Boudoir Sessions

 by Devon Kenny

Falling for Navy|San Jose Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Coterie Portrait photographyI love Fall. It’s one of the few things I truly miss about the East Coast, and I get a little nostalgic each year when it rolls around. Thankfully these feelings quickly fade as soon as my hometown gets it’s first snowfall and it’s still sunny and 70 degrees here in San Jose. In the meantime, I’m getting my pumpkin spice lattes early in the morning while it’s still crisp and cool outside and reminiscent of the Fall weather I’m used to. It’s the small things.

Aside from the crisp cool days, and everything pumpkin flavored, I also really love all of the gorgeous Fall colors. I might not get to enjoy the beautiful foliage in California, but there’s always fashion!

The deeply saturated colors are so pretty, classic, and flattering to many skin tones. As a matter-of-fact, when I got married in April, I bypassed all of the typical Spring colors and chose “spiced wine” bridesmaid dresses from J.Crew. This gorgeous, deep reddish-purple color looked fabulous on all of my bridesmaids and I was able to make it more “Spring-like” with bright purple and green accents. As an added bonus, they can all wear their dresses again this Fall too (isn’t that what all brides like to think?).

Anyway, this Fall I’m really loving navy blue. Back when I lived in New York City, like most New Yorkers, black was a staple in my closet. While I still think black is quite chic, I love how much softer navy can be. It pairs great with browns and creams and is very flattering. I’ve been seeing a lot of great navy lingerie online lately, which I think would be perfect for a boudoir photo session. Here are some of my favorites from around the web (including a few really affordable ones from H&M):

falling for navy

I really like the idea of pairing these pieces with a soft cream cardigan or wrap and cozying up with a cup of coffee for a more casual look. Of course, you could also add a hot pair of heels for something a little more vixen-ish too;-)

What’s your favorite Fall color? Ready to rock it in a boudoir session this Fall (hint, hint – now is the time to book your holiday sessions!)? Give us a call or shoot us an email to set up a free consultation in our San Jose studio!

bcoterie@sbcglobal.net or 408.460.1855

Nicole

in Beauty/Glamour / Boudoir Must Haves / Boudoir Sessions / Main / Sheer & Sexy / What To Wear 0 comments
 by Danea

Do You Pin? | San Jose Sexy Boudoir Photography

Pinterest, that wonderfully, evil, inspirational time suck. If you haven’t jumped on board you are either smart or missing out. Haha.

I love it and although I have been REALLY good about keeping it for business and posing inspiration I have noticed a few crafty things slipping into my boards, and I am sure more awesomey goodness will makes it way in, especially with Halloween right around the corner– it’s my favorite holiday, right next to Christmas, seriously they are kinda tied for the bestest most awesomest holidays in my books. I wonder how many words I made up in that last paragraph? But I digress…

I have many boards started and categorize mine by set… standing, sitting, bed, etc… this helps me with new ideas when flow posing.

Sexy photos San Jose Bay Area

I encourage clients who are also Pinterest users to start an inspiration board. It doesn’t matter where they find the images as long as they are images they love– meaning they do not have to be from my website but that is always a bonus. Hahaha. Actually I think it’s kind of cool when I see images posted from fellow photographers that I know personally, heck I post their images too! I even pull up Pinterest boards while clients are getting beautified. It helps me get into a creative zone and it inspires me to try new things in a shoot. I don’t copy images outright but I may try a pose or an element from a pose. I also look at body types and what poses might work for different clients. For example, we once tried this pose of J-Lo only to discover that girlfriend must have some very long legs, or a short torso or something because it just didn’t work… but it did make for a lot of laughs. 😉

Sexy sitting pose San Jose Boudoir

So there you have it, yet another inspirational way to use this amazing site– Boudoir. So do you use Pinterest? Would you use it for shoot inspiration? I believe they now have private boards so really there is no excuse. And yes we can pull it up during your shoot!

So go ahead, be inspired by sexiness. Pinterest isn’t just for recipes, kid crafts and home improvement anymore. *wink, wink*

Ready to put that inspiration to good use? Contact us today and I promise I will make you worthy of being pinned(even if they will never actually make it online). 🙂

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

P.S. Of course you may pin from this site!

in Boudoir Must Haves / Boudoir Sessions / Just Because / Main / News 0 comments
 by Devon Kenny

The Many Benefits of Bridal Boudoir – Part 1|San Jose Boudoir Photographer

Boudoir Coterie Portrait photographyWhen I began planning my wedding, I never imagined having a bridal boudoir photo shoot would be part of those plans. As a matter of fact, it’s not something I even knew existed at the time.

