With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, our clients are surprising loved ones with a special gift – dudeoir photos.
What is Dudeoir?
3 years ago boudoir photography was the biggest trend and it is still hugely popular! In the last year and a half, dudeoir photography has skyrocketed. Dudeoir photography is a play on the word boudoir, but focusing on men portraits instead of women.
My goal when we launched dudeoir photos the summer of 2013 was to showcase the beauty of a man in a style that was simplistic in nature, often edited in black and white, showcasing the male form in a way that it was perceived as art or a sculpture. I was introduced to a book by Herb Ritts from my talented friend Chuck, which showcased profound images of men. This was my initial inspiration when I launched this genre of photography.
How to prepare for a dudeoir shoot:
I love a little 5 o’clock shadow for the first half the shoot. A little bit of an edgy look on some men. For wardrobe, men bring a 3 piece suit, classic button down shirts, jeans. A leather or jean jacket, watches and sunglasses. Sometimes, men bring fitted underwear and fitted t-shirts, it depends on the look – every session is personalized.
If you are looking for a unique first 1st anniversary gift: paper is the traditional gift, consider a dudeoir photo shoot.
A portrait with Je Revele at the castle is a relaxing and luxurious experience. We are located in a historic NJ castle. If you’re looking for timeless portraits to hang on the walls of your home, please call us to schedule a session.
Je Revele Fine Art Photography Studio & Gallery
433 River Road | Highland Park, NJ 08904 | NJ Castle: 732-964-3773
Website: www.jerevele.com | Blog: www.blog.jerevele.com
Check-in with us on Facebook & receive $25 Credit: https://www.facebook.com/JeRevelebyNatalieLicini
International Award Winning Photographer
PPA Photographer of the year 2012
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both. ”― James A. Michener
New Vision
It all started with a dream in 2008. Je Revele originally Natalie Licini Photography was once merely an aspiration, birthed in the mind of a focused businesswoman whom envisioned the idea of combining photography with fine art.
As artists, we have found that one of the secrets to success is discovered when taking time to reflect upon progress made and then setting goals for what is to come. And in our studio at Je Revele, we proudly do this with our clients during every photo session. We help clients realize their greatest aspects, traits and strengths so they can be visualized in timeless works of art to be admired by future generations.
We’re not huge fans of typical New Year’s Resolutions, instead, we create action plans based on specific goals allowing us to see our plans through to completion.
To begin the process, I like to think about the different things that have happened in the previous year as well as in the years prior leading up until this point. It’s important to reflect on both the good things that happened and things that weren’t so wonderful. For the latter, rather than dwell on them, we take note of anything we learned or ways we could achieve a better outcome in the future.
Most importantly, we believe we should celebrate our successes. We have learned that such positive vibes set an energy, which attracts more success.
Some favorite highlights from our sessions in 2013 relate to the following areas.
New Genres of Photography
Over the course of 2013, we are so pleased to share that we conducted over 200 photo shoots. 60% of these shoots were boudoir/beauty shoots. We fondly refer to boudoir and beauty shoots as intimate portraits, which has proven to be, year after year, our most popular genre. Our newborn/maternity sessions continue to grow year after year. We had the great privilege of photographing FOUR sets of twins at our Highland Park studio.
We also expanded our genre repertoire. Je Revele launched a whole new category of men’s portraiture in the summer of 2013. Several of the photographs seen on the website won awards at WPPI later in 2013.
We also, upon the requests from some of our clients, launched the pet-ography genre, which animal lovers will find to be delightful focusing on our furry little friends.
With cameras in hand, we excitedly photographed famous singers, a basketball star and a news anchorwoman this year. “Talk about being nervous – ahh” ~Natalie
We are always so grateful to clients for traveling from near and far to be photographed by us. But we felt so honored when clients flew from Dubai/France and California to be photographed at the castle.
New Renovations
Our Highland Park studio has undergone a transformation over the past year. The castle was the former home of the Johnson and Johnson family and as you can imagine, required the skill and expertise of someone meticulous who could transform my space yet maintain the old world charm. Under the direction of our talented interior designer Rose Abby, gorgeous wall paper, custom drapery, chandeliers, crown moldings, wardrobe, a fireplace in our viewing room was installed…and that’s just for starters. Now it really is a fairy tale modern studio set in a historic castle.
New Videography
In 2013, Je Revele has released its second commercial. This newest installment, filmed on location, can be found on the Je Revele website or by clicking here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQaOgQOsobU
New Professional Development
Natalie second-shot a wedding with her mentor Bambi Cantrell. She is still gushing over this honor!
