Maria, Maria...such a beautiful soul. You can see right into it in each frame. I met her at a charity event I shot over the summer called Fashion for Freedom. Maria was the lucky raffle winner of a full makeover session. She showed up with a portion of her closet, and her garment bags were full of beautiful dresses. Some from Italy, some sparkly, some rich fabrics and a rockin' deep red Alexander Wang (which I then added a corset and my  homemade tulle skirt.)

It was like playing dress up in your mom's closet, only everything was fitted and no shoulder pads.

Enjoy.

Some people are just naturals. Sharifa is one of those ladies. The second I put my camera on the tripod and told her to "stand over there", she fell right into place. This mother of two looks stunning and radiates confidence in a modest way. Maybe this will kick start a career for America's Next Top Model? :)

I cannot think of anyone more thoughtful than Elle. She is a gorgeous woman outside and inside, and her heart just radiates kindness. I had a lovely makeover session with her and she got to let go and be free. I love it when a woman's smile lights up like hers. Congratulations Eleanor for making the Top 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the U.S.!!

Earlier this year I began playing with the idea that I could combine my love of makeup, magazines, and all things pretty with photographing women. (Thanks to an inspiring workshop that has rocked my world, I fell in LOVE!) I worked with Aracely, a sweet "quiet on the outside at first" kinda girl. She brought her mom into the studio for Mother's Day. It was so much fun spending an afternoon with these two bantering back and forth in english and spanish, and I didn't have my daughter there to translate for me!

Anyway, we glammed them up, threw the fan on to get their beautiful locks blowing in the wind and BAM! It was fabulous!

Flawless makeup provided by: Stefani of Metamorphosiz

I worked with Muey for a couple years, and she jumped at the opportunity to have me photograph her and her sister. This was a fun shoot from the minute they walked in. There was no warm up period, it was simply a matter of "HERE I AM!" and we rocked it! Aren't they just gorgeous?? I love my Boo Thang Muey Muey!

Boudoir & Glamour photography available in Benicia, CA. Near Napa Valley and East Bay Area. hello@meobaaklini.com