One of Oni Studio’s most elite Boudoir Packages, Lilith’s Lair, actually takes place at a luxury hotel of customer’s choice. This kind of location not only has a pampered, classy feel, but it also provides such a wide variety of scenes and settings that it makes a four hour shoot fly by in no time. This package includes hair and makeup services, and all your favorite shots in specially designed Press Printed Book.

Around Whidbey Island area there are not that many luxury hotels to choose from. When I select the hotel I look at things like decor and color combinations, space, light and of course accessibility. So whenever I am out I always keep my eyes open for a new location for future photo shoots.

During one of my last trips to Port Townsend, Washington, I visited The Palace Hotel. It’s located on Water Street, which is the main street of downtown area. Hiding among other Victorian style buildings of 19th century, the hotel is easy to pass by, but the moment I walked inside I fell in love with it. Especially after learning more about the history of the hotel I knew for sure this was going to be one of the most popular locations for Lilith’s Lair.

Every room is decorated in Victorian style and since it used to be a brothel, every room is named after the girl that used to serve in it. Each room is different, unique to the girl’s personality and has a lot of antique furniture and decorations. In hallways and common areas guests can find lounge chairs and fainting couches, beautiful paintings and an old working piano.

“There is something about the Palace Hotel that is unlike other old buildings. We hear about these old places of ill repute and imagine the wretched lives of desperate women. But The Palace leaves no residue of creepiness. Instead, I had a sense of friendship, companionship, and respect which surprised me.

On my way out the door, I talked with one of the women who cares for the hotel, and she said she sees ghosts all the time (she said I reminded her of one of them!). She said she was at first struck by how regal the spirits seemed, the girls seemed to exude a radiant love which one wouldn’t expect from a lowly prostitute. It felt, to me, that within the walls of The Palace, men and women found refuge from the hardships and judgements of society… if those walls could talk…” ~Aliza Finley

 

The Palace Hotel – A Step Back in Time

The Palace Hotel occupies the Captain Tibbals Building. This classic three-story brick building was constructed in 1889 for $28,000 by Henry L. Tibbals, a retired sea captain. Built in the Richardson Romanesque style, the building’s arched windows appear to extend for two stories through the use of twin columns that bracket each window bay on the building’s facade. The Captain Tibbals Building is a beautiful example of Port Townsend’s turn-of-the-century architectural past.

From 1925 to 1933, the upper two floors of the building were known as the Palace Hotel, affectionately nicknamed “the Palace of Sweets” as they were operated as a brothel and hotel. During this time, the Madame of the house, Marie, occupied the corner suite on the second floor. Her room was richly decorated with plush red wallpaper and deep green woodwork, much as it is today. It had the only fireplace in the building, but it lacked a private bath as there was only one on each of the upper floors. On the third floor there were four, small interior rooms which were lighted from the large stairwell skylight, but had no outside windows. While this type of interior room was quiet common in the building of this era, in the Palace Hotel they served as “cribs” for the “girls”. Following an early morning raid by the sheriff in the mid ~1930′s, the brothel was eventually closed and Marie and the “girls” soon left town. Such is the colorful past of this beautiful building.

Since being renovated, the building has been home to the Palace Hotel. The hotel occupies the second and third floors, with a lovely restaurant and several specialty retailers located on the main level. The hotel features 15 charming guest rooms and suites, each still bearing the name of one of the “girls”. Each room is uniquely furnished with antiques and collectibles, in keeping with the Victorian character of the building. Most have private baths and several have mini-kitchen facilities. With soaring windows and 14-foot ceilings, each guest room retains the flavor of century-old quality and architectural character so rarely found today.

“When I walked through the halls and explored the different rooms, I tried to envision what life would have been like when The Palace was in its prime. Knowing what the hotel had been originally established for, it took me while to accept how profuse and how fast American society and culture has progressed since the brothel was shut down. I found that the experience stimulated senses that only museums and haunted mansions could evoke. Being in a place so lavish with history and so well-preserved deceived me of any change or advancement in the outside world. The website may have photographs of all the rooms and the lobbies, but pictures cannot compensate for the Timequake that knocks you back to the Victorian Era when you walk through that front door. I would highly recommend visiting this place, even if it’s just a walk through. Nothing beats aesthetic satisfaction like The Palace.” ~Alicia Christianson

To introduce and showcase my amazing finding I wanted to do a mega shoot with a variety of models and looks. Hotel’s manager, Gary, was very supportive and accommodating. When I was telling him about all the crazy ideas I had for the location, he was open to it and granted me access to anything I needed. Next I booked my models. Few of the faces you will recognize, since I’ve worked with them before, and others I actually met on the day of the shoot. My idea was to convey that Victorian era feeling in a modern way and all the girls played their part beautifully.

