Sugar Cookies x Brooklyn Boudoir Present a New York City Boudoir & Lingerie Photoshoot Retreat!

💥 Big news! 💥

Sugar Cookies x Brooklyn Boudoir present: Boudoir in the City

A Lingerie and Boudoir Experience in NYC

August 4 - 6, 2023

Join me for a New York City weekend filled with luxe lingerie, boudoir, NYC skyline views and some surprises a long the way. I am very excited to announce the 2023 New York City Lingerie & Boudoir retreat, hosted by Brooklyn Boudoir and Sugar Cookies Lingerie!

While I love my Bushwick studio, the one thing it doesn't have is New York City skyline views. Many of my clients are hoping to get *THAT* shot which is no longer possible outside of a special event like this one. So to all of you who ask about the skyline shots, this event is for you!

The Event

It's no secret that Sugar Cookies is one of my favorite boutiques in the city. With each event we produce together, a group of tightly knit, like-minded women is born!  These past events together have been so popular, we've decided to step it up a notch and offer an epic New York City lingerie & photoshoot experience!

Who is this event for?

 This is an amazing way to test the waters of boudoir photography if you’ve been curious to try it, or to refresh your collection. You’ll also connect with other women and get some epic photos with a stunning New York City backdrop.  
Most of my special events are limited to past clients only, but this experience is open to all women, regardless if we have previously worked together.  Out-of-towners, local New Yorkers, women of all ages: if you want to spend a weekend celebrating yourself in the world's greatest city, this event is for you!

What you can expect

• A welcome reception to get to know each other, form connections, and enjoy camaraderie with a small group of like-minded women.

• A salon-style talk with Stephanie, Susanne and Samantha Rose about all things lingerie, boudoir & confidence (and how they are all related).

• A private lingerie shopping experience at Sugar Cookies Lingerie NYC.

• A 45-minute boudoir shoot in your new lingerie at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg Brooklyn, featuring one of the best views of the iconic NYC skyline.

• A group dinner and burlesque show at one of the city's classiest (and sexiest!) venues.

• Special offers and early access to future events (trust me, this is going to be BIG)!

Tentative Schedule

Friday August 4

Evening welcome reception, bubbly and salon talk at Sugar Cookies

Saturday August 5
Private lingerie shopping appointments at Sugar Cookies boutique
Free time in NYC with Stephanie & Susanne's recommendations and favorite places as a guide
Dinner and a burlesque show at one of the city's classiest (and sexist!) venues

Sunday August 6
45-minute private boudoir shoot at the Wythe Hotel, featuring the NYC skyline and YOU in your new lingerie
Breakfast or Lunch, Sparkling wine, light treats
Sunset meet-up at the Wythe Hotel Rooftop Bar

The Extras

In addition to all of the above, you will also receive 10+ fully-retouched digital boudoir images in a downloadable online gallery, a behind-the-scenes video, plus other surprises and special treats.

Pricing

All of the above + other surprises: $2049

The Small Print

50% due upon booking. Balance due 10 days before the start of the event.
Lingerie Purchases, transportation, and lodging not included.
Hair and Makeup Artist for your shoot is not included, but available as a $200 add-on if desired.
A block of hotel rooms will be put on hold for those coming in from out of town- please inquire. The earlier the better - availability is limited.

We can't wait to see you and enjoy a weekend of celebrating your best, most confident self in New York City!

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different than other Brooklyn Boudoir Experiences?

The typical Brooklyn Boudoir Experience takes place at my studio in Bushwick, Brooklyn and lasts 3 hours from start to finish. While I love it there, I do sometimes miss the days that I photographed women at hotels. This event will span over three days, but you will also have plenty of downtime. Your boudoir shoot will take place at the Wythe Hotel last approximately 45 minutes and we’ll capture 1 -2 lingerie looks. So while your shoot will be shorter than the usual Brooklyn Boudoir Experience, we will be spending more time together over the course of the weekend talking, socializing and having fun

Is Hair and Makeup Included?

No, hair and makeup is not included, but can be added on for an additional $200.

What if I am coming in from out of town?

You are welcome to join! We will be putting a block of rooms on hold for those coming in from out of town, so please inquire! Each day, you can plan to spend 1-3 hours with us at our various events, but the rest of the time you will be free to explore NYC.

How many photos will I get?

You will receive a minimum of 10 photos.

Are meals included?

Dinner on Saturday night and brunch on Sunday are included. Snacks and bubbly will be available throughout. You will be on your own for all other meal

Will there be more events in the future?

Yes! We have lots of other ideas for retreats in the works. However, each retreat will be completely unique with different offerings to keep things fresh. So the next retreat will not be at the Wythe Hotel… it may not even be in New York! ;)

How can I stay in the know?

Be sure to follow along our social media to learn about our future events: @brooklynboudoir @sugarcookiesnyc

40 and Fabulous: 6 Reasons to Book a Boudoir Photoshoot | New York City Milestone Photography

It's time to celebrate! A boudoir photoshoot is a perfect way to show yourself how beautiful and amazing you are! Here are six reasons why you should book a boudoir photo shoot for your 40th birthday:

1. Celebrate Your Milestone Birthday

Your 40th birthday is a major milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. What better way to celebrate yourself than to commemorate this special day with a boudoir photoshoot?

This photoshoot is all about you. You get to choose your outfits, poses, and backgrounds so that you can create beautiful images that reflect your personality and style. With the help of a professional photographer, you can capture stunning photographs that you will treasure forever.

Imagine looking back on your amazing photoshoot in years to come, remembering how special and beautiful you felt. That’s the power of a boudoir photoshoot – and it’s a gift you can give to yourself this year.

2. Reclaim Your Confidence

A boudoir photoshoot is a luxurious experience that allows you to pamper yourself and turn up the heat on your self-image. You'll be able to work with a professional photographer who will help you to celebrate your body and femininity. This will provide you with a whole new perspective of yourself and help you to feel more confident in your own skin.

Not only will you feel amazing after the photo shoot, but you will also have stunning images to remind you of your beauty. These images can be a powerful tool to help you embrace your power and reclaim your confidence.

3. Show Your Beauty

Say goodbye to dull, lifeless photos and say hello to stunning, captivating images that represent your unique self! You can create beautiful images that showcase your natural beauty and help you express your individuality.

Your photoshoot will allow you to be creative and let your personality shine through. Whether you want to emphasize the curves of your body or play up your sultry looks, you can create images that reflect your style. With a boudoir photoshoot, you can be as daring and bold as you want, and let your true self come through in the photos.

