bet you get a lot of thank you notes from the guys.  So, what is a typical session like?

TM: Well, first off, I kind of hang out with them and make them comfortable.  I offer them a glass of wine…

KK: Or three?  I think I’d need three…

TM: You’d be surprised.  Because once we start talking, going over ideas and outfits, the women start getting relaxed.  And then we do the make-up and hair.  That alone is enough to make anyone feel special.  My make-up artist, Michelle Richardson, is amazing.  The women are always delighted when they look in the mirror.  And while all of this is going on, we just engage in girl talk.  It’s a fun time!  By the time the hair and makeup girls leave, and it’s just the two of us, they aren’t so nervous.  I coach them through it every step of the way. We laugh, drink wine, and the time just flies.

KK: This isn’t just about photos, is it?  There’s something magical going on.  I mean some of these pictures rival the calendars in a mechanics garage (and I say that with awe).  But not all of these women – in fact most of them – are not the typical “model type” women, are they?

TM: No, in fact far from it.  This isn’t about that.  I’ve had so many women struggling with weight issues, breast cancer, age, and more – and these pictures truly changed the way they thought about themselves.  Not to mention it enriched their relationships.

KK: So they come in nervous and a little wary – and leave as…

TM: Leave as friends.  And self-confident women.

KK: If you weren’t doing this (which I know it’s your passion and calling), what would you be doing?

TM: I’d love to mentor other photographers, and teach them to do what I do.

Ok, so here is my opinion.  You can’t teach someone compassion, zest for life, patience and love – and that is what Tracy at Blush Boudoir exudes. My booking will be after the first of the year.  I tried to tell her that I’d like to wait until I lost 20 pounds and she laughed.  “All the more reason to do it now”, she said.  “You’d be surprised at the final outcome – you will love the pictures and how you look in them – I promise!”

I’m convinced, and I hope you are too. There are several packages and pictures on her website.  This is an amazing gift that will benefit all. So, guys if you are reading this, I highly suggest buying a package for your woman.  It will make her feel like the sexy and loving woman you know her to be.  And girls – make your man go gaga by surprising him with loving, sexy and incredible photographs of the woman he loves best.

It’s out of the box – and outta the ballpark – a true homerun gift.  Check out www.BlushBoudoir.com or  the Blush Boudoir Facebook Page for portfolio pictures and package information.  And while you are there, read the testimonials.  They tell the trust story. Trust me on this one. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

If you  have special and unique gift ideas you’d like to see focused here, please email Karen at [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Dayton Most Metro / Blush Boudoir Discount

Blush Boudoir is offering a $50 Discount off of any Simply Blush, Ooh La La or Premiere Package booked by December 31, 2012 to our readers – just email Tracy at [email protected] and mention this article!

Karen Kelly & Tracy Malott

 

View all of our “Gifts Outside The Box” articles here:

The Beauty of Boudoir

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During my career as a makeup artist there have been few things as rewarding and yet questioned than boudoir photography. I have been in the beauty industry for over ten years and what orginally attracted me to it was both my early career in the theater business and retro/pin up style. When I began in the boudoir business almost 6 years ago with Dayton photographer Tracy Abston, I knew this was where I wanted to be and also wanted to get the stigma that boudoir is anything less than tasteful. It never comes as a surprise that when I tell someone I do makeup for a boudoir studio they look at me like I work in porn! Boudoir is not porn and it is also not glamour shots lol.

Boudoir photography is nothing new to the world. Since the beginning of time we have been obsessed with capturing soft curves, swells, skin, and general beauty of a female in relaxed poses capturing the attention of not only men, but also other women. The female form is a curiosity, and a beauty to withhold in and of itself. The resurgence of boudoir has taken off once again the last five years. Women from all walks of life have once again started celebrating the female form. Many women do this for a gift for someone but most times it is a gift to themselves. It most circles it is now seen as perfectly acceptable to do these photos and not only that but it is a sought after service.

