I Need Your Help!

As you may or may not already know, I have a passion for boudoir photography, which I typically shoot in my studio. While the studio sessions are fantastic, I would also like to be able to offer my clients the option of shooting on-location with natural lighting. The problem, of course, is finding a location that is not only interesting and appropriate for this type of photography (extremely tasteful lingerie and/or nude photographs of women), but is also completely private. So, this is where you come in.

I'm posting this blog to ask if anyone may know of such a place that I could rent for occasional on-location boudoir photo sessions? Ideally, I'd love to find a big, empty, kind of abandoned-looking space, perhaps with exposed brick walls or even peeling paint. Unused office or apartment space, an empty warehouse, or any similar type of space that may even be under construction could work for this idea. I am open-minded as to the aesthetics, but my one major requirement is that the space MUST have plenty of natural light, either from multiple windows or one large window.

Another location option would be to find someone who owns a large, beautiful home with lots of antique or high-end furniture, which I could rent either hourly or by the day for boudoir sessions. The homeowner would have to be able to guarantee 100% privacy during the scheduled photo session(s). If the homeowner is uncomfortable leaving the house, he/she must agree to stay behind closed doors for the duration of each photo session. Also, I would prefer that no children or uncaged pets be inside the home while I am shooting.

If you or someone you know has any of the above-mentioned types of places available, or if you have another location suggestion, please email a detailed description of the location, along with contact information, to cbellphoto@frontier.com. I will be happy to visit the location to see if it fits my needs and, if so, discuss a possible rental agreement with the owner.

In the meantime, I am still currently scheduling boudoir sessions in my studio or in another location of your choice (location must be arranged and provided by the client). So, call today to schedule your own private session, or get some girlfriends together and take advantage of my Boudoir Party discount! (304) 522-7747

August Wedding Booking Special!

20% Off the Divine and Exquisite Wedding Packages

AND

Add a CD With Copyright Release for Only $200!!!!

That's right, NOW is the time to book your 2011 or 2012 wedding date with Courtney Bell Photography because this special is only going to be offered during the month of August, 2011! Not only am I offering a 20% discount off the Divine and Exquisite wedding packages (that's up to a $500 savings!), but you may also add a CD of full-resolution images from your wedding day with a written copyright release statement (a $400 value) to either your Exquisite or Lovely package for only $200!

Offer expires August 31, 2011. Don't let this opportunity to save $$$ pass you by! Call (304) 522-7747 today!

Boudoir!

The phone conversations always typically start the same way. "Um, hi. I was calling to ask if you do....well....I hope you don't think I'm weird for asking you this, but just out of curiosity..." It is usually at this point that I will put the shy caller out of her awkward misery and simply reply, "Yes, I do boudoir photography."

In fact, second to weddings, boudoir photography is my favorite thing to do! I have never had one single client leave a boudoir session that didn't feel completely beautiful (not to mention smoking hot!) and incredibly anxious to see her final images, even though she had entered my studio an hour to two ago complaining about her body and feeling totally self-conscious.

How am I able to help turn shy, hesitant women into purring little centerfolds so quickly, you ask? Well, I'm sure each of my former clients could probably give you a different answer to that question, but overall I believe it's my love and enthusiasm for making women look and feel beautiful that initially puts my clients at ease. Then, once we start shooting I am constantly giving the client "sneak peaks" of her shots on my camera because I want her to see how amazing she looks through my lens. Without fail, this always gives her a huge boost of confidence because she sees that I know which angles and poses are going to make her look gorgeous. From that point on, she not only stops feeling self-conscious, but she actually has a blast during the rest of the photo shoot!

Many of my clients have said to me at the end of their boudoir sessions, "Every woman should do this at least once!", and I couldn't agree more. So, what are you waiting for???? Call today to schedule your private boudoir session OR get some girlfriends together and schedule a Boudoir Party!

PRIVATE BOUDOIR SESSION

Up to 2 hours of photography

Up to 3 different outfits

Bring any props you'd like, or choose from a selection at the studio.

Your 20 final images will be posted in a password-protected online gallery, from which you may order prints directly.

Seven of your favorite, full-resolution images on a disc or emailed directly to you.  ($20 for each additional image.)

$200.00

SMALL BOUDOIR PARTY

Bring at least three girlfriends with you and receive 50% off your session fee!

(Please allow at least three hours for your small Boudoir Party.)

$100.00 for the party hostess

$150.00 for the party guests

LARGE BOUDOIR PARTY

If you bring at least five girlfriends with you, your session is FREE!

(Please allow at least four hours for your large Boudoir Party.)

$0.00 for the party hostess

$120.00 for the party guests

(A copyright release statement may be purchased for an additional $100.)

Courtney Bell Photography

(304) 522-7747

My Latest Obsession

My fellow photo enthusiasts, I would like to introduce you to a new website called [FRAMED]. I somehow stumbled across this site about a month ago and I've been completely hooked ever since. Every Tuesday they post a new video featuring photographers of various specialties from around the United States. I have always loved documentaries that allow me to watch other photographers work and talk about their passion and philosophies about what they do, so this site is right up my ally!

[FRAMED] also has a lot of great giveaways, and this week I've decided to throw my hat into the ring. Episode 8 featured photographer Carlin Sundell, who is known for telling elaborate stories with his photographs. Therefore, [FRAMED] is asking people to submit a photograph that also tells a story. I am submitting the following photo, which I put together just before Halloween of last year for a 365 project I am currently working on. A few of my amazing friends volunteered to play my "victims" and were such great sports. (Thank you Lauren, Kristy, Courtney, and Kristin!)

Be sure to check out [FRAMED] and become a fan on Facebook and Twitter! (Click HERE if you'd like to see a larger version of this photo.)

February Copyright Release Offer!

For the first time in seven years, but for the month of February only, Courtney Bell Photography is offering you the opportunity to ADD A COPYRIGHT RELEASE to the Exquisite and Lovely wedding packages!!! (This also includes a full-resolution disc of images if added to the Lovely package.)

Previously, the written copyright release statement has ONLY been available when purchased with the Divine package because it is such a huge value. With your copyright release statement, you will be able to have as many prints, enlargements, photo books, or other photo gifts made at ANY photo lab you wish! This could save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars!!!

Normally, the written copyright release is valued at $425.00. However, during the month of February only I am offering this addition at the very special LOW price of only $350.00!

Call today to book your wedding date, or to purchase a disc and/or copyright release from your past wedding shot by Courtney Bell Photography. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! 304.522.7747

New and Improved. Now with TWICE the Courtney's!

After almost seven years of working alone, I have finally taken on an assistant! I'd like for you all to meet Miss Courtney Holschuh (pronounced "whole shoe"). Courtney and I met a couple of years ago, but I was aware of her work as an amateur photographer for a couple of years before that, thanks to Flickr.com. She is silly, fun, has a great eye for photography, and she is also EXTREMELY organized, which is exactly the kind of assistant I need! We have already shot several weddings together and I feel very confident that she is going to be a great asset to Courtney Bell Photography.

The "other" Courtney and I will be at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena this Sunday (Jan. 16) from 11-5 for the 2011 Bridal Expo. In honor of Courtney H.'s first year as my assistant, I am offering a 20% discount off the Divine and Exquisite wedding packages if you book your wedding with Courtney Bell Photography by January 31, 2011! Feel free to stop by and say hello, ask questions, or just check out our booth. Hope to see you there!