Specialising in boudoir and artistic photography, Stone and Ellis’ clients, although shy at first, relax and enjoy the luxurious experience on offer.

They say that after an elaborate hair and make-up session followed by a magazine-like photo shoot, clients begin to love showing off their sexy side!

“Our boudoir photography focuses on being sophisticated, stylish and sexy,” says Helenna.

“We work with our clients to help them pose in their best light. It’s not necessarily about showing off lots of skin and never anything sleazy!

“We start with hair and make-up and enjoy chatting with them, making them feel relaxed so by the time the clients are in front of the camera we are old friends.”

Donna says: “Being in front of a camera can be such a vulnerable experience, especially with boudoir and artistic photography.

“Knowing this, we make every client feel comfortable in an environment that is both beautiful and inviting.”

And the pair has discovered that, given the opportunity, Canberra’s businesswomen enjoy getting out of their corporate attire.

“I have found that there is a sexy side to corporate women that they want to express and most of the photographs are gifts to their partners and husbands,” says Helenna.

“We are told by clients that they never thought they would look like that. They see themselves as really beautiful.”

And it’s not just ladies who are enjoying being in front of the lens.

“We are finding that guys aren’t looking for a usual shot of them posing in a suit,” says Donna.

A memorable photoshoot involved a barrister who asked Helenna and Donna to tell a story of his work life, hobby and passion in one image. The result is the client, dressed in his wig and gown, leaning over his beloved motorcycle to passionately kiss his glamorous wife.

“The large photograph now hangs in the barrister’s office with the words ‘It’s always personal’ accompanying it”, says Helenna.

Both Donna and Helenna are professional make-up artists and photographers and are based at Helenna’s Hello Darling beauty salon in Kingston.