What makes boudoir so beautiful is not only the actual art of the photography but how it can affect a client who comes in. Women do these sessions for multiple reasons; weight-loss, a recent divorce, a loss of self esteem, new boobs, a wedding or anniversary present or even to remember themselves in a certain way.  These sessions are not a one time thing, once women see themselves in this new image they always want to come back for another one and I can personally attest to that! The beauty of boudoir is that it can change a person. As women we are constantly judging ourselves and expecting to look a certain way. Our stomachs will never be flat enough, our thighs small enough or lips full enough. We are our own worst enemies. Not only do we constantly obsess about our looks but so many women lose themselves over the years. We have had so many women come in who have put themselves on the backburner for years in order to make other people happy whether in their personal lives or at work. Boudoir is about bringing that woman back and letting her see that she still has it in her!

 

There are so many memorable women that I have had the the pleasure of working with but there a few that really stand out as what boudoir is about.

Miss A

Miss A is very dear to my heart we nearly had to beg her to come in after she tried backing out but her daughter talked her into it. She was turning 50 and had a very rough few years with family issues and losing herself in general. Her daughter had recently been diagnosed with a horrible disease and Miss A was really having a rough go at life. The funny thing about her is that she is not only absolutely beautiful but this is also a woman who has biked across Ohio in a day, ran marathons and dedicated her spare time to children in need! This is a woman who had so much to give that literally forgot to give back to herself. There are no words to describe her reaction when she looked in the mirror at herself in fact when we heard the silence we knew….it was a good thing she was waterproofed 🙂 She said she had never felt so beautiful in her entire life. The smile in her pictures brought her back to life and you could see the woman she had lost. I can only hope that on days where she is feeling down about herself that she will look at her pictures and see the woman that she is. Beautiful. Strong. Deserving.

 

Miss D

Miss D was another woman who came in for a very different reason. She was in late forties and had recently been diagnosed with a disease that would eventually cripple her within 5 years. She came in to the boudoir studio to have pictures made for both her husband and for her child who was under the age of 10. She wanted her child to remember as being beautiful and healthy rather than sickly. She was reserved and did her photos wearing jeans and a tshirt in the courtyard but by the end she had an inner diva in her that produced some stunning sexy photos! Once Miss D let her inner model come out she was amazing. I often think of her and wonder how she is doing. For her, boudoir was about preserving a moment in time that she felt beautiful and wasnt thinking about what the future would bring. Miss D’s photos showed a woman who was living for the moment and doing a fabulous job at it!

More Boudoir reactions:

“Thank you so much for my sneak-peak!! I have been nervously but anxiously checking my e-mail repeatedly over the past two weeks!! I would literally jump every time my e-mail chime on my phone went off. When I finally saw the e-mail from you I quickly scrolled down to the photos and I was in complete shock. I can’t believe the woman in the photos is me. I’ve looked at them ten times already and I’m still amazed. You have such an unbelievable talent which is not limited to actual photography. You’re amazing at what you do and how you make your clients feel. I remember thinking after my session that I had never felt so comfortable in my own skin nor had I ever felt better about myself than I did at that moment. The experience of the session alone was well worth it and did so much for me and I love that I will have the photos to remind me. I can’t say thank you enough and I absolutely can not wait to give my husband his 1st anniversary gift!!”

“Although it’s been over a year since my session and my little black book wedding gift to my husband, the pictures are still making quite the impact! I originally wanted to get boudoir pictures done because my husband was deploying overseas …for the military, but it was perfect timing to give the book to him as a wedding present. I was just as nervous when he was opening it as I was when I got the e-mail from you with password to the album. But the look on his face made me feel as happy, sexy and confident as I felt when I looked at them for the first time. Anytime I am having feeling bad about myself or having a “fat” day, one glimpse at those images and remember the look on my hubby’s face. How could I feel bad knowing what he sees and how looking at me makes him feel? Thank you for helping me create the perfect wedding present and for giving me the confidence to just be me!”
“When I found out that my husband was searching the internet for a boudoir photo session for me, I sort of panicked. I’m 63 after all and why would it be a good thing to have photos of me at this stage in my life? But, after reading the information for ‘blush boudoir’, I agreed to do this for him. After my photo shoot, I felt like a new woman! We love the coffee table books and as I age, we will look back on this experience with a smile on our faces. I am so glad I did this!”
Boudoir is not about how you think you should look. Boudoir is about who you are as a woman and the woman that you should be celebrating today. You dont have to be a size 0 and you certaintly dont have to wait to celebrate something in your life to do one of these sessions. Boudoir is about being comfortable in your own skin and taking time for yourself. If you give or show these pictures to someone then that is just an added bonus. This is about you and how you see yourself. I will warn you however, that these sessions are addicting and you will probably be back for more 🙂

