Burlesque Meets Boudoir

I first met burlesque dancer Franki Markstone at the 2010 Pin Up Burlesque Fest.  I had the privilege of watching her perform.  Her work is a credit to the female sex.  I had a chance to sit down with Franki over breakfast, and she dished the goods!

1) How long have you been a burlesque dancer, and what made you want to be a burlesque dancer?

I've been in burlesque since 2003 officially. I was already touring in strip clubs doing feature shows, and Vita Devoid asked me if I wanted to join her in creating a burlesque show. I was like, "Yeah! What's burlesque?" Hahaha. 

2) What is your favorite burlesque act?

I'd have to say my favorite act is Imogen Kelly's Orb Dress Dance. It's so elegant, and haunting, and moving. It made me cry the first time I saw it.

3) What idols that you look up to for inspiration?

Imogen Kelly, Ezi Rider, Sydni Deveraux

4) What tips do you have to give to aspiring burlesque dancers? 

Do your research. This isn't a fluff industry and nothing will be handed to you. If you really want to be a part of this industry it's best not to get sidetracked by the glamour. It's definitely work. Learn all you can, attend demos and workshops, create and polish an act to audition with. And most importantly, NEVER take yourself too seriously.

5) What is one little known fact about you?

I'm scared of the dark. Like, crazy scared. I have night lights all over my house.
6) How does one book tickets to see you? or Where you can be found on social media? 

Just search Franki Markstone on Facebook , @frankimarkstone on Twitter, and TheFrankimarkstone on Instagram

How Did Boudoir Betty Get Its Name?

Ms.Bridgé is a multi-talented diva, and the creator of LMH Magazine.  When she's not busy blogging, working as a publicist, or music producer, she's involved in her charity to foster felines, called Pawlanthropy.  

I was lucky enough to be approached by Ms.Bridgé, and interviewed for the current issue of B. Buzz Magazine.  In this brief interview, I talk about how I got started, the story behind the name Boudoir Betty, and my style.  

Click the link to go to the video interview, and read the magazine.  

5 Myths about Intimate Portraiture or Lies You Tell Yourself

“I Need to Lose Weight First.”

Nope.  Really.  I became a pin up and boudoir photographer after having my own pin up photos done.   While I had lost weight over the course of a year, I wasn’t at my smallest and actually went on to lose even more weight after the session.  But that’s not why I don’t feel you need to lose weight before booking a session. 

Remember that it’s the job of your photographer to put you in poses and lighting setups that will flatter you the most.  I’ve photographed women at all sizes, and at all stages in their life.  Not only do I know how to make you look good, I enjoy making you look and feel like a supermodel.

“I Need to Have a Boyfriend or Girlfriend to Gift These Portraits to.”

Says who? An artistic portrait session is all about celebrating you for YOU.  If someone else happens to be in the picture, that’s just a bonus.

Most of the time, my clients are celebrating a milestone of some sort, a birthday, anniversary, or even a divorce.  

For me, I booked my first session because I just wanted memories of me looking my best, so I could look back and say, “Damn, I was really hot.” Now, I just say “Damn, I AM hot. 

There’s something about seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes, or in this case, a lens.  That is transformative power of excellent photography; it can literally change how you see yourself. 

“It’s too Expensive, or I Can’t Afford It.”

How often do you spend money on things or experiences that are fleeting? That morning latte, the pedicures, the facials, dinners out…

I had a client book a shoot once before she went in to have a breast removed due to breast cancer.   It’s a powerful reminder about the importance of memories. 

Incidentally, this same client booked a session after her surgery too. 

“I Don’t Want to be Naked, and I Don’t Feel Comfortable in Lingerie.”

Ok.  You don’t have to be naked if you don’t want to, AND you don’t even have to wear lingerie. 

Button-down shirts, cardigans, oversize sweaters and sweatshirts, tank top and panties, or a beautiful silk robe all work in place of traditional lingerie.  

In fact, just see my post entitled “Boudoir Bodies”; those two gals rocked a tank top and sporty panties for their sessions.

“I Don’t Want Anyone to See Photos of my Session Online.”

That’s certainly understandable, and a completely valid concern.  I value my clients’ trust and privacy.  If you don’t wish to share your experience, that’s totally ok with me. 

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Boudoir Bodies

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The old saying that a photo is worth a thousand words has never been more true.  Kelly and Shawna share a playful moment together.  They came in for a boudie party, and decided to do a few photos together in matching outfits. 

They certainly spend a fair amount of time at CrossFit and are proud to show it!  So you'd think that neither of them would feel at all self-conscious or unhappy with their bodies, but it seems no one immune.   Kelly expressed that she "lost her butt", but it was easy to teach her a posing trick to make her derriere seem more a little more plump.  

I love the idea of wearing workout gear for this portion of their shoot.  There's definitely a certain sexiness to being athletic and a little bit tom-boy.   It allowed them to relax and you really get a sense of the playful affection between them.  

The last shot really shows off Kelly's toned physique, and in a way that really reflects her style and taste.   

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