Be a Boudoir Babe

For those of you who are looking for a photographic experience with a twist we thought we’d give you an insight into the world of Boudoir photography. The French term “Boudoir” actually means “Ladies’ Bedroom”. It’s become very fashionable for ladies to have sensual yet tasteful photographs taken within a “Boudoir” setting. Recently launched at the Fresh Academy, this type of photography is now extremely popular and has been much sought-after in the last few years.  We can put some of that down to the upsurge in glamour modelling and also because glamour itself has become far more celebrated than it used to be.  Whilst Boudoir is NOT glamour, it has helped that there is no longer a stigma attached to a woman wanting to show off her beautiful form and capture these images forever.  There is another influence – Mr Gok Wan!  The TV programme How to Look Good Naked selects one woman who is lacking in confidence (normally due to a dislike of her own body) and transforms her into a raving beauty brimming over with self-assurance and poise who’s willing to strip down naked in front of an audience.  It doesn’t end there – she is then prepared to have a full length photograph of her bare body placed in a very public arena.  Good on her, we say!

Some of you may still be unsure as to what Boudoir photography actually is?  Well, it’s nothing to be frightened of, whilst it’s sensual, it is certainly not cheap.  The photography is done in such a stylish and sophisticated manner that the shots are dreamy, soft and utterly sexy without being overtly provocative.  Photographs are tasteful, the shoots are done in lingerie and corsets and every Boudoir model is treated professionally.  We can guarantee that at Fresh, you will be kept at ease throughout your photo shoot.  It’s great to be able to show a cheekier but still classy side of your personality without giving everything away and we want you to enjoy being the centre of attention during your time at our studios.  It’s worth knowing that our photographic studios are state of the art and everyone is an expert at what they do, from the make-up artists who will re-create your look into a Boudoir beauty, to our hairstylists and of course, our photographers who are the top of their trade.  You will be completely pampered from start to finish.  Our Boudoir sets reflect the theme of opulence, using plush materials, velvets and texture, incredible wall effects, vintage styling and detail plus incredible props to make your experience really stand out.  Soft lighting, moody settings, stunning make-over’s – that’s what we’re all about.  Take a look at some of our photographs they are, we think you will agree, sublime!

Once you’ve had your Boudoir shoot, you will then be treated to a terrific cinema style viewing of your pictures and it’s then you can select which you want.  The effect can be breath taking, when images are presented on a giant wall screen. There are plenty of different products to choose from, modern wall hangings, prints, portfolios and specially made albums.  We think these photographs make fabulous gifts for a loved one, as well as something special for you to treasure.  In fact – Christmas is only 4 months away; they would make a truly treasured Christmas present.

For further information and how to book contact us on 01923 212 673.

A Fresh View on BINTM – The Makeovers!

What with all the violence going on in (and out of) London I’ve only just got round to watching BINTM which was on Sky Living last night.  Thank goodness for my Sky Plus!  We are one week closer to the big winner and I know who my favourites are.  Loving the series so far it’s by far the best ever. Can you believe we’re half way through?  Got to make the most of it as a year is a long time to wait for the next one!

This week’s episode is definitely the one closest to my heart because it’s the make-over week and the Fresh Academy is expert in this particular field.  We do some incredible make-over’s on the gorgeous girls who come into our studio – with top professional make up artists and industry hairdressers, and a model photo-shoot as well, so now you know why BINTM is our favourite programme on TV.  As well as being our favourite part of BINTM process, it’s also Elle’s and I think she’s particularly lively throughout this episode – Elle, you’re welcome at the Fresh Academy any time you want, we’d love your input! 

Back to the box! The girls had settled down from the departures of Jo and Kim, and this next stage was all-important.  How easy was it going to be to transform these girls again – after all they were all simply beautiful.  Make-over’s are transformations, but they also enhance beauty and can bring out confidence and personality.  We know as we do these make-over’s every day of the week with superb results.  The girls were terrified and excited at the same time when they received their email about their make-over session. 

On arrival at the studios, the girls were split up into groups of 2 or 3 and the make-overs began.  Using stylists who have worked with Vogue, and the likes of Madonna and Lady Gaga – although Gaga’s style may be a bit too dramatic for these girls.

