Retro Glam | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography

 

 

Vintage never goes out of style, especially in the boudoir. And capturing this sexy elegance in a photo is as old as photography itself. And to look sexy for your love is even older. As old as time. The evolution of these delicate undergarments have a long history, but styles are often repeated and made better through the ages. As times change and needs of the boudoir do, so to must lingerie.

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Victorians were not as stuck up as one would think. They knew how to have fun and dress for the occasion, even in private. For the modern Victorian look a touch of lace here, a neck-full of pearls there and a breathtaking corset is all you need

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By the 1920’s women were not only politically free but a little more sexually free and their less constricting often more revealing lingerie was a sign of the times. Even the music in the bedroom became more exciting with Jazz.

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As Hollywood grew in popularity so did the need for looking like a star in the bedroom. Even with WWII taking all the silk, that didn’t stop the ladies from wearing the most glamorous looks! (Thank You Nylon)

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Can you imagine the 1950’s being sexy? Well, the truth is some of the sexiest styles we still use today came from the 1950’s. It has become the most copied look for vintage lingerie.

 

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So if you feel like you were born in the wrong era…there’s lingerie for that!

Heather

 

 

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Bad Ass Boss Lady | Los Gatos Bay Area Boudoir Portrait Photographer

I’m back, baby!!! Yes, it’s been a while and I promise I will share more about what has been happening the past few months and why I have been silent. The important thing for now is that we are back and jumping into 2018 with full force!

Happy New Year, everyone!

 

I recently had the pleasure of working with the gorgeous Ofelia, owner of O Spa Salon in Los Gatos, again! The first time she graced my studio was for some much needed head shots. You may remember this the shot from IG?

 

Well this time she was braving a sexy shoot! It can be hard for women to take the much needed time to pamper themselves, regardless of whether you are a stay at home mom,, employed or run your own business. What better way than a personalized shoot designed to push your boundaries, bring out your inner sexy or discover a new found confidence!?

 

About O Spa Salon

How long have you been in business?

I have been running O Spa for 8 years but in the skin care industry for over 20!

What made you want to start your own business?

Honestly, I was working for someone else and paying a lot of money in rent each month. I figured I could keep that money myself! I had no idea all of the work that would be involved with running my own business but it’s worth it!

What drew you to your profession?

My mother was a model and a beauty consultant. I was trained at a very young age how to take care of my skin and it came easy and I soon realized it’s where my heart is.

What do you specialize in?

My specialty is skin care, especially Hydrafacials, and tattooing for permanent make up. I have extensive training in eyebrow tattooing. Eyebrows can drastically change a womans face. Shaping and designing the most flattering custom look for each lady is something I do with care, consideration and skill. Every face is different as are the needs of each client.

What drew you to your specialty?

The beauty industry has always fascinated me. I love making women feel beautiful and look beautiful. What better way to utilize my skills and passion than owning a spa!? Learning and taking the time to train and use the latest technology keeps our salon ahead of the game as well as keeping things new and exciting.

What kind of experience should a first time client expect?

We value customizing things for each client. So each client will get preferred treatment and individualized customer care to suit their specific needs. Our salon takes pride in customer consultation and explaing each service we plan to provide. We are always happy to answer any questions a client may have.

Is there anything special you do to prepare the client? 

We always do a consultation in the beginning of each 1st time client to make sure we understand what they’re looking for so we can always over deliver!

Is there anything you would like to add about the spa or yourself?

At O Spa you can be assured that you will be taken care of from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave we will even give you our personal cell phone number so that you can reach us with any additional questions!

Do you have any specials you are currently running?

We always have seasonal specials and we offer all first time clients a new introductory offer. Call to ask for but our special promotions!(O Spa 408-354-1100)

Check out Ofelia’s fabulous spa and all it has to offer —-> O Spa Salon  

About Your Boudoir Coterie Photoshoot

 
How did the experience make you feel?

Danea knows the woman’s body and she knows how to get behind the camera and make you look and feel confident! As a model, yes I’ve had much experience, but to do a sexy lingerie shoot it takes a talented photographer to make the images excellent!

What surprised you the most about your experience?

I’ve worked with many photographers over the years but like I said Danea puts you at ease and her lighthearted spirit and personality make you feel confident and at ease!

What was your favorite part about your session?

Seeing the final images of course!

How did you feel during the reveal process?

