Dolce Photography

Valentines' Boudoir Event!

2012-01-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

Helllooooo ladies!!!

It's that time of year again. Love is in the air! With Valentines' Day just around the corner, Im looking to put together a Boudoir Event day. As most all of you know, I've been taking a break from my full time photography to focus on my family, myself, etc. Im still not quite ready to dive back it, but that doesn't change the fact that I LOVE taking pictures for folks! I've decided to offer another Valentines' Day special and possibly put together a Boudoir Event day, depending on what sort of response I get!

So, what I would love is if you could do two things for me:

1.) Answer the Poll at the top of the page, answering where you would prefer to have boudoir photos taken if you chose to have them done.

2.) Email me if you are at all interested in having boudoir photos done for Valentines' Day this year. You dont have to schedule a session, I just want to get a feel for how many people might be interested!

Once I get a little feedback Ill post and let you all know what we've come up with.

Either way, I am open for individual in home shoots so contact me if that is what you are interested in. Keep in mind that shoots would need to be scheduled no later than January 27th to allow for processing and ordering/shipping of your book.

Check out THIS POST to read up on what Boudoir Photography is, Why I offer this service, What it means to me, and some comments from past clients on their experience.

Be brave ladies....you are beautiful!!

~Jenna

Pressing 'Pause'

2011-08-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

My name is Jenna Luoto and I am a photographer.

And wife. And mother. And friend. And most importantly, servant of Christ.

You see friends, what I've learned is that to fully be true to who I am, I cannot separate any of these from one another. At this point in my life I simply must admit that I cannot do it all.

In 2008 I started this journey of photography, having my path paved every step by the Lord. Photography was always something I enjoyed but never a career path I imagined for myself. I was blessed by my husband and family with my first DSLR camera in early 2008. From then, this journey has unfolded in front of me. Friends of friends seeing photos I had taken, asking me to capture their special moment....and it spiraled from there. I cannot express how blessed I feel knowing how God has orchestrated every step of this journey for me. What an incredible feeling it has been to know I was living in God's will for my life! It has been so rewarding to be able to capture special moments in people's lives and to see the joy my clients have felt to have those images.

And yet, as much as my heart yearns for this, my path has hit a few road blocks. As blessed as I know I am by the journey I've been on so far, my calling over all things is to be a mother, a wife, a servant of the Lord, and a friend. If at any point those things are not being nurtured, it is my job to reevaluate my plate. Is what Im doing really blessing my life and my family and bringing glory to the Lord?

Recently, I've had to answer that with a "no," sadly.

Recently in my life, I have begun to feel stripped of joy, of contentment, overly stressed, and uncertain in my identity. Having a job (such as photography) that puts your vulnerable creativity into each piece of work presented to the world leaves you open to determining your success from people of this world. The TRUTH is, the only opinion that should matter is Christ Jesus. The only worth I need to base myself on is the worth I have in Christ. Without full confidence in who we are in Christ, this world will begin to define us....which will always lead to heartache, lack of confidence, and exhaustion. With great sadness, I will be honest in saying that I have unknowingly allowed the enemy through such slow and deceitful ways to bring me to this place. The enemy knows my weaknesses and has used them, through photography and other aspects of life, to bring me to a place I do not want to be. It has begun to affect relationships in my life and who I have become. What I need in my life is to fully draw into the Lord and return to the place where HE fills every part of me. To a place where HE is all I need and all I seek. I know that this will be a journey and will require sacrifices along the way. For me, right now, my photography is one of the things I need to strip away.

Again, I want to say that I am so beyond grateful for each one of you. Whether you are a client, a Facebook 'liker', or simply someone who stumbled upon this blog post and has actually read all the way through so far! This has been a wonderful journey and it is all been possible because of those who have chosen to encourage and support me in it. Please don't get me wrong, I have loved every chance I have had to photograph precious milestones in so many people's lives. It has nothing to do with that. This is a personal journey in my life.

So, I will state directly that Dolce Photography will be on pause for a while as I take a sort of sabbatical in my life. PLEASE NOTE: Those clients who I already have booked and those who are already in correspondence, DO NOT FEAR! I would never not honor that and will give you my very best effort and work! I will finish out the next couple months with the clients who are already booked, but at this point will not be taking on any further sessions until I feel the Lord calls me back (if He does).

Past clients with inquiries or clients looking for recommendations can still contact me through my website www.dolcefoto.com. I will keep my Facebook page active, but will not be accessing it much, except to update fans with any news I feel they would benefit from.

Until.......

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"Many are the plans of the heart, but the Lord's purpose prevails." Proverbs 19:21

"And do not be wishing you were somewhere else or with someone else. Where you are right now is Gods place for you. Live and love and obey and believe right there." 1 Cor. 7:17

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

"But because I have done what is right, I will see you. When I awake, I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you face to face." Psalm17:15

Vendor Sponsors!

2011-06-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for the tiny TEA PARTY mini sessions next weekend! All the little details are coming together just how I imagined and I think its going to be a really fun day for these little ladies (and their mamas!).

I am also excited to be working with some lovely ladies who makes some pretty adorable accessory fun for little gals. Check out their sites!!

Tutu Crazy Chicks is donating a pettiskirt tutu!
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Magnolia Sea Designs is donating some fun headbands!
http://facebook.com/MaggieMorganHair

Bebe Boutique is creating some sweet hair clips!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopbebeboutique

Eleventh Avenue Tutu is donating a pettiskirt and a crochet hats!
http://www.etsy.com/people/eleventhavenuetutu

Check out these vendors for some cute stuff!

tiny TEA PARTY mini sessions!

