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 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 Danea

San Francisco’s Ultimate Women’s Expo | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography

Oh look, it’s all about me. Awkward.

Boudoir Coterie

I am so excited to announce that not only will Boudoir Coterie be attending the SF Ultimate Women’s Expo, I will be getting up and speaking. Like, onstage. Just me. In front of everyone. By myself. What have I done!?

Okay in all seriousness, I am probably more nervous that no one will actually come and listen to me speak(except a handful of friends who have already expressed their support, YAY! At least some seats will be full) than I am about being on stage. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m pretty sure my heart will be in my throat for the first couple of minutes but the truth is, I really don’t mind public speaking or being onstage.  Not a shocker that I am no wall flower, huh? Ha! However this will be my first time doing so and talking all about me. <— THAT is nerve wracking. I kinda think most people will be a bit more excited to hear Joan Rivers and Niecy Nash, but thankfully they aren’t speaking when I am. Phewf. I am not going to go into all the details of what I will be speaking about but it will be some form of elaboration about my life, my disease, some stories and ultimately– how I ended up with my own boudoir photography business. 🙂 Side note: “Disease” sounds so harsh, like it’s contagious… reminds me that I once had a boyfriend ask me if Arthritis was contagious because his hands felt achy. Dumbass.

You can read my seminar description HERE. As of today, I am the second one down or scroll to the date: Saturday Oct 5th at 11:30 am. EEK, first thing in the morning. Yikes!

Okay, so more fun info… my lovely assistants Regina and Nicole along with this years Signature Coterie Girl, Kristina, will all be joining me in the booth. I am so thankful to have them all with me and they will be there to help answer any questions you might all have. P.S. They are all past clients so they have some inside knowledge. 😉 I will have show only booking specials and a take away card with booking specials for those who are unable to book at the show. This card will be good until Dec 31st. So you will definitely want to come by the booth. We are in BOOTH 532, which is almost show center, middle aisle!

Oh hey, did I mention that there will be a drawing for a 30 minute White Sheet session? If you want the details you will have to come and see us! Sneaky, huh?

And lastly, I will be giving away 5 Free Tickets good for Expo entry for TWO people each. All you have to do is leave a blog comment by Monday Sept 23rd when I will randomly draw the names from all entrants. I will post the winners on the next Tushy Tuesday post.

Alright, now I must get back to writing my presentation and designing my booth. Trying not to stress out. It will be an amazing event, full of fun and shopping so please come by and say hello! I just hope I will get some time to do a little shopping myself. 😉

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

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 by Danea

Tushy Tuesday | San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photography

Cute bum shots, I think every client wants them. 🙂

So I have a friend… okay, so I actually have more than just one friend *snicker* but this friend  in particular that I am speaking of today, is a fantastic boudoir photographer up in Denver Colorado. Her name is Brooke and she is the owner of Brooke Summer Photography. She started a feature a while back called Tushy Tuesday where every Tuesday she features a cute tushy on her blog. Yup a post about bums. Haha.

I think this is a cute idea and I am going to join in on the fun. So here is our first ever Tushy Tuesday feature. The lovely Miss L and her adorable satin bow pink panties.

Happy “Tushy” Tuesday Everyone!

Now get out there and shake that thing. 😉

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

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 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

Embrace Your Curves | San Jose Bay Boudoir Photography

Okay, so I will admit that I may have a few curves that I wish were in a few different places BUT that doesn’t stop me from loving my body and it certainly didn’t stop me from getting in front of the camera myself a few months back. Sure it would be fantastic if my boobs were bigger than my belly but hey, it is what it is. LOL. My point, lovely ladies, is that I know curves and I definitely do not shy away from them in the studio and neither should you. It really truly does not matter what size you are, every woman deserves to feel beautiful and sexy at any size and a pampering Beauty or Boudoir session at Boudoir Coterie can do just that!

I hear all the time “I will book as soon as I loose 10 pounds.” or “I would love too but I feel too fat right now” Ummmm? Sexy is a state of mind and your weight shouldn’t stop you from feeling fantastic. I have photographed many a lady who felt they could stand to loose a few pounds, and you know what, they LOVED their images and they got to see what I see in them, a beautiful girl who’s “size” doesn’t mean a thing! One of my good friends Miss A(and HERE)still, after two years, raves about her images and I want you to feel that great too!

So here are a few tips to having a successful session at ANY size.

  1. Make sure it fits! I offer wardrobe consultations for all my clients. There is nothing worse than bring lingerie that doesn’t fit. You won’t feel good and quite frankly you won’t look so hot either. Ignore the size, it’s just a number(or letter) and buy what looks and feels right.
  2. Wear what you love. We all have outfits that make us feel fabulous so make sure to bring items that make you feel like a superstar. Anything can look sexy, so bring that dress or favorite blouse and own it!
  3. Purchase items that flatter your figure. It might not seem fair but bra’s come in different sizes and shapes for a reason so be sure to try on items that work with your body type. Not sure what the right shape is? The owners of both Besos, in Los Gatos–Gail and Curvy Girl, in Willow Glenn– Chrystal, know their stuff! Both lingerie stores carry a variety of items and between them and myself, we will have you looking smoking hot!!
  4. Stay away from flashy trends. There are many sexy and cute lingerie items that go fabulously in the bedroom but I will be frank– don’t photograph as well and can sometimes look cheap in your images. Florescent bright colors, glittery and apron cuts may be cute and trendy and get his motor going but after spending $$$ on your images, I don’t want you shaking your head and asking “What was I thinking?” 10 years down the road. Think Hollywood Starlet, clean lines, flattering cuts, blacks and rich & mono tones.
  5. Don’t be afraid to mask some areas. I get it, I do. You really don’t want a bare mid-drift, then don’t bare it! Maybe wear a sexy corset or bring a sheer shall. There are many ways to be sexy and beautiful and still diminish those areas that no matter what, you can’t help but feel a little insecure about. Believe me, images taken by a photographer who specializes in Boudoir such as myself, knows lots of posing magic. 😉
  6. Most of all relax, let go and have fun.

Here’s the beautiful Miss N rocking a gorgeous corset in true Hollywood fashion. She’s got amazing curves, chose fabulous outfits for her session and these images will remain timeless.

Way to work it Miss N!

San Jose Bay Area sexy Boudoir Portraits

So come on all you curvy babes, let’s show ’em what you’ve got!

bcoterie@sbcglobal.net Or 408.460.1855

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

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