In an effort to share the experiences of more women, and create more content for us to engage with as a community, I’m going to begin sharing the work of those who have signed release forms with me. It’s the perfect opportunity for everyday folkx to see what I’m getting up to and how I’m working with clients to create a meaningful vision.
Above, we see a dear friend of mine, AJ. She been supporting me for a while now, and I think she’s in it for the long haul, this is our second session together! She’s trusted me this isolation season with the idea of a virtual session (inspired byTeri Hofford) YES– THESE WERE TAKEN VIA FACETIME! I took this as an opportunity to adapt, learn new techniques in post and adapt in how I pose coach.
In Nova Scotia, our restrictions are easing and I’m starting to book outdoor sessions again, but if you find yourself interested in a virtual session or at least knowing how they work, please get in touch! I’d love to work with you and make some creations.
I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The subject was in Toronto, Ontario. Despite being in isolation for about a month now, we still made absolute m a g i c .
Thanks to the fantastic community of photographers I find myself a part of online, we’ve found solace and creativity in hosting virtual sessions. It’s something that I never thought would be taken seriously, an idea that popped into my head prior to seeing anything about it, but I thought to myself… Nah, then folks will just know how to take nice self-portraits alone.
But then I found Teri Hofford sharing this topic, and wow my eyes and mind opened up. I decided after seeing so many beautiful and funky creations on my feed, that I needed in on this action. I needed to beat this creative block, feel like my passion is not lost forever.
OK. I guess I need to stop for a minute and explain if you’re not too sure what I’m talking about. Using your phone, tablet or even laptop, through a video chat (facetime, zoom, etc…) I am able to walk you through a virtual photoshoot. Posing you, guiding you through your space, the light you have available to you, and moving me(your phone) to where the better angles will be. It’s not perfect, but that’s sort of the point!
Moving right along… I hopped onto Teri’s online course to see what else there was to know before I started, I knew I couldn’t just hop in guns a blazin’. This wasn’t about showing folks how to take a nice self portrait, this ultimately was always about providing an experience! Something fun, bold, and empowering to do while we’re all stuck inside… Have me yell some nice things at you! I’ll pose you through our video call. Grab some screenshots and edit them in an exciting, less than traditional way than I normally would. It’s the ultimate quarantine collaboration!
Teri Hofford
There is something so unique, intimate and just so authentic about the way these images feel. They really feel like stamp for this odd moment in time. Truly a moment where digital is taking the limelight, as the quality of these wouldn’t be recommended for print necessarily.
Although, there is something to be said about being able to show people what you can do just your words, a little bit of light and a lens on the other end of the internet. Imagine what some of us can do in-person once all of this is over! 😉
I get a lot of emails about wardrobe. Do I supply it? What should the client bring? Where is a good place to find lingerie that works for my body shape?
Let’s tackle all of these questions with this blog! (I’ll be creating an FAQ for my boudoir site soon as well with a summary of these things)
Picking your outfit is basically half the fun of planning your boudoir shoot! It is hard to know where to start though. Here, I’ll talk about some simple tips and recommendations to help you look and feel super-model ready during your shoot.
Things to Keep in Mind
ANYTHING can be sexy as long as you feel sexy in it.
I do not at this time of posting supply wardrobe (I touch on this further down)
Not every outfit needs to be lingerie
Bring at least one bra and panty set
Try everything on that you’re thinking of bringing before your session
Brand new lingerie, or lightly worn is best
Bring heels if you can (3 inches or more)
You can show as much or as little as of your body as you’d like
So, You Don’t Provide Wardrobe?
No, at this moment in time, I do not have the means to offer an entire wardrobe. This does not mean it is not in my future plans. Believe me, I want the studio and wardrobe of yours and my dreams combined! I have wish lists, pinterest boards, whenever I’m out and see something shoot worthy, I want it. It’s coming, it’s just in major progress.
The main reason I do not provide wardrobe at this time is because every body type and individual personality of my clients are so unique that I’d rather help you find what you already own that will suit your session the best, or guide you to purchase something that you will really love and that you can KEEP!
Something I do offer is some accessories that I can offer. From cardigans, cover ups and a furry faux blanket!
Ok, What Should I Bring?
I recommend bringing your choice of 3 outfits. A simple bra and panty set is always a good starting and staple point, high-waisted panties especially. They are super on-trend right now and help you if you’re worried about feeling too bare. For your bra, a supportive bralette is preferred over a sturdy cupped style as bralettes are more moldable and mobile with your body. Cups have a tendency to ‘cup-out’ and create a gap which gives the illusion of an ill-fitting outfit.. which you’ll be concerned about during our shoot, which may also show in our images!