On day one of the shoot Ashley, from MakeUp Your Mind, and I took an early ferry to Port Townsend and hurried to unload all the equipment and prep the sets before the first model arrived. I was so glad to have Ashley there. She did an amazing job on making the girl look flawless, and as always helped me carry lights around and move things out of the way. Thanks Ashley!

That day we did three different shoots, moving from one room to the next, running up and down hotel’s large stairwell… what an exercise! I swear I started the day in heels, but that lasted about an hour. By the end of the day I was shooting barefoot. The whole day was so much fun. My creativity was pumping, especially when I would find a vintage piece of furniture or a cool traveling trunk that I could incorporate into the set.

“I thought the Hotel was beautiful. I loved it from the minute I stepped inside. The decor was so fitting to the feel of the place. The rooms were all so individual, and the fact that it used to be a Brothel just made the place all the more intriguing. It fits so perfectly into the town of Port Townsend.” ~Lucy Luck

That night Ashley had to go home, but I actually stayed the night in one of the beautiful rooms, Miss Mona 10B, on the third floor. I relaxed in a claw-foot tub and lounged in my comfortable bed watching TV. And only then did the thought occur to me, “I wonder if this hotel is haunted?”  I didn’t want to freak myself out, so I just locked the door, put a safety chain up and went to bed. I’ll admit, I had some crazy sexual dreams that night and woke up sweating, wondering why I was so hot. However, when I got out from under the blanket, the room was ice cold! I didn’t give it much thought, but when I turned around and looked at the door, I got chills down my spine. The chain was undone and the door was wide open!!!

Now, I am not one of those people that get easily spooked or freak out, but I am careful. I know the deadbolt was engaged before I fell asleep. Something had happened during the night. Was I visited by a ghost?

When I told the staff of the hotel about my experience, they were not at all surprised. They even keep records and letters from people that had a haunted experience while staying at the Palace. I looked through that hefty volume of records. Some letters date as far back as late eighteen hundreds. Wow!

“Theres something eerily romantic about The Palace Hotel in Pt. Townsend, WA. The lavish, antique furnishings remind one about the history of this once brothel now victorianesque boutique hotel. The elegant hotel has been modernized but still boasts many of the historical elements such as claw foot bathtubs. Some offer a beautiful view of the Puget Sound and feature beautifully aged frescos on the walls. While all are elegant, each room has a different vibe and is named after the woman who once occupied them. I found myself wondering about the lives of the beautiful women who once called this place home and earned their livings servicing male suitors from inside its rooms. Victoria has captured this essence and through her camera lens takes us on a pictorial journey reminding us of days not so long past. ” ~Jen Roberts

 

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This past week so much have happened. We’ve been so busy, and I want to tell you all about it!

 

Last Saturday Oni Studio was a part of The Ultimate Ladies Night at Element Nightclub. Oh, what fun we had! There were Appetizers and Desserts, Drink Specials, Door Prizes and FREE Gifts! A lot of our passed clients stopped by the table to say hello and talk about the ideas for the new shoots. I’ve also met a lot of girls that confessed thinking about doing a photo shoot, but for one reason or the other talked themselves out of it. I was able to answer many questions and hopefully made the decision easier. Ladies, you all know who you are and I better see you in the studio soon!

This event was sponsored by local, women-owned small businesses and I was honored to be a part of it.

Crista Holt was there to show off Mary Kay’s new make up and fragrances. Zaneita Williams displayed the most popular styles of handbags from Thirty-One Gifts. Melissa Fritch filled the air with romantic scents from PartyLite Candles.  Charity Schwegman had so much sparkle from Lia Sophia that I could not walk away from her table! Yvette Dwonch-Esparza represented her 24-hour North End Fitness and Jennifer Christianson-Blansfield showed off Body by Brazil fitness wear.

But the person who made it all possible and got all these local vendors together is

Jen Roberts with Sugar Studio!

I met with Jen at her studio few days after the event to talk about her business and this amazing hair removal technique, sugaring.

 

Jen had a crazy idea five years ago and decided to open Oak Harbors first studio dedicated to Hair Removal. A licensed cosmetologist, she was trained in the art of Sugaring by Lara at the Sweet Spot in Seattle. Jen opened Sugar Studio in October of 2006. It’s her goal to make every woman comfortable in an otherwise awkward situation, to provide an efficient and quick sugaring, and to empower and awaken confidence in women.

