Today I would like to introduce our new rewards program and Miss K. was gracious enough to be one of our first participants.  She came in for her very first Boudoir photo shoot few weeks back and now would like to share some of her photos with friends and fans. We hope you enjoy the photos and get to know Miss K. a little. For every individual comment posted on this blog Miss K will receive a FREE 5X7 print from her photo shoot and get a chance to receive a beautiful Image Folio. So the more comments the better!

ONI: What was your favorite part about this shoot?

Miss K.: I liked having my hair and make-up done, it felt like big girl dress up and was really fun.

ONI: We love powerful women. What badass babe do you identify most with?

Miss K.: I know a lot of people do not like Sarah Palin but I think she is really driven and has a strong personality.

ONI: What do you have that other girls don’t?

Miss K.: I was pretty lucky to have a lot of my grandma’s influence growing up!

ONI: When are you happiest?

Miss K.: I am pretty happy right now. My career is good and I am engaged to be married to the love of my life!

ONI: What do you like most about yourself?

Miss K.: My teeth. I had adult braces for two years. The payoff was worth it!

ONI: What’s the best or most creative pick-up line you’ve ever heard?

Miss K.: Was your daddy a thief? Because I could swear he stole the stars of the sky and put them in your eyes!

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

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As with any skill once you learn the basics you start to build upon them, expand your visions and try new things.  We believe that in business as well as life you have a have variety and always seek to expand and improve in every en devour. =)

After my recent surgery I had a lot of down time to research new photography techniques, and one of the styles I hadn’t tried yet, but thought was very interesting, is bodyscapes. This technique, sometimes referred to as low key lighting, is something I’ve been very enthusiastic about lately and hadn’t explored very much before since I was restricted equipment wise. However, after we splurged a bit at B&H Photo I’ve been delving into this type of photography with a vengeance!

While doing research for this new shooting technique I was contacted by Crystal, who was a prospective client for a wedding shoot (yes I do WEDDINGS!), and during our conversation she mentioned Vantel Pearls, a company she worked for. For those of you who are new readers of our blog, what I do every now and then is highlight a woman owned business, or feature a woman in what would be considered a nontraditional role, to support strong women in our community. So when Crystal and I talked I knew right away how to showcase those beautiful pieces of jewelry. Each pearl is unique and no two strands are exactly the same. Pearls are a timeless classic that should complete every woman’s jewelry box, and Crystal can definitely help you out with that.

I didn’t always appreciate the beauty of a pearl. Not until I started working for a NEX jewelry department and learned more about them and different styles and settings. When Crystal showed me some of the inventory she had on hand and a catalog from the company I was pleasantly surprised. There are so many modern unique pieces to choose from to match any taste and occasion. But don’t take my word for it. Book a home party with Crystal and let her blow your mind!

Hi! My name is Crystal Hetzer. I joined Vantel Pearls in 2007 and the company has given me the opportunity to have a home ran business, still work full time and going to college online full time. I thought about getting into a home business for a while to help with the bills, but I’m not into make-up or expensive clothes, but I do love jewelry. The best thing about pearls is that they are great for every occasion and all the different styles they come in are fantastic!

The one thing I love about doing home parties is that the customer never knows what color, or how big of pearl they are going to get when they pick the oyster. Vantel Pearls has made it easier for customers, in the way that they don’t have to open an oyster if they don’t want and they can order the product with either a white or black pearl. The company focuses on the customer, like other businesses, the hostess gets items at discounts but I feel that Vantel Pearls gives a wide variety of items to choice from to use the discounts on. Also the company is reaching out to customers in different ways. For example, online with demonstrator personal websites, facebook and other media outlets. Every Thursday on facebook they put at least one item up at a deep discount for customers.

Vantel Pearls is committed to the idea of leaving the world a better place, and truly believes that every individual does make a difference. Each time you make a purchase, Vantel Pearls donates a percentage of sales to agencies that provide shelter, counseling and education to families in need.

