Beauty may only be skin deep but many of us feel so much better when we look good. It is no wonder then that many women are having make-overs and in recent years in Galway getting even more intimate with the camera lens.

For the past two years a new business has been growing quietly but steadily – commercial photography aimed at women shot at their most intimate, in their underwear.

Boudoir Sessions take place in a studio in Barna under the gentle and keen eye of Clare O’Regan, a mother of four who took up photography as a hobby and realised she had a knack for portraits.
A Californian who came to Galway in 1994, she explains that the Boudoir part of the business grew out of her makeovers.

She started taking photographs commercially seven years ago for the PR and marketing world under the company name, Core Photography and, five years ago, she jumped at an opportunity to use an available studio space near her home.

From there she started doing portraits and then she hooked up with make-up artist Malvina Barrett, whom she met through Network, an organisation aimed at businesswomen.

“We clicked almost right away and got talking and started doing makeovers. They are very popular with mothers and daughters. They bring their three favourite outfits, Malvena does their make-up and I take the photographs.

“Then more and more women started asking me if I would take a shot of them in their lingerie for their boyfriends or husbands and it grew from there.

“Two years ago we started Boudoir Sessions and since then women have travelled from all parts of Ireland to have themselves photographed in their underwear,” says Clare.

If that sounds tacky or cheap, it isn’t. Clare stresses that she doesn’t shoot porn or even glamour, as in topless.

“This isn’t about tackiness. In fact, if I feel a pose is borderline tacky, I won’t take it. I show the women how to pose and in most sessions, there is little nudity.

“I am looking for that sensual look in a woman, not necessarily sexiness, though most of the shots are sexy.

“The women tell me they want the pictures for the man in their lives but, really, I believe they want them for themselves because most of us want to look pretty, to be told we are beautiful. . . and if we look good, we feel good.

“Some clients are shy at first and it takes up until almost the last few shots to get them to relax, but once they do, they really start to enjoy it.”

In preparation, Clare advises women to get a pedicure and manicure and have their hair blow dried, though she prefers a more natural flowing look. She advises against a false tan as it streaks and her lights turn it a funny colour.

She also advises women to practice their model poses, basically facial expressions. Clients are also told to bring their favourite lingerie and shoes, as well as fishnet tights and stockings. There are plenty of other accessories in the studio, including shoes if they are needed.
She doesn’t encourage women wearing jewellery as it distracts from the picture.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.