Interested in your own boudoir shoot?  Read more testimonials, see more pictures and check out package options at BlushBoudoir.com and on the Blush Boudoir Facebook Page.  Read our first feature on Blush Boudoir from back in July 2010 here.

 

Blush Boudoir Photography in Dayton – Ooh La La!

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Most of you SHOULD be aware that Dayton has more artistic talent than many cities even two or three times our size, and that talent includes some amazing photographers.  We will be featuring many of these amazing Dayton photogs over the coming weeks, starting with this one – Tracy Abston of Blush Boudoir.  Tracy’s traditional photography that focuses on portraits, weddings, etc. is amazing in and of itself, and she has many happy clients that rave about their experiences with her.  However, it is the ‘other’ type of photography that has helped Tracy make a name for herself – not only in the Dayton Region but in southwest Ohio!  Ladies and gents – welcome to the world of Blush Boudoir…

Boudoir (which comes from the French word for ‘pout’) is a growing trend in photography today.  Sensual yet classy would be a good phrase to describe these photo sessions, with female clients who might be looking for a unique gift to give their significant others.  Interesting, you say?  We couldn’t agree more (of course) so we sat down with Tracy to get to the bottom of this boudoir business (so to speak)…

Dayton Most Metro: What got you started in boudoir photography?

Tracy: “I have always had a passion for photography and making people feel beautiful. As a wedding photographer my clients started asking about intimate images for their husbands to be. After several sessions I received countless cards and emails expressing what an amazing time they had with comments such as ‘I never felt more gorgeous’, ‘I’ve never felt so confident before’ & ‘these images brought me to tears’. I knew that I was on to something amazing so I started Blush-Boudoir 4 years ago because I really want to encourage other women to have the same experience. At Blush-Boudoir we feel strongly that EVERY woman is absolutely beautiful and we will work with you to find your inner supermodel.”

DMM: Tell me a little more about this niche market – are there others in the region doing this?

Tracy: “Yes, boudoir photography is becoming very popular and although a hand full of other photographers are offering this as an optional session I believe that we are the only studio in the area that specializes in this type of photography. The Blush-Boudoir experience typically starts out as gift for a spouse or significant other but most often becomes an unexpected gift for them too….I would say it is like a rite of passage or a great way to celebrate milestones. In these cases a creative and classy Blush-Boudoir photograph is not just another pretty picture, it is more of a tangible memento reminding women of what they have gone through and what they have achieved in life. Blush-Boudoir photography is sexy, glamorous, fun and can be shared with your significant other in a very intimate way.”

DMM: How do you make your clients feel comfortable? What are common concerns that clients have and how do you address them?

Tracy: “My clients’ comfort is of the utmost importance and our studio is all female staffed in a very relaxing chic downtown studio. During a typical session we’ll start by going over their ideas and I’ll ask a few of my favorite questions like ‘Tell me a little about your best features’, ‘Do you have any concerns or is there anything you want to hide?’. I reassure my clients that they don’t have to have the “perfect body” to look absolutely and positively sexy in their photos. It’s my job to bring out your flirty and beautiful side by coaching you through your session. I’m always very excited to hear all the wonderful experiences my clients share with me after the shoot and how relaxed they feel throughout their session.”

DMM: Who is your average client?