Vantel Pearls often gets involved with their local schools or other adolescent organizations to talk about bullying and how it relates to a pearl. I believe that this can be directed to not only adolescents but to every person that choses to wear a pearl. “Inside every oyster, there is at least one pearl.  A pearl is formed when an oyster defends against a grain of sand or foreign particle.  The oyster secretes layers and layers of nacre or mother-of-pearl around the irritant.   When we have a challenge, how many of us, as oysters do, find the gift in it-actually turn it into something positive?”

~Crystal Hetzer, Independent Vantel Pearls™ Demonstrator

www.vantelpearls.com/crystalhetzer

360-682-6847

During this photo shoot I tried few different lighting set ups using primarily a strip light. I searched through my trusted “Lighting the Nude: Top Photography Professionals Share Their Secrets” book a number of times for reference and inspiration. I definitely need more practice, but for the first try I am pleased with the result.

What do you think?

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

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Maternity sessions are not what they used to be. With a variety of photographers available today and their unique styles any mom-to-be can select the type of photo shoot that will match her personality and comfort level. Before, maternity sessions used to be somewhat one-dementional, when now you can go as creative or crazy as you would like.

Creating your own package can be so much fun. From choosing between fantasy, pin-up, glamour or boudoir styles to picking a location. Would it be in the studio, your own home, a park or a garden, or a luxurious hotel room. And then there is the dress-up part… what girl does not like that?

When our long time model and friend Jenn, became pregnant with her second child I knew right away that I wanted to write this blog and be able to explore all the possibilities of the maternity shoot. I wanted to show the variety that any future mom can explore at Oni Studio. Few months ago I wrote about a pin-up maternity session. This is a little bit different.

I invited Jenn for a few short sessions. One was at The Palace Hotel in Port Townsend, another one in the studio and outside in the orchard on a sunny day. Her husband, a military police officer, was able to join us for one of the shoots as well and we took some great shots of mom and dad.

I hope you enjoy the photos and get inspired for your own shoot!

What’s new at Oni Studio? Well, we have been working hard on expanding our prop closet. Our clients would still provide their own lingerie, shoes and other personal items, but we want to be able to add really unique pieces to any shoot. Now we have a variety of wigs from Gothic Lolita, ear wraps provided by Feather Heaven, and amazing head pieces are on their way hand made by Rachel over at Posh Fairytale Couture. We also have masks, gloves, hats and other goodies. During the consultation we can go over your outfits and what we can add to make the look complete. So don’t wait any longer and book your appointment today.

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

 We are also on Twitter, Pinterest and Google Plus!

Being an expecting mother is not what it used to be. Women no longer have to hide behind a tent size maternity dress and avoid any pictures. Ever since Demi  Moore appeared very pregnant and totally nude on the cover of Vanity Fair, pregnant women everywhere pulled out their cutest outfits and stepped into the world with new attitude. Expecting mom can be fun and sexy, and she most definitely glows.

Maternity pictures changed a lot as well. There are so many styles and comfort levels, but today I wanted to present to you Mrs. K.

When I first talked to Mrs. K she right away told me that she did not want traditional maternity pictures. Something more fun and original was up her alley, and I agreed. Why stop at belly hugging romantic shots? Let’s go all the way and have some fun! We agreed on pin up style in addition to few classic poses.

K’s little boy, Jameson, is due this month. He will be the best Christmas present ever! Mrs. K was kind enough to write a few words about her experience:

“I had been wanting to do a pin up shoot for quite some time, and what better time to do it while I’m pregnant! I don’t think I’ve ever had so much confidence, and I probably wouldn’t have had the guts to do it otherwise. It was such a fun way to capture my last week of pregnancy! I wanted something fun, and not your typical maternity pictures, and Victoria came up with some amazing themes with the most beautiful and flirty images and made me feel so comfortable. I would absolutely do it again after my pregnancy with no regrets!” ~Mrs. K

I’ve shot a number of pregnancy shoots before, so it was nothing new, but I still wanted to see what was out there and draw some inspiration from other photographers. Doing the research for this shoot I realized just how many crazy creative ideas there are! Maternity photo shoots can be as simple as a set in the park, a sexy boudoir session, a romantic couples shoot or, in our case, a fun pin up style.