Moving forward, a good bodysuit is flattering for almost all body types and there are so many different kinds on the market! From strappy and sexy, to classy and lacey. A great alternative to a bodysuit is a teddy, they’re loose and flowy which can add an elegant flair. Teddies are also great for bridal boudoir!
Third option, I generally opt for cozy time. An over-sized tee or baggy sweater with some boy shorts, or cheeky panties. Thigh-high socks. Sport-bra and your favourite sweats. It’s entirely up to you!
My ONE outfit faux-pas however, are babydoll type pieces. I will 9/10 veto this outfit as harsh as it sounds, they tend to actually be the least flattering thing for all body types and make you appear larger than you really are. I understand them as a safety net, but you’ll thank me later when you see what can be done without it!
Also, many times, I and other photographers will ask you to keep patterns and vibrant colours to a minimum but this is your shoot! Don’t be afraid to be you! I became a photographer to express myself and help others to see and express themselves as the amazing beings that the world sees them as. Let me capture your wild side! Tell me your ideas and let’s make magic happen!
Let’s Talk Shop!
Now that I’ve touched on most points, I’ll leave some examples of lingerie linked to where you may purchase. Everything was in stock at time of posting.
One of my favourite brands for bralettes is Aerie! Their website features untouched images of all body types ❤
Love the harnesses seen in a lot of my images? Check out Babalon Leather, a local Halifax leatherworker.
In the end, what’s important is that you love your choice of outfit. The outfit you love the most is the one you’re going to look and feel best in! I really hope that my little guide here has given you some ideas and guidance to planning your session!
We are so conditioned to photographing our faces, our eyes, our “good side” We often forget that there are other parts of us that are worthy of a photo. Little details. Worthy of noting. Worthy of your love. Worthy of existing.
And it’s okay to take time with seeing those images, taking them in and appreciating the pieces of you and who you are. But your body carries all that you are. Your arms are how you hug your loved ones, your chest contains important things like your beating heart, your belly contains the fuel that gets your through each day, the organs surrounding your stomach to help the rest of your body function. Every piece of you has its purpose. You are allowed to appreciate that. However you see fit.
Santina Rao May 2020 – A black mother living in Halifax NS who was racially profiled at a Walmart. Accused of theft, beaten and choked in front of her two toddlers. Now faces 3 charges that the court refuses to drop. The officers involved have not been reprimanded.
There’s an awful heavy air all around. You would have to be living quite literally under a rock to not see the global civil rights movement that is happening.
George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Ahmad Aubrey, Atatiana Jefferson, Philando Castille… These are only some of the names of Black lives lost to police brutality. This list could continue, it would never end.
If you follow me on my social media, you may have noticed– “Wow, Jessica really won’t shut up about anti-racism”, “Why is she so political on her business profiles?” “Gosh, that’s exhausting, unprofessional”
As a white person, who was raised to love everyone, queer, black, brown, white… I can no longer sit in my white privilege and just stay silent on what’s happening. It is okay to use your platform, especially if you have multiple to speak up and let people know where you stand and what you will not stand for. If anything, your clients NEED to know where your beliefs lie. Human lives and rights are far more important that any number of followers or likes that I could lose.
This year, marks a new chapter for me and my work but that new chapter also comes with accountability and admitting that younger Jessica did not take certain initiatives to make her work more inclusive. If you look through my portfolio, unless looking at my event work, a lot of my work is stereotypically ‘modelesque’ white girls, and while a lot of these folks are very dear friends of mine and they’ve worked hard on their bodies, their skills whether circus or dance… I need to acknowledge that for whatever reason, I haven’t made the reach to include more people of colour, Black, Indigenous, Asian, ethnicities of all types in my work.
You may have seen more recently that I’ve began to speak my truth about body activism and body positivity, including more ‘fat’ bodies, older bodies, mom bodies but, this movement wouldn’t at all be possible without Black femmes. (that is another blog for another day)
Our racially oppressive system have instilled this cloudy way of thinking (in my white opinion, maybe you feel similarly). I have always been an advocate of HUMAN rights. I was raised to think that you shouldn’t be treated poorly because of the colour of your skin, the gender that you love, because you celebrate a different way of living… However, when I went from living in a beautifully mosaic of a cultural situation, the suburbs of Montreal, to a very rural part of Nova Scotia. Everything changed.
All of these kids were white. Racist slurs were regularly used around me. We were 11!!! It was normalized in this small community at such a young age that if you were different that it was bad. I was mocked my first day on the bus for being French just because I had moved from Quebec. I was told I was too sensitive because I was white and didn’t like hearing racial and homophobic slurs… at ELEVEN.
What I’m getting at here is that, society conditions you no matter where you are to make it harder to reach out to BIPOC. Society creates a divide. I let this divide eat me up and tell me that I can’t ask BIPOC to work with me. That I would be judged, either by them or other white folk. Excuse me? What the FUCK kind of thinking is that? I can’t make a difference or get my message out if I think that way.