I was completely surprised at her lighting and beautiful work.

Would you recommend other women like yourself to do a session of their very own?

I would absolutely recommend Danea and have done so with friends AND clients. Every woman should have this experience!

Would you ever do another shoot for yourself?

Yes!

Is there anything else you would like to add about your unique experience? 

I highly recommend Danea and her photography studio for lingerie shoots her studios have the perfect backdrops settings props lighting! She is a complete professional with the best attitude and when there’s passion there is talent and Danea fits at all!

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Thank you so much, Ofelia for letting us learn about you, your salon and your bad ass boss lady ways!

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Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Portrait Studio

Today I am honored to share a post from a recent client. She is strong, courageous and very brave.

 

This is her story:

 

My name is Daniella C. my journey started back in July of 2016. I went to El Centro for my grandfathers funeral. When I was there I found out breast cancer was pretty heavy on my dad’s side, but I didn’t know how far down the family line it went. My father passed in 2015 from Gastric Cancer at the age of 59. Hearing of the breast cancer frequency, I began asking questions. I spoke with a cousin that I met as a small child and we got to talking. She let me know that my grandma and great grandma on dad’s side both passed of breast cancer. She also informed me that we had a first cousin pass at 32 from breast cancer. Then she told me her sister is beating it right now at the age of 38. I knew right there I needed to get checked. My cousin then informed me that her sisters doctor suggested that ALL first cousin women and men should be test for the the BRCA gene. I asked my cousin if she had been tested? She said no because her doctor told her she was too young. We continued to talk and I found out that there is frequency of colon cancer on my mom’s side also. With all this new family cancer knowledge, I began my research.

When I returned home I explained my findings to my husband. He told me to reach out to my OBGYN and start from there. I did my first mammogram in October 2016 and everything was normal. After speaking with my OBGYN we also decided for me to talk to a genetic specialist. The genetic specialist started my family tree for cancer. We went through the whole list of all the people in my family that had cancer. After this whole processes she came back and said you aren’t that high of a RISK. But in my Gut I knew I was. I explained to her I wanted the BRCA test done because of the recommendation of my first cousin’s doctor. She told me that if I can get her the genetic test my cousin took, she would test me also.

At this point I reached out to my cousin and asked if she could pass my contact information to her sister and to please have her call me. I was so nervous because she was battling cancer and I wasn’t sure if she would even want to reach out. Well, one day I received a message through Facebook and it was my cousin with breast cancer. I was so happy she was willing to speak with me! We got to talking and I explained to her everything that was happening. She was so happy and loving and she sent me her test results within 2 days. I couldn’t believe it and was so thankful. As we all know, not everyone is so forth coming on personal situations.

At this point I emailed the genetic specialist at Kaiser and information she needed. The next day she contacted me by phone. By now this was December 2016. She told me all I had to do is go in and have my blood drawn and the results would come back in 3 weeks. This was right before my 36 birthday that I did the test. The first week of January of 2017 I got that call while at work. The genetic specialist told me I was BRCA1 positive. My heart sank into my stomach and the first thing I asked was what about my children? She told me all my children would have to be tested at the age of 18. I have a son who is 21 but does not want to get tested yet. My other 2 children are 13 (daughter) 7 (son).

Hearing those words I knew right away I would have to take action and do something. At this point I knew I was high risk for breast AND ovarian cancer. 85% for breast and 40-50% for ovarian cancer. My life was about to change in a very big way. I started the journey of appointment after appointment and doctor after doctor. I was scared and nervous about the decisions to be made but with the support of my husband and kids I knew I could do this. After all the appointments and getting a MRI which I requested, they found a mass in my right breast. I was so scared. I had a ultrasound and biopsy of the breast and it came back benign. One thing I can say going through all this right here is stick with your GUT!

At this point I knew the best thing to do was surgery to remove my breast. They told me a mastectomy would reduce my chance of breast cancer from 85% to less then 5%. Right there this was a no brainer for me. I finally decided on the date of 5/25/2017. I also decided to have a double mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction. This was by far the biggest decision in my entire LIFE, but I knew if I didn’t, I had a high chance of dying from cancer. As a mother/wife/daughter/sister telling your family you have CANCER is something NO one would ever want to say.