Elle was given the stunning Hannah and Holly to look after, Charley’s Angels included gorgeous Ofuoma and Jade (who it has to be said is one of my favourites – I love her red hair and natural, freckly face and her boobs, a real woman finally!), Julian Macdonald was mentoring sweet Stacey and exquisite Jessica which left Anastaja, Amy and sultry Juste, with Grace, how could anyone not adore the looks of Juste? I think she is superb, sultry, sexy and flawless… I could almost FEEL the girl’s nerves as they waited to hear the fate of their hair.  Imagine growing your hair for all those years and then it’s chopped off in an instant!  Those escaping the chop included Ofuoma and Hollie.  Hollie was lucky enough to have hair extensions adding to her already luxurious blonde mane and Ofuoma was given professional hair straightening.  Lucky Jade was also allowed to keep her incredible auburn locks which in my opinion, were already amazing and needed little change.  When I saw that Juste was going to get a boyish crop I almost felt her pain but with her dramatic features I thought…she’ll carry that off and how right I was.  STUNNING isn’t a good enough word for how she now looks with her new haircut.  It really accentuates her sharp cheek bones and big pout, it has to be said that sometimes short hair is more sophisticated.

Hannah’s transformation wasn’t too dramatic and after her hair make-over (not much change there, a few lights to enhance her locks) I thought she became a dead ringer for the new Duchess of Cambridge – if all else fails Hannah, you could always find work as Kate’s double. 

My least favourite transformation had to be Stacey, I don’t know what you thought but that ash blonde left her looking colourless which is a shame because she has a truly girly beauty, I actually think she ended up looking insipid and ghostly.  Sorry Stacey if you read this!  On the other end of the scale, Jessica who is much more Amazonian resembled a young Naomi Campbell.  I can definitely see the catwalk calling her.

Back at the house the girls dropped into the Confessional room for a good chinwag – I was surprised how little they bitched about each-other.  It’s good to have an opinion and yes they did say what they liked and didn’t like but they were reasonably polite – I am sure it won’t last.  I hope it won’t last!  It’s much more fun when there’s some sniping in the house.

The entertainment continued with a nude photo-shoot to showcase the girl’s new looks.  The photo-shoot was for a bath and body company and the client wanted the girls photographed in the nude as her products are all natural.  The girls were as expected, fairly nervous (I would be too; it’s scary enough getting into a bikini on the beach!)  We saw the girls being primped and preened and then one by one they took part in a professional model photo shoot.  This is something we’re used to seeing as we do professional photo-shoots on a daily basis so we’re always on hand with suggestions as to how to pose and position yourself so you get the best set of images and we make sure to capture you at your most attractive.

Back to the shoot – which was all about the essence of innocence.  Most of the girls  photographed well, with a few exceptions, Stacey because let’s face it, she’s just too thin – girl – go and have a good 4 course meal and put some meat on those bones please!  Poor Stacey, she’s obviously very aware of her slight frame, it’s probably just the way she is built.  Another one of the girls I was not sure of is Amy.  I sometimes love her and sometimes I just don’t know what I think.  From being blonde and transformed into a Gothic siren, that glossy black mane of hair has made her look a little sinister and she’s not great at smiling anyway but the photographs taken of her were doubtless, beautiful.

Who liked the pink hair?  Anastasija’s hair didn’t seem to bother her at all but I think I’d be devastated if I was given pink hair – still, it can always be dyed back again.  Her photo shoot was terrific and she’s obviously very relaxed and comfortable in her beauty.  Do we love Tanya?  She’s not top of my list and I actually think she is a little ordinary – can’t deny she’s gorgeous but there isn’t anything “different” about her look.

All the girls did act like professionals and were deserving of a great treat and I’m not just talking about the bubbly in the limo on the way home.  On arrival at the house they were lucky enough to have a private concert by Chipmunk himself.  I think some of the girls weren’t too sure who he was (Juste!) but Imogen certainly wasn’t shy and offered him her BBM pin….he didn’t take it…

Judgement day loomed and the girls went to meet the judging panel which included George Lamb.  At this stage if it had been down to me I was thinking that Stacey should go – her looks don’t convince me and I also think she’s a little quiet and needs to eat bigger portions!

