classy mudflap girl

How to Find Your Boudoir Photographer

What should you look for when hiring a professional photographer for your Boudoir or PinUp photoshoot? There are several things you need to consider and research.

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1. Whose work is it?

Just because someone posts photos online to Facebook, Pinterest, etc. does not mean those photos were taken by them. With the internet and photos being so readily available, it is very, very easy to steal photos from other photographers. Stealing happens when a photographer uses a photo they didn’t take or have permission to use, and then they represent it as their own work.  Watch out for this on the popular social media sites like Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Watch out for photographer pinning other people’s work on their Pinterest page and representing it as their own. On our  Pinterest Page, we specifically labeled our work to prevent confusion. Our work has our logo on it, and our boudoir photos are labeled as mellBella Boudoir Photos rather than just boudoir. We have other boards on there labeled as “inspiration” where we pin ideas for clothing, makeup, accessories, etc.

Make sure the photos that are advertised by a photographer represent the one you are hiring.  Ask:  “Are these your photos? Did you take them? If not, can I see more of your work.” If they can not provide photos, be very hesistant. You don’t want to go to the trouble and cost of doing a shoot and then be disappointed by the outcome. Want to see more of our work?  We are happy to show you more of what we do, here at mellBella.

mellBella Photographers Mell Bell and Wanda

2. What will you be getting?

Professional boudoir photographers usually do not sell clients unedited photos. If someone is trying to sell you unedited photos they are  possibly trying to get you to spend additional money by having you pay to retouch them and selling you unfinished work. If you are purchasing a flash drive of images or they are part of a package you are buying, part of their service should include high resolution images that have been at least color corrected. Sometimes additional edits are requested, but the images mellBella shows you from your shoot are finished images that have already been 1) culled to choose the best images (no blinks, in between looks, etc.) 2) color corrected  3) professionally edited.

Boudoir Laughter

 3. What about price?

Have a friend who is doing the shoot for cheap or free? Or tempted to use “that guy” on Craigslist? Awesome. But keep in mind, they are probably just starting out, and the finished products will not be the same quality as a professional. But, what about that unbelievable deal on Groupon? Cheaper is rarely ever better, as good as, or even comparable. Invest your money in something you will love.  Invest your money in a professional photographer who you like and trust. Boudoir photography is about you and an amazing experience for you. You want someone with experience who knows how to use light, posing, and styling to help you not only look beautiful but truly feel beautiful.

Most clients will only ever do one boudoir session in their lives, while some  want to do multiple sessions. mellBella offers no interest payment plans to make your purchase affordable, as well as giving you a quality product to keep. You can check out a few of our products at: http://www.mellbella.com/boudoir-products/ classy mudflap girl

From beginning to end, everything you experience with mellBella will be professional, high quality and never leave you feeling concerned or unhappy. We’ve got you covered everything from to posing, hair and makeup, access to mellBella’s closets of clothes, shoes, jewelry, super fun vintage props, our lighting, photo processing, to sips and sweets and of course, the photos, books and products.

Good luck ladies! Give us a call, and we can talk you through the entire process… the mellBella experience.

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mellBella's signature over the bed camera

Turn Up the Heat 2015- mellBella’s Summer Boudoir Photography Event

subtle but sexy boudoirSummer is here, and the time is right… for Turn Up the Heat 2015! Our annual summer Boudoir Photography Event will be held at our 2000 square foot studio on August 29th & 30th. Save your pennies and mark your calendar for a unique unforgettable time with our photographers Wanda and Mell Bell.

Best. Gift. Ever! Let our female staff help you create a gift that only you can give your fiance/husband for your wedding, to celebrate reaching your goals or birthday, or just because you WANT to feel beautiful.No excuses. You CAN do this!

We are so excited to offer the Bombshell Package for $200 ($216 with tax):

mellBella's signature over the bed camera

Our Bombshell Package includes:

– An hour pampering by our expert hair and makeup artist from PaperDolls – Wedding Hair & Makeup
– An hour Private photoshoot in the mellBella Studio
– Private consultation & viewing session
– Champagne, little bites and sweet treats

Limited space available!

Book by 7/17/2015 for $75 OFF the Bombshell Package!!!

Bring your best gal pals! If you both book a session for this event, you BOTH get $30 in Product Credit towards your mellBella product(s).