4. Create Lasting Memories

The photos you create during the photo shoot will become an integral part of your story. They will serve as a reminder of your beauty, your strength, and the amazing person that you are.

Your photoshoot photos are more than just a reflection of your appearance - they will become a time capsule of the amazing life you have created for yourself. You will be able to look back at these photos for years to come and remember the moments that made you who you are.

Your photoshoot photos will be a testament to your beauty, strength, and courage. They will be a reminder that you are capable of achieving greatness, no matter the obstacles you may face.

5. Make a Statement

What an empowering way to commemorate a particular moment in your life! A boudoir photoshoot is a great way to celebrate your body and feel beautiful in your own skin. It can be a special treat for yourself, to remind you of how far you have come, or a sweet gift for a loved one. The photo shoot can be as revealing or as modest as you'd like - you can wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You can even incorporate meaningful items like jewelry, or favorite articles of clothing to reflect your unique style. At the end of the day, you'll have gorgeous photos that you can keep forever to remind you of your self-love and beauty!

6. Have Fun

Having a boudoir photoshoot is an incredibly liberating experience. It can be both empowering and exciting, as you get to let your inner beauty shine! You can express yourself in a unique way and create stunning portraits that you can look back on for years to come.

The process can be a lot of fun, from deciding on the perfect lingerie to picking out the perfect makeup and hairstyle. Once the shoot is underway, the photographer will direct you through each pose, capturing the real you through their lens.

It's a chance to let go and embrace your femininity, creating something special that you can look back on with pride. So why not give it a go - you never know, you may just surprise yourself!

Conclusion

Your milestone birthday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your beauty, reclaim your confidence, and create lasting memories. Whether you're making a statement or simply having fun, you deserve to be pampered on this special day.

Celebrate your milestone birthday in style and get ready to make some unforgettable memories. Book a boudoir photoshoot with Brooklyn Boudoir and show the world just how beautiful you are!

Curious about celebrating your milestone birthday with a boudoir shoot? Email me and let’s get the conversation started!

Why You Should Consider Doing a Bridal Boudoir Photoshoot

Are you ready to add some extra glamor and excitement to your relationship? Then consider a bridal boudoir photoshoot! Boudoir photography is the perfect way to capture your beauty and femininity tastefully and elegantly before your wedding. Read on to learn more about why you should consider doing a bridal boudoir photoshoot.

Capture Your Best Self

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is a perfect way to capture your inner beauty and femininity. From sultry to sweet, you can choose the style that best reflects your personality. Whether you choose to show off your curves or focus on your natural beauty, your photos will be a stunning reminder of how beautiful you truly are.

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is also a great way to document the changes you've gone through in the lead-up to your wedding day. Most women are in the best shape of their lives and the best place emotionally in their lives during this time. This makes it the perfect time to express yourself in a unique and meaningful way.

Showcase Your Personality

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is not just about taking pictures; it's also an opportunity to express your personality and show off your curves in a sexy and sultry way! From lacy lingerie to wedding day accessories, you can create an atmosphere that is all your own and make the most of the pieces that you otherwise would only have worn once.

For those looking to push their boundaries, a bridal boudoir photoshoot can also be a chance to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it's with a bold lip color or a daring outfit, you can challenge yourself to be authentic and unapologetic. And at the end of the day, you'll have beautiful pictures to capture your unique self.

Make it a Gift for Your Partner

One of the best parts about a bridal boudoir photoshoot is that you can use the photos as a surprise gift for your partner. Imagine the look on their face when they open up a photo album full of stunning pictures of you! It's an extraordinary way to show your partner your love and appreciation. So many brides tell me how shocked their partner will be when they get the photos - in a good way! How fun is that?!

With a bridal boudoir photoshoot, you can capture beautiful, intimate moments that you can look back on for years to come. Not to mention, your partner will be taken aback by the stunning photos you created together! Like I always say, gift giving is just the icing on the cake.

Create Lasting Memories

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is not just about taking the perfect pictures, it's also about preserving the memories of your beauty. You'll be looking back on these photos for years to come, and they'll keep the excitement of your marriage alive, long after the bouquet has been thrown and the cake has been cut.

So don't just think of the boudoir photo shoot as just a series of pictures; think of it as a chance to capture the romance and beauty of your special relationship that you can cherish forever.

Creating a Bridal Boudoir Album

Creating a bridal boudoir album is an exciting way to express yourself and your love story! Not only is it a beautiful, intimate gift for your significant other, but it's also a great way to capture your self-confidence and beauty. This type of album is the perfect way to celebrate your love and the special bond you share. It's also a great way to look back on this special moment in your life.

When creating a bridal boudoir album, you can have as much or as little involvement as you'd like. You can choose to work with a professional photographer to capture your special moments and bring your vision to life. The album will be a unique expression of your relationship and love.

Your bridal boudoir album will be an amazing reminder of your special day and all the emotions that come with it. It's a way to look back on this moment in your life and remember the love you share.

Be the Star of Your Own Show

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is perfect for showing off your beauty and femininity. Whether you want to capture your inner goddess or express yourself more daringly, a bridal boudoir photoshoot is a perfect way to do it. Not only will it be a gift for your partner, but it will also be a lasting reminder of your journey to your wedding day. So go ahead and unleash your inner goddess with a bridal boudoir photoshoot!

Ready for your bridal boudoir shoot? Contact me for more info.

5 Simple Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Boudoir Photoshoot | Best Boudoir Photography

Are you considering a boudoir photoshoot in New York? Great! This type of photo shoot is my absolute favorite and has become increasingly popular over the years, and with good reason. There are so many benefits to having boudoir photographs taken: they can be used as a form of self-expression, they can be a great way to boost your self-confidence, and they can make for a fun, unique experience.

But before you dive in, it’s a good idea to know what to expect and how to get the most out of your session. We’ve compiled 5 simple tips to help you get the most out of your boudoir photoshoot.

Introduction to Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing intimate and sensual moments, usually in a bedroom or private setting. It’s a fun way to capture yourself in a beautiful, flattering light by a professional photographer. Boudoir photography aims to create images that show off your unique personality and style in a sexy or sensual way. It is often used to celebrate milestones like an engagement, anniversary, or wedding and be used as a gift for a partner for a special occasion. My clients often have a boudoir shoot for themselves, just because!

Benefits of a Boudoir Photoshoot

It’s a great way to document a special moment in your life or to commemorate an important milestone. It can also be a fun experience to share with a partner. On a more personal level, a boudoir photoshoot can be a great way to boost your self-confidence and body image. The photos can be a reminder of how beautiful and strong you are, and can be a great source of inspiration.