So, this is me. Admitting that I failed but that I am LEARNING and owning up to my failures and that I can do better by the communities. I am here to lift people up. Lift femmes of all types up. Queers of all types. BIPOC OF ALL TYPES! And another thing I need to add here that it is not acceptable to use this time now as a space for ‘white-self-improvement’ … I’m even learning more AS I WRITE THIS. It has taken me hours, days, to put together my thoughts. I feel there may be other creatives out there that could use this and hopefully Black and Indigenous folks out there that can feel how genuinely sorry I am for not speaking out of my own experiences sooner. I’ve been asking myself WHY is there a lack of diversity in my work. HOW can I fix this? HOW can I do better going forward?
I did compile a Google Doc of Anti-Racism resources, both American and Canadian, I do plan on updating it as I find more. If you would like to add to it, please contact me. Please have a look here: https://tinyurl.com/ybxh94f8
To put it simple I suppose, I want to work with women of colour. You deserve to share your stories, show the world that you exist and that you’re not fucking going anywhere! Please, have a look at these images that are some of my first REAL photos taken fresh out of quarantine. Santina and I had planned to work together in the winter just after her run in with racial profiling here in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“Accused of a crime she didn’t commit, this strong 23 year-old was left with a broken wrist, a concussion, and bruising all over her throat and the rest of her body at the hands of our city’s finest police. The incident occurred in front of her two toddlers, one of which will likely never forget the sight of 5 uniformed officers beating her mom. ” – Emily Kelly, Solidarity for Santina: Legal Fees Fundraiser
Please follow the link above to the fundraiser if you have the ability to support Santina’s legal funds, it would mean the world to her and her two children.
If you’re here, you’re either considering a boudoir session OR have taken the leap and booked one! If it’s the latter of the two, then you may now be wondering what you have gotten yourself into and what you, yourself can do to have the best session EVER (other than having fun with it) Right? As your photographer, I’m here to ensure these photos reflect not only your outer beauty, but your true inner beauty as well! So much time, thought, and preparation goes into an intimate portrait session such as this, and it’s only natural to be overwhelmed or worried… but, keep reading! Below is my little guide to keep in mind what you can do to prepare for your “fresh photos with the bomb lighting” as Lizzo would say.
Wardrobe
2019
Keep calm and bring what makes you FEEL amazing and in-turn, you will look amazing! Think, 1-3 outfits. (read What to Wear)
Fit is everything. Remember to pick items that fit you properly, that do not dig too much into your skin and lay flat against your body.
On the day of your session, be sure to wear comfy, loose clothing before and upon your arrival as to not leave any marks or indentations on your skin.
Accessories, props! Feel free to bring a few extra little things to your session such as your favourite cardigan, a silky robe, meaningful jewelry and socks/other hosiery. (I also tend to have a few coverups, comfies and fuzzy things handy!)
If you are bringing shoes to your session, give the soles a little clean-up as they may show in photos. (If you’re a size 8.5, I gotchu! We’re still building out little boudy wardrobe, other sizes and more coming soon.)
If you have ANY doubts, email me!!! I am but a message away and would love to know what your vision is! Better yet, call me and let’s schedule your in-person planning sesh!
Grooming
Hands & Feet Your hands can be used in very sensual as well as creative ways, they will also be showing in most of your photographs. Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure (even a DIY one at home) before your session to make sure your digits and toes are looking their best. If you don’t wear polish, I do suggest at least a clear polish on your nails for a glossy feel. If you do wear polish, stick with more neutral tones. Nudes, burgundy, brown, etc… Unless we’re planning a very vibrant, vivacious shoot! If you’re wearing rings, bracelets, etc… please make sure they’re clean and looking their best! (This goes for earrings and necklaces as well)
Face & Skin Hydration is key here! Make sure you’re drinking your water, especially the week of your shoot. Your skin will love it, love YOU and leave you looking refreshed. Exfoliating your body is a wonderful idea, but not necessary! If you choose to do so make sure to not irritate or redden the skin. It’s best to do this 2-3 days prior to your session.
Isobel Rabit // 2019
For your face, why not treat yourself to a facial? Even one at home will leave your face glowing. I recommend not trying anything new if you know how your skin will react. Give it time to calm down if need be after your treatment.
Other things to consider; DON’T go for a drastic change in hair style prior to your shoot! If your new look isn’t what you had hoped, it can cause major anxiety to your shoot which you definitely don’t need. A root-touchup and maaaybe a trim is enough, if you want to go the extra mile… Try a deep-conditioning treatment to give your hair an added supermodel shine!
