Stepping In Front Of The Camera | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Portraits

Nerves.

It takes a lot of them to get in front of the camera for a Boudoir session. No matter how many times I have told my clients that there was no reason to be nervous, it was hard to take my own advice.

I am most comfortable behind the camera creating images that make others look and feel gorgeous.

Last month I turned 39. Yeah, I said it… so start planning my big 40 you’ve got lots of time and I want a PAR-TAY… but I digress… I wanted to celebrate with some images so I asked a photographer friend if she wanted to do a swap, on the condition that I get to edit– hey, I am an admitted control freak but she agreed to these terms. Ha! She is not a boudoir photographer and let me just say, that despite her doing a pretty good job, it was extremely hard to guide myself into poses and expressions from in front of the camera. I will also admit that I almost backed out. Shhhh. Tell no one! Yup, I was nervous BUT just like my other advice, the words “Your nerves will melt away within minutes” stood true, and IT WAS FUN!

I learned a few things too… like my ass isn’t quite as big as I thought, my boobs aren’t quite as small as I thought and, I’m kinda cute. Yup, all the same insecurities I hear from every other woman that I thought I didn’t believe about myself came to the surface and wouldn’t ya know it, it’s not as bad as I thought. Now since I am being very honest, there was an even bigger hesitation on my part to doing a boudoir session– my Arthritis and physical deformities. I’ll admit it, when it comes to shooting boudoir, I am very particular about a few things… feminine hands and pointed toes being the two biggies(I am sure all my past clients are nodding their heads right now). Both of these things are impossible for me to accomplish. I have messed up feet and cannot point my toes and my hands are pretty dang crippled… do you know how hard it is to show clients “ballet hands” when most of my fingers and both wrists are fused, fingers jutting out in all directions like a unique gang sign with a member of one? It’s pretty damn funny, really. But guess what, it’s who I am and it didn’t bother me even the slightest as I looked through the images.

Okay, enough chit chat, I am sure ya’ll are curious so let’s see some images before stating my conclusion…

Now I shall admit one final thing to you all… despite having fun with my friend Paula(and thanks again!) I have decided, without a doubt, to save my pennies and do a shoot with a boudoir pro. I want to relax, be guided, and have it done in a pampering way. I also really want some beauty shots, something in a big frilly gown and flowers in my hair. Sigh. This could become addicting!

Okay, so seriously, NO MORE EXCUSES! If I can do this, than so can you! It’s so awesome to have gorgeous images of yourself. If money is an issue… I do payment plans. Yup, it’s time for you to look and feel great too and I want to be the one to get you there. I mean seriously, if I can do it…

Are you convinced yet? What will it take to get you in my studio?

bcoterie@sbcglobal.net or 408.460.1855

Casual Can Be Sexy | San Jose Boudoir Portrait Photographer

Work what you’ve got!

I hear a lot of “but I have nothing to wear” from clients and potential clients but I assure you, you have more than you realize. Boudoir does not have to be about slinky lingerie. It’s about feeling beautiful inside and out. You definitely don’t have to spend a fortune on new outfits for a boudoir session! I tell all my clients to raid their closest for some great finds. You can really glam up simple pieces to make them hot and sexy. Accessories and the right shoes(or no shoes and long socks– smokin’!) can pull a look together. Grey is a fantastic color and looks nice on all skin tones. Pair an oversize tee with some heals and cute panties and he will never look at that top the same again. *wink, wink*

I recently had a client tell me that her hubby wears the shirt she was photographed in so much more now… we can all imagine why. *snicker* So don’t be afraid to mix and match what you already have. It will make your special someone weak in the knees remembering your gorgeous images, every time you wear that favorite shirt!

Wardrobe consultations come complimentary with every session booked! So don’t fret, we will help you look amazing and choose all the perfect pieces for your session!

Let’s get started… 408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

Beauty by Boudoir Coterie | San Jose Bay Area Beauty and Glamour Photography

I have mentioned in the past that I offer Beauty sessions for those women who would like some gorgeous photos but want to keep their clothes on. These sessions are just as fun as boudoir, they are pampering and make you feel like a super model! Beauty by Boudoir Coterie is a personalized session, designed to meet your needs and are done at our San Jose studio. I recently did a trade shoot with a photographer friend, Paula and we did some Beauty shots during her session. They are gorgeous so I decided to make a magazine folio with them to show everyone just a hint of what a beauty session can be. Next week I will be shooting a couple gorgeous ladies as full on Beauty sessions with cute outfits and gowns–  I can’t wait!

I figured the best way to let you all know what I mean by Beauty sessions is to show you examples. So here is that little folio sample(and a gift with purchase in the back).

Would you like gorgeous images of yourself? Maybe yourself and a friend, sister, mother, daughter? From now until May 30th, book a double beauty session with a friend or relative for only $100 more(a $100 savings). Mention this folio and you will BOTH receive the special gift! Don’t wait any longer, come in and let us make you look and feel magnificent!

How To Choose A Boudoir Photographer | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography

The three MOST IMPORTANT factors in choosing a boudoir photographer… in the order that I believe is most important.

Step 1. Like the photographer. Yup, that’s right, you first priority should be your comfort level and the vibe you get from the photographer. No matter how awesome their work might be, if you don’t feel comfortable around them, then it’s not going to make for an amazing experience and it will show in the resulting images. Meet them, chat with them, make sure it’s someone you are willing to prance around in your skivvies with. Feeling relaxed, confident(a good photographer can bring this out of you when you are nervous) and happy will make for the best images and most enjoyed experience.