Thanks to tons of gorgeous shots on Pinterest, and many deals on Groupon and Living Social, I quickly became aware and was definitely intrigued. Before I knew it, I was interviewing potential photographers and setting up my shoot.

My main goal with the photo-shoot was to have a unique and special gift for my husband-to-be. I had no idea there would be so many other benefits, but now that I know, I’d like to share them with you.

1. Stress-Free Pampering

No matter the scale of your wedding, planning can be extremely stressful. While many people will try to fool you into thinking that weddings are all about the bride, it’s often really about the bride trying to make sure everyone else is happy. Having a day that’s truly all about you is a great way to de-stress and recharge. From having your hair and makeup professionally done, to parading around in sexy lingerie (or whatever you choose to wear), you’ll get some much needed “me time.”

San Jose Bay Area sexy boudoir looks

2. Awesome Lingerie Wardrobe

While buying new stuff to wear is totally not required for a photo shoot, Boudoir Coterie includes a wardrobe consultation with every package. I chose to have mine at Besos lingerie shop in Los Gatos, and I definitely recommend doing the same if you can. Sure, shopping for skivvies with a stranger might seem slightly awkward at first, but when else do you get the opportunity to have a personal shopper for a few hours? Another great benefit is that you end up with some cute professionally-selected pieces to wear on your honeymoon too.

Boudoir Coterie Sexy pictures

3. Posing Practice

My husband-to-be and I had an engagement photo session with our wedding photographer roughly six months before our wedding. While this was great for getting comfortable with our photographer, it wasn’t until my boudoir shoot that I started feeling really comfortable in front of the camera. While any good wedding photographer will be able to help you pose and take photos from flattering angles, there’s so much else going on that day that it’s good to have some more extensive practice beforehand. Granted you probably won’t be arching your back and sticking out your booty while laying on a sheepskin rug on your wedding day (or maybe you will?), having extra camera confidence and practicing your best angles will be super beneficial in the long run. If you can take great photos while wearing next to nothing, imagine how you’ll look in your gorgeous white gown (or whatever else you choose to wear).

Those are just a few of the extra benefits of bridal boudoir. Please stay tuned for part two in the coming weeks — and if you’re thinking about having a bridal boudoir photo shoot in our San Jose studio, feel free to drop us a line!

408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

Nicole

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

Subtly Sexy|San Jose Boudoir Photographer

Boudoir Coterie Portrait photographyNot too long ago, Danea posted about how liberating it can be to go topless, but that’s not necessarily for everyone. Are you contemplating a boudoir photo shoot but aren’t sure if you’re comfortable with baring it all — or even just baring it a little?

First thing’s first — know that you are beautiful no matter what you wear — whether it’s a snowsuit, or nothing but your own skin. The photographer’s job is to capture your beauty no matter what package it’s wrapped in.

With that being said, you should never do anything you’re not comfortable with. There is never any pressure to reveal more than you want to during a photo shoot. Yes, boudoir is sexy, but sexy isn’t just about what you’re wearing. It can be a pose or an expression. It can be a fully clothed curve or one hella hot shoe! (Did I say “hella?” I’m turning SO California).

So, if you’re thinking about a photo shoot and are looking for some modest, yet sexy, pieces. Here are a few ideas:

1. I love the look of a loose fitting casual top with boy shorts. I actually wore a similar outfit for my boudoir shoot and those turned out to be my favorite shots. Dolman-sleeve tops are my favorite!  As an added bonus, I still wear that same outfit around the house all the time because it’s so comfortable (and it happens to be my husband’s favorite)!

2. A sexy robe can be a great cover up. You can opt for something solid or a little more sheer depending on your comfort level. Just don’t forget to wear something cute underneath in case you decide to get a little more bold (I hear this can happen).

3. Shoes, shoes, shoes. Need I say more?

sexy black & white boudoir

 

Okay, so I actually love these modest looks so much that I have a few more ideas.

sexy neutral boidoir

4. Pajamas! There are so many options for cute PJ sets. I personally love short sets because they’re sexy and playful (and comfortable too!).

5. A soft flowy cardigan is also a great piece for a photo shoot. Pair it with a cute bra and you can control how much you want to show off. You can pin it closed with a pretty brooch or let a little bra peek out if you dare.

I know some of these pieces are pretty pricey, but they’re just meant to be ideas for inspiration. I love to shop clearance racks, and you might even already have some of these pieces in your closet! Vintage and secondhand shops are also great options to find pretty nighties, robes, shoes and cardigans too (just consider getting them professionally cleaned first).

Last but not least, even if you’re going for a more modest look, it doesn’t hurt to at least bring one more risque “outfit”– a bold and sexy bra and panty set would be perfect for that. You never know, sometimes that inner sex kitten comes out when you’re in front of the camera (but if it doesn’t, that’s okay too!).

Now that you’re armed with some fabulous outfit ideas, why not schedule a boudoir photo shoot today? If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area give us a call and set up a photo shoot in our San Jose Studio today!

bcoterie@sbcglobal.net or 408.460.1855

Nicole

in Beauty/Glamour / Boudoir Must Haves / Boudoir Sessions / Main / Sheer & Sexy / What To Wear 2 comments
 by Danea

Going Topless Can Be Liberating! | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography

Okay, so I am not trying to start another ’60 burning bra revolution. Hahaha. I quite like bras and what they do for the look and shape of our girls. Plus they can be pretty, sexy and let’s not forget, very supportive. 😉 However I have noticed a frequency in the number of clients who are willing to toss the bra aside for some playful and sexy shots. I like to keep my topless shots classy but for the record I do on occasion and by request, photograph full frontal shots(I just never share those online). However most women prefer implied regardless of the images being playful and laughing or full on smoldering hot.

I consider this to be pretty hot. 😉

San Jose Bay Area Sexy Pictures

The gorgeous Miss J did both, okay so I admit I may have coaxed the laughing shots because I do love me some natural laughs, and from the feedback I get from their male counterparts, so do they! So here are a few mixed variety of shots. From playful, fun and down right sexy. Oh and that tushy shot in the middle, another favorite by clients, cute butt shots are a #1 request by the ladies. And that last shot, well that one is for the boys. Am I right!? LOL.

San Jose Bay Area classy sexy photos

Way to rock the sexy garter and stockings Miss J, you look amazing and it was a pleasure having you grace my studio.

So are you willing to drop that brassiere and get your sexy on? I promise you will actually have fun and love the results! Maybe we should meet first you know, get to know me before getting naked… hahaha. Just give me a call or email and I would be happy to show you around the studio which is located near downtown San Jose.

bcoterie@sbcglobal.net or 408.460.1855

Happy Humpday everyone!

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

in Boudoir Sessions / Just Because / Sheer & Sexy / What To Wear 0 comments
 by Danea

Calling All Brides! | San Jose Bay Area Bridal Boudoir Photography

Last year, long before she entered my Signature Coterie Girl search, she was a client. A client who wanted to knock the socks of her groom and va va va voom, did she ever look amazing! Miss Kristina decided to do a few bridal sets and then a full on sexy black bustier, garters and the works, but today I am just going to share a few from her actual bridal session! I figured why make the girl come in and shoot more bridals when I am sure she would rather have some new sexy images, which reminds me, you will want to read all the way through this post… trust me.

Moving right along… Kristina had some fun playing up the old, new, borrowed and blue. From pretty blue toes to sparkling jewelry, this girl certainly knows how to accessorize! We did a combination of veils, white outfits, cute bride jacket, blue panties and even a sheet set. Kristina booked the very popular Contessa Package which is two full hours in front of the camera, a gorgeous 8×8 Luxe Album and 20 digital files. Because of her outfit selection one outfit got multiple looks when we started pealing away the pieces. So Kristina had lots of gorgeous images to choose from!

Here are a few of my favorite images from her session.

San Jose Bay Area sexy bridal boudoir photography

Check out these amazing shoes! I said shoes, people. Shoes. Hahaha.

San Jose Bay Area Sexy Bridal Boudoir

Being playful…

San Jose bay Area sexy bridal boudoir

And of course I couldn’t resist a fun little shot with all these great accessories while she was changing outfits. hehehe.

San Franscico Bay Area Sexy Bridal Boudoir Photography

As with every session that takes place at the Boudoir Coterie San Jose Studio, we customize the sets and looks just for you. So no matter what you decide to wear, we will make sure you look so hot that there is no chance of him getting cold feet on your wedding day. In fact there is a good chance he will be waiting at the alter long before the ceremony begins, tapping his foot in excitement for what’s to come!

Casting Call!

Okay, so now let’s have some fun. I want to shoot a bridal session with a new face and that could be YOU! Here is your opportunity for you to participate in a  Bridal Boudoir Session!

What it is: A two hour session with Hair and MU and 1 digital files of your choosing. 15% off any addition products.

What is required:

  1. You MUST consent to FULL USE of your images. This may be online, social media, marketing etc… if you are unsure about having your images posted or used publicly then you will not qualify. I want a fresh new bridal shoot to share. Thus, this is the #1 requirement. (Please take consideration on whether this is something your soon to be husband will be okay with).
  2. You must be willing to share these images right away, this means if you are wanting a surprise gift for your fiance, you may not want to do this as there is that slight chance it could get back to him BUT I never share names of clients, tag or anything of the sort, so if you keep it hush hush, he might not find out. If you’re getting married late Sept, this will be PERFECT for you!
  3. Session will take place no later than August 31st.
  4. Must be available on a weekday morning for the shoot.
  5. To be considered, please send ONE HEAD SHOT and ONE FULL BODY shot to bcoterie@sbcglobal.net along with your name, age, wedding date and contact info. These do NOT have to be professional images, but they must be clear so I can see what you look like.
  6. There is no cash value.

Other info: Album prices begin at $750, digital collections begin at $400(for 5). I just want everyone to be aware of my prices BEFORE submitting your images so that there is no surprise when you decide to place your bridal order.

 Complimentary session and digital file are valued at $650.

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

in Boudoir Must Haves / Boudoir Sessions / Just Because / Main / News / What To Wear 3 comments
 by Danea

Makeup By the Pros | San Jose Boudoir Photography

A little intro…

I would like to introduce you all to Nicole. She is a past client who enjoyed her session so much that she wanted to become a part of my team. Yay! She loves to write and will be creating some fantastic and informative blog posts for you all(amongst other things behind the scenes). All her posts will have her image at the top you you will know it’s her. I am very excited to have her join my amazing and ever growing Coterie team and I am proud to have such amazing girls to work with!

Welcome aboard, Nicole!

Boudoir Coterie Portrait photography

 I have something to confess. Before last year, I’d never had my makeup applied by a professional. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to, but I never had a  real reason to before I got engaged.

My first experience was in preparation for our engagement photos. I asked  the artist for a fairly natural look and had no idea what to expect. Holy smokes! I seriously could not stop looking in the mirror all day, nor did I want to wash it all off before I went to bed.

 

A few months later, I was searching for a makeup artist for my wedding and scheduled a makeup trial. This time I wanted a slightly more dramatic look, but didn’t want to go too crazy. Same result. Holy smokes!

 

Shortly after my makeup trial, and in the midst of wedding planning, I started toying around with the idea of doing a boudoir photo shoot. I was first inspired by some Groupon and Living Social deals, but then I did some research and found Boudoir Coterie. Since I finally understood the benefits of professional makeup, the fact that they provide it was one of the factors that aided in my decision to choose Boudoir Coterie for my shoot. On the day of my shoot I had my makeup done pretty dramatically. At first it was a little shocking to see myself wearing such sultry makeup, but I felt like a superstar and was amazed by how it looked in the photos. Smoking hot if I do say so myself. Of course, I also had my makeup done on my wedding day, which made me look and feel like a million bucks. I think you get the point by now. While I believe all women are beautiful in their own skin, a little enhancement can be fun. I really think that all women should try to have their makeup done by a  professional at least once.

 

One of the main benefits for me was understanding exactly what I looked like with the right makeup. As women (and I’m sure plenty of men too), it’s tempting to compare ourselves to celebrities, but it’s not really fair when they have a team of professionals working on them most of the time. Seeing what I looked like with the help of a professional made me realize that celebrities are just “normal” people underneath their makeup too. While I’ve seen and heard this many times, there’s something more powerful about experiencing it for yourself.

As an added benefit, I took lots of close up pictures of my face with professional makeup and have tried to mimic some of the looks. While I still have a long way to go, I think seeing myself done up by a professional has helped improve my own skills too!

San Francisco Bay Area Photographer

Ready to feel like a celebrity for a day? Give us a call or shoot us an email to schedule a boudoir or glamour photo session and get glammed up by Boudoir Coterie’s professional team right here in our San Jose Studio.

 P.S. Hair and makeup in this photo was done by Elizabeth and the Maddox Kai Salon in Los Gatos, CA.

408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

in Boudoir Must Haves / Boudoir Sessions / Main / News 3 comments