Tracy: “My clients are generally new brides, married women looking for that unique gift for their spouse, and stay at home moms looking for an empowering beautiful experience . As far as professional experience, my clients are women in the medical field, business owners, teachers and so many other professions that it would take me days to list them. What always amazes me is how far some of my clients have traveled for the Blush-Boudoir experience….. We have had clients from Michigan, Chicago, Lexington (KY), Columbus, Cincinnati and Indiana travel to our studios because of recommendations by their friends.”

DMM:  I’m guessing this is something easier for young women to do, but what about those who (how do I say this without getting hate mail)… those who might not be so young?  (whew)

Tracy: “I would say that our clients average around 30 percent in their 20’s, 30 percent in their 30’s and over 35 percent in their 40’s+ (a growing segment). I think that some women turn to our Blush-Boudoir photography as a means to launch their new outlook on life. At 40+ years a woman is dealing with running a household, managing work, raising kids and just life in general. It’s nice to take time out and do something special and rewarding like a Blush-Boudoir session. During their sessions they will receive a day of pampering at our private downtown studio, a professional make-up artist and a photographer who is experienced in making every client feel and look like a supermodel . A Blush-Boudoir photography session is one day out of your life resulting in a gorgeous, stunning, sensual, treasured photograph that you’ll have for a lifetime.”

DMM:. Have you ever gotten criticism for doing boudoir photography?

Tracy:  “I believe that God created women to be beautiful, and that there is a reason the female form has been painted, sculpted, drawn and photographed for centuries.  I’m sure that there is some criticism about my photography but frankly I don’t care because our photos are classy and professional. My entire career has set me on the path to operating Blush-Boudoir and with every session I’m excited to make my clients feel beautiful inside by showing how beautiful they can be on the outside. I firmly believe that every woman that comes into our studio can be magazine cover-worthy.”

DMM:. Tell me an interesting story about a particular session.

Tracy: “A recent Blush client was in tears after her session. I sat down and asked what was wrong…. she  exclaimed… ‘Nothing! I’m just sooo happy. I’ve never felt more beautiful in my entire life’.  A few weeks later she sent me this.”

DMM: Run me through a typical session.

Tracy: “When you arrive we’ll chat about the lingerie and outfits you’ve brought for your session while you enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or bottled water. Once we determine which outfits you will wear then we’ll start your hair and make-up (if you choose this option). Getting your hair and makeup done sets the tone for your session and gives you time to relax while you’re pampered for the next hour. I have worked with the same fantastic makeup artist for over three years and love her! Michelle Richardson from Avoge Idea is simply amazing and you can completely trust her to create your vision. After you are all glammed up we will turn up the music, turn on the camera lights, and begin shooting.”.

“One of the most common things I hear from clients is ‘I’m nervous,’ quickly followed by ‘I have no idea how to pose!’ Don’t worry – it’s normal to be nervous so we’ll start with some warm-up poses to get you in your supermodel frame of mind and by the end of your session you will look and feel gorgeous !!!!!”

DMM:  What is your studio like?

Tracy: “I LOVE my new chic downtown Dayton loft studio! It has elegant exposed brick, a cool staircase and the abundance of yummy natural light. Since our studio has a focus on the Blush-Boudoir session we can offer several scenes that are not only super sexy but are also a very private experience.”

DMM:. What other photographers do you admire?

Tracy: “Tiny Sparrow Foundation and others like her that are providing memories through photography to families with children who are facing life threatening illnesses. This is something I do as well whenever I get the chance because giving back is good for the soul.”

DMM: What other types of photography do you specialize in?

“I also specialize in wedding and lifestyle photography. At one point I was shooting 35+ weddings a year but have since cut back with my growing Blush-Boudoir business.”

DMM: How do you feel about the future of this niche market?

“I started Blush-Boudoir over 4 years ago and I’ve seen steady and incredible growth. Thanks to all of our wonderful clients who continue to recommend us to their friends we are seeing an increasing buzz throughout the Dayton, Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky regions. People seem surprised when I tell them how popular Blush-Boudoir photography is getting but my busy studio is proof that the demand is there!”

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