Natalie taught a photography course for gifted students at Middlesex County during the early part of the spring. She also co-presented a workshop with world-renowned photographer Nik Pekridis. Pekridis soon after joined Je Revele to lead our Wedding team in our NYC studio.
Team Je Revele embarked on a weekend getaway to The Lodge at Woodloch for an office retreat. It was a surreal experience for each participant.
We truly celebrate our professional development knowing that training and personal development is paramount for our team’s successes.
New Studio!
An opportunity arose albeit a little earlier than we dreamed. We acquired a second property in the Upper West side of Manhattan to serve as our second studio. Je Revele has expanded to serve clients in NYC!
To help with the launch of the new studio, Natalie was able to utilize the talented resources of Zoe Richards, a British based photographer and entrepreneur.
New Staff
Je Revele proudly welcomed new additions to staff in 2013.
Jessica Crespo, Lead Photographer
Charity Fues, Director of Social Media
Cara Schwab, Director of Client Experience
Nik Pekridis, Lead Wedding Photographer
The uber talented Lara Saggese, Kristin McCandless, Hannah Ho and Tatiana Rodriquez also joined the team with Natalie and her right hand Michelle Ernest.
New Baby
At the start of Spring, Natalie gave birth to her 3rd child. This time it was a boy! Welcome to the world Luc Declan!
New Clients
We at Je Revele are so appreciative of all of the clients that we have met over the year and in years prior. We look forward to meeting your future photographic needs. We are committed to you, our communities, and our families. Please keep us in mind if you’d like us to consider sponsoring your organization for special fundraisers in 2014.
New Year
As we embark on a new year, remember to reflect on all you have learned from last year. Count your blessings. Learn from your mistakes. We hope you will join us as we follow the advice of Howard Thurman, when he wrote,
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
Here’s to a wonderful and lively 2014!
Charity Fues
There was an air of excitement in the castle. It wasn’t every day that we had a man coming in to be photographed, although now it’s become a more popular type of session we schedule these days. I think it has much to do with the pensive yet striking man who sauntered carefully up the gothic stairwell.
In one heartbeat, Roly arrived at the studio. As soon as he walked in, I could feel my fingers tingle, itching to reach for my camera. This face..that body… all of him…was meant to be seen!
I couldn’t quite place his look. Mysterious? Reserved? Intriguing for sure.
I tried to make small talk with him as we set-up for the shoot.
Roly actually seemed nervous as he leaned over to whisper to his companion, tentatively displaying his wardrobe selections. They consulted together and I conferred with them as well as to which outfits would produce the best look. How could anything look bad on this man? I felt quite certain that he could work a burlap sack!
My camera was in love. For someone who seemed so shy in person, this man was a star for the lens. Leaning against the classic Cadillac as his backdrop, Roly’s smile rivaled the stars. Other staff members giggled and blushed as he moved from set to set. All eyes were on him!
And yet, thee was not a sense of gloat or awareness that he was being so admired. His sensuality was innocent. Every instruction was followed, although many times direction was not needed. He knew what to do. A simple gaze. One clench of the jaw. Amazement and awe.
Since this shoot, we have received numerous calls to the studio for men’s portraits. Our clients realize that we are able to capture a person’s essence in its prime and preserve it for all time. In our photographs, we reveal the most desirable, irresistible features that time is destined to ultimately change. Fortunately for us, we can admire Roly’s handsomeness for years to come.
—
NYC Dudeoir Photos at
Je Revele Fine Art Photography Studio & Gallery
433 River Road | Highland Park, NJ 08904 | Studio: 732-964-3773 | Mobile: 917-886-5666
Website: www.jerevele.com | Blog: www.blog.jerevele.com
LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeRevelebyNatalieLicini
International Award Winning Photographer
A One-One Interview with Jessica Crespo,
Photographer Extraordinaire at Je Revele
When you look through the lens of your camera, is what you see different than what one might see from normal view?
While I feel like I can identify with most of my clients, I connect often with women who are mothers and wives. I can really relate to them. Sometimes when you become a wife or a mother you feel like you have become someone else- not the cute self you used to be. Being the subject of a photo shoot allows a woman to reclaim herself in a way she may have forgotten who she was and is.
If you could go back and change something related to your education or your life as a student what would you change or what would you do differently?
I think the biggest evolution for me has been that I have transformed from a shy, “little mouse” conservative person into an edgy outgoing, more self-confident and self assured person.
What kind of photography do you do? Do you enjoy it? Why or why not?
I enjoy doing weddings and boudoir photography. I feel as though I have developed a “super power” of empathy and intuition. Having experienced these themes in my own life, my intuition is keenly on-point. I feel a strong connection to my clients during these shoots.
What are the pros and cons of being a photographer? Please be specific.
