Dani Klein Williams

Hello All, and thanks for taking a look inside my bag and to Mark for this innovative concept! I have so enjoyed seeing what other professional photographers like to have on hand and am pleased to have the opportunity to share some of my favorites.

My name is Dani Klein Williams owner and lead photographer of dani. fine Photography & image studio. I started my business shortly after graduating the Hallmark Institute of Photography over 15 years ago and have been loving every minute of it.

I expanded slowly over the years and now have a team of 8 ~ an all female photography team. We focus primarily on weddings, boudoir and commercial projects. Herein I wanted to discuss Boudoir Photography for, as an all female photography team we are quite well known for this.

Before it was making the rounds on pinterest, reality tv and commonly considered the “it” groom’s gift, our studio was offering this boudoir photography. It came about quite organically after several brides approached me privately about doing a “sexy” photo shoot for their one and only.

After the very first boudoir shoot over 10 years ago, I knew it was no passing fad. Since then I have honed the studio style relying heavily on an editorial, photojournalistic vibe. We all simply adore photographing boudoir! It’s the perfect mix of fashion, femininity and art (and of course, it’s sexy as hell to boot!).

My boudoir bag has been with me a lot lately as we have been working on many styled boudoir shoots adding to the growing collection of photos we have set aside for our upcoming book, Real Sexy Photography, the Art and Business of Boudoir set to be released Spring 2016.

It’s an exciting time at the studio and I feel so grateful for all the wonderful people I have met and gotten to work with over the years. You can follow the progress of this book and be entered to win a free copy when it is released.

When attending an on location boudoir or heading to the studio for something more intimate, I always try to have on hand a few key pieces. With Boudoir, much of the time, less is more.

I like to focus on the beauty of the female form – how light and shadow can highlight (and conceal) a subject’s best assets. When working with a model I try to arrange for some custom or designer lingerie ahead of time. Recently I worked on a shoot featuring La Perla and several exquisite custom pieces by a boutique in CT, Beneath the Gown.

I also like to have an accessory or two in case I want to work in a prop of some kind – this can deliver striking results. For instance, draping a glittery necklace down a nude back, or having a subject mock putting on an earring, applying lipstick etc.

I find such poses to draw out genuine feminine nuance – they are the acts a woman does hundreds of times in her life, yet, when distilled and captured, become something more. Graceful gestures such as these, when photographed during a boudoir session take seem to have more presence, a more dramatic and poignant air. I love that.

In my bag, I also like to keep on hand a bit of lipstick or gloss for touch ups throughout a shoot to keep my subject looking dewy with a great pout. Another thing I always have on hand would be a small stack of boudoir post cards or business cards so that I am prepared even when on the go.

As far as equipment, Nikon is my go to. I feel Nikon in general seems to have a softer quality, which is perfect for the types of weddings and boudoir sessions I tend to take on.

As far as lenses, I predominantly use a Nikon 50mm f/1.4D, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8.

Natural light is key for me and for that reason, whenever possible, nearly all of my boudoir work is done early morning. For such sessions, I use my Nikon 50mm f/1.4D which generally works for the entire shoot ~ THIS I LOVE!

I also will use the 50mm lens for low light as I feel it better captures detail I wouldn’t otherwise be able to pick up.

I also have a set of pocket wizards for profoto lights that I use as needed.

My Gear List:

Nikon D800
Nikon 50mm f/1.4D
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8
Profit Compact 600 strobes
PocketWizard Plus X
5 in 1 Reflector
Nikon SB-910 flash
Westcott Ice Light
HoldFast MoneyMaker
ONA Camps Bay Backpack
Shootsac

Daylight – Traditionally, early morning light in someone’s home or in my studio is my favorite, although recently I love the night! In low light I will try to work with street lights in conjunction with a Westcott Ice Light – this is my newest happy place.

My Favorite camera strap is the HoldFast MoneyMaker because it saves my neck while shooting with 2 cameras!

I have two types of camera bags – an ONA Camps Bay Backpack and a Shootsac. I rely on my ONA bag for on location boudoir and my Shootsac paired with the HoldFast for destination weddings. I find with these I am completely mobile, prepared and ready to take on whatever life throws my way.

www.daniphotography.com

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