DivaVoom Pole Dancing PhotoShoot

In November of 2011, I did something naughty, spicy and oh so yummy. I participated in my first pole dancing sensual photoshoot. I can’t tell you how excited I am to cross that off my bucket list.

I learned about an amazing deal for pole pictures from Aerial Amy. She’s one of the best pole people in the world. Check out her blog here. You can read my Happy Birthday post to her here. Amy is the reason a dragon spit on my vagina. Technically speaking she’s the reason I finally swallowed my nerves and got hooked on laser hair removal. I just love the visual of a dragon spitting on my vagina to describe the experience. You can read about that here. Amy’s also the reason I finally got properly fitted for a bra. I’d been wearing the wrong size for 10+ years. GEEZ! Amy is behind Pole Flight Club one of my favorite activities. You can read about that here. And on top of that, she’s the reason why I was able to perform before 100+ people in my first public pole showcase. AHhh! You can watch that performance here. So Amy’s become integral to my pole life. She’s also my teacher at Shockra studios. So when Amy mentioned a pole dancing photoshoot I knew I had to try it too.

1. COSTUMES – Have a friend or someone with any eye for style help you select your clothing and accessories. Since it is a photoshoot, don’t forget about the accessories. They can go a long way. Think about the colors you’re selecting to wear. I really liked the idea of wearing black shorts, a white tshirt and leather printed heels. I also liked the image of red lacey panties, so I brought a change of clothes.

2. MAKEUP - Have someone else do you make up… if you’re anything like me. I don’t know how to wear makeup. I’m learning. These days I even paint my nails. (Hell has frozen over.) But if you’re inept like me, go to a Sephora’s and have them do you makeup the morning of your shoot. Just don’t forget to buy something to make it worth their while. I had my friend Jantira K help with my make up and my clothes. Oh, and wear fake eyelashes. It will read better in the images, trust me!

3. HAIR - My hair is short, so I don’t have much advice on what to do. I can tell you I was nervous that my pictures wouldn’t be as sexy because I wouldn’t be able to do hair flips, but I think my images speak for themselves.

4. MUSIC – Amy mentions this and I agree. Bring a playlist of music that gets you in your zone. For my first photoshoot, I wanted to just freestyle dance and have the photographer catch me in moments of flow. In order for me to dance freely, I had to play my SLY the SIREN playlist.

5. POLE – Don’t forget about the pole. I mean, it is a pole dancing photoshoot. Truth be told, I wish I had spent more time on the pole. Most of my pictures look more like a sexy, sensual boudoir photoshoot. The pole is hardly in sight. I have no problem with that but I would like pictures that show me doing cool spins, inverts and tricks on the pole. NEXT TIME!

6. POSES & FLOW – Its briefly mentioned in “music” and “pole” but there are different approaches to how you can take your pictures. You can focus on certain poses. For instance, I want an image of me doing a layout on the pole next time. You can also just play music and go with the flow, as I did for this one. And you can also give some attention to the subtle movements too. You know the ones that aren’t necessarily a dance move or a pole trick, but its in the in between. Those moments are so amazing to capture on film. So even if you aren’t a pole demon levitating with your pinky toe, you can still have powerful, sensual pictures with subtle movements on the pole. Don’t forget about those.

7. BODY – The day before your photo shoot, I’d recommend treating your body to spa like conditions. Or go to the spa. Exfoliate your skin. Get a facial. Get a manicure and pedicure. Wax your upper lip if needed. Shave your legs and everywhere else. Eat some veggies. Don’t smoke. And if possible, try to time your period to not be on the day of the shoot. Mine decided to make an appearance that day. But if that’s my body bloated, I’m ok with it!

If you need to get tanned, do that. I’m black, so I don’t concern myself with such things. But just make sure your body is at prime optimal conditions. You know how you get all fancy in your prep when you have a date or you know you’re going to have sex or you have an awesome interview or its your first day at a new job. Those same extra fancy preps should be applied when getting ready for a photo shoot.

8. POST PRODUCTION – When you get your pictures back, before you judge what doesn’t work and what doesn’t look right, I challenge you to find 50 awesome things in your photos. I’m so serious! I once did a pole video for some ladies where I think they look marvelous and instantly the women spoke of how their hair was a little messy and how their leg looked wonky and I couldn’t believe how they bypassed all their beauty. When you get those pictures back, try not to judge yourself. I did it. Initially there were only about 10 photos I liked of the 200+ images. Now when I go back with grace, self love and a keen eye on what I find beautiful, I realize I like just about all the photos. Bask in your glory. Don’t desecrate it with your insecurities.

9. FACE - Don’t forget about your face as you’re taking the pictures. Remember to keep an engaged look. Eyes closed or open, have a fire behind your eyes or smize. Make sure to relax your face. It would suck if you’re doing some awesome, gravity defying move and your face is all, “FUCK. THIS HURTS!” So do try to keep your face all pretty and happy and sexy when pictures are being snapped of you.

10. PHOTOGRAPHER – Pick someone who is awesome. My photoshoot was done by the wonderful Heather Stumpy of DivaVoom. She knows how to photograph pole dancers which is a different kind of breed. She created a relaxing atmosphere. She was encouraging. When I needed direction, she gave me some. She was so sweet and nice and I really appreciate the experience she created. Not everyone can do that so find someone who comes highly recommend. I recommend Heather!

All in all, I’m glad I did the shoot. I was nervous and sweating. (Don’t forget to bring powder for touch up.) I didn’t really know what the hell I was doing but I decided to throw caution to the wind and go with the flow. Although next time I do have a set list of images I’m aiming for. But despite my nerves, I decided to go for it. Trust me, life is so much more fun when you lead with courage and not fear and just try things. I am one sexy motherfucker and I’m glad I’ve got some images to show you just how far that sexy extends.

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Next up, I want to do another photoshoot with more pole and more tricks. I also want to do a boudoir photoshoot as my two erotic creatures, SLY the Siren and ISIS the SIREN. Watch out now!

I should also mention these pictures are “unedited” in once sense. I’ve resized them and added a filter or two but Heather actually gives you photoshop quality edited photos. I haven’t gotten those yet but just imagine how much awesomer the photos will be with a little tweaking by a professional. Hey! Hey!

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