“Have you ever had a Brazilian before? And no, I’m not referring to a hottie from South America! I’m talking about sugaring away all the hair “down there.” At Sugar Studio, Brazilians are what we specialize in and our technique of Sugaring is superior to waxing in so many ways. How can this be possible? First, there is no element of heat involved with Sugaring which contributes to a less painful experience, secondly we deliver 30% less breakage than waxing which means you stay smoother for longer! Lastly at the end of your treatment, the Sugar residue washes off easily with a soothing warm washcloth leaving you silky smooth.

Along with providing superior hair removal services, Sugar Studio is happy to offer Paraffin dips, Glitter Tattoos, *Vagazzling* and Airbrush Tans. We are available by appointment only but happy to accommodate our clients schedules.” ~ Jen R.

To make your appointment call Jen directly at 360-540-3687 or visit her website.

Another project that I have been working on for the last few days is building a new “Vintage Bedroom” set. It took five weeks to get the “Candy Sticks” wallpaper in from Backdrop Outlet and I thought the project would go smoothly after that, but the hard work had just begun! Thanks to my wonderful friends that came in on their day off and helped me finish the set in time. The very next day I had a model in to try it out. I am proud to say that the set-up looks so much better than I envisioned and photographs look magnificent!

There are few minor things that I would like to add, but that’s the beauty of it… the set will change from time to time. Some things will be added and taken away, just to keep you all on your toes! =)

 

Keep up with our new projects, ideas and fun photo shoots by becoming a fan on our Facebook page.

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Inspiration comes at all times of day and night.
The smallest things can trigger the imagination.
Dreams, fantasies, legends.
Sometimes those ideas are rushing to get out and demand to be brought to life.
Others materialize slowly and stay hidden for some time, growing in strength, changing, evolving… waiting for the right time.
Like this one.

I wanted to do an interpretation of Shiva for a while. Thought of how I would position the model, what colors to use, and how I would edit. The idea was always on the back of my mind, but when I met with Alicia to discuss a shoot it just grabbed me. I knew Alicia would be able to pull off the look I imagined.
My husband edited the picture of four-handed goddess. We talked about the idea so much that all I had to do was to show him the files and he knew exactly what to do with them.

It was also a learning experience. There are few things I would do differently to ensure a better edit, but the idea came across beautifully.

These are some other great shots from the series.

Alicia used to take belly dancing classes, so she knew exactly how to move to communicate seduction through camera.

Keep up with our new projects, ideas and fun photo shoots by becoming a fan on our Facebook page.

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Valentine’s Day is approaching fast and most of us are in search of that perfect gift. Something special and unique to give to our lover. Chocolate and roses are so overrated and every store is full of same old thing. It’s like we try to make him feel loved by buying same thing everyone else is going to get. Many of the couples I know don’t even celebrate Valentine’s Day. They see it as a waste of time and money. So, this Valentine’s Day take a chance and give him something that will say “I Love You” in a whole new way.

Go to Victoria’s Secret, or Lover’s Package, or Trashy.com and buy that sexy outfit you always wanted but talked yourself out of. Dig through the box of past Halloween costumes and find that masquerade mask you felt so sexy in. Get the fishnets and the highest heels in the store even though you know you will never wear them again.

Forget rose petals and pink fuzzy hearts.

This Cupid is naughty!!!

Be selfish, this gift is more for you than him! You get to play dress up and get pampered. Have your makeup done while sipping on wine, and get a shot of confidence with supermodel photo shoot.

All our Boudoir Packages are designed to fit any budget while still providing the experience of a lifetime. There is no better feeling than realizing that this hard working mom of two can still stop traffic!  We all need that boost and this is one of the ways to get it.

If you want it all and you want it now Lilith’s Lair Boudoir Photo Shoot is exactly what you need.

A room in a luxury hotel with beautiful decor and amazing views. The two hotels I hand picked for your consideration are The Majestic Inn and Spa in Anacortes and The Palace Hotel in Port Townsend. Both are glamorous in different way. Both provide a wide variety of settings for the most sensuous images. Both have breathtaking views of the town.

This is the ultimate boudoir experience.

 

 Professional hair and makeup services are included and provided by Ashley with Make Up Your Mind. Four hour photo shoot with unlimited wardrobe changes. Bring all your favorite outfits and sexiest lingerie.

At the end you will receive a one of a kind Press Printed Album of your favorite images designed specially for you. This you can present to your lover and see his face light up. This gift will keep on giving every time he looks through it!

To keep abreast of all updates make sure you become a fan on our Facebook page, we are also on Twitter and Google Plus!

FU4V4V37EGAN

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