How does she do it? Madonna is known for continuously reinventing her image which has lead to her worldwide success as a female artist, actress & entrepreneur.

A companion’s greatest asset is her persona. She must promote herself effectively and uniquely in order to maintain her clientele and sufficiently make a living. This can be challenging in today’s economy. It is difficult in that while money is tight she must spend a bit in order to increase her visual exposure and therefore income.

Is her portfolio outdated? Will she look like the girl in her pictures when she meets a client? Tired images are like old bread: they get stale. People are visual by nature and variety appeals. Updating & rotating a portfolio is one of the most effective ways to sky rocket a companion’s clientele.

Companions, as in any other business sector, are professionals. Many default to boudoir photography as a marketing tool. Boudoir is essential but shouldn’t stand alone. In an emerging trend, many ladies are choosing to ‘journalize’ their portfolios. Scenarios include photographing on location in environments such as outdoors, cafes, beaches, urban cityscapes, etc. while often providing the softness of natural light. Such style projects a natural & approachable appeal of looks & personality quite compelling to the viewer. The characteristics of boudoir always apply: sensual, elegant, sexy, revealing, erotic & even explicit. Journalizing a portfolio ads an important element of lifestyle, inviting the viewer to expand the fantasy. In short, investing time and hard earned income in a new portfolio is miniscule when compared to the return.

Modeling for a photo shoot can be uncomfortable or even dreaded by many companions. It is essential for all ladies, especially those who feel awkward in front of the camera, to work with a  photographer who knows how to draw forth her best assets. This is priceless. When shooting on location, the photographer should be familiar with the lighting and weather condition of the scenario and any potential interruptions, all critical to achieving maximum results.

So ladies, mimic Madonna and expand your persona. Stay ahead of the game. Refresh your portfolio and you will create a stir. However, be prepared for lucrative results!

Written by Meeshee

Modeling as a child familiarized me with that awkward feeling like someone was exposing my soul. Now in my 40’s I run the other way when I see a camera. God bless the photographer who could put me at ease. Familiarity with this emotion humbly leads me into my photo shoots.

Simply put, every woman is beautiful in her own way. Does she know it? Is she shy? Is she self-conscious about her weight or certain parts of her physique? Aren’t we all!

I hear so often that the women on my site are beautiful and I blush in response. They are and there’s no question about it. This is the upside. The downside is that their glorious, heavenly images might intimidate some. I’ve had a good many conversations encouraging uncertain clients that yes! I can work with them and yes! They will look beautiful. I take the reader back to the premise of my philosophy: that every woman is exquisite in her own way. Some may prefer their photos with advanced polishing. Others may prefer a more organic look. It’s up to the client. I make it my job to extract and eloquently exhibit their inherent beauty.

Sub surface of the photographic process begins with comradery. Whether a client opts for a photo session with one outfit or ten, she is accommodated with equal hospitality and respect. There is no compromise. I make it a point to learn her beverage of choice, her snack of choice and her music of choice. When she arrives candles glitter, champagne or sparkling water chills along with protein rich snacks to fuel her throughout the afternoon. Music coats the environment to accent our best efforts and fun prevails. Afterall, what is life without a little fun?!

Don’t get me wrong. My purpose is not only to snap some pictures but rather to create a luxurious, pampering environment that allows my client to feel like a queen. The results are automatic and tenfold.

One week prior to a scheduled shoot we begin with a phone or email consulation. All clients are treated equally. Regardless of the extent of the shoot, I go into great detail about outfits (color, texture, fit, style), body type (favorite and least favorite features), accessories, hair (color, length, texture, style), nails and complexion. The makeup artist and hair stylists are selected accordingly. On the day of the shoot we discuss what makes her comfortable. Does she prefer some guidance? Is she at ease? Is she nervous? Is she unsure of her figure? Many clients benefit from coaching and assistance throughout the shoot. Others possess natural ease and prefer to move more independently.

This bonding experience guides us through the process of extracting the essence of her beauty. Many clients have phoned following the shoot in awe of their beauty and femininity they didn’t know they possessed. Some call asking for the type of cheese that we munched on or the music tracks that we listened to. All is a memorable experience and success.

In the end, clients leave feeling pampered and beautified. This is the Meeshee experience. Meeshee

Once, I photographed a lovely little girl who was all too soon in touch with her sensuality. At age 5, she was already wearing girly hip huggers and high heels. She plagued her mother with an instinct to wear makeup. As undeniably coquettish as she was, she screamed at the top of her lungs when my camera faced her. Her shrillness startled me and for a moment my heart stopped. I retreated but 10 minutes later, she somehow realized that my camera would enhance her budding sense of self and she came to life. Lucky me.