I was gifted this mini photo shoot by my Tia. It was the best thing I did before my surgery. I would have never done this for myself, and after I did this shoot, it really sunk in; in a couple of weeks my breast would be gone. A part of me for 36 years, would be gone. They breast fed my children and of course comforted my husband hahaha. This new journey I was about to embark on was overwhelming to say the least.

It is now post surgery. I have new breasts but with no nipples and not so nice scars, however, I AM CANCER FREE. WOOOHOOO! My photo reveal was post op and was very emotional. I looked at myself and was like WOW, these are beautiful pictures. Then I looked down and said to myself WOW, I am STILL beautiful! Once I am healed, I will definitely be doing another with Danea. Every women should do a shoot in her lifetime. We as women need to embrace ourselves and love ourselves with all the flaws we have.

As a women we need to know our BODIES and always stick to our gut. If I didn’t I could be sitting here now, with cancer. PLEASE listen to your body and research the BRCA gene. I am so happy I did.

Thank you for reading this. I hope it will help someone out there.

Love

Daniella

And here are her stunning images… oh and that hair, yes please!


San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits
San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits
San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits
San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits
San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits
San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits
San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits
San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits
San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits
San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits
Despite a session like all others full of laughter and sexiness, we took a few moments at the end to really embrace the true solemn feelings that Miss D was experiencing. The loss of breasts does not make you less of a woman, but it’s a changing body, a loss. And with any loss, there is a sadness, a mourning, a change. Again, thank you so much, Daniella, for putting your story out there for others to see. You are beautiful inside and out. xo

San Jose Boudoir Photographer where to take sexy photos Best portraits

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Rock Your Curves! | San Jose Campbell Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

If there is one thing that I am a strong believer in, it’s that every single woman can look and feel sexy. It’s about feeling it and believing in yourself. It’s really that simple!

Miss K was one of my model call applicants. In her email, she told me about her weight struggles and how she has finally come to accept her body and embrace it for what it is. She is finally allowing herself to feel as beautiful and sexy as her boyfriend keeps telling her she is.. and dangit, I’m with him. She’s super fly <— reverting back to my the 90’s lingo. Haha

When Miss K came in for her session she let loose. She played it up for the camera and rocked her fabulous curves. We had fun, we laughed a lot(it can feel a bit goofy playing up your sexy face, but it’s so worth it, and there is the bonus of the feel good laughs!). The resulting images are sexy and powerful. From pretty to daring, she did it all and hot damn, she looks fabulous!!!

San Jose Campbell Bay Area boudoir
San Jose Campbell Bay Area boudoir
San Jose Campbell Bay Area boudoir
San Jose Campbell Bay Area boudoir
San Jose Campbell Bay Area boudoir
San Jose Campbell Bay Area boudoir
San Jose Campbell Bay Area boudoir
San Jose Campbell Bay Area boudoir

Are you ready to believe in yourself? To feel as beautiful as I know you are? If so, it’s time to contact me. I know it’s nerve wracking but I promise, you’ll do great and have a blast!

Contact me today!

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

 

 

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Boudoir Coterie #1 bay area boudoir photographer

50 and Fabulous! | San Jose Campbell Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

When I created the model call last Feb, I never imagined I would have so many amazing women respond. It was a challenge to narrow them down and I ended up choosing more than I should have. My shame is that I am still editing a couple sessions because I ended up booking so many regular clients on top of those chosen and thus the mc ladies keep getting bumped in the editing line, but we can ring the shame bell later.(My geeky Game of Thrones reference…hahaha).

Today I am super excited to show off Miss V. Her initial contact letter stood out to me and she immediately made the first cut. What I didn’t expect was her reaction to the session and photos. I mean her beauty was obvious to me, but she made me realize how life and circumstances can change us and skew our perception of ourselves. Miss V was gracious enough to write a few words for this blog post and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I say it all the time, a Boudoir Coterie session is NOT just about sexy photos… but I’m going to let her words do the talking and for the record, I cried. Happy tears streaming down my face as I read this, knowing that my job can have such a powerful affect on women.

When Boudoir Coterie published a model call, completely out of character, I leapt at the opportunity. I have done a lot of good things with my life – got two daughters off to college, rebuilt a career after being a stay-at-home mom, became a licensed massage therapist and held a side job as the owner of my own massage studio, and then lost twenty-five percent of my weight as a gift to myself for my fiftieth birthday. Even with that accomplished list, way down deep, I lacked confidence. A burden I carried, that no one could see from the outside. I wrote in the model call letter “I would be so grateful to have a tangible memoir of an occasion that captures the awakening of my love for myself – a concept that I am finally beginning to appreciate. I believe that for the first time in my life, I will see these photos and think to myself ‘I am beautiful and lovable’ and truly believe it.”

