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My Mom | San Jose Beauty & Glamour Photography

Last month my mom came to town to help me out after my jaw surgery. We had a fantastic visit… with a few shopping trips(I now รขโ„ขยฅ Macy’s) and of course my boys were thrilled to get to spend so much time with “Gramma from Canada”. ๐Ÿ™‚

While she was here we also spent a little time in the studio doing a shoot to celebrate the fact that she is turning 60 this year! Wow, how the years have flown by! I got to play with her hair and makeup like a little girl dressing up her mommy, except I kinda know what I am doing and didn’t smear her face with red lipstick. *snort* She seemed to be having so much fun in front of the camera, too. There were lots of laughs and even a wonderful lunch at a Chinese restaurant around the corner from the studio in downtown San Jose. It was a wonderful mother/daughter day, if I do say so myself! She was thrilled to have some beautiful images to take home with her and I am thrilled to have some beautiful images of her for myself.

So here she is, my lovely mother, Dorothy (thanks for letting me share these, mom)! รขโ„ขยฅ

Beauty Portraits San Jose Bay Area photography

Beauty Portraits San Jose Bay Area photography

Beauty Portraits San Jose Bay Area photography

Beauty Portraits San Jose Bay Area photography

Beauty Portraits San Jose Bay Area photography

See, you don’t have to be in your 20’s to enjoy some gorgeous portraits of yourself! ๐Ÿ™‚

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

To book your Beauty Session, please contact me at:

408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

Fabulous Boudoir Parties | San Jose San Francisco Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

With all the hype in recent days over Boudoir Photography and Boudoir Parties, I realized I haven’t put much information out there regarding the fact that I DO also shoot parties!

Boudoir parties take place at our San Jose Portrait Studio and are a great way to celebrate many of life’s milestones. Each girl chooses whether she wants a Boudoir or Beauty session. Let’s face it, not everyone is willing to be photographed in their skivvies but EVERYONE wants an amazing image of themselves so I leave that decision up to you!

Regardless of what you wear, parties are a fantastic experience full of fun and laughter! With your favorite refreshments on hand and the pampering you get, to the fun of being in front of the lens– you will be left wondering why you haven’t done this sooner! Girls sit and relax, chatting and laughing while in the makeup chair or waiting for their in front of the camera. But once it’s your turn, we shoot away from the audience so you can totally relax and enjoy the experience. Once you see a few shots for yourself, all doubts will be waved and you will all feel amazing, sexy and beautiful. Oh and be sure to plan an evening out afterwards because you will want to take advantage of how you look and feel, I promise!

Boudoir Parties sexy photos

For more detailed information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with your friends please contact me at:

408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

A Lil’ Bit Of This, A Lil’ Bit Of That… | San Jose Boudoir & Glamour Photographer

Summer is fast approaching and there is lots going on behind the scenes!

As you have recently seen, we have two specials, the “Beauty” special(get a complimentary 16×24 canvas when booking) and the “White Sheet” summer special(special package and pricing). We also have a girls night out at our San Jose portrait studio planned and will be hosting an Origami Owl Party! This is an open invitation, so everyone is welcome, bring a freind, or two! This party will be held Sat, June 29th from 4-6 pm. Oh and there will be some of us heading out for dinner afterwards and you can join in that too. I LOVE my locket and get compliments ALL the time. <— totally not exaggerating!

I am also in the works of planning a girls night out movie night with a Magic Mike showing. It’s the ultimate cheese ball, girly flick with lots of eye candy and I think it would be a blast to do a showing at the studio.

Watch for MOVIE NIGHT details coming soon!

I am waiting anxiously for the mailman to deliver this bad boy…

I have a couple images published in this Philosophie Boudoir Magazine geared towards boudoir photographers. I’m so excited and cannot wait to see it in print! Oh and this reminds me that I have officially become a member of the AIBP! Wait, that’s not all… I even discovered last night that I had an image chosen back in May as the AIBP Today’s Choice! <— click that link to see which one. ๐Ÿ˜‰

I am totally sure that I am forgetting more news but the blog isn’t going anywhere so I can update again if need be. ๐Ÿ˜‰ For now, here are a few image sneak peeks of full sessions that will be arriving to the blog very soon…

The gorgeous Miss J.

sexy Fire fighter boudoir

The stunning Miss Jen who is a friend and fellow boudoir photographer(her and her soon to be hubby, Max own and operate Breathless Boudoirร‚ย  in Louisiana!)