Another great benefit of boudoir photography is that it can be a great way to experiment with your style and explore different sides of your personality. You can try out different poses and clothing to create images that are uniquely you.

What to Expect During a Boudoir Photoshoot

When you’re preparing for a boudoir photoshoot, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed. Bring a friend or partner if you feel more comfortable with someone else in the room. Keep in mind that at Brooklyn Boudoir, we are a womxn only space.

It’s also a good idea to prepare a few items that you can use to add interest and personality to your photos. This can include jewelry, accessories, props, and clothing. I will send you a prep guide after you are officially booked with tons of ideas of how to prepare for your shoot - what to bring, dos and don’t, beauty prep ideas and much more.

Finally, make sure to communicate openly with your boudoir photographer. Let them know what type of photos you’re looking for and your expectations. It’s important that with photography this intimate that you and your photographer are on the same page. A great photographer will be able to help you create the images you’re looking for.

5 Simple Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Boudoir Photoshoot

Now that you know what to expect during a boudoir photoshoot, let’s take a look at 5 simple tips to help you get the most out of your session.

Tip 1: Wear Something You Feel Comfortable In

The most important part of a boudoir photoshoot is feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Choose clothing that you feel comfortable wearing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different looks, but in general I feel that women look their best when they look and feel like themselves. No need for costumes or for wearing something you think you “should” wear. Not a high heels wearer? No problem! Bare feet look intimate, natural and sexy. More comfortable in a tank top than a a garter belt? Let’s go for that. There are no rules, except to feel like your best, most authentic self.

If you’re feeling self-conscious about showing too much skin, you can always add layers or accessories like jewelry. It’s all about finding the look that makes you feel the most confident and beautiful. You can be entirely covered up and still be sexy AF.

Tip 2: Bring Something Meaningful That Reflects Your Personality

While I don’t endorse using props in your photoshoot, wearing a piece of statement Jewlery or another meaningful accessory can add a personal touch to your photos. Engagement rings and wedding rings of course are great to feature, your wedding veil, even your wedding overskirt looks amazing on camera. A client recently brought in sentimental bracelets that she got for big life events, such as the birth of her kids. You’ll never regret capturing something special and meaningful to you.

Tip 3: Consider the types of photos you are attracted to.

A boudoir photoshoot is a great way to capture special moments in your life, so I ask you to consider what you are attracted to in this moment of your life. Do you like images that are light, soft and airy, or darker and moodier? Do you like images that are more “lifestyle” with beds and furniture, or more editorial shots using a backdrop? What level of “edge” are you hoping for? Do you prefer your face to be in the images, or are you looking for something more anonymous? These are all important to take into account.

A good photographer won’t expect you to know exactly what you are looking for, and will guide you through some questions and exercises to help get a better sense of your style. Creating a Pinterest board of photos you like is a great place to start.

Tip 4: Have Fun and Relax

It’s important to remember to have fun and relax during your boudoir photoshoot. Take the time to enjoy the experience and don’t be afraid to laugh or be silly. This is a great way to capture genuine emotion and create beautiful, natural photos.

Your photographer will be able to help you feel comfortable and guide you through the session. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or let them know if something doesn’t feel right. A professional photographer will always respect your comfort zones.

Tip 5: Connect With Your Photographer

Finally, it’s important to connect with your photographer. Boudoir photos are all about capturing genuine emotion and connection. Of course, you want to find someone whose style speaks to you. but also take the time to get to know your photographer and let them get to know you. A photograph is as much about the relationship between the photographer and client as anything else. Talk about your expectations and let them know what type of photos you’re looking for. A good photographer will be able to help you relax and create beautiful, natural photos. You may also want to find someone in the same stage of life as you are. For example, if you are over 50, you may not feel the most comfortable with a photographer in their 20s. Whoever you decide to use, remember, connection is key.

Finding a Boudoir Photographer in New York

Are you looking for a boudoir photographer in New York? There are many talented photographers in the area who specialize in boudoir photography. When choosing a photographer, make sure to look at their portfolio and find one who’s style matches your vision. You can also simply do an online search for photographers local to New York City.

It’s also a good idea to read reviews and ask for references. A good photographer will be able to help you create beautiful, natural photos that reflect your unique personality and style.

Boudoir photography is a great way to capture a special moment in your life and boost your self-confidence. Before your photoshoot, it’s a good idea to know what to expect and how to get the most out of the experience.

If you’re looking for a boudoir photographer in New York, make sure to do your research and find one whose style matches your vision. With the right photographer, you’ll be able to create beautiful photos that reflect your unique personality and style.

So don’t be afraid to take the plunge and book your boudoir photoshoot today. With these tips, you’ll be sure to get the most out of the experience and create beautiful, natural photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Questions about your shoot? Feel free to reach out and ask - I’m here to help!

Renew + Refresh | Why You Need Boudoir More Than Ever This Year | New York City Portrait Photographer

As May begins I think a lot of people, myself included, are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel… 2021 probably ISN’T going to be the magical cure-all to 2020. There is still a seemingly long road ahead before we get back to “normal” BUT with so many New Yorkers now fully vaccinated, myself included, things do seem to be improving. All the same, lingering questions we were asking 13 months ago are still swirling around: when will my child return back to school? Is it really ok to eat inside a restaurant? Can I actually get a moment to myself without my kid/partner/pet nagging at my pant leg?

To all the mothers our there, I SEE YOU! Many of you have juggled home-schooling with work from home, with no breaks or escape from cabin-fever. It was not easy. I don’t know about you, but last year felt like I was just treading water, making no real headway on goals or life, and just trying to get by. And that’s ok. But I’m ready now to try and ACT, get out of my office chair (where you’ll find me sitting 97% of the time), and actually take care of myself again, and I’m guessing those of you reading this are feeling the same way.

So if you needed a little push or a some extra convincing, here are a few reasons that a Boudoir or Portrait shoot is the perfect way to renew and refresh yourself this spring and summer:

• Because there’s nothing like feeling good in your own skin. You may not think you have it in you, but I will bring it out in you. My goal when we are done is for you to be amazed with the woman in front of the mirror - the one who braved her fears, bested her insecurities and allowed herself to see clearly how amazing she is, just as she is.

• You deserve to look at yourself with loving eyes.

• You’ll have images of yourself feeling and looking your best as a reminder for yourself whenever you need an extra boost.

• You’ll gain confidence - really!

• Because saying “Yes, AND…” feels better than saying “No, but…”

• You’ll shake things up and step out of your comfort zone, proving to yourself that Yes, you CAN!