2011-05-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

{Details}

Cost: $75 (50% normal kid rates!)

Whatcha get: 20-30 minute mini session, cd with all images

and a complimentary 5x7 print!

Anniversaries are just around the corner.....

2011-04-10T20:22:00.001-07:00

...which means its a perfect time to be thinking boudoir pics for your honey!

I am putting together a boudoir event Saturday JUNE 18th. You wont want to miss it.

Who are we kidding? You know your man will go nuts over these romantic and flirty shots of you. I promise this to be a fun and invigorating day for YOU as well.

:{Details}:

Cost: $150

Whatcha Get: Images on a CD to have and to hold

8"x8" photobook (to stash in the nightstand, suitcase, etc.)
Where: Outdoor location: think field. bed. crisp air.
(and no rain....fingers crossed!)
**There must be a minimum of 8 women signed up to make the event happen so get your friends on board, too!

June event day inspiration board:

Not interested in an outdoor boudoir session? Have an anniversary before June 18th?Contact me about individual sessions. If I get enough interest I will put together an indoor event day as well.

If you'd like to see a private album of my boudoir work, please contact me through my website for the link and password. www.dolcefoto.com

Valentine's Boudoir Season!

2011-01-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

Your body is sexy. Just ask your husbands. The burdens we women put on ourselves are not reflected in the view our husbands see us in. Your body was created for your husband to enjoy. Release your insecurities an d let that beauty shine in photographs that he can look at over and over again, busting with pride that that woman is all his. Believe me…that is exactly what he will do! Boudoir photographs have proven to be an invigorating experience for my clients. They can't believe how beautiful they feel and look.

Frequently asked questions:

What do I wear?
This is the first question I am asked… and rightfully so! Unlike your family photos, color coordinating is not the main concern here! I recommend having 3-5 lingerie options to work with. Thongs revealing the buttocks or sheer lingerie partially revealing nipple is ok, but nothing explicit. Feel free to also include a satin robe or other cover for photos too, if you would like. It’s also fun to do some “personality” shots for your man. Does he love football?...put on just his jersey! Incorporating a few little props or something that makes it hit home for him always adds that extra sexy factor! Lastly, don’t be shy about jewelry and heals. These little additions make you look…and feel…more put together and sexy!

What type of poses do we do?
First and foremost- I do not do nudity. The pictures I do are always tasteful, flirty, and sexy. No genitalia or full breasts will be shown. The poses we will work with will express your beauty and sexuality but still leave that bit of curiosity. We will not do anything you feel uncomfortable with, and I will repeat that through out the shoot to give you every opportunity to speak your mind. That said, you chose to do this shoot because you wanted to give sexy photos to your man. I guarantee you will feel awkward, but push yourself out of your comfort zone just a little. I promise you will be happy with the results! Mentally go through your house before hand and brainstorm places you would like to try shooting in. I usually recommend the; bed, couch, dining table, a chair, etc. (Note: Please make sure any area you intend to chose within is cleared of clutter and ready to be used as a backdrop. Keep in mind areas that are dark will not be preferable.)

How do I prepare?

Before the shoot, make sure to shave your legs and armpits. Exfoliating also helps to give your skin a nice glow. Make sure to have your hair done and make up on before the shoot. Putting on a little extra eye makeup, blush, and lips helps in the photographs to give life to your skin. And, as silly as it sounds, PRACITCE! That’s right ladies, go get in front of a mirror and start posing. Not only will this help you feel more comfortable during the shoot, but it will also help you to know what looks you do, and don’t, like of yourself. Lastly, allow about 2 hours for the shoot. It goes by fast, trust me!

Where do we do the shoot?

I always prefer to do the photo shoot on your home. This allows you to be most comfortable with your surroundings and allows for variety; being able to move about the house as needed for desired poses. This also adds a “real” element to the pictures. Photographing you on the very bed that you lay together in every night makes the photos that much more real to your hubby. If for some reason you really don’t feel comfortable doing the shoot at your house, we can find a hotel that would rent for the afternoon. (Additional charges for room fee would be up to you to cover.)

What is the photo gift book?

The photo book I include with this package is an 8"x8" professionally printed book that I design for you. It incorporates the photos from your shoot and groups them together, adding detail photos that may otherwise seem strange to have! Many clients have wondered what they would do with these photos once having them done. Most women don't want a collage frame being hung in their bedroom! This is an excellent desecrate way for your hubby to enjoy the photos. He can keep it in his nightstand or fit it easily in his suitcase while on trips. As with all of my shoots, I will also give you the cd of your images for you to have forever. Clients have been very pleased with their photo gift book.

Do you use Photoshop?

I use photoshop on all of the photos. I understand that we as women are so critical of ourselves and you want to be proud of these photos. I absolutely will remove any blemishes, scars, etc. from the photos as well as "helping" with some little roll hangovers if they seem to stand out from an otherwise favorite photo. I do NOT, however, edit these photos to make you someone you are not. Your hubby loves YOU. Unlike Hollywood magazines, I intend these photos to represent who you are, not the mold our society feels the need to push you into. Be proud of YOU.

Do you share these photos?

I do NOT share these photos with anyone without your permission. I have a private password protected gallery that I share with prospective clients. After your photos are processed I will ask you which photos, if any, you would allow me to add to my gallery. Photos are never posted on my website, blog, or Facebook. These photos are private and I fully respect your privacy.

Be brave, ladies! These slots book up fast for Valentine's Day delivery of your book so be sure to schedule ASAP!