Many years later, I now photograph women. While she may not scream out of shyness, a woman may choose to downplay her face for a variety of personal reasons. Attention to such a challenging detail beckons the talent of the photographer to naturalize her discretion in a way that raises the brow of the viewer. This discretion is only awkwardly achieved with the obvious and common default called photoshop. To the contrary, shadows, angles and unique perspectives serve as powerful alternatives.

You may be wondering if the author’s words are just prolific nonsense or in fact stem from innovative experience. Allow me to give you some examples:

A woman who desires to practice discretion while simultaneously luring her viewer will benefit from a silky silhouette, worshiping the curves of her body and fragile profile of her face; the throat, a hidden treasure erotically stretched, camera above to roam the landscape of her breasts and pelvis disappearing into the length of her legs can explode the viewer’s imagination; an illustrious mane of hair cascading over the face only to suggest lips swollen with luster melt the image; the camera peaking shyly from the floor up into the private shadows of her legs and falling into the curve of her lower back sends chills down the spine of the spectator.

Catch my drift? The beauty of the face should not be blatantly blurred but revered, quietly suggesting promises of what’s to come. Written by Meeshee

]]> http://www.meesheephotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=73 4 http://www.meesheephotography.com/blog/?p=61 http://www.meesheephotography.com/blog/?p=61#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:59:37 +0000 Meeshee http://www.meesheephotography.com/blog/?p=61

When I was a tot my father gave me a toy Volkswagen in powder blue. My mother gave me a doll that cried. Already budding a flair for style, I insisted on adorning my doll in real infant clothing. Never mind the cost. While my baby napped, I ventured into the garden equipped with my powder blue VW. Soon, I had transformed the garden into a maze of dirt streets, twisted highways and pretend stoplights. In between baby feedings, I caught salamanders for which my father had built a cage. I was devastated when the slivery, little things passed away.

Does convention prohibit little girls from playing with toy cars and catching creepy bugs? I won’t even dignify that with an answer. As American women, we are fortunate to reside in the United States where we are now revered for expressing our independence. Just tune into to any news station and you will see that female journalists and political analysts prevail. Albeit, women are prettier to look at than their male counterparts, I think all would admit. And what is sexier than a hot, elegant woman who can cream a man in a political debate? Trust me. I’m not biased but I do recognize how far our gender has come.

Does the glass ceiling still exist? You betcha. Neda Soltani was an Iranian patriot who recently rallied for her country and paid brutally with her life. Prudishness may exist on some levels here in the US of A but certainly not suppression. I can only imagine the consequences if Neda had played with toy cars in her country when she was a child.

There still exists a bias toward Japanese Geisha who some would proclaim are prostitutes. What an abomination. Those individuals should have their mouths washed with soap. Gei means arts or performances, and sha means people in Japanese. They are neither ordinary hostesses nor prostitutes. Extensive training begins at a very young age to include traditional Japanese dance, singing, playing instruments, flower arrangement, wearing kimono, Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy, linguistics, alcohol serving manners and more. Modern day Geisha have now expanded their skills to include modeling and international touring. Geisha are an important aspect of Japanese culture attracting many people from around the globe.

Islamic women are still required to wear burqa. Recently, the French republic, in a divine addition to their orgasmic wines, cheeses and kick ass flea markets, condemned the burqa as deprivation of female identity. Glory a la francaise!

Back in the 1940’s when women were still considered subservient by many, my grandmother raised 4 children without a husband by working a full time job to feed the kids and pay the mortgage. Later, she fostered my formative years while mom worked as a hair stylist. I am proud to be their offspring.

This morning at 6am, my precious, little schnauzer tossed her cookies. Armored with a bottle of 409 and purple dish gloves, I held my breath as I cleaned up her business. I couldn’t help but think of all the women in this world who dedicate their lives to rearing a family. What about the mothers who manage careers as well? Wait. Mothering a family is a career without a time card. Yes. That renders 2 careers. As a self-employed entrepreneur and photographer, at least I can throw in the towel with a glass of wine whenever I fancy.

My unconscious hunger for entrepreneurialism began with my powder blue VW. Already at such a young age, I craved the expression for personal freedom to do whatever the hell I wanted. Not much has changed.

I feel very fortunate as a woman to live in a free country where I can play with my toy cars and baby dolls while voicing my overt and assertive opinions. At least I know that I won’t get chastised or killed. Written by Meeshee

My flight ascends through the dusty clouds of Los Angeles as I head back to Miami. I have just attended Erotica L.A. As a native now residing in South Florida, I can tell you with complete certainty that this city has elegantly matured. She has blossomed into a prominent art and culture scene. With all of her diverse sub-cultures clustered in colorful pockets throughout the basin, L.A. is a hip place to be.