• Because you deserve a BREAK! A photoshoot is an excuse to get pampered and have some me time - this is something sooo important and something I myself and trying to be better about.

So as spring approaches, my wish for all of you is that we can give ourselves a break and take some time for ourselves. We have earned it!

xoxo, Stephanie

How are you going to celebrate yourself this spring? Contact me to see if a photoshoot is the right thing for you!

Seeing Your True Self on Valentine's Day | The Brooklyn Boudoir Experience | New York City Photographer

This one right here….THIS ONE had me crying and goosebumping and rejoicing in this path of work I’ve chosen for myself.

From the first time she emailed me, we just clicked. It was an instant connection. She even asked me if she should dye her hair before her shoot (funnily enough I had recommended NOT too… I don’t want women to hate a new hairstyle and have that put a damper on her entire image collection…but BOY was I wrong in this case!!). That hair is FIRE. I couldn’t believe it when she told me her whole life she had rocked long brown curly hair! This platinum crop just fit her so perfectly, made her beautiful Columbian skin glow … I can’t imagine her any other way. Even she said the new haircut made her feel most like herself. But… I digress.

At Brooklyn Boudoir, I try to impress upon women that this experience is about YOU. Sure, you may want to gift it to a loved one, but ultimately, and most importantly it’s a gift to yourself, from yourself. It is so important to celebrate yourself, as a woman, through a proper photo shoot experience. And happily this mindset seems to be catching on with my fellow boudoir photographers. While I’m happy to help you find a unique and fun valentines day / wedding / birthday gift, my goal is to give you the opportunity to love yourself, and to feel liberated, strong and powerful. I know that your images will forever be there to serve the woman in them and remind them of that stage in their life. 

This stunning client came to me with just this idea. She was a pivotal point in her life and was in need of a reminder of the strong and special woman she is. And let me tell you: she is incredible. Our chemistry completely comes though in these images - check out the bathtub images at the bottom of this post. This was completely her idea and captured in 5 minutes at the very end of the session. MAGIC! I am so grateful to have documented this exact place in life that she is in.  

In her words:

My experience with Stephanie/Brooklyn Boudoir has been one of the BEST experiences of MY LIFE. Beyond just being insanely talented, Stephanie provides an environment where you can not only be your True Self, but be vulnerable and sexy, in a safe and nurturing space. Allowing you to see your True Self like never before.

You have to truly be ready and WANT the experience. Want to feel sexy and pampered. Knowing that you DESERVE THIS. This experience is absolutely a Gift.

And with that, I’m covered with goosebumps. This is what it’s all about. It’s about opening eyes, gaining self love, shifting perspectives, and recognizing how incredible YOU are. Thank you SO much, L, for your kindness, your beautiful words, and most importantly for trusting me to give you this experience and these finished products. I’m over-the-moon that you have the most exquisite collection of images to treasure forever and can not wait to see them displayed up on your wall.

THANK YOU, Ms. L. YOU ARE AMAZING. 

XOXO, Stephanie

Ready to see YOUR true self and gift YOURSELF a Valentine? Contact me and let’s chat!

Common Myths about Boudoir Photography | New York Boudoir Studio

woman sitting in chair - Boudoir photography myths

Recently, several of my clients have expressed that before finding my website, that they didn’t think a boudoir shoot was for them. The reasons why varied from thinking it was a cheesy thing to do, to feeling like they needed a special occasion to use their boudoir as album as a gift. These are 2 of the most common misconceptions about boudoir, but there are so many others! So today’s blog post explores some other misconceptions surrounding boudoir photography.

1. Boudoir Photography is inherently cheesy.

   I’ll be honest - there IS a lot of cheesy boudoir photography out there.  A lot of boudoir photography of the past bordered on “glamour shots” done in a mall, and some of it remains that way… but it need not be that way! At Brooklyn Boudoir, there are no trendy instagram-like filters or dated treatments added to your images. I shoot a lot of black and white, use shallow depth of field and keep the overall look classic and classy. I want you to look and feel like yourself on your best day, not like someone else or as if you are in costume. Years from now, when you look back on these photos, I want them to stand the test of time, as opposed to you wondering “what was I thinking?? (like I do when I remember my overly plucked eyebrows of the late ‘90s) If playing dress-up is what you are after, by all means, get it, girl! That’s just not what I do. There are a wide range of styles out there so it’s important you do your research and find a photographer who’s style is line with yours. To me, timeless, elegance is what it’s all about.

2. I need to lose weight before my boudoir session.

   Just NO. No, you don't. Let me give you permission to celebrate who you are RIGHT NOW.  You can do a session today, and then again (and again!). It’s actually great fun to see your progress through the years. There is beauty in milestones… and no one can define what a “milestone” is for you. You can and should celebrate your life every time you decide to. About to try for a baby? Pregnant? Recently had a baby? Turing 43? Survived homeschooling and COVID quarantine? It’s ALL reason to celebrate. Still think you’re too overweight? Well, I challenge you ask yourself, compared to what standard? Personal story: I thought I was “too curvy” at 110 pounds in high school - how crazy is that?! I look back at myself at that time and WISH I had appreciated my body. And appreciated my body at 26, AND appreciated m body at 35. Now at 41, I’m nowhere near 110 pounds, barely in shape given the way 2020 has gone and yet I’m thankful to my body for all it’s done for me. Also remember, a professional boudoir photographer will know how to light, pose and dress you to compliment your current physique and all the curves that go with it. That’s why so many of my clients explain, “I can’t believe that’s ME” at their reveal. I can help you see yourself in a different, more forgiving, and more accurate (!) light than you can see yourself. Let me help you shatter your negative self-talk and help you create new, positive feelings about your body and yourself. The time for that, is NOW.

3. I’m too old to do a boudoir session.  

   Right after thinking you’re not fit enough for a boudoir shoot is thinking you are not young enough for one. Excuse while I cough and say: Bullsh*t. Are you too old to feel special? Appreciated? Beautiful? I would love for all women to embrace who they are throughout life’s many beautiful stages. Sure, you may not be that same girl as you were in your early 20s. Now you're even better...you're a woman. At Brooklyn Boudoir, you get to choose how you’re styled in a way that makes sense to you. Today's woman is better than yesterday's woman, and you are BOTH beautiful. Onwards and upwards friends. Age is not our enemy.