Ask about our specials for military, our Richard Bell Photography brides, and return Bella Beauties.  Contact us at info@mellbella.com for more info and to reserve your session for Turn Up the Heat 2015– August 29th and 30th!

boudoir moulin rouge swing

Lowcountry Highrollers Derby Helmet 2

Lowcountry Highrollers in our Studio!

A couple of weeks ago we had the privilege of meeting and photographing nearly 40 amazing, hard core, beautiful women! The Lowcountry Highrollers came in for head shots as well as rockabilly/pinup photos. It was a whirlwind of hair, makeup, smiling, laughing, “heeeyyyyyyyy” and just plain awesomeness!

We had so much fun with these ladies!

Check out Charleston’s own roller derby ladies at

 http://www.lowcountryhighrollers.com/

Be on the lookout for the Pinup portraits…coming soon!

 

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We made a collection of all of the head shots that you can view http://video214.com/play/6eqJFG8f1fl0qMhD8TgJDg/s/dark

Sequin and Sassy Charleston Best Boudoir Photographers

mellBella Spring Meet & Greet 2015

The Guardians of the Sexy Tour contiSequin and Sassynues….

 

Come visit our fabulous Charleston Boudoir Studio and check out the mellBella Closet. Meet Wanda and Mell Bell while enjoying some sips and sweets. Ask your boudoir or pinup questions. Bring your friends and then go out for a night on the town!

At this event, you’ll get the exclusive scoop on the next mellBella Special Event, be among THE First to view the newest set at our studio, and much more.

Enter our drawing for a chance to win a FREE mellBella Boudoir or PinUp session including hair/makeup! (up to a $500 value) ***Only ladies 21 years of age and older who attend this event are eligible to enter the contest.

 

Long or Statement Necklaces

What To Wear For Your Boudoir Session– Top Ten Non Lingerie Pieces

So many times emphasis is placed on finding the perfect lingerie pieces for your boudoir photography session. But you don’t have to limit your session to just lingerie. Sometimes sexy is just hanging out in your closet. Here are our Top Ten Non Lingerie Items you can bring to your mellBella Boudoir Experience to create your version of sexy.

  1. Cardigan– Pair with a nude or frilly bra or NO BRA and some Bling!
    cardigan for boudoir

2. See Through or Lace Shirts– Think Peek-A-Boo! Pair with or without a bra.

peek-a-boo tops3. Tank Tops– Wear your fav superhero underoos or pick your fav color. A bra is optional of course.

tank tops are fun and flirty

4. Tutus– Who doesn’t love a tutu?!? We have several you can borrow in different lengths and colors!

tutu cute to complete your boudoir look

5. Dress– Now you have a place to wear that cute dress that is waiting inside your closet. Wear that little number you wore on a date with your husband.

short little dress

6. Apron– It’s not just for cooking in the kitchen!

apron and pearls

7. Coats– Add a little faux fur or leather coat. No bras necessary.

Fur or Leather Coat

8. Long necklace– Make your statement with your fav pearls or bling necklace.

Long or Statement Necklaces

9. Fabulous Heels– You know those shoes that you can’t wear out because you can’t walk in them… bring them to show off!

killer heels

10. Robe– If you’re extra nervous, you can even start off your mellBella Boudoir Session in your satin robe.
satin robe

 

No matter what you wear or don’t wear, the most important part is that you have a great time at our Charleston Boudoir Studio. We have some ladies who get addicted and do a boudoir session every year with us. Remember, your version of beautiful isn’t defined by anyone else, but YOU. You are beautiful at every age and every stage of life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shirt Optional-- mellBella Closet

What’s Her Name?!? Contest WINNER

 

After much deliberation and entries, SHE finally has a name. Her name is Scarlet Rose.  She’s always a lady, classy, sexy, and fun. Congratulations to Jennifer of JW Weddings and Events for helping us name her and winning the mellBella What’s Her Name?!? contest.

Thank you everyone for your participation and keep checking our blog for the next contest or event.

Until next time, enjoy some of Scarlet Rose’s looks from the mellBella Closet.

Everything you see in the photos is available for you to borrow at your very own mellBella Photography Session. #mellbellawhn

International-- mellBella Closet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuschia Lace-- mellBella Closet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Red Riding Hood-- mellBella Closet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shirt Optional-- mellBella Closet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gypsy Style-- mellBella Closet