All the girls must have been so nervous, after all the panel was brutal and finally the girls were chosen with Ufuoma and Stacey left standing alone.  Unfortunately, Ufuoma is the one chosen to leave which was a shame as I thought she was bubbly and beautiful and Stacey was saved – let’s hope she has  a few good meals and some bars of chocolate this week!

All in all a fantastic episode and the excitement is building to a frenzy – who will win?  Who’s going to leave next week?  We can’t wait for next Monday, whoever thought we’d actually look forward to Mondays!

For your very own model photo shoot complete with a style consultation, professional make up and hair styling and incredible images viewed on a cinema screen visit www.freshacademy.com – look forward to seeing you at our studios soon.

Fresh From The Make-Up Room - The Tips of The Trade

We’re always so busy at the Fresh Academy making over hundreds of girls a month and helping them look and feel like superstars. We thought we’d let you into some of our make-up secrets as we also get asked time and time again how our make-up artists achieve such brilliant looks. This one is for all you gorgeous girls out there who wonder how the professionals achieve flawless looks, from sultry to sun-kissed, Punk to pretty, our expert make-up artist Lauren Jacobs took some time out of her busy Fresh Academy schedule to answer all of your questions about her talent and give all of you some words of make-up wisdom! 

1                   What is the most requested “look” at the Fresh Academy?

I get all sorts of requests but let’s be honest everyone wants to look like their idol! On the whole I’d have to go with the smokey eye!

2                   Can you briefly describe how to achieve this look?

Although it would seem out of the ordinary to do so, I would start with working on the eyes first before foundation.  Using darker colours can drip and smudge; this way if it doesn’t turn out as neat as you planned you can wipe the excess away and do a nice clean foundation base after.

Also, don’t think a smokey eye just has to be black and heavy, it can be in all sorts of colours and depths!

3                   What’s your favourite make up brand to use?

I have many brands in my kit but at the moment I tend to favour MAC. It covers all skin types and ethnicities and everyone knows the brand. 

4                   How do you keep make up on all day?

Ahh the secret everyone wants to know! I think no make up artist no matter how good they are can make make up last all day without having to do some kind of touch up, but certain tips can help it last longer.

·         Make sure your face is well moisturised

·         Use a primer on top of your moisturiser and underneath your foundation. Try NARS or Laura Mercier

·         Eye primer.  Try MAC Paint pot

·         Cream blusher and powder blush over the top, I suggest you

try Stila Convertible Colour

·         Set your foundation with a light coverage powder, I recommend MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

5                   Any insider tips of the trade?

Probably given most of them away.  But the other one I can think of is ‘less is more!!’

6                   How long does it take you to make someone’s face up for a photo shoot?

It depends on the type of shoot but in the studio we have an hour for hair and make up.

7                   What make up do you wear every day?

I tend to keep my make up everyday very natural.  Either a tinted moisturiser or no foundation at all if I feel lazy. I like to keep it easy with a cream blush, concealer and mascara. Simple!

8                   How do you get fiddly false lashes stuck on easily?

This is a fiddly one to do on your own!!  Try tilting you head back and looking down in to your mirror to stretch your top lid and give you a clear view of your lash line.

9                   How long did you study to become a make up artist?

I trained for 4 years.  Doing 2 courses back to back.

10              Which celebrity do you think has the best look?

This is quite hard.  But I do love Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce.

11              What made you want to be a make up artist?

I love being hands on and creative and always as a kid would do my friends’ hair and make up. So it seemed the right direction!

12              If you could only use one item of make up what would it be?

Eeek! If I had no choice it would have to be my……….eerrrr…..blusher I think! I’m so fair I need a bit of colour.

13              What are the top three make-up pieces you should never be without?

Concealer, blusher, mascara, I think the 3 main basics of any make up kit.

14              Any tips for a quick fix if you have no time and are running out of the door?

·         Use concealer for under the eyes and any blemishes.

·         Cream blush ( use a bit of lipstick (pink/soft red/peach) if you don’t have)

·         Set with powder

·         A nice coat of mascara

 And hey presto!

 www.freshacademy.com