4. I need to be getting married/having an anniversary coming up to gift my images

   Sometimes, women need an excuse to do something nice for ourselves, or for choosing to spend money on ourselves. I get that. Your partner liking the byproduct of our session is surely a fun bonus to having a boudoir photo session. HOWEVER, this experience is for you and you alone. A boudoir shoot is a celebration to reacquaint with your feminine self, in whatever style you choose for it to be. You are more than a book, a framed picture or an album. As a woman, you are a work of art, and you deserve to feel that way. While your partner will surely apprecate the images, I suspect that it’s the WOMEN who will be opening up their albums time after time, feeling like a badass, and remembering the amazing day you had.

5. This isn’t “me” because I don’t see myself as sexy. 

   A boudoir shoot is an intimate portrait session. And so, it’s about intimacy, privacy and solitude. My job is to make you comfortable so you feel great in your own skin, and to draw you out to the person you know you are within. It’s YOUR version of sexy, not anyone else’s. So don’t worry about what you think you “need” to be, and just be you, and I promise you, that you will look and FEEL sexy as hell.

6. I’ll have to wear sexy lingerie for the session.

   Not even a little. There are no rules that say a boudoir session is about lingerie (see misconception #1). Fun lingerie is great if it’s your thing. But if it isn’t, you’ll look like you’re playing dressup, feel uncomortable and frankly, look uncomfortable. Brooklyn Boudoir is about creating YOUR intimate definition of beauty in any way you like. That can be in a sweater, in a negligee, in a white sheet, or in a ball gown! It’s about intimacy with your sense of self… not your wardrobe. Don’t bring a thing to your session, and we can still accomplish a fantastic shoot. I challenge you! ;)
    

7. My pictures will end up on the Internet.

   Absolutely not unless I have your express written consent. Client privacy is the number one priority for any reputable boudoir photographer. To us, your intimacy is a highly protected entity that we go to great lengths to secure, and share ONLY with your written permission. I love and respect all my clients, whether you choose to publish their images or not. It’s not required and has no affect on your experience or the outcome of your shoot.
    

8. I can shop around to get great deal for boudoir photography.  

   Ooh this is a hot topic. It’s true that a Brooklyn Boudoit shoot is an investment… an investment in YOURSELF. The blatant truth here is, you’ll get what you pay for.  A woman’s private moments should never feel a “bargain.” A boudoir session can be a life-changing experience, and you’re worth it! A professional photographer's trade is very expensive to run; therefore a highly skilled, reputable boudoir photographer is almost never “cheap” and does not "deep discount". I value my clients and value the service I provide to them. It’s worth saving up for the photographer you want, rather than the cheapest one out there. Because while the right photographer for you may not be cheap, you’ll want a photographer who will go the furthest lengths to earn every penny, with gratitude and a pursuit of excellence. I would venture to say that $500 spent on something you feel “meh” about and never look back at again is actually way more expensive than a $5000 life changing experience that you LOVED, feel transformed by, feel proud of, and can’t wait to do again.

9. It’s arrogant to hang pictures of myself around the house.

   Why? Is it arrogant to look in the mirror? To keep a journal? To meditate? Your portraits are no different. Years ago I read that every adult should have a casually placed photo of themselves looking their very best in their apartment. I’ve followed that advise since I got my first apartment, and let me tell you it feel great to see yourself looking fantastic every day. Your images won’t be lewd, they will be Art, and there is no shame being proud of yourself. My job is to help you love the woman you see on the wall as much as any other work of art that hangs in your home. There is NOTHING selfish about that.
    

10. My friends and family would not approve of me doing this.

    Well, that’s too bad on one hand, but also it’s FINE, because you’re not doing it for them. You’re doing it for YOU. You don’t need anyone else’s approval but your own. If your significant other does not appreciate the opportunity for you to feel special, confident and beautiful, that is their unfortunate choice. But you do not have to choose the same fate for yourself. You are your own person, with your own emotional needs. I respect the nature of your relationship but YOU as my client are my only priority and my person of concern. I grew up in a relateively conservative house and I was TERRIFIED of my family’s judgement when I decided to turn my business over to boudoir photography. I thought they would judge me, but instead they surprised me and have been completely supportive and interested in helping me build my business (ask my 70 year old uncle who kindly reminded me that I hadn’t blogged in a month, or my mom who recently joined instagram just so she could like my photos). So you never know. But, more importantly than that, you owe it to yourself to be true to yourself, in ALL things. Do it for you. Like so many other things in life, you’ll never regret doing it, but you likely will regret NOT doing it for the wrong reasons.

11. I’ll be a nervous wreck the whole time.

    EVERYONE is nervous at first. Of course! This is natural - after all, most people have never been photographed professionally, much less in a state of undress. But trust me, after photographing hundreds of women, I can honetly tell you that the nerves fall away after about 10 minutes. You’ll get in the makeup chair, we’ll get to know each other, you’ll feel primped and pampered, and the shoot will be happening before you ever know it. I’m a professional, and I’m really good at making women feel comfortable. Your tension will seamlessly melt away and I’ll help you get into your groove. And if by chance, the tension lingers, I have lots of tricks to help you fake it til you make it.
    

12. My photographer is going to think my idea is crazy, but…

    Ladies, I have seen and heard it all before. I want to hear what makes you tick, what your fanatasy shoot might be and will do my best to bring it to fruition. If I cannot accommodate your idea, I can certainly refer you to another photographer who may be able to. Your ideas about beauty and intimacy are yours and not up for my judgment.
    

13. This is a once in a lifetime experience.

    Well, yes and no. You can do this once for your bucket list; Or, you can do it year after year, as many times as you’d like. Several of my clients come back every few years, and I promise you, each time we shoot together the images get more and more beautiful. I host several past client only events every year so that my past clients can get a little Brooklyn Boudoir fix from time to time as well to treat my VIPs to a little something special. Every time we shoot we capture something different andit just gets better and better. Even if you’ve shot with me 10 time before, each time you come to set it will feel like a once in a lifetime experience, that I promise you!

What other misconceptions do you think people have about boudoir photography? I’d love to hear and prove them wrong! ;)

xoxo, Stephanie

Curious about a boudoir shoot with me? Contact me and I can tell you more!



The Bombshell Inside You | Brooklyn Boudoir Photography | Client Experience

I hear it all the time at reveals: “I can’t beleive that’s ME!”

My personal boudoir philosophy involves rocking your beauty right NOW. Yes, we do hair and makeup and even lightly retouch photos a tiny bit, but I pride myself on bringing out the inner bombshell without completely changing someone's authentic appearance. After all, if you LOVED the photos but they weren't truly of yourself...rather a model caked with makeup and photoshopped to death — where would be the pride in that? I myself have had that very experience, when I had my first boudoir shoot many years ago. I didn’t do my research and went with someone I found on Groupon because it seemed like a good price. MISTAKE! I was made up like a Kardashian, which is not my style AT ALL, complete with the worst Muppet-like false eyelashed I’ve ever seen. I didn’t feel like myself and so I never look at the photos, because I don’t recognize the woman in them.