Check out some of the sites I found that I absolutely loved, and maybe get some ideas for your own boudoir experience.

Erika Lewis is a photographer from Boise Idaho, she has owned studios in Hawaii and Seattle. Her shots are dreamy and full of light. Easy sexy simplicity.

Alycia Alvarez Is a photographer from Texas, although she doesnt specialize in boudoir her boudoir maternity session linked here is smokin!! Her photos even made the cover of PPA magazine, what an accomplishment!!

If you enjoyed this entry and want to make your own appointment with me you can do so here, and for even more fun make sure to become a fan of our facebook page here!

Boudoir photos are intimate images of a woman that are revealing and sexual. This kind of photo shoot is exciting and liberating. It can increase self-esteem, rekindle romance and all around be a life-changing experience.

But being a woman myself, I can understand how that excitement can quickly turn into apprehension. Thinking about being so vulnerable and exposed can be scary and I often hear women say:

There are so many excuses, but it all gets down to making that first step. Once she makes that step, she never regrets doing it.

Proper lighting, flattering poses and professional makeup can transform an every-day girl into a princess she really is.

So what can you expect once your decision has been made?

5 Easy Steps to a Sexier You

#1 Book a Session

Fill out the contact form on our website or call me directly at 757-582-2334 to book your shoot. We’ll set up a phone, Skype, or an in-studio consultation to go over your ideas and wardrobe choices. Also, I will send you information about your shoot, what to expect and how to prepare.

#2 Day of the Shoot

It’s like visiting a good friend! Arrive at my home studio and get situated in the dressing room. We’ll go over your outfits one more time and talk about the process. Finger food and refreshments are served to keep your mood and energy level up. If our makeup artist is here to work on your hair and makeup, she will pamper you and help you get ready. After that you are ready to step onto the set!

#3 During the Shoot

All lights are on you! We’ll move from set to set and try different posing and lighting to highlight your sexy side. I will guide you through this process, so you don’t have to have any modeling experience, but at the end you will definitely feel like a super model!

#4 Viewing Session

After your photo shoot we’ll sit down and go over your images together. At this time you can select your favorite images to be edited. We’ll talk about your print order, specialty items, and answer any questions you might have.

#5 Order Pick-Up

Once your order has arrived from our printing lab I will give you a call and set up a time for you to come by. After reviewing your order you can take it home and show it off with a new sexy confidence!

There are no secret about Boudoir Session and if you have any questions all you have to do is ask. So this Holiday season do something special for yourself. Make a memory to cherish for a lifetime, and if the man in your life happen to get a present that is for his eyes only…. I am sure he will not complain.

One of the most popular gift ideas for the Holidays is the Wall Calendar. This calendar includes thirteen of your favorite images, one for the cover and twelve for each of the months. There are several styles of the calendars to choose from and it can start on whichever month you wish. These publisher-quality calendars are printed on high-quality card stock and are easy to customize to make it uniquely you. This gift keeps on giving throughout the year!

Take advantage of 15% off Holiday Calendars offer from now until December 20^th. Book our appointment today!

Dawn also hired us for her Engagement Session and then later for her Wedding day. Needless to say, Dawn is not just a loyal customer, but a good friend as well.

This year, as a gift for her husband, Dawn came in for a Boudoir Session. In our new studio we were able to provide a whole new experience for her and give a wider range of shots. By the time we were done with the shoot Dawn have been posed by the door, on the steps, against a backdrop, in the library and on the bed. She was exhausted, but it was well worth it when she got to see the final product.

The pictures came out amazing, but during the viewing session Dawn mentioned that she could not decide if she was going to print all the shots out and put them in the album or create a scrap book.

Oh no no no no no!!!

There are better ways of packaging such sexy memories!

I showed Dawn few different options as well as our new Press Printed Books, and was not surprised when she fell in love with it.

Our Hardcover Canvas Surface Photo Books are printed on highest quality digital press printing technology available. Features unique Lay Flat Hinged Pages and comes in variety of sizes. Perfect for Wedding Albums, Boudoir Books, Coffee Table Books and more!

