I've been fortunate to have two photo shoots recently with Sacramento area photographer Kelly Swafford and the results have been amazing. Thus, a "shameless plug" for Kelly and her talent.

Kelly, for those of you who don't know her, was the photographer for the 2009 River City Sparkle event in October. She is very professional in her approach and ability, and if you've never had a photo shoot, she will make you feel comfortable and at ease from the minute you walk in the door.

Kelly works out of her home studio, with one room dedicated to studio portraits and another room designed with a candlelight boudoir setting.

I've had three photo sessions in the Bay Area, but nothing can rival the results I had with Kelly. My sessions created over 1,750 pictures, which were all available for me to view.

When I arrived at Kelly's home, I was greeted as if I were a long lost friend. Kelly gave me a informative tour of the two rooms, explained the photo process, and showed me a few sample pictures of other girls in the boudoir and studio settings. I was instantly intrigued with the "over the top for me" boudoir pictures, so I opted for the bedroom scene.

Kelly escorted me to a private dressing area where it took me almost an hour to primp and dress for the occasion. With my makeup "near perfect" and wearing a corset, nylons and heels, I was nervous, but ready to go.

Taking pictures is not easy work for the photographer or the subject. Thank goodness,  Kelly immediately took the fear and anxiety away with her professionalism and good nature.

During the boudoir experience, which lasted for almost two hours, I continually joked with Kelly that she had it much easier than I did. All she had to do was climb up and down a ladder, move around the room, and click pictures. For me, I'm still sore from the twisting and turning of muscles I didn't know I even had, as I positioned myself in different poses on the bed, attempting to not get burned by the candles.

II had envisioned how I would look as a seductive woman among the candles, but not in my widest dreams did I expect the quality pictures I received. Kelly acted as a choreographer to coordinate my poses with her camera into one harmonious dance.

My second session, three weeks later, was in the studio. I had planned to bring only one dress and two other outfits, but Kelly insisted I bring more. She was right, as we had plenty of time during the 90 minutes for three dresses and five outfits.

Again, I used the dressing area to get ready. Kelly had prepared a beige background setting, which was perfect for the different ensembles I would wear. The camera clicked and I posed while standing and sitting next to various props. Kelly not only photographed me in full body shots, but close-ups and fun poses.

The time went too fast in both sessions. Although the experience was tiring, I was on such a high, I could have gone on for another hour or so.

Kelly is open to sessions of any length. Her fees are much more reasonable than the mall picture people or a private big name photographer. And, she puts all your pictures on a disc for your use. The time I spent with Kelly was more than worth the cost.

For more information, Contact Us at: kpswaffo@yahoo.com. Or visit her website at: www.photogsbykel.com. Her phone number is: 916-333-8265.

I'm looking forward to another session in the spring, this time at the park next to her home.