new site

Posted by Rachel on Nov 5, 2011 in miscellaneous | 0 comments

Please update your bookmarks and RSS subscriptions; our new blog is rachelhadiashar.com/boudoir/

Glamour. Drama. Timelessness.

Posted by Rachel on Aug 12, 2011 in inspiration | 1 comment

What is it about black and white photos that creates such drama and timelessness? From a psychological perspective, lack of color can help the viewer focus on the emotion and gesture of the subject rather than be distracted by the environment or clothing choice. From a photographic perspective, the light and shadows seem to play out richly when combined with the right lighting and technique in a good black and white photograph.

Here’s the photo that changed my life. My grandmother worked for photographer Jack Richburg in Houston in her early 20s, and had him do her portrait a year or two before getting married at 23. I noticed the image with fresh eyes after I started doing boudoir portraiture – and realized that I wanted just a little something more in my own work. I wanted to make photos for my clients they would be proud to display.

After spending a lot of time thinking about this riveting photo of Granny O, I realized that the quality of the imagery, the beautiful expression and well-done styling all combine to create an image that is timeless. It almost seems as though this photo could have been taken last year, let alone 60 years ago. The photographer was obviously a master, able to make photos that captured his subjects’ personalities in a flattering and natural way. The fact that she still has this photo hanging in the dining room today says a lot about its place as a treasured family heirloom.

My hat is tipped to Jack Richburg, and I thank him for teaching me a deep lesson about the lasting legacy of a good photograph.

sexy little hotel portraits

Posted by Rachel on Jul 15, 2011 in miscellaneous | 0 comments

I don’t photograph men in my boudoir sessions, but one of my wedding clients from back in the day asked me to do a cute & cuddly pj session with her husband. We did some shots going from wedding dress to pjs, and it was lovely.

Sometimes I miss photographing weddings, other times I am quite glad to be done with them, thankyouverymuch. I have one last wedding in December in Jamaica and then I think I’ll be officially retired.

Boston & Rhode Island boudoir dates announced

Posted by Rachel on Jun 28, 2011 in boudoir | 0 comments

I’m so excited to be able to share our boudoir dates for my upcoming trip to Boston and Rhode Island. I’ll be offering just a few b&w hotel sessions September 13-16, 2011 in Rhode Island, just 40 minutes outside Boston. I am available on September 14/15 for individually-scheduled Boston in-home sessions or for a group of gals who want to get together and split a room.

September 13, 6:00pm

September 13, 8:00pm

September 13, 10:00pm

[ September 14 & 15 available for in-home sessions ]

September 16, 2:00pm

September 16, 4:00pm

September 16, 6:00pm

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• Hair and makeup available from a stylist onsite for an additional $100; otherwise I encourage you to visit a salon for a blowout before the session. There is a mall located across the street from our hotel with a MAC counter and salon.
• All images are in black and white.
• My images are not heavily retouched. Our work, philosophy, and style centers around putting together a collection of images that are naturally flattering to each individual woman. I prefer natural skin textures and will not alter the shape of a woman’s body. Temporary skin issues such as blemishes, cuts or bruises [and small scars] may be retouched at the request of the client.
• Books and prints are available for additional fee after the session. Please see sample galleries [code: 2011RH] for an example of pricing and product offering.

PEDALPALOOZA2

Posted by Rachel on Jun 21, 2011 in boudoir, Portland | 1 comment

Her husband is an avid cyclist. Can you imagine what he might say when he gets these photos?

back burner…

Posted by Rachel on Jun 15, 2011 in boudoir, inspiration, Portland | 0 comments

Pedalpalooza!

Posted by Rachel on Jun 11, 2011 in boudoir, Portland | 2 comments

Her husband is a big cyclist. We had a wonderful studio portrait session.