When I started Brooklyn Boudoir, it was of the utmost importance that at MY studio, you'll always look like you, on your best, happiest, most well-rested day ;)  It doesn’t matter what you look really, or if you consider yourself the “kind of woman” who would have a boudoir shoot - I mean, what is that, anyway? We all have our version of what it means to be a woman, what it means to be the best versions of ourselves, what it means to feel free to be who you are, and THAT is what I am after when I capture someone.

In my years as a boudoir photographer, I’ve seen first hand that we are ALL have that beautiful, confident woman within us. For some it may be hidden a little deeper, but even the shyest or most skeptical of women find that given the chance to express it freely, without embarrassment or judgement, they can find that person within them. It isn’t about looks at all, actually. It’s about giving yourself permission to feel good about yourself, to feel confidant in your own skin, to let yourself be all the things you want to be, without external forces getting in the way, causing you to overthink it away. You can be a mom and be desirable. You can be a teacher and still be sensual. You can be a lawyer and still have fun. You can be X pounds heavier than what you think you should be and still be completely beautiful and free in your body.

Enter Ms. C — SUPER intellegent, and completely unique. She’s not the kind of person to gush or express herself overly enthusiastically - in fact in our pre-shoot correspondnce she commented that she doesn’t use exclimation points lightly as is the trend these days. A boudoir shoot was defintiely outside her comfort zone, but here she was, rocking her shoot, having a blast, showing her confident self, trusting me, and getting some absolutely FABULOUS images to be forever proud of.

In her own words:

This experience was amazing. It was fun, completely comfortable, and I love the pictures. Even though I planned it as a gift for my husband, I fully intend to do it again just for me. It actually makes me a bit emotional, as this is the first time in my adult life that I've felt happy about my body and my appearance. I tend to hide from cameras and from mirrors, but I can't stop looking at these. It is really very meaningful, and Stephanie is brilliant at what she does.

Well of course, this made ME emotional!! She’s obviously beautiful, but none of that means anything unless you yourself believe it to be true. And ladies, let me tell you, you ARE beautiful. The details aren’t important. A few pounds here, a few wrinkles there… none of it matters. We are all beautiful. My wish for women, and my passion in this career, is to help women realize this and see it … or rather, KNOW it and BELIEVE it for themselves.

Ms. C’s advise for those considering doing a boudoir session?: 

1. Do it!
2. Book one of the recommended packages because you are going to want all of your pictures.
3. You don't need a 'reason'.
4. Bring fun clothes that make you feel pretty.

I couldn’t love this any more, particularly numbers 1 - 3 because they are SO TRUE.

So if you are considering a shoot but think it isn’t “you,” trust me. We will find a way to make it you and I will only ever bring out the best in who you really are.

xoxo, Stephanie

Ready to book your session? Contact me and let’s chat.

Celebrate Yourself | Birthday Boudoir Photoshoot | Client Experience

Once in awhile, you meet a someone who is so charasmatic, so real, so present in each day, it inspires you to get out of whatever rut you are in and DO something.

This woman right here….THIS ONE had me goosebumping and rejoicing in this path of work I’ve chosen for myself. Ms. B contacted me to celebrate herself on her birthday. It wasn’t a milestone birthday per se, just a good excuse for a badass woman to take some “Me” time and have herself a fantastic day that began with our boudoir shoot. To be honest, I was just coming off of my maternity leave and wasn’t entirely sure I was ready, but she was so kind and sweet and trusting, as soon as we started emailing, I knew it was the right time for me to go back to work. And I am just so happy that I did!! That day I not only met a beautiful client, I also made a friend.

Ms. B is so full of life, it’s impossible not to feel energized in her presence. I mean - look at this smile! We connected right away. She’s a nurse, a mother, and a dancer, so you know we had a lot to talk about. She performs Bomba, a traditional Puerto Rican dance — look it up if you aren’t familiar with it! It’s a truly exhuberent & joyful art form, and Ms. B here embodies the spirit of the dance.

I found the perfect location for what she was looking for - a hotel suite on the Brooklyn/Queens border that was the size of my entire house. Exposed brick, huge windows on 2 sides and some beautiful leather furniture gave a sexy masculine/feminine vibe. We captured 3 very different looks, including this gorgeous Thistle & Spire bodysuit that is one of my favorite pieces to photograph right now. Each look celebrated a part of her personality, from sensitive, to playful, to saucy, to powerful QUEEN. She BROUGHT IT, let her personality shine, and we captured some truly beautiful images together.

And what about that incredible tattoo? After suffering a knee injury & subsequent surgury, she transformed her scar into a beautiful tree branch alive with butterflies. Breathtaking.

In her own words:

My experience was beyond my imaginations and will be for me one of the best experiences I’ve done for myself. That moment my finger hit send, I was taken on an amazing journey, I felt supported, guided and genuinely cared for, all my questions answered and all the recommendations absolutely perfect. But more so Stephanie made sure she got to know me, just me, And that was everything.

Leave all the baggage that holds you back at the door. Be open to this amazing experience, there is only one you! Stephanie will absolutely bring out the best in you! So do your homework it’s all worth it! On My 53 Birthday, stepping into a new Decade (2020) Stephanie and her makeup artist made me feel like the most beautiful woman on earth. You will too! I should have done this sooner!

And with that, I’m again covered with goosebumps. This is what it’s all about. It’s about taking a journey into self love, bringing out the best in oneself, and recognizing how incredible YOU are. Thank you SO much, Ms. B, for your inspiration, collaboration, kindness, your beautiful words, and most importantly for trusting me to give you this experience and these finished products. You are amazing, and I’m over-the-moon that you have the most exquisite collection of images to treasure forever.

Ready to celebrate yourself? Contact me and let’s chat!

Photography for Modern Women | Client Experience | New York Photographer

My own narrative has evolved quite a bit since starting this line of work over five years ago. The further I get into women’s empowerment photography, the more I recognize the importance of celebrating yourself, as a woman, through a proper photo shoot experience. It has changed the way I run my business, it has changed the way I talk about my work, it has changed the way I talk to my clients.  NOW, I can’t even fathom doing this for any other purpose than to celebrate yourself, to love yourself and to feel liberated, strong & powerful.

