Bunn Salarzon - brunette posing on beach in hawaii

She may look like a professional model, but she isn't. You may know her ... She is The Girl Next Door.

HER BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT EXPERIENCE WITH BUNN...

→ MEET JENNIFER

WHO ARE YOU? I am a mom of 3 and wife who happens to be a pro photog based in Honolulu, Hawaii. My mother is Thai and my father is Filipino.

WAS THIS YOUR FIRST-EVER BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE? First time with Bunn, and she made me do it [because she was visiting Oahu].

WHAT WAS YOUR GOAL? (And did you have any fear about it?) None, I'm game... but I am self conscience in front of the camera; that I would look like a dork like I always do. But I think all women are their own worst critic and will always point out the faults in their bodies before pointing out the good stuff. [Goal] To help build up Bunn's film portfolio.

 

WOULD YOU DO THIS AGAIN? (And would you recommend this?) ...every woman should have this kind of experience. (I dunno [if I would do it again.])

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THIS SENTENCE: "Every woman should experience a boudoir photo session with Bunn because..." Bunn is fun to work with and has a great eye for boudoir photography that is fresh and different from everybody else's.

Bunn Salarzon - bridal images of a beautiful brunette

She may look like a professional model, but she isn't. You may know her ... She is The Girl Next Door.

HER BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT EXPERIENCE WITH BUNN...

→ MEET ANGELA

WHO ARE YOU? I'm a full-time nurse, mother of two and wife; ½ Korean, ¼ Dutch, ¼ Heinz 57 as my grandma always says (little bit of German, little bit of French and maybe a few other things that got lost in translation).

WAS THIS YOUR FIRST-EVER BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE? No, I have done one other shoot for Bunn.

(What motivated you to do it?) To make myself feel more comfortable with my body after having children. The idea of having a really nice photo of myself to share with my husband made me feel really excited.

WHAT WAS YOUR GOAL? One thing off my bucket list!
(Did you have any fear about it?) CONFIDENCE. Everyone has those "parts" of them they don't love. FEAR. I don't know how to pose or position myself to look beautiful? DISAPPOINTMENT. What if I don't like the way I look in the photos, or what if Bunn doesn't feel is was a successful shoot?

(What was the most enjoyable aspect of the shoot?) Feeling pretty for the day, a day that was all about me. Those moments are rare when you have kids. :)

 

WHAT DID BUNN OR HER TEAM DO TO HELP PUT YOU AT EASE? We laughed ALOT! It wasn't so serious and I felt really comfortable with the team. She really helped me find ways to pose that felt natural.

WOULD YOU DO THIS AGAIN? Not sure, part of me thinks I've marked that project off, feel so happy with the way it turned out. Leave it at that, but then again... I feel so comfortable with Bunn and her team, why not do it again?! Also, you learn something from each shoot, I have new ideas, or changes about the way I looked that it would be fun to try again! (Would you recommend this?) Time after time, again and again. Forever.

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THIS SENTENCE: "Every woman should experience a boudoir photo session with Bunn because..." The confidence it restores in you changes your life... (Hair & Makeup by Portland Make-Up & Hair)

Bunn Salarzon - pretty brunette in black lingerie

She may look like a professional model, but she isn't. You may know her ... She is The Girl Next Door.

HER BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT EXPERIENCE WITH BUNN...

→ MEET JARIN

WHO ARE YOU? I’m Jarin. I do all sorts of things, some of which are hiking, sailing, and painting. My nationality is mixed, but mostly Portuguese/Irish.

WAS THIS YOUR FIRST-EVER BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE? (What motivated you to do it?) Yes, my very first. Someone had suggested it to me, so I figured, why not just give it a shot? I’m so glad that I did.

WHAT WAS YOUR GOAL? To challenge myself. I don’t like that I’m uncomfortable in front of a camera, so I wanted to see if I could overcome that. Success! Thank you, Bunn and team! (And did you have any fear about it?) Being photographed! I’ve always been camera shy and pretty uncomfortable with being in the spotlight. The very few times I’d done any kind of modeling no one had told me what to do, how to stand, where to look, etc., I was afraid it might be like that again. I was also concerned that I might not photograph well.