We worked within Dawn’s budget and created a one of a kind book using the images she selected. We were even able to add some of her husband’s favorite images from the first shoot. Every page told a story and showed off Dawn’s unique beauty as well as some intimate details (for his eyes only!)

When the book arrived wrapped in a beautiful box with a bow and I presented it to Dawn it was like watching a kid on Christmas morning! Looking through the book I saw how emotional she got… though she will deny crying.

Now that’s a gift worth putting under the tree for the man you love!

LOL, I guess she could not wait!

Speaking of Christmas, we got our Christmas tree up and decorated by the fire place. Perfect background for the Holidays. So ladies, I hope you’ve been naughty enough this year to get yourself some sexy red lingerie!

Don’t wait any longer. Book your appointment today and order your personal Press Printed Book just in time for the Holidays!

Visit our Website for details and fill out Contact form.

Mary started shopping for the outfit and most importantly, the wig. It was one of the main items of the shoot and it took some looking around to find the right one. We didn’t want it to be too big (as was a custom at the time), but still wanted to represent the character. After doing some research Mary found the perfect one at buycostumes.com and for a great price!

Then it was off to find the rest of the outfit. Of course our local Lover’s Package Store came to the rescue yet again. I loved the corset Mary picked out! It is beautifully constructed and has boning for extra shape and support.

On the day of the shoot Ashley from Make Up Your Mind was here to apply makeup and help with the wig, and then later change things up for sexy lingerie look Mary picked out. Ashley not only does hair and makeup, but also acts as a style consultant and a huge help in the studio. What would I do without her?

During the shoot I had a bit of a challenge photographing the wig. While Mary was perfect in posing and facial expressions, the wig would just come out as a big white shining spot. It seemed like the thing was taunting me and it took me a bit to get it under control.

Note to self: wigs are a lot different than real hair… duh!

One of the other fun parts of the shoot for me was playing with natural light that was coming in from the two large windows we have in the studio. Living in Washington we don’t get a lot of sunshine, so most of the time I work with studio light. Taking advantage of the great weather I took a couple of great soft shots of Mary on the old antique couch. What a great contrast to a velvet heavy previous set!

Mary has a weakness for beautiful high heel shoes, and those are amazing! I loved them so much I had to bring them into focus. If they were my size I would accept them as payment for the shoot =) … just joking!

“My girlfriend had pictures done with Victoria and loved it, so I decided to explore the ONI Studios website and Facebook page. I loved Victoria’s work and decided to get with her on doing some for my husband’s upcoming deployment. Victoria came up with the idea of a Marie Antoinette spin and being a bit of a history buff, I loved the idea. I went to buycostumes.com and ordered a wig, lovers had a corset I liked and then threw odds and ends from my drawers in a bag. I will be honest in saying that as a woman in the military with two children and my own little insecurities I was a bit nervous of how things would go when I got there.
My experience was Amazing to say the least! Victoria put together these looks so well from just whatever I had and Ashley was great at tying everything up with her ideas. You girls are a talented, winning team! Everything felt glamorous and Victoria is great at making it all very comfortable! Leaving her studio I have a new sense of self-confidence and my own sexuality. I can’t wait to surprise my husband with this gift for his upcoming deployment and can’t wait to do another shoot at ONI! Maybe we can do 18th Century next time. Thank you Victoria and Ashley.

Much love,
Mary”

I just finished a very interesting shoot with my new client Courtney. She traveled all the way from Bremerton early this morning and was prepared for location and studio shoots with a variety of looks and outfits.

Ashley from Make Up Your Mind was on location to work her magic with hair and make-up. We decided to go with a softer, more natural look for the beach shots and later spiced it up for studio sultry look. It is so much fun to play with make-up and I always learn something new just by watching Ashley work.

Ashley wrote in her blog about this experience as well:

“Yesterday morning I had yet another great opportunity to work with Oni Studio and one of their clients for an on location photo shoot. This was the first time I have ever gone on location with Victoria and I really loved every second of it! Not only did the make up turn out the way I wanted it to, but I got to meet two awesome ladies from Bremerton, WA who drove an hour and took a ferry to get to us. Talk about love and dedication!

