Barlow Boudoir Creates Elegant, Classic Boudoir Photos at Heights House Hotel
Barlow Boudoir shows us that boudoir photography can be a luxurious and dramatic way to celebrate your body. This shoot was led by founder and photographer Richard Barlow. With more than 10 years of experience, Richard brings his unique style to a classic boudoir photo shoot at Heights House Hotel, a stunning backdrop for his work and a long-awaited vision he’d harbored since he saw the 1860 Boylan Heights mansion restored.
“I fell in love with Heights House when I first read about what [owners Sarah Shepherd and Jeff Shepherd] were doing with the house, and I always wanted to do a dramatic shoot there. My background (and former day job) was in commercial architecture, and I specialized in sustainability, historic restoration, and adaptive reuse, so [the project] caught my attention,” Richard says.
In 2021 Heights House reopened as a nine-room boutique hotel and event venue after renovations to preserve its original grandeur. Architectural details inspired by Italian villas, plus thoughtful interior furniture, and styling nod to the home’s past and tie together this one-of-a-kind venue just minutes from downtown Raleigh.
Heights House Hotel’s Timeless and Elegant Setting
The photographs captured by Richard Barlow at Heights House Hotel are nothing short of breathtaking. Molly Rebenski, one of the models featured in the shoot, shares her experience and recommends the experience to all brides. “There is something so powerful about celebrating your body for every beautiful curve, every scar, every birthmark,” she says. “It helped me relearn how to love my body just as it is, and honestly, I didn’t even realize how much I needed that until I was doing this shoot.”
Marissa Davis, another model featured in the shoot, agrees. “Overall I felt very empowered and sexy during the shoot,” she says. “I would definitely recommend Barlow Boudoir.”
Heights House Hotel, with its delicate, arching windows and elaborate details offers a romantic setting. “The Heights House always has the best energy and vibes,” Marissa says. “The design and decor provide the best backdrop for a classic and timeless shoot.”
Richard Barlow’s experience in boudoir photography shines through in every photograph, capturing the beauty and sensuality of every model. Molly adds, “For this kind of ‘Fine Art’ boudoir shoot, I don’t think I could have pictured a better setting. There are so many different areas of the house that lend themselves to certain ideas and poses, and that gives you a ton of flexibility with what is truly in your wheelhouse as both the model and the photographer.”
Boudoir Isn’t Just About the Photos
The expertise of Barlow Boudoir paired with the opulence of Heights House made everyone feel comfortable and at ease. The Barlow Boudoir experience is not just about the photos you’ll get; it’s also about reaffirming self-love and appreciation for your body. Photographer Richard Barlow makes sure that his clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera by creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. It’s evident in these classic boudoir photos that his experience and expertise pays off!