WOULD YOU DO THIS AGAIN? (And would you recommend this?) Absolutely! I would totally recommend this to a friend. It is so important to value yourself inside and out. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to appreciate myself on the outside and I LOVE my photos. (Hair & Makeup by Jein King)

 

WHAT DID BUNN OR HER TEAM DO TO HELP PUT YOU AT EASE? Bunn and her team immediately made me feel relaxed. By chatting, having coffee and laughing, and discussing what kinds of poses and looks we could do. I loved that they helped me pick my outfits and made me feel not just beautiful but also HOT!

(What was the most enjoyable aspect of the shoot?) Feeling at ease in front of the camera which was a big deal for me. I didn’t feel any judgement or negativity from anyone, which was crucial for me and allowed me to relax and be myself. I think the level of comfortability and confidence Bunn and her team encourage is absolutely necessary for photos that are both beautiful and honest.

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THIS SENTENCE: "Every woman should experience a boudoir photo session with Bunn because..." Oh that’s simple. Every woman should experience a boudoir photo session with Bunn because she knows how to make women feel comfortable/confident, two musts for great pics!

Bunn Salarzon - beautiful boudoir image of a woman lying down

She may look like a professional model, but she isn't. You may know her ... She is The Girl Next Door.

HER BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT EXPERIENCE WITH BUNN...

→ MEET CARLY JEAN

WHO ARE YOU? I am Carly Jean Birkey and I am a registered nurse on a cardiac/telemetry floor at one of the hospitals here in the Portland area.

WAS THIS YOUR FIRST-EVER BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE? This was my first photo session of any sort! And it's safe to say that it will probably always be my most memorable!

(What motivated you to do it?) I was actually approached by Jein King who was doing amazing work on hair and makeup for my friend's wedding. I was one of the bridesmaids and she just asked me if I would be interested in being a makeup model at some point. I agreed, and then she emailed me about doing a combined project with Bunn as a boudoir shoot at my own house! I was excited but also very nervous as it sounded very intimidating. But then I looked at Bunn's work and absolutely fell in love with it, and couldn't have been more excited!

WHAT WAS YOUR GOAL? (And did you have any fear about it?) Well it's hard to have a boudoir shoot as your first shoot ever! So of course I was reserved about all of that. But Bunn really made it so that it wasn't even about that, she was just capturing the beauty of the photo. It's definitely a skill that comes in handy for boudoir! I had two goals with this shoot. One was that I wanted to capture my youth and fitness— I was training for a marathon and may never be as fit as I was at that time. Also, I bought my house in 2012 and it is a great house to live in as a single woman, but I know that I won't have that house forever. I loved the idea of a shoot in my own home because it created an art piece out of the place I live and love. I didn't really have any fears or concerns— except maybe that I would just be super awkward in all of the photos since I had no experience! But I was having so much fun I would have had a blast either way.

 

WHAT DID BUNN OR HER TEAM DO TO HELP PUT YOU AT EASE? I think one of the best things she did for the shoot for me was her humor. We had so much fun together— together with Jein, the hair and makeup artist, I felt like we were just a few girlfriends that just got dressed up for the fun of it and took pictures. When I would do or say something ridiculous, it was just part of the fun! And the result was that I felt very relaxed and comfortable with her. I think that shows in the photos.

WOULD YOU DO THIS AGAIN? (And would you recommend this?) I already have, to multiple people! I would absolutely do this again, every day if she wanted me to! Except I should probably keep my day job. ;) For me the most enjoyable part was how beautiful Bunn and Jein made me feel. With every different pose and outfit change they both kept telling me how great it looked, etc. This encouragement was invaluable to how I felt after the shoot was over. Before the shoot, I did think I was pretty. But afterwards, I felt beautiful.

HOW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THIS SENTENCE: "Every woman should experience a boudoir photo session with Bunn because..." Because it's worth it just for the experience of feeling absolutely beautiful and it is such a good time— not to mention the incredible photos that you get to keep for the memory! Thanks AGAIN Bunn! I love looking back on these photos. I seriously had so much fun that day!

