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

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!

Learn How To Create A Gorgeous Smokey Eye | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography

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

2013 Signature Coterie Girl! | San Jose bay Area Boudoir Photographer

Wow! That was a really tough call. All three finalists were amazing so announcing a winner is kind of bittersweet for me. I truly hope that each girl had a great time during her whirlwind shoot and that they all love their images! You ladies will be hearing from me very soon.

With the help of my judges we narrowed it down to one girl, so without any more waiting… I am very happy to announce that the 2013 Signature Coterie Girl is Stacy!

Congratulations Stacy!

I am looking forward to working with you throughout the upcoming year.

Signature Coterie Girl Finalists 2013 | San Jose bay Area Boudoir Photography

This is it, our 2013 Signature Coterie Girl finalists!

On Jan 5th, I had each girl come to the studio for a test shoot. The purpose of this shoot was to give me a feel for each girl and how she responses to the camera, my sometimes very hard to follow directions, and get an overall idea of her personality and look. Each girl did an amazing job so I am now left with the very hard decision of narrowing it down to just ONE. Yikes, this won’t be easy! Thankfully I will have the help of some amazing boudoir photographers from around the USA and Canada to help me with my decision making. (go check them out)

Bri Anderson of http://www.embraceyoursexy.ca/

Christine Selleck Tremoulet of http://hotmamaboudoir.com/

Stacie Frazier of http://hauteshots.com/

Natalie Robbins Kita of http://www.getshotnaked.com/

Alecia Hoyt of http://www.xoxoalice.com

Thank you ladies, I will def’ be putting you all to work on helping me decide on a winner!

We will also be doing a fun little Facebook “contest”. I will post each of the following collages on my fan page and everyone can “Like” the collage of the girl you think should receive a Signature Centerfold with her favorite images from her test shoot.

Here they are in random order:

Miss Kristina

Miss Stacy

Miss LeAnne

Thanks again, ladies, you were all awesome!

Dec Girls Night Out | San Jose Boudoir Portrait Studio

Do we ever have a fun girls night out planned for Dec and just in time for the Holiday Season and gift giving! Get ready for a fun night out celebrating…

Our favorite Things!

That’s right, just like Oprah, well without her cash flow but wouldn’t that be nice… hahaha. Okay so it’s a wee bit more low key but it will certainly be a blast!

So here is how it will work:

1. RSVP to bcoterie@sbcglobal.net or on the Facebook Fan Page Event. Seats are limited to 20 so it’s first come first serve(You may bring a friend but EVERYONE MUST rsvp!).

2. Each girl is to bring her favorite thing x5, but this favorite thing must be under $7. Yup that’s the budget. $7 or under.

3. Bring 5 identical items.

4. Wrap or bag your item so it cannot be seen.

5. Think outside the box, it could be beauty, fashion, home anything at all!

6. When you arrive you will choose 5 names from a bowl and keep them private.

7. When the party starts we will go around the group with each girl talking about their favorite thing and then she will gift her favorite thing to the 5 names she drew.

8. Cheer and clap at the cool favorite things you receive, and enjoy another glass of wine!

9. Optional- bring a tasty treat to share.

Like all Coterie Girls Night Out parties, these are open invitation to all ladies, you do not have to be a client or know me, these are just fun events to get out and have a good time- and maybe make some new friends. Alright… go on and spread the news and I hope to see you at the party!