We had a wide variety of clothing to work with, which made for lots of wardrobe changes. To make it easier for myself and for the client, I chose to do something more natural and neutral for the first part of the shoot. We were at the beach and the wardrobe was more of a country style, so the natural look was perfect. I stuck to taupe and a little gold and bronze shimmer on the lids with a very fine  brown eyeliner only at the lash line. The cheeks were mostly bronzer with a pop of pink on the apples, and a muted pink lip. Perfect country look!

Our client finished off the shoot in studio with a smoking hot red and black corset, so we vamped her up a bit. I added a smoky grey to the outer corners and in the crease of the eyes and a black cat-eye liner and a bright red lip to match her outfit. Gorgeous! I can’t wait to see some of the finished products!

I can’t forget to mention Courtney’s friend Jessica, who was chasing her with a hot pink bathrobe around the beach, pouring water on the umbrella to make it look like rain and organizing outfits like a personal stylist. She was the perfect wing man to have for a photo shoot!

It was a pleasure to meet these two ladies, and I hope that Courtney is happy with her photos!”

-Ashley (Make up Your Mind)

The weather was nice to us today. As soon as we got to the Rocky Point beach the sun came out and the sky cleared up. Even though it was still cool the pictures came out sunny and warm. In large I can thank Courtney for that. Through the entire shoot she stayed positive and upbeat, and did not complain once. Even when I sent her out into the freezing water barefoot!

I was surprised at how much privacy we got at the beach. It gave us freedom to push the limits and capture more provocative shots and made it easy to change from one outfit to the next.

This one is one of my favorite shots of the day. It was partially inspired by a video of a shoot by The Boudoir Divas and partially dictated by Courtney’s outfit and attitude.

I had Courtney lay down on the sand propped on the piece of drift-wood. She was way out of the reach of the waves, but we got her a little wet and dirty for the shot. I was looking through the camera for the best lighting and composition when I saw a big wave coming. I knew right away what was about to happen, and prayed Courtney would keep her composure. When the freezing water hit and foamed all around Courtney’s almost bare body, she did not even flinch! Well, not until I got the shot! Courtney, you rock!

When we returned back to the studio we took a number of shots in our apple orchard. The leaves just started to change color and made for a beautiful fall backdrop. I love the property and plan to utilize it for my shoots even during winter time!

For the in-studio shots I wanted a classic painting look. The rich colors and textures of the outfit and deep shadows provided the atmosphere and depth. With Ashley’s expertise the make-up was quickly changed to suite the mood.

The entire shoot was a lot of fun. We tried a lot of different looks but made sure to stay true to Courtney’s personality. It was a pleasure to photograph her and I hope this was not the last time.

Here is what Courtney had to say about her experience:

“I just want to thank Victoria and Ashley for one of the best days of my life. Victoria, you are truly a very creative lady who I enjoyed working with. Thank you for capturing everything that I wanted to do, and taking the time to make it come true. I love that you are open to anything, which totally fits with my personality. I can’t wait to work with you again in the future, for I will be returning again! If anyone is looking for a wonderful photographer, Victoria is it. And I fully recommend getting your hair and make-up done there by Ashley… another talented lady!  THANK YOU AGAIN!!! Best time ever!”

-Courtney Hjelmaa

Yana is one of the girls I’ve bonded the most with. Others from the original group have moved away with their military husbands and Yana and I are the ones that are still here. She makes killer crepes with fruit and cream… and I better get some for writing this blog! =)

This is not the first time Yana came to me for a special gift for her husband, but this shoot turned out even better than the first!

Here is a sneak peak of Yana’s shoot, I hope you get as much pleasure out of viewing it as I did shooting it!

After feather dusting and polishing the floor in the sexy French maid outfit, Yana turns up the heat and gets in the Halloween mood with her sexy devil costume!

For something more sultry and romantic we made use of the fire place!

Current Status

Many of you know what a pain it has been to schedule an appointment with us. I have a regular day job where I am work full time, and many of you do as well. However I am transitioning to a more part time schedule (which is great news for you all trying to get appointments!) as my availability is now almost wide open. So, if you have been thinking about coming in for a shoot this would be a great time!