Bunn Salarzon - portland boudoir photographer

THE TOP 10 QUESTIONS ABOUT BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR PRIVATE BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT WITH BUNN

1. SHOULD I BE NERVOUS? We know you may be getting nervous, but don’t worry because, even though we’re pros at this, we get a little nervous ourselves! It’s really just all the excitement to show you a wonderful time— starting with a little mimosa or wine, and some sweets to help calm your nerves. It’s going to be fun!

2. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I ARRIVE? When you arrive at your scheduled session time, you will be greeted by me personally or my assistant. We will hand you off to our onsite professional hair and makeup artist to start your beauty consultation and finalize your desired look. Don’t worry about bringing your own makeup supply because she will have everything you would possibly need, including the best sexy false eyelashes! But, please be sure your eyebrows are tweezed and take care of any other unwanted hair. (I don’t Photoshop it.) I will provide some music in the background (or you are welcome to bring your own playlist) while you are getting pampered on hair and makeup, sipping on wine/mimosa, and nibbling on fresh fruit that we will provide so consider it a mini spa day and just relax and enjoy it!

3. CAN I BRING A FRIEND OR MY BOYFRIEND? Yes, because this is your own private boudoir photo shoot with me then you are more than welcome to bring your best girl friend or your boyfriend/husband to be your cheerleader. They are welcome to some mimosas, too! ;)

4. COULD YOU BLOW-DRY MY HAIR? Your hair needs to be completely dry upon arrival and, preferably, from the previous day is best especially with left-in hair products. And your face should be washed of all makeup except for moisturizer, if your skin is on the dry side. Important: Please wear something loose for your time in the makeup chair, ie. track suit with a zip front, something that you can easily remove without messing up your finished hair and makeup.

5. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST? Think beyond the typical lingerie; Boudoir Photography isn’t just lingerie, that’s Boudoir Photography Myths … If it makes you feel pretty and sensual, then it’s the perfect piece even if it’s just a tee-shirt and boy shorts that you’d wear lounging around on a lazy Sunday morning. But avoid thick fabric because it just adds weight on you; always go for thin and transparent fabric. You can check out my Boudoir Photography Gallery to see what past clients have worn. Or, follow my blog for Boudoir Photo Session Tips.

6. WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE MY IMAGES? Typically, I will have your edited images ready within 14 days. I will present your images to you at my Boudoir Studio, or via Skype with me (if you are not local). You buy whatever you like, there’s no minimum and you’re in control of how much you want to spend. Every print you buy includes the high resolution digital copy of the image so you can print more on your own, or show off your stunning hair and makeup with friends on Facebook!

7. WILL MY PRINTS BE READY BY CHRISTMAS? As mentioned in the previous question, my turnaround is typically 14 days to show your edited images. When you come to my studio to view your images, that is the time when you can place an order for special prints or albums; most items guarantee a delivery between 1-2 weeks. However, if you have a specific timeline then we will have to ensure your photo shoot is done far in advance and include product delivery time.

8. DO YOU USE PHOTOSHOP ON THESE IMAGES? Yes, for all final print orders I do full edits before they get printed in your photo album, canvas wrap or portfolio print. I will retouch any stretch mark or other blemish, unwanted scar or flyaway hair, wrinkles, etc. However, if you want extensive retouching done on your images — such as making your arms (or any other body parts) “skinnier” or smoothing out your wrinkled clothing in Photoshop — then that’s an additional $50 per image.

9. WILL MY IMAGES BE SHARED ONLINE? In my photo contract with my clients, I state that I won’t share any of their images without their written permission. I respect your privacy 100% and would never break the trust you’ve bestowed on me. What you see online of women I have photographed are clients who have modeled for a specific shoot: //Photography for The Girl Next Door. And some images are from the client’s actual photo session, which they have granted me full permission to share.

10. WHAT IF I AM RUNNING LATE … CAN I RESCHEDULE MY SHOOT? Yes, you can but there is a $150 reschedule fee. We will wait for you up to 30 minutes before being forced to reschedule you for another date. I realize circumstances beyond one’s control can prevent you from making it to your photo session on time, but you must understand that missing your session affects the makeup artist’s time and income as well as my own. Hence, the reschedule fee.