Being a photographer is very empowering. I have the opportunity to bring so much joy to people. I love being an entrepreneur and taking control of my own destiny. I get to meet lots of interesting people and see wonderful aspects of life. If there are cons, I suppose it’s what people do not realize. Photography isn’t only glamorous. There is a lot of editing, billing and paperwork involved.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you want to be? Why?
I used to think I wanted to be a teacher or a lawyer. Now I know I’d love to be a travel blogger! I’d be able to travel the world, enjoy the cultures and wines of each region and capture my experiences in photographs and in words.
What would you say is most important: good knowledge or good equipment?
It’s not the camera that takes the photograph. Capturing a look requires more than just technique. I like to think that I take photos with my heart.
If you could work alongside of any photographer, who would it be?
I feel privileged to work with Natalie Licini, owner and head photographer at Je Revele. She is a fabulous mentor, full of humility, kindness and patience. And she has a sharp eye!
I also follow and admire the work of Jerry Ghionis, a renowned photographer, based out of Australia. He is known as one of the top 5 wedding photographers in the world. His work is an inspiration to me.
What genre of photography do you least like and why?
I am not a big fan of traditionally posed photographs. For me, it’s like painting. A creative artist enjoys picking up a brush and allowing the brush to be a tool on the canvas. What results, hopefully, is a unique expression. Such a painter would not enjoy the kind of painting one dies when painting a room in a house. Although that kind of painting requires skill and precision, it leaves little room for creativity on the part of the painter. That’s a bit what it’s like for me. Merely positioning people for a traditional, stiff portrait pose does not always allow room for the artistic signature of the photographer. I like to capture each person’s personality, which is often seen through movements and mannerisms, not in sitting still like a statue.
—
Je Revele Fine Art Photography Studio & Gallery
433 River Road | Highland Park, NJ 08904 | Studio: 732-964-3773 | Mobile: 917-886-5666
Website: www.jerevele.com | Blog: www.blog.jerevele.com
LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeRevelebyNatalieLicini
International Award Winning Photographer
This past week, we’ve received a surge of calls asking about men’s portraits in New Jersey popularly called dudeoir. This is not exactly a trend as some may think, although the term is relatively new to many.
The artists at Je Revele desired to create a new experience for men to take center stage and become the object of everyone’s admiration. As always, we set out to devise something truly unique and memorable. The Je Revele Adonis Experience: a fabulously masculine session which includes wardrobe selection, grooming and a complete stylish and sophisticated photo shoot, set against the backdrop of a historic, stonewall castle. We are so excited to offer a truly customized photographic opportunity in one of the few studios that offer fine art men’s portraits in New York City and the Metropolitan area.
Men have Stunning Bone Structure. Piercing Eyes. Sexy Smile. Chiseled muscles. These are only some of the qualities you will surely notice when you check out our new genre of portraiture: Men. See for yourself. https://www.jerevele.com/FineArtPhotography/Men
With our recent surge of calls asking about dudeoir photos in NYC or in our New Jersey studio, our client’s are planning sessions for their loved ones. Whether its a wedding gift for their wife or their husband, or an anniversary or Christmas gift, some of our clients are simply planning these sessions for themselves to celebrate a milestone or new chapter in their life. These award winning fine art photographers recently received accolades for their men’s portraits here: http://blog.jerevele.com/2013/08/16/natalie-licini-of-je-revele-receives-international-awards-at-wppi-competition/
Are you considering a gift for a loved one? for yourself? Here’s some helpful info… but as always, call our studio. Natalie & Jess can answer any questions you may have.
What to Expect:
Chauffeur transportation: Start your one of a kind experience with optional chauffeur transportation for you and your loved one.
Grooming: If you’d like to feel pampered, add hair and subtle photo-ready make-up to your portrait experience! We have talented in house stylists available by appointment. Just let us know during your booking, and we will make all the arrangements.
Gourmet dinner at the castle: How do you conclude such a spectacular day? Consider having our chef plan a luxury dining experience at the castle with dinner served on our terrace.
Selecting Your Portraits: Return to the castle to select your favorite portraits, another memorable and exciting experience.
If you desire to make your mark and redefine old traditions and definitions, the Je Revele Adonis Experience is for you! The experience alone is exciting, liberating, and unforgettable, but even when the day is done, it all continues in choosing which divine images to print and having those gifts to treasure forever.
~Natalie & the Je Revele team
Je Revele Fine Art Photography Studio & Gallery
433 River Road | Highland Park, NJ 08904 | Studio: 732-964-3773 | Mobile: 917-886-5666
Website: www.jerevele.com | Blog: www.blog.jerevele.com
LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeRevelebyNatalieLicini
International Award Winning Photographer
2012 PPA PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
