boudoir photography

Boudoir photography is something I learned about by accident. While engaged, I started reading a lot of wedding blogs for inspiration and at some point read something about having sexy boudoir photos taken before your wedding. At the time I completely brushed off the idea, thinking it wasn’t for me. But months later when I was thinking of an anniversary gift for my husband, I remembered about boudoir.

What I love most about boudoir photography is the power it has to reveal a different side of a woman. You can do this type of shoot for a number of reasons. It doesn’t have to be a gift for a significant other, it could simply be a way to reconnect with your sensual side, celebrate a milestone or boost your confidence, anything.

Though I was terrified at the prospect of having these types of photos taken, I figured it’d be a once-in-a-lifetime gift that would really be a present for both of us. (And ok I may or may not have been thinking of unleashing my inner Victoria’s Secret model.) I’m glad I decided to overcome my fears because it turned out to be an amazing experience and I have some beautiful photos to look back on when I’m 80.

I took my time researching photographers and am so grateful to have found Danea of Boudoir Coterie, the talented lady behind these gorgeous images. I love that her focus is celebrating and empowering women by making them see just how beautiful they are. I asked her to share her story and give us an inside peek into the world of boudoir photography.

1) What exactly is boudoir photography?

Personally I believe this question will have slightly different answers depending on the photographer you ask but for myself, it is intimate photography that showcases a woman’s beauty and sensuality. It is so much more than just “sexy pictures”. So many of my clients are surprised at how fantastic it made them feel and how it boosted their self confidence. It can be a wonderfully empowering experience.

2) When and why did you become interested in this type of photography?

A few years ago I was shooting families but really focused on Maternity and Newborns. I loved how my maternity clients reacted when they saw themselves. Let’s face it pregnancy can be beautiful but a little discouraging when we see ourselves in the mirror. When my clients expressed feeling huge and nervous about having their picture taken and then were overjoyed that they really did look radiant and beautiful, that made me want to focus on making all women see themselves that way. I then had some health issues and took that time to revamp and refocus and that’s when Boudoir Coterie came to life. I now only photograph women, and I love it!

3) Why should women consider having these kinds of photos taken?

Because it’s a fabulous way to celebrate yourself! Women tend to nitpick and complain about their personal appearance, often things that others don’t notice or see. We talk ourselves out of being beautiful. I enjoy showing women the beauty that I see in them. To be able to take a shot and flip the camera around and show them an image right there, without any photoshop and say “See, this is you, right now, how I see you.” and have many rendered almost speechless, is amazing. Most women come in doing it as a gift for their significant other, but admit when all is said and done that it was the best thing they have ever done for themselves. And what woman doesn’t want gorgeous images of herself? Haha

4) What are the biggest misconceptions about boudoir?

That it’s dirty or degrading to women. The dirty part, well that can depend on the photographer. LOL.  If you want to look cheap, hire a cheap photographer. My style of boudoir photography, although very sensual at times is done in a very classy manner. Think, soft and romantic meets old Hollywood starlets. As for degrading to women, it’s quite the contrary. My clients express how great it makes them feel, how they have started to see themselves differently since doing the shoot.

They feel sexy and beautiful after a session when many didn’t feel that way about themselves before having their pictures taken. Again, most clients are doing this as a gift and are a nervous wreck thinking that they aren’t pretty enough or sexy enough to pull it off. Heck I have had many clients come back for more and tell me that whenever they have a bad body image day, they pull out their albums for a pick me up. I LOVE hearing that!

5) What should a client expect for their boudoir session? What is the atmosphere like and what is your goal with the final finished product?

First and foremost, clients should expect to have fun! We laugh and joke a lot. My team is fantastic and we do all we can to make each lady look and feel fabulous. Any nervousness melts away within minutes. You do not have to know how to pose as I guide each girl every step of the way. Heck, I even offer complimentary wardrobe consultations to help choose the most flattering outfits prior to your session.

We take care of you at Boudoir Coterie. It is not a show up, have your picture taken and then “Here’s your pictures, see ya!” experience. I am a low-volume studio so that I can spend more time with each client to create the perfect session experience for her. It is a process that can take 4-8 weeks from start to finish.

My goal with every client is to provide a fun and relaxing atmosphere and images that are hand retouched to perfection. Every image is my work of art (at least to me…haha) whether grouped together in a stunning album or displayed in her bedroom as a stand-alone canvas. I do not over-process my clients nor do I take them down a few sizes. I keep them as natural as possible with some added blemish removal and minor tweaks (think removal of the little bulge that a bra makes at the armpit.) My philosophy is to remove the things that a client’s eye might be drawn to had I left it but she will never notice what I did to them after the fact.

When all is said and done, I want every woman who steps in front of my camera to walk away feeling that it was worth it, that she was worth it.

For more gorgeous photos or to book a session with Danea, visit her website! She’s fantastic!