Upon leaving Danea’s studio after the photo shoot, I already felt a tremendous surge of empowerment. A little shy at first, because I had never been photographed so intimately, I quickly felt my inner goddess emerge! I spent the rest of that day with a Cheshire cat grin, singing in my head “I know something you don’t know…” and privately glancing at the sneak peek Danea posted online. Who was that powerful, stunning woman in the picture that looked like me? I had spent years focused on the flaws, and had all but entirely dismissed the beauty of “the whole package”. And there it was, staring me in the face with smoldering eyes, a confident smirk, and seductive pose. Female strength, in all her glory.

Days later, another sneak peek was posted and it completely turned me upside down. Something in the candid joy that was captured on camera reminded me of a woman I used to know and admire. Imagine my shock when I finally realized the woman it reminded of was me, from years ago, before life slowly pushed the inner goddess aside. One simple photo erased decades of neglected love and acceptance of myself, letting me reacquaint with the real me. A vivacious, feminine woman, with beauty inside as well as outside.

Choosing the images I wanted to purchase was difficult, only because every single photo presented was a work of talented art. With Danea’s encouragement, more than surface beauty is revealed in intimate portraiture – a woman’s true spirit is awakened. When my package arrived, before I even finished looking at everything in it, I placed two of my favorite prints in a side-by-side frame. The images are similar; one with a demure, downward glance, which is in black and white. The other is the same pose, but with a hearty laugh, looking up.  The second print is in color. For me, having the two displayed together is a reminder that when I laugh, life is lived in color. This experience became so much more than posing for some pretty pictures. It brought the essence of my soul shimmering out to dance with the world, with grace, vitality, and confidence.
 
Thank you, Danea”
Thank YOU, Miss V. It was a pleasure working with you and not one I will soon forget. 🙂
Hair and Makeup by the wonderful Mari Valencia.

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Upon leaving Danea’s studio after the photo shoot, I already felt a tremendous surge of empowerment.

 

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Boudour Coterie Beauty Glamour Lingerie Photography_0151.jpgBest San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

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San Jose Campbell Bay Area boudoir

How will your portrait session make you feel? Contact us today!

 

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

 

 

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Boudoir Coterie Model Call | Campbell, San Jose Bay Area Photographer

I am very excited to FINALLY have the time to start blogging my model call ladies. For those of you who had not heard or are new to the website, we moved to a new studio back in February and I felt the need to update the portfolio since it’s such a cool new space! Of course this means that I’ll be updating the galleries soon also but baby steps, I’ve been a very busy girl! Hahaha

This is Miss J. In her “application” email she said she has always wanted to do a shoot like this but never felt brave enough. She took a chance with this call and BOOM! here she is and looking fabulous.

Since this wasn’t a surprise for her hubby, he got to come to the reveal and I must say, he was pretty impressed with what he saw. Hehehe

So here you go, the gorgeous Miss J proving that being brave and taking chances can really pay off!

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Because boobies and baseball. 😉
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I met Miss J at Curvy Girl Lingerie in San Jose for her wardrobe consultation and we picked out this gorgeous robe and garter belt set. They have so much more online but being in store and actually getting to try things on is awesome! The simplicity of this look, paired with a large jeweled necklace is sexy, elegant and timeless!
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Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

 

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Keep updated on all that is happening with Boudoir Coterie by joining our VIP Mailing list. You’ll also be the first to hear about upcoming events and specials, be privileged to VIP only offers, makeup and fashion tips and much more! P.S. We do not share or sell your info and you can unsubscribe at any time!

 

 

Boudoir Coterie Model Call | San Jose, Campbell Bay Area Photographer

Boudoir Coterie Needs You

 

San Jose Cambell San Francisco best boudoir

 

Full details will be sent to the women we choose for these model sessions. We look forward to hearing from you!!!

 

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

 

 

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Keep updated on all that is happening with Boudoir Coterie by joining our VIP Mailing list. You’ll also be the first to hear about upcoming events and specials, be privileged to VIP only offers, makeup and fashion tips and much more! P.S. We do not share or sell your info and you can unsubscribe at any time!