I also have been heavily researching ways to increase the traffic to this blog, my website, and my facebook page. Mostly this entails googling something like, “how to promote your website/blog” and reading the millions of articles it generates. One of the techniques I thought was interesting involved teaming up with other businesses that are complimentary to the product offered to combine marketing and promotional efforts. This made me pause for a second, what business’s or companies are compatible with sexy/boudoir shoots? While pondering this I was skimming the post on the facebook group “Oak Harbor Local Small Business’s” and saw a couple of ladies who did the passion parties and it hit me, “they would be great to team up with!” I have since talked to a few of them, and while we are still ironing out the details, don’t be surprised if you hear about Oni Studio at some of the local Passion Parties.

Another idea I’ve been musing on is teaming up with another local photographer, not to compare skill or equipment, or to “steal” secrets, but just to see how someone else approaches their craft. If you’re a local and established photographer in the Whidbey Island area with your own website or blog please get in touch!

Also, if you own or manage a business, or offer a service that you feel I might be interested in feel free to contact me; I’d love to hear from makeup artist, FX artist, costume designers, personal trainers, salon and spa owners, or something along those lines. Just shoot me an email or fill out the contact form and let me know your ideas!

One Last thing before you go!

We recently had a great surprise when one of our clients had a video interview.  The video featured a few of our pictures. It was the first time we had seen our pictures on video and it made me scream with delight! Many of the pictures came from one of our recent blog post, We’d like to thank the creator of the video and give a big CONGRATS to our client Jenn, who by the way just found out she is expecting!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUpeic08NL4&feature=share[/youtube]

Thats all for this week dear constant reader, don’t forget to tune in next Monday for another exciting edition!

Introducing a NEW Sexy Sailor Care Package from Oni Studio!

There is a reason why pin-ups are so popular. They are no longer a trend. They are classic!

Pin-ups became popular during  WWI and especially among sailors and pilots. They are tasteful sexy images of beautiful women that guys pinned up on the wall, over their bunk-beds, carried in their pockets and painted them on the side of their planes. They are good luck charms and reminders of better days ahead.

Few weeks ago I attended the Pin Up Alooza seminar for photographers presented by Sandy Puc and Mike Long, both great photographers that inspire me. Mike specializes in the art of pin up photography and it was great to watch him do a live shoot right there on stage! I learned a lot of new tricks and ideas and that got me thinking that a pin up photo shoot would be something that any military wife needs to experience at least once.

After the show I hunted Mike down just to take a picture. Yes, even photographers have groupies!

Our Sexy Sailor Care Package includes an hour and a half studio shoot with a variety of backdrops and settings and several outfit changes. Bring a classic 20’s era outfit, a bathing suit, or a summer dress, stockings and a pair of high heel pumps. Being a pin-up is that easy! And if you need some ideas or would like to splurge on a new outfit check out the recommended links at the end.

Professional makeup service is included in this package. Ashley, the owner of Make-Up Your Mind is very skilled at transforming you from an every-day girl to a goddess, and she makes sure that throughout the session you look your absolute best.

In this care package you will find an 8X12 Print of your most flattering image. This PG rated print can be pinned up or framed and be proudly displayed in his private space.

Also included is a page of 20 photo stickers. These he can peel and stick to the top of his bunk. That will keep him dreaming of you every night!

Six 4X6 postcards with an envelope can be more revealing. Keep him counting the days with one-a-month hand written personal messages and a lipstick kiss. Spray a bit of your perfume on the back and he will read it over and over.

Any additional prints can be ordered through our private online gallery and a web quality CD of purchased images is also included.

Everything comes in a box and wrapped in brown paper packed with love.

I WANT YOU

To Support Our Troops!

Call me for your consultation and to book an appointment or click here.
757-582-2334

The Pin Up Files is a great site for beautiful pin up art and great ideas.

Also check out Portland Pin Ups by Mike Long. You will be inspired. I know I was!

The Lover’s Package is a great local place to get great outfits, and don’t forget to get your military discount!

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