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May 14, 2013May 14, 2013 by Danea

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

May 4, 2013May 23, 2013 by Danea

Vintage Inspired Boudoir | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography

Yesterday I had the privilege of photographing this beautiful lady. As with most clients she started out nervous but once she saw a few images on the back of the camera, she started to relax, and get into supermodel mode. No, she is not a model. No, she does not like having her photo taken(as expressed a couple times preshoot, haha) and YES, she looks smoking hot… and this is a tame shot. Hot damn if I could only show the rest! But those are for her hubbies eyes only, and man will his socks be knocked off! 😉

This pretty shrug is from Besos in Los Gatos. She paired it with some cute vintage inspired panties(also from Besos) and this adorable vintage inspired pumps. When you look this hot, a fan is necessary. Hehe.

I had some fun with the finish on this image to play up the vintage feel. 🙂

So thank you so much Miss M. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek and I can’t wait to show you all your images. They are truly fabulous!

** Edited to add, that since writing this post(and it was password protected until her hubby received his surprise gift) I have been asked for this image to be published in a magazine called Philosophie Boudoir– it’s an international magazine for boudoir photographers and I honored!

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April 30, 2013April 30, 2013 by Danea

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!

Sexy Casual Boudoir by danea featuring stiletto boots

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

in Boudoir Must Haves / Boudoir Sessions / Main / What To Wear 0 comments

April 15, 2013April 15, 2013 by Danea

The Beauty We See | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir & Beauty Photographer

I saw something yesterday that I thought was pretty dang powerful. When I wrote my “About” page over a year ago, I mentioned perceived beauty and how I see beauty in many things.

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What I am saying is that my job is to photograph you in a way that pulls out the beauty that I see in you, that others see in you.

I know it sounds silly, maybe even creepy :p but when I see and meet people my mind often goes straight to how I would photograph them and what features I would bring out. I have known for a while that we really are our own worst critics, we’ve all heard that before. What I didn’t realize was how warped our perception really is in how we see ourselves. I instantly felt the need to share this video. I hear so many excuses as to why women do not want to be photographed. Many use the “There is no way I would have my pictures taken in lingerie” excuse, but when I tell them they don’t have to, that they can have a gorgeous session with their clothes still on they freeze up. “It’s a lot of money”…Â but aren’t you worth it? Self doubt? I just wish that every woman would invest a little more in self belief. With that being said, I too fell into this category and finally got in front of the camera… you’ll be seeing that very soon. (I am so excited!) It wasÂ fantastic to see myself and to wipe away some of my silly beliefs on how I looked. I will talk more about that too, but for now here’s the Dove video.

Watch it and think about it.

I’ve shown beauty to many women and I want to reach many more! 🙂 Like Miss N who just wrote me saying:

I always feel so awkward in pictures where I’m not smiling with all of my teeth – but somehow you managed to get just the right smile out of me. Great job!

Every woman wants to look and feel beautiful, it doesn’t take much. I promise. You are beautiful.

So tell me in the comments(top right up there) what did you feel when you watched this?(I cried) How do you think you would do at describing yourself and most importantly, name something about yourself that you love both on the inside and the outside.

Call or email today for a complimentary portrait consultation.

408.460.1855 | bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

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April 15, 2013 by Danea

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–Â 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!

in Before & After / Boudoir Sessions / Just Because / Main / News / What To Wear 6 comments

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