How Brave Are You? | San Jose Boudoir Photography

Do you want gorgeous pictures of yourself?

That might sound like a silly question, but how many of you would be brave enough… let me rephrase that. How many of you are willing to allow yourself to look and feel beautiful?

I hear a lot from woman who are hesitant to have a boudoir shoot done and I TOTALLY get that. I do. I’m sure you can imagine all the reasons, from weight issues, confidence issues all the way to financial. I’ll be honest, the only excuse that doesn’t make me want to pull my hair out in frustration… is the money but even that can be accomplished with some desire and planning- make sure to read to the bottom of this post! But girlfriends, you can ALL rock it in front of my camera, no matter what your excuse might be… I promise you!

Last month I was so very lucky to have my best friend come for a visit. She lives in a different state so we rarely get to see each other. When I first started boudoir she stated that there was NO WAY she would ever get in front of my camera for “sexy pictures”. That all changed last month. I told her to come prepared to do a little shoot at the studio. “You don’t have to be in your underwear if you don’t want to. We’ll do some modern glamour shots, something sexy and playful.” She agreed… with a heavy sigh and eye rolls. Oh yeah, I can “hear” eye rolls through the phone.

This very hesitant lady was soon actually enjoying having her picture taken and even though it got late and dark and I had to pull out my trusty soft box light, we had a blast! Now I’ll admit, that I don’t want clients seeing their unedited files. I don’t want them seeing a dimple or little bulge that might make them feel self conscious or negative about their appearance in anyway. Again, I don’t do drastic editing, just some basics to smooth things over. However Miss S sat next to me as I showed her my selected images and began the edits. She got to witness how little I actually did and how it really was her, no magic on my end, just her. When all was done we sat together, scrolling through her beautiful gallery. She then broke the silence and softly thanked me for making her feel pretty again. “I haven’t felt this way in years” and for a moment I didn’t know what to say. Crap, now I’m all teary eyed just thinking about it, but it’s the truth and in her words “It’s the best Christmas present ever.”

I am not exaggerating when I say that these comments from clients(in this case my BFF) makes my heart soar! It is the reason why I have shifted gears and decided to put all my photography efforts into making women feel beautiful. I love this job, I really, truly, love it!

Miss S was so awesome she even let me take a before… I know how ya’ll love a good before and after!!

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Shhhhhh, but I did get her in her undies. I’m skilled like that. *Wink*

Now let’s go back to my original question… Do you want gorgeous pictures of yourself?

I’m pretty sure you do, so I am offering a *very last minute* party session. Just in time for Valentine’s Day or simply do it for yourself(this get’s my vote).

Book with two friends and you will each receive a complimentary gift!

So come and spend a day getting beautified. No more excuses, muster up that courage and let’s make this happen.

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Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

New Beginnings | San Jose bay Area Boudoir & Glamour Photography

First and foremost…

I want to send out a HUGE thank you to all the beautiful women who entered our Signature Coterie Girl search! You made my job of choosing just three finalists, a hard one. You also made me realize that I do not enjoy the down side of disappointing people and if I could afford to do a mini test session for all of you I most certainly would! With each new entry I was all “Wow, she would be SO much fun to photograph!” I kid you not! So before I announce the three finalist I want to extend my gratitude to each lovely lady who entered with a $200 VIP credit!

I am so excited to begin this new adventure and already have a shoot idea in mind for my future Coterie Girl. *Eeeek*

Uhhh, wait… I don’t want to put full names here so you’ll have to check my FB Fan Page for that information. 😉

Now, because I love to share piuctures- um duh? Here’s some fun before and after boudoir shots from the studio launch party last month. Thanks again Miss D for doing such a great job as my model!

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Happy New Year Everyone!

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Let Me Work It

Redwood City Boudoir

I love me some before and after shots, and who doesn’t really? There’s something about seeing a lady transform into a beautiful and sexy woman! I remember being home sick from school and getting so excited when the talk shows were doing before and afters. Jenny Jones always seemed to have them- did I just date myself with that reference or what? Haha.

I also love it when clients allow me to show their true nakedness, and by this I don’t mean in the buff- well, not this time at least. Miss Pinky allowed a before shot and I want to share. Boudoir photography isn’t all about the makeup and clothes(but an awesome MUA can REALLY help- props to my girl Julie). A great boudoir photographer knows how to work it- angles, poses, lighting and just the right amount of digital enhancing. Yes, I soften skin but I don’t remove all signs of age. Pinky has gorgeous skin and personally I love the soft lines (I hate the terms crows feet) at the corner of the eyes. It shows laughter, life experience and yes, beauty. I won’t reveil her exact age but I will say that I can only hope to look this good in my 40’s. 😉

Boudoir Before & After San Jose

You look amazing Miss Pinky! Thank you so much for letting me share.

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The Lovely Miss K

San Jose Boudoir Photography

I am happy to have another willing participant for this before and after installment. The gorgeous Miss K  sent me this shot of herself. She was so easy to photograph, however I do not think she believed me at first that I truly did little retouching to her images! Makeup, posing and lighting can make a world of difference when photographing women. Of course this lovely lady was gorgeous to start with- made my job very easy!

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What Does “Hand Retouched” Mean?

San Jose Boudoir Photography

Every photographer has a style and a work flow, and every photographer is different in how they approach “retouching” images. I happen to know that not many people can view an out of camera proof and visualize the final print. Not only that, but when it comes to having our pictures taken, we are our own worst critics. Add any insecurities to the fact that you’re being photographed in your skivvies and you may not be thrilled with the outcome. I personally don’t want my clients to have the opportunity to feel any self doubt. Instead I want them to view their images for the first time with jaw dropping excitement! That is why I include all retouching with your session fee, no hidden charges or extra fees.

So how much retouching do I do? Only enough to make you look and feel fantastic and quite honestly just enough that isn’t obvious. By this I mean, I may do tiny nips and tucks, skin evening and softening, but mostly I inform clients that I take care of the things they wouldn’t be the wiser of in a final image but may notice right away had I not done it. I won’t remove a few dress sizes but I may do a slight reshaping if I feel it flatters your figure. For example some poses, while flattering certain body parts may make an unflattering line or slight bulge elsewhere. Just think of that annoying excess skin between your bra and armpit- no one wants to see that right!?

Here’s an example of a before and after, sure the differences may be more obvious side by side, but not so much when all you see is an after. Listed are a few steps I take, if necessary, with each image. I do have a few other style affects I do to final images but those I need to keep secret. 😉

Let’s face it boudoir images are part reality and part fantasy. My job is to make the real you look amazing and bring out that inner sexiness. Even the most “perfect” woman could use some dark circle removal at times! I hope that seeing some before and afters will help ease your mind and fears that those stretch marks or few extra pounds may be stopping you from having  a fantastic and liberating boudoir experience.

I promise, you will look and feel amazing!

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