For all you saucy chicas who may not be privy, a morsel of advice: when in L.A. do not hydrate before jumping into your car unless you have a porta potty. That inevitable urge familiar to all us felines will challenge your bladder while snagged on the 405 freeway.

So there it was. A sprawling banner assertively stretched across the heavens above a very proud Convention Center. EROTICA LA. My native town had a clue.

L.A.’s pricey parking has finally gotten with the program. But never mind the $15 fee, re-entry – not. Folks poured in droves. Picture all walks of life planning their Saturday for a dose of titillating erotica. Imagine entering Space Mountain in a pretend, glorious universe that is Disneyland. Check your inhibitions at the door. Polished nymphs empowering sensuality invited us into a private, fantasy world of forbidden indulgence. I was in for a treat. My husband quietly concurred.

But alas, I shrank into my fitted, denim jacket and little black heels that I thought were all that. Hello salads, goodbye beef. Sparkling beauties beckoned my presence. Adorned in buttery silk and lacey regalia, proud and regal kittens scribbled away with shiny nails at endless autographs.

Queens and goddesses flaunted for photographers. Coquettish celebrities wrapped around poles with flying mains of hair, endless, silky legs and delicious tans. Envious curves of perfection abound at every corner. Fans huddled here and there, gawking, proudly whispering this name and that. Giggling wives posed with stars because they knew that later they’d get lucky. This event would surely promise presents for all.

Later, I scored a piece of ass. A bite size, butterscotch butt sinfully melted in my mouth. Better yet, it was offered to me on a silver platter by a sugary blonde as sweet as the milk chocolate penises on the table next to her. They came in all shapes and sizes, by the way. Sex, sweets and humor. What a killer combo.

Moving along, there were real estate companies (erotic people buy homes too, right?) and plastic surgeons giving away squishy, stress ball boobies. Designers adorned customers with corsets exploiting cleavage while male novelty vendors peddled endurance. Film producers sold naughty flicks a dime a dozen while secret sugarplums pranced about in stilettos and fig leaves. Well, almost. What I didn’t see was a chiropractor to adjust all the rubber necks.

As a photographer, I instinctively migrated toward every portfolio my eyes could find. Some of the images were miraculous. Others screamed with embarrassment. Occasional models requested my services which I happily obliged.

Back at the hotel, I sifted through the psychological sex mystery shrouding my brain. I later concluded over a cosmopolitan that there are not 2 but 3 things in life that never go away: death, taxes and sex. Written by Meeshee

]]> http://www.meesheephotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=33 7 http://www.meesheephotography.com/blog/?p=5 http://www.meesheephotography.com/blog/?p=5#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:43:05 +0000 Meeshee http://www.meesheephotography.com/blog/?p=5

When I was a little girl my favorite television show was I Love Lucy, the American sit com that aired nightly. As funny as she was, the main character Lucy always looked the same in every episode. Ladies, avoid the Lucy Look!

Let’s face it. Most men are visual and into eye candy. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It just goes to show that women mesmerize men. When a man views beautiful imagery of a woman he is spellbound. If the woman in the images knows her body, personality and charm (we all have it!), the power she exemplifies over that man is electrifying.

So how do we as women really get to know ourselves? Get intimate with yourself. No, it’s not what you think. I’m talking about practicing in front of a mirror. Being in front of the camera is hard work. Whether or not you’re a model, practice and prepare. Practice full smiles, half smiles, pouts, snarls, dreamy eyes, surprised eyes, alluring eyes, mouth open, lips slightly parted, the curves of your back, the lines of your thighs, the daintiness of your ankles, waist and hips. A woman’s back is a beautiful thing but often overlooked. If you don’t like your tummy, lie down in front of the mirror, stretch out and watch it flatten. All in all, you will feel much more relaxed during your photo shoot. However, I never rely on the experience of a woman who’s in front of my camera. I always guide her and practically hold her hand during the entire shoot.

Identify those secret areas of your body that don’t excite you but remember that an imperfection can actually be quite attractive. By practicing in front of the mirror, you can possibly turn that little glitch into an attribute. Or, you may discover angles that steel the focus and curtail the glitch which isn’t so bad, after all.

Well-manicured hands and feet beguile the viewer. Pamper them and the sexiness of your images will skyrocket. As a photographer, I spend a lot of time with my models in front of the camera, calling attention to seemingly minute details: a pinky slightly lifted; lips slightly parted to show the gleam of her teeth; the curve of her breast just a breath away; knees subtly apart; silky soft feet shiny with polish softly tease the viewer, causing the mind to wander.

If you’re feeling frisky and decide to spice it up a bit by revealing all, remember that your most intimate areas are magical. Whenever I shoot nudes, however explicit or erotic the model desires, I never forget the element of art. I want my images to sanctify the regality that is a woman’s body. Written by Meeshee

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