The Brooklyn Boudoir Experience is for the modern woman. The modern woman wants to see her authentic self. She wants exist in exquisite photographs that properly represent her legacy for the rest of time. She wants see her confidence, which doesn’t necessarily mean a full makeover transformation and elaborate wardrobe.

She wants to look cool.

The modern woman doesn’t compete with other women. She wants to be photographed by me for HERSELF. She may have a partner, but the experience isn’t for them. Though ultimately, it will certainly have a ripple effect.

Whether she’s seeking this experience because she wants to find herself herself or because she already knows exactly who she is and that she is someone worth celebrating….the modern woman is the exact type of woman who seeks me out and invests in herself through my work.

Enter Ms. S. This fabulous woman is the definition of the modern woman. She is a working mom, a homeschooling mom (BEFORE COVID19!! I BOW DOWN TO YOU FOR THAT!) and an all around badass. She’s married, but she traveled to NYC as a gift to herself — the dream!! Read her experience below. 

I have always loved following you on Instagram and often wondered, “gee I wonder what my OWN pics would be like.” I kept putting it off until this year and gave it to myself as an early 40th birthday present. I was nervous! But you had everything covered. Chatting with you and the makeup artist was great, and seeing you look through all my outfits and write down all the poses you wanted to capture gave me a good feeling that we’d get some good shots. But still, I didn’t know if I could “do” what’s needed for good pics. THANK YOU for getting so involved in showing me what you were looking for and really getting in there to place arms/legs/bangs just so. In the beginning I thought “oh this is nice she’s really encouraging,” and then as the time went on it made me more confident! I was like “OMG I’M ACTUALLY DOING WELL AT THIS!” I thought it was so considerate of you to consistently check in on my feelings and energy level. It was always high because I was excited. That’s all from you and your professionalism! I am so happy that we did a good number of poses because the pics have a great variety to them.

She continued with this advise for future clients:

Don’t let months turn into years where you wonder what this experience would be like. It is FUN, and energizing. Stephanie gave me priceless pics of parts of my body that I’ve been critical of and unkind to in the past. It’s great to see yourself through someone else’s eyes—or a camera lens—so you can give yourself credit for the beautiful human being that you are.

^^^ THIS! This is what makes my heart sing and makes what I am doing so fulfilling.

Even if you don’t think you have it in you… beleive me when I say, YOU DO. Even if you’ve never been photogarphed professionally before (practically no one has). Even if you are nervous (EVERYBODY is!) Even if you think you’re “unphotogentic” (being unphotogenic is a myth, and only means you’ve never been photographed by someone who undestands how to photograph you). Especially if you don’t think you’re the “type” of woman who would have a boudoir shoot (I get what women are saying when I hear this, but it’s actually a very small view of women and photography). I’ve said it before: boudoir is for every woman. Everybody and every body. You CAN do it. And once you do, I promise, you’ll be hooked.

xoxo, Stephanie

Ready to get hooked on yourself? Let’s chat and plan your Brooklyn Boudoie Experience!

Boudoir Over the Years | Celebrating a Repeat Client | Birthday Boudoir Photography

Happy Birthday to this beautiful client of mine. She was one of my first shoots, way back before kids, when I most often shot sessions at my client’s homes. I’ve photographed her at least 3 times since starting Brooklyn Boudoir, and we are collaborating to shoot together again soon.

There are so many great things about having multiple boudoir shoots over the years. If you shoot with the same photographer, you can do something different each time, and get pretty experiemental, which is always a lot of fun. Each time you shoot you’ll fine you you are more comfortable in front of the camera, which of course leads to better images. You also get to see yourself grow over the years, remembering each time in your life through the photos.

So today, on her birthday, a few of my favorite images of one of my favorite people:

A few years later, our 2nd photoshoot, this time in a daylight studio, with a much different feel:

Our 3rd shoot was in New Orleans:

I have so many ideas for our next shoot. Happy Birthday, my dear, and thank you for being the muse you are to me.

xoxo, Stephanie

Have a birthday coming up? Why not celebrate yourself with a boudoir shoot? Contact me and let’s chat!

The Big 4-0 | Birthday Boudoir Photoshoot | New York Beauty Photographer

There are some women who seemingly have it all: Smarts, looks, a job they love, a beautiful family … Ms. D here, is one of those women. Of course, no story is as simple as all that. Ms. D has had a HELL of a few years. She uprooted her life, her job, her children for a man whom it ultimately didn’t work out with. But true to form, she made a beautiful life for herself and her children, always with a smile on her face, always looking at the bright side of things and always with a zen perspective.

These photos were taken 2 years ago on a girls trip to New Orleans. I couldn’t help revisiting them today, on her 40th birthday. I’m so proud of these photos and of this strong, smart, beautiful woman who I am proud to call my friend.

And not to state the obvious, but can you believe this gorgeous woman is nearly 40 years old?! Me neither. ;)

In her own words:

“Oh yes yes yes yes yes yes yes. These are amazing!!! I can't even begin to describe how grateful I am for this gift for ME, AND that I was so happy to share with J—-. You are so talented. It's beyond. I've always felt lucky to be in your orbit, but this is some serious icing on the cake. “

Happiest of birthdays to you, Ms. D. You are a treasure and I just love you!

Ready to celebrate a milestone birthday?? Contact me and let’s chat!

Perfectly Imperfect Birthday Boudoir | New York City Portrait Photographer

I’ve been waiting on writing this blog for so long because I want to honor this woman and her message as best I can. Miss "S" here is yet another reminder of why I chose Boudoir Photography as my career path. She came to me to celebrate her 35th birthday, which I LOVE. Her shoot was easy, breezy, and effortless (well, more effortless for me than for her...she had to do a lot of back arching and even some handstands!) But given her INSANE fitness level (thank you, Cross Fit) she KILLED it the entire time and was an absolute GODDESS in front of the lens. She even had this badass “Perfectly Imperfect” tank made for her shoot as a reminder for herself (how much do you love that??)

But you may not have known all this just from talking to her. You see. I have a very strict “no negative self-talk” rule when we are on set together. Our Brooklyn Boudoir shoot is meant to be a time to CELEBRATE yourself exactly as you are - for you, as much as for anyone else, not for picking yourself apart.