Step 2. Love their work. If you don’t love their style, then don’t invest in them. Make sure you see lots of image samples and that it is in fact their work. **Just a side not that sadly there has been an increase in deal site boudoir offers that have been known to use stolen images or images provided by the deal site, NOT the actual work of the photographer. So meet them and make sure they can show you samples of their work. Choose a photographer whose style you want reflected in your images… don’t choose a pinup photographer if you want soft, natural light images and vice versa. If you want artistic nudes, find a photographer who shoots artistic nudes. Make sure what you want in the end is what that photographer can provide. Make sense?

Step 3. Investment. The old saying “You get what you pay for” is around for a reason. I understand we all have a budget and must stick within it but if you find a photographer whom you really want to work with and you love their style, then see what can be done. Maybe they offer payment plans? When you find something you REALLY want, take your parents advice, don’t settle for less and save up for it!  There are some things worth the bargain and some things that are not. Cheap and boudoir should never be uttered in the same sentence. Believe me, you don’t want to look “cheap” in your final images. It’s definitely worth paying more for an amazing experience and fantastic images than to pay less and be left feeling blah about the whole thing.

Boudoir sessions shouldn’t be done willy nilly and neither should you choose a photographer without taking some time to decide what you really want out of the whole thing. You should feel relaxed and excited. It’s all about YOU and you should be feeling like a million bucks when all is said and done, not like you have just been herded through a process.

With all that said, I know I am not for everyone. I encourage prospective clients to shop around, take their time before making a final decision. If all three pieces fit what you are looking for(sometimes the last one is stretched a little because the first two are so important) then jump in with both feet. You won’t regret it. In fact you may want this “once in a lifetime experience” to happen again… and you wouldn’t be the first.

Because every post needs a pretty picture, here is a before and after of my gorgeous friend, Miss K. Yup, you too can look this good. So go on… follow step one and give me a call. Ha!

bcoterie@sbcglobal.net or 408.460.1855

She’s a Starlette | San Jose Boudoir Photographer

Sometimes in my job I have the honor of photographing a beautiful lady more than once. The first time I met Miss D was during a mini session. She had such a great time that she and her husband agreed that she needed to book the whole shebang. That’s right, she wanted it all and neatly bundled into a Starlette package. For those of you who are unaware of what a Starlette session is, imagine a full day feeling, acting and being treated like a supermodel in our San Jose studio! Two different hair and makeup looks, 3 hours behind the camera, multiple wardrobe looks, your favorite snacks, wine and lunch in the studio. It’s the ultimate girls day. Plus you get all the top goodies, 2 albums, digital files and a gorgeous 16×24 canvas. It’s got it all! I have to admit, this was one of my favorite sessions of all time. A full day of playing dress up and taking pictures, delicious food and wine and of course lots of laughs. The lovely Miss D is so easy going and game for pretty much anything… she even brought rose petals, which I will admit, I have never used before. Seriously, we laughed so much during this session that I felt like I was on a high for the rest of the night!

So here is a small taste of this beauty. Again, thank you Miss D for such an amazing day. I hope that someday in the future you will once again grace my studio with your beauty and laughter!

If you think that a Starlette session is exactly what you are looking for, please give me a call and I can fill in on all the sexy details!

408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

      Have a sexy day!

P.S. Watch the comments… I’m going to try to get her to talk a little about her experience with the Starlette session.

Simple & Beautiful | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography

In recent months I have started to fall more in love with sheet shots. Sheet shots are a set of images that focus on a women’s beauty. No frills or fuss, just her, a bed and my lens. I have been thankful that more and more clients are braving these shots. There is just something so beautiful about a relaxed woman in bed. These shots are sexy and playful and remind me of a romantic weekend getaway where you can lounge in bed on a Sunday morning. Sans kids, deadlines, work or any other distractions. Aaaaahhh, what I would give for a weekend away… but I digress.

Here is a gorgeous set of the lovely Miss M. There were more, of course, but these 3 black and whites are my very favorite from her session.

Oh, and the other bonus for sheet sets… no need for expensive lingerie.

Are you brave enough to rock a sheet set?

408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

Why Yes, I DO Shoot Couples Boudoir! | San Jose Boudoir Photographer

I’ve been a little MIA, and I apologize. It’s been a busy season with lots of gorgeous ladies in the studio, my amazing husband working his butt off to finish up the last of the studio remodel and then we had to throw in the family being sick. Blah! The good news is I am back on track and finally got to shoot my second gorgeous couple last weekend. I cannot wait to dig in and edit these bad boys(although you can see a few more peaks on our Facebook Fan Page). But first I need to finish up a few more client edits. Here’s a little peek at the hotness to come… and steamy HOT it is!

In other news we have some fun events planned! Nov 8th is a Boudoir Coterie hosted Bliss Pleasure party at the studio in San Jose. This is an open invitation event but does require an rsvp! Please do NOT just show up as seats are limited. There are only 3-4 spots left so if you would like to join in the fun for this ladies only event then shoot me an email or check out the information here at the Bliss Pleasure Party Invite for all the details!

Bring it ladies!

We are hoping to do monthly GIRLS NIGHT OUT parties and would love to hear some ideas. What sort of Girls Night Out would you like to see happen?

December we will be having TWO awesome events- the Relaunch Party for guys and gals – lots of fun giveaways, a booking bonus, etc… and the Dec Girls Night out will be a Our Favorite Things night!! EEK! I am so exited about this. Again, watch for details or better yet, join our VIP Newsletter list to get all the goods right in your inbox and stay ahead of the game!

Happy Hump day, everyone!