Eyebrows, Tanning & Waxing, Oh My! Remember, hair-removal of any kind is a personal choice! It’s entirely up to you how you want to express yourself and your body. If you choose to get your eyebrows, or elsewhere waxed, it’s recommended to do this a few days before your session to avoid redness and irritation in your images.
Protect yourself from the sun! You’ll want to avoid any burns before your session, as retouching of streaks, sunburns and tan lines are not included (in my sessions anyway, but that’s okay, some say tan lines are IN!)
For your session, I’d like to advise you do not use self-tanner as it significantly will not look natural on camera and add and orange tint to your skin. This does go for regular tanning as well. If you go tanning, hold off at least one week before your session. Bring your body lotion with you to your shoot.
Hair & Makeup Not all of my sessions include hair and makeup, often times, I just need to bring yourself feeling your most fierce! In cases like these, it’s helpful for me if you arrive with clean, dry hair. If you’d like to style it before you arrive, light curls or waves give a nice bedroom vibe. As for your makeup, you can come barefaced if you’d like to be ‘au-naturel’ you or a simple eyeliner/mascara combo with your favourite lipstick will do! As always, if you are unsure of colours of styling, get in touch or bring your lippies to the session and we can pick one out together.
Often times, I can do simple hair & makeup touchups from curls, to eyebrows and highlighter!
If you would like professional hair & makeup with your session, please discuss with me while we plan your session so I can find the perfect artists for us and our date!
More About your Session
Bubble Vixen // 2019
If makeup/hair is booked through me, arrive with a clean face and dry hair. Please let the makeup artist know if you have any sensitivities, and do bring some photo inspiration for your makeup look if you’d like.
Please be punctual! If you have makeup and hair included in your session, makeup alone can take up to an hour, with hair styling taking anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Give us time to pamper you while you get glammed up! Our time together will be approximately one hour.
If you arrive too early, we may be with another client. If you arrive late, that time will be deducted from your session.
Remember that to book your appointment, you must pay the session fee in full, it is non-refundable and due at time of booking your session.
Payment plans are available, please contact me for details and breakdowns.
If you must reschedule, it is limited to one time, and the rescheduling cut-off is 3 days prior the shoot unless it is a special event. (Emergencies & other circumstances will be assessed on case by case basis).
No shows and cancellations will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Have anymore questions? Head over to my boudoir website and let’s chat ❤
Starting a blog is always intimidating but, I’m hoping by acting cool, calm and collected… I’ll find a way to tell you about myself and my goal in the most entertaining way I possibly could express through a blog.
Who Am I?
photo by Grim Photography
My name is Jessica Judge
25 years old living in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
A photographer by trade
What you should know about me, is that I’m a bubbly, colourful-haired, critter loving camera operator and people-pleaser. I have been on a long journey of self-discovery (who HASN’T been!) Hitting many low points, I have almost put down the camera “for good” a handful of times but I truly cannot see me doing anything but this.
REZZ @ Evolve 2017
There was a time that I used to want to be known as specialty event photographer and in the summer of 2019, it hit me that I actually had become what I sought out to be. I am now a major staple of the Evolve Festival media team, as well as a handful of other festivals and music events around the Maritimes. Throughout the years however, I have new goals, I have grown and know I have more to offer than a creative twist on concerts and event guests.
Photography allows me to showcase how vibrant the world can be in my eyes. To show not only outer beauty of a person, but hopefully allow them to feel their inner beauty as well. Nothing is more satisfying than someone saying they look “out of this WORLD” or “like an actual GODDESS” after a session with me!!!
Moving along in my story; After my time in the Commercial Photography Program at NSCC, I left Nova Scotia for Alberta. My eyes set on establishing myself in Calgary, I pushed myself to network and ended up not just working for The Camera Store but also a local boudoir studio that happened to also book weddings as well as photo booths. In my time with them, I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing my share of celebrities as well as spend time processing and preparing absolutely gorgeous boudoir and wedding images in a stunning studio that I only wish I could call my own…
Shana // 2018
Recently, I have been REACHING for new goals and ideas. Telling myself that the impossible IS indeed possible.
I CAN do photography full-time. I WILL have my own studio. Anyway, this is getting really deep and personal which I guess is the point of this new blog, but moving along now…
I’ve been looking for ways to better connect myself to my work, my social media and my clients. I feel as though that would be a step towards my goals. What better way than to check in weekly, maybe monthly with updates through this blog!
Why a Blog Now? What Will you Write About?
Blogging allows me to hit an audience much wider than my Facebook and Instagram can account for.
These blogs will make it fun and easier than ever before to create content. Possibilities range from more graphic design, client guides, creative inspiration, weddings and more!
The hope is to accomplish wider network and outlet for my experiences.
If you’ve made it this far, please enjoy this photo of my cat, Pixel. She is my WORLD.
Jessica Judge 