Sexy Vegas Boudoir

And a little Speakeasy, theme shoot fun… which was hosted by the lovely and ever so talented Stacie Frazier of Vegas located Haute Shots boudoir.

Boudoir Coterie San Jose Bay Area boudoir portraits

I am currently working on some awesome edits from my trip to Vegas last March. Uh, yeah, last MARCH, but hey this girl has been busy with clients and surgery and stuff so cut me some slack. Haha. Jen’s shoot and the Speakeasy were both part of some fun sessions I did while I was there. Seriously, it was so much fun to finally meet and work beside so many talented photographers that I have spent a couple years getting to know online!

Okay, so that is all for now. I will be updating soon with many more images from these fabulous sessions… and more! Oh my gosh, like my Mom’s Beauty session and a joint beauty session with my Coterie girl… see I told you I was forgetting something! LOL

Enjoy the rest of your week!Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

White Sheet Summer Special | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography Special

White sheets.

Simple, classic and clean.

There is something about a woman wearing nothing but a sheet and a smile that looks so sexy and beautiful. In fact they are some of my very favorite shots. I want to say they are “so natural”, and they are, at least they look it, but there’s really nothing natural about having full hair and makeup done and then laying on a bed and having your photo taken… well for most girls at least. *snort* One of the perks of a white sheet set… there is no worrying about what to wear or snaps and wardrobe malfunctions. The sheet can be strategically placed to cover any “insecurities”… it can also be strategically placed to enhance the great parts. Yup, I love me some white sheet shots and so I decided to have some fun and offer a White Sheet special to go along with the greater Bay Area’s hot summer nights! Haha.

Session are limited to July and August ONLY and there are only so many spots available. So check out this guide for all the details and when you are done, scroll down to see some of my personal favorite White Sheet set images!

Now if you are thinking uh… heck no! Wait just a second, relax and let me assure you that this is a very fun set of images that look great for each and every woman I have photographed. Seriously age, size, skin color, it doesn’t matter, I promise! Everyone looks good in a sheet! LOL. And you will look and feel fantastic!


Here are some of my favorite sheet set images that I mentioned… believe me I have many more but I don’t have the permission to share. LOL.

Call or email me for more details and available dates!
408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net
Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

Makeover Monday | San Jose Bay Area Beauty and Boudoir Photographer

Makeover Monday?

Sure why not, especially when I found this in my email(albeit almost two weeks late but you need to cut me some slack, girlfriend just had jaw surgery remember) and I thought it would be a fun share!

On May 2nd we held a makeup class at our San Jose studio which featured the lovely ladies from Motives and they did a wonderful job. Thank you Elizabeth, Susan and Monina! It was a lot of fun seeing so many past clients attend, chat and laugh in one place. The question most of the ladies had was “how do we apply eyeliner… and not mess it up?” Hahaha… yeah, even I have my own tricks for getting eyeliner straight because I can not for the life of me draw that stuff on in one line! We received a smokey eye demo and then the ladies each got some one on one time and a demo to help with and answer any questions they may have.

Each lady received a really cool makeup palette that included eye shadows and lip gloss. There was even some cool door prizes! We will definitely have to do another one of these classes in the future.

So back to what I received in my in box the morning after the event… my wonderful Coterie Girl(and past client, I might add) Kristina, sent me this before and after showing off the techniques she learned the night before in class. How cool was that? In fact it get’s better… I received a few text images from other attendees too! LOL. I loved it, especially since this meant they actually enjoyed it and took something away from the class. Perfect! So here is Kristina’s images that she gave me permission to post. Thanks again Kristina, you did a great job and I am so glad you had a wonderful time.

Boudoir Coterie Glamour Beauty Boudoir Photographer

Go on and be beautiful!

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

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…

San Jose Bay Area Glamour Boudoir Photographer

San Francisco Bay Area Photographer

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…

San Jose Boudoir sexy images photographer

Are you convinced yet? What will it take to get you in my studio? ๐Ÿ˜‰

bcoterie@sbcglobal.net or 408.460.1855

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

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! ๐Ÿ˜‰

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. ๐Ÿ™‚

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!

San Jose Bay Area vintage inspired boudoir portraits

** 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!

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

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

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

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

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.

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”…ร‚ย  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 wasร‚ย  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! ๐Ÿ™‚ 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.

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

Call or email today for a complimentary portrait consultation.

408.460.1855 | 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–ร‚ย  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). ๐Ÿ˜‰

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!

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer