Category Boudoir Sessions | Boudoir Coterie

July 2, 2013 by Danea

Bride To Be | San Jose San Francisco Bay Area Bridal Boudoir

“Do you shoot boudoir for brides?”

Why yes, of course! Although many of my bridal shots are for his eyes only, I do, on occasion get to share. It’s past time to schedule a bridal boudoir sample session with my Coterie Girl, Kristina so we have more fabulous bridal image samples to show off… Guess I need to make some calls. 😉

A bridal boudoir session is very much like a regular boudoir session but we try and include 1-2 looks using some bridal pieces. Whether you want to include your veil and garter, or even some cute bride to be panties and mock bouquet, whatever suits your fancy for the perfect bridal shots you have in mind! Miss J planned to wear these amazing boots with her dress so we had some fun with these simple accessories. A little can go a long way… and hot damn does she look smoking!

So what would you bring to your bridal boudoir session? Would you keep it simple and classic? Would you be willing to bare it all in just a long veil? Or maybe you would want some shots incorporating his favorite hobby? Whatever your ideas, Boudoir Coterie customizes each and every session to best suit your needs, and planning the session and wardrobe is half the fun! A complimentary wardrobe consult is included with every booking so even if you need to do some shopping, we can go together and pick out the perfect outfit for your body type… and your wedding night. 😉

Interested in learning more about what Boudoir Coterie has to offer brides? Give us a call or shoot us an email to schedule your complimentary consultation at our San Jose portrait studio so you can see it all for yourself… and start planning the session that will have him running down that aisle!

408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

June 19, 2013June 19, 2013 by Danea

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!

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

408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

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

May 14, 2013May 14, 2013 by Danea

Stepping In Front Of The Camera | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Portraits

Nerves.

startsomethinghere.com/learn/ls/

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

in Boudoir Sessions / Just Because / Main / News 6 comments

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, 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

April 2, 2013October 7, 2016 by Danea

How To Choose A Boudoir Photographer | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography

The three MOST IMPORTANT factors in choosing a boudoir photographer… in the order that I believe is most important.

Step 1. Like the photographer. Yup, that’s right, you first priority should be your comfort level and the vibe you get from the photographer. No matter how awesome their work might be, if you don’t feel comfortable around them, then it’s not going to make for an amazing experience and it will show in the resulting images. Meet them, chat with them, make sure it’s someone you are willing to prance around in your skivvies with. 😉 Feeling relaxed, confident(a good photographer can bring this out of you when you are nervous) and happy will make for the best images and most enjoyed experience.

Step 2. Love their work. If you don’t love their style, then don’t invest in them. Make sure you see lots of image samples and that it is in fact their work. **Just a side not that sadly there has been an increase in deal site boudoir offers that have been known to use stolen images or images provided by the deal site, NOT the actual work of the photographer. So meet them and make sure they can show you samples of their work. Choose a photographer whose style you want reflected in your images… don’t choose a pinup photographer if you want soft, natural light images and vice versa. If you want artistic nudes, find a photographer who shoots artistic nudes. Make sure what you want in the end is what that photographer can provide. Make sense?

Step 3. Investment. The old saying “You get what you pay for” is around for a reason. I understand we all have a budget and must stick within it but if you find a photographer whom you really want to work with and you love their style, then see what can be done. Maybe they offer payment plans? When you find something you REALLY want, take your parents advice, don’t settle for less and save up for it!Â There are some things worth the bargain and some things that are not. Cheap and boudoir should never be uttered in the same sentence. Believe me, you don’t want to look “cheap” in your final images. It’s definitely worth paying more for an amazing experience and fantastic images than to pay less and be left feeling blah about the whole thing.

Boudoir sessions shouldn’t be done willy nilly and neither should you choose a photographer without taking some time to decide what you really want out of the whole thing. You should feel relaxed and excited. It’s all about YOU and you should be feeling like a million bucks when all is said and done, not like you have just been herded through a process.

With all that said, I know I am not for everyone. I encourage prospective clients to shop around, take their time before making a final decision. If all three pieces fit what you are looking for(sometimes the last one is stretched a little because the first two are so important) then jump in with both feet. You won’t regret it. In fact you may want this “once in a lifetime experience” to happen again… and you wouldn’t be the first. 😉

Because every post needs a pretty picture, here is a before and after of my gorgeous friend, Miss K. Yup, you too can look this good. So go on… follow step one and give me a call. Ha!

bcoterie@sbcglobal.net or 408.460.1855

in Before & After / Boudoir Sessions / Just Because / News 4 comments

February 12, 2013February 12, 2013 by Danea

She’s a Starlette | San Jose Boudoir Photographer

Sometimes in my job I have the honor of photographing a beautiful lady more than once. The first time I met Miss D was during a mini session. She had such a great time that she and her husband agreed that she needed to book the whole shebang. That’s right, she wanted it all and neatly bundled into a Starlette package. For those of you who are unaware of what a Starlette session is, imagine a full day feeling, acting and being treated like a supermodel in our San Jose studio! Two different hair and makeup looks, 3 hours behind the camera, multiple wardrobe looks, your favorite snacks, wine and lunch in the studio. It’s the ultimate girls day. Plus you get all the top goodies, 2 albums, digital files and a gorgeous 16×24 canvas. It’s got it all! I have to admit, this was one of my favorite sessions of all time. A full day of playing dress up and taking pictures, delicious food and wine and of course lots of laughs. The lovely Miss D is so easy going and game for pretty much anything… she even brought rose petals, which I will admit, I have never used before. Seriously, we laughed so much during this session that I felt like I was on a high for the rest of the night!

So here is a small taste of this beauty. Again, thank you Miss D for such an amazing day. I hope that someday in the future you will once again grace my studio with your beauty and laughter! 🙂

If you think that a Starlette session is exactly what you are looking for, please give me a call and I can fill in on all the sexy details!

408.460.1855 or bcoterie@sbcglobal.net

Â Â Â Â Â Have a sexy day!

P.S. Watch the comments… I’m going to try to get her to talk a little about her experience with the Starlette session. 😉

in Boudoir Sessions / Main / What To Wear 3 comments

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