Hello everyone,

This Tuesday we just have a mini-post in store for you. This shoot was a collaboration with Cybil Scott, Coquetta, and Nadya Toto. Maria and Joanne, owners and operators of The House of Angelis (Cybil Scott, Coquetta, and Catwalk), were kind enough to get a hold of this amazing Nadya Toto gown from her personal archives! Nadya’s boutique is located in Montreal and her work has been featured in American Vogue and In Style Magazine; needless to say, she is a very talented individual with amazing vision. Be sure to check her out: Nadya Toto.

There are many, many more wonderful photographs from the session, and we look forward to sharing those a little later. In the mean time, here is one of our favorites from the shoot. I just love the vastness of the barren landscape in juxtaposition to the elegant evening gown…minimal and the magnificent. One other aspect of the photograph that I’ll point out, is the way the barren tree works together with the edgy gown to create an almost Gothic kinship. Coupled with the beautiful golden light and our gorgeous model, with her blazing auburn hair, this image is replete with contrasts, I love it! A big thank you to Ashley, our lovely model, thank you for braving the cold…it was so worth it.

Bon Appétit,

The Violets

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Nadya Toto

The House of Angelis

Coquetta

Cybil Scott

Happy Tuesday,

At the risk of sounding pedestrian, what nice weather we are having here in Kingston! We’ve had a few weekends off from shooting this month and have been loving our Saturday morning breakfasts and browsing the antique market in the square on Sundays. I’ve also had a chance to catch up on some reading, Coetzee, Coetzee, Coetzee. If that sounds like some strange mantra I apologize. The Kingston Writer’s Fest was visited by the 2003 Nobel Prize Winner for Literature, J.M. Coetzee – all the way from South Africa. Unfortunately I was unable to make it to his reading and talk, but I have been thoroughly enjoying his books since – not for the faint of heart.

Speaking of “not for the faint of heart” here are some beautiful photos from a boudoir shoot a few months back. Violette is Winding Violets mini-brand that focuses on boudoir photography, something we are looking so forward to developing more right here in Kingston. Boudoir photography is becoming increasingly sophisticated and popular. More and more women are being drawn to the idea of celebrating their femininity on film. Whether it’s über-feminine with soft flowing chiffon’s and silks, young and fun with strong bold colours, or the always sexy classic lacy blacks, there are many ways to express femininity and we’d love to shoot yours!

Bon Appétit,

The Violets

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I had a hard time holding the camera still for this shoot; I spent most of it terrified, and it was the middle of the day. I heard tell of this Asylum from a new friend of mine, like me she shares a fascination with madness and the asylums that house it: thanks Juliet : ) Needless-to-say I had to take advantage, if not for the photos just the experience alone.

With Camera in hand, my Leatherman on my belt, and a model at my disposal I entered.

Immediately after Rose and I “made our way in” the eeriness ensued: screeching medal on the floors directly above us, doors slamming and creaking, bats and birds shooting out from dark corners, and yes…footsteps…eeeekkk!  We first heard the steps when we were in the Turquoise Room. Sorry there aren’t more shots in that location, wicked textures, but Rose and I we’re so on edge and darty-eyed at this point that I had set the camera down and we were literally sitting in that room listening to the cacophony of sounds…motionless – I almost left right then.

Having bettered our fears we moved along through the pitch dark corridors, replete with doors swinging open and closed. Having heard dogs at one point, I decided to go ahead by about 100ft to make sure everything was safe for Rose. A decision I later learned was quite insensitive, because Rose explained being attacked by a dog was a better prospect to her mind then being left alone in this place.

We were shooting the series that produced #7 when Rose’s eyes darted past me and she started to point nervously. By now I forgotten my fears and was more occupied with framing the shot. I turned around and there were two large guard dogs standing in the doorway of the room we were in. My first thought was, “I really don’t want to stab a dog today…”  Warm breath… they had come right up to me and started to appraise my legs, “okay (I thought) they are real!”  I told Rose that no matter what happens do not make eye contact just ignore them. I continued to shoot, Rose continued to look unsettled, and the dogs hadn’t decided who was to get which leg.

Rose’s eyes went placid…they had disappeared as quickly and silently as they had arrived, thank God!

Due to all the trauma I had experienced, not sure if I’ll return. I do have some ideas for this place before they gut it, but I feel very uneasy about taking models to such a dangerous place. All-in-all it was a great experience, and like I said I really didn’t care if I walked out with much. You be the judge.

Bon appetit,

The Violets

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P.S. no dogs were hurt in the taking of these photos

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From a photographer’s stand point, boudoir photography is a really enjoyable genre to shoot. Boudoir has a much more editorial bent, more methodical and deliberate: everything in its right place. Krista made an absolutely beautiful subject and really committed to the poses, which gives her more strength of presence. Lauren Bartoli, our favourite make-up artist, did a stunning job; Lauren is terrific to work with and a must hire for anyone having professional portraiture done. There is a post dedicated to her here on the blog under “Let Them Eat Cake,” our preferred vendors list.

Boudoir makes a terrific wedding gift for your groom, but it is also terrific gift to give yourself. We view Boudoir as a celebration of your femininity. It can really be a boost to your self confidence to know that you can look absolutely striking and elegant. In fact, Krista (our model below) felt that she wasn’t “pretty enough” and was a bit intimidated by the girls in our portfolio! I have no doubt that her photographs now possess the impact that originally intimidated her.

We hope you enjoy the collection of stills,

– The Violets

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You can contact Lauren at 613 532 4280

This Valentine’s Day fall in love with yourself. With an eye to class, elegance, and beauty Winding Violets enters the boudoir to introduce Violette: couture boudoir photography. In case you were wondering, “boudoir” is a french term used to refer to a woman’s private dressing chambers. Boudoir portraits recreate the feeling of these intimate quarters  visually articulating the expression of your femininity. Whether your expression is delicate and dramatic, sexy and suggestive, or simply fun loving, Winding Violets sees what your heart knows.

The Violets

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WHO: ???

WHAT: Winding Violets Boudoir Photography Kingston Ontario

WHERE: Winding Violets Studio

WHEN: January 30th, 2010