But this wasn’t so easy for Ms. S, in spite of her incredible fitness, gorgeous skin and winning smile.  Which frankly, breaks my heart. Life is short, ladies. So often I look back on photos of myself, remembering how I didn’t feel “camera-ready” or attractive that day and being shocked at how good I actually looked … followed by feeling so SAD that I wasted any time at all even worrying about how I looked at the time. We are so much more than how we look, and it is truly a waste of our time and energy feeling anything but positive living in our own skin. How many of us can’t simply say “Thank you” when given a compliment?? It’s a small but important step to giving yourself a break and being kind to yourself - something we women need to remember to do WAY more often. I find that no matter what our different backgrounds and stories might be, it’s something we all struggle with.

Of course, this is easier said than done. I don’t LOVE everything about my body ALL the time. I have days when I feel uncomfortable with myself. But this is where the courage sets in to take a breath and be kind to myself - to remember that our worth is based on much more than our looks, that our beauty is inside AND out, and that we are allies to our bodies, not enemies.

My mission is to help women follow through on appreciating themselves and their bodies. It’s a decision we need to make every day. We need to have faith in our body because our body shows up for us. So when Ms. S wrote to me after her session, her words about her experience really resonated with me and nearly brought me to tears.

I'm going to stop blabbering because this client's words say more than enough...oh...and then there's the photos! 

In her own, very touching words:

Most days I look in the mirror and criticize every feature of my face - my big nose, my tiny lips, my weird chin; obsess over my body - my butt is too small, my boobs are too small, I’m too muscular, I’m not muscular enough, I’m too skinny...I’m just not attractive...

It’s taken me a long time, 35 years to be exact, to learn to love myself, imperfections and all. While it may sound silly to some, this photo shoot experience has given me such a great sense of empowerment, confidence, and strength. Whenever I am feeling down I simply recall the amazingly fun photo shoot and look at the beautiful photographs and my spirits are instantly lifted. I’ve been having a rough few years in life - lacking self love, self acceptance, struggling to recognize my worth, my internal and external beauty, not valuing the person I am inside and out. Will a photo shoot and beautiful photos solve that, maybe not entirely, but it will always serve as a reminder that I am beautiful, I am fun, I am sexy, I am amazing, I am strong, I am a BADASS. And I thank you, THANK YOU for giving me one of the most amazing experiences of my life at a time I truly needed my spirit to be uplifted. I am forever grateful.

^^^^THIS. THIS is what it is all about. Let this be encouragement for other women who maybe don't ever like photos of themselves. For the women who deem themselves "not photogenic". For the women who need a daily reminder to honor themselves.

So thank you, beautiful, powerful, badass Ms. S, for letting me prove to you that you ARE, in fact, photogenic, sexy, perfectly imperfect and simply AMAZING. I'm overjoyed that I was able to provide her with the experience she needed, on top of an amazing collection of photographs, so she can treasure 35 forever.

Ready to celebrate YOUR Perfectly Imperfect Self? Contact me and let’s chat!

Boudoir is for EVERYBODY | Client Spotlight | Brooklyn Bridal Photography

Since starting my boudoir business, I have always felt very strongly that boudoir is for EVERYBODY. One of the big myths about boudoir is that it’s only for a certain kind of women — one who maybe dresses up or flaunts their sexuality on the daily. The truth is, you needn’t be anything but yourself! Short, tall, thin, less thin, tomboy, glamorous… you deserve to have beautiful images of yourself! This is one of the reasons I don’t shoot “one size fits all” boudoir - I tailor your boudoir session to your style and preferences.

For the women who are out there THINKING about a boudoir shoot but too afraid to pull the trigger because they "want to lose a few more pounds" or whatever the reason may be...I want you to know that there is truly no time like the present. Remove "someday" from your vocabulary. You will NOT regret doing a shoot, but you WILL regret NOT doing a shoot. 

Miss "D" here thinking about booking me for quite awhile. She did her research, took her time, and planned ahead, finally using her upcoming wedding as the impetus for her shoot. She was nervous at first, just like most everyone is… and understandably so! It’s not everyday you have professional photos taken of yourself, much less in various stages of undress.

In her own words:

I had a wonderful experience with Stephanie! I was hesitant to get pictures taken because it I have always felt that my body was not boudoir subject material. However, after doing my research and looking at Stephanie's website and Instagram - I thought her pictures were so beautiful that I had to try. Although this is wedding present for my fiancé, I really wanted to capture myself in this moment of life. Which is what Stephanie is all about and also embraces. I left my photo shoot feeling like a sexual goodness!! Stephanie and her team took such good care of me. I felt calm and comfortable. She extremely encouraging during the shoot, and is constantly checking in that I am good with what is happening and how I am feeling. Looking at the pictures at the reveal, I couldn't believe that was me! I blushed the entire time, but loved what I saw. It was an amazing experience and I am so glad I did it!

A little bit of nervous is to be expected, I get it. Taking your clothes off in front of anybody is probably uncomfortable enough, but to do it in front of...a...CAMERA!?  Again...I REALLY get it!  I want women to come into this experience with more excitement than nervousness and will help you get there if you need some extra time or help getting into that zone.

Sending that first email is the hardest part. It’s a big first step, but once you take it, your nerves will be calmed and I will baby step you through EVERYTHING.  You will do great. Just like Miss "D” did.

Ready to take that first step? Contact me and let’s chat!

When You're Confidant | The Power of a Boudoir Shoot | New York Boudoir Photography

We all want happiness. Even the most seemingly “put-together” women have their own narratives taking place behind the mask that challenges their livelihood. 

When I first started shooting boudoir, I didn’t quite realize the impact it could have on my clients. I loved the idea of working with women, taking beautiful portraits and creating a photography career that didn’t involve weddings or infants. But as I started photographing more women I started to realize the bigger picture in what I was doing. Upon seeing a sneak peak of their session, either on the back of the camera, from the teaser image they get the day after their shoot or at the photo reveal itself, inevitably the woman in front of the lens would say, “Wow! I didn’t know I could look like that!” And THAT is why I shoot boudoir. Because every woman should be able to look at a photo of herself and go wow, that’s really me? And feel GREAT about the fact that, YES! Yes. it. is. 

Boudoir, to me, means confidence and inner beauty. As much as it seems boudoir photography is all about outer appearances, the truth is, it really doesn’t matter what you look like. Boudoir isn’t about being the perfect size, the perfect shape – I mean, what even is that?? It’s about having confidence in yourself. When you have confidence, it oozes out of you. It touches everything you do, and it’s something you can’t fake. This is hard for a lot of people, and leads to excuses like “I’m not thin enough,” “I don’t see myself like this,” “This type of session isn’t for me.” And the personal attacks and excuses go on and on and on…

You have it in you. I know you do because I see it come out during my sessions every single time. Need help getting there? That’s ok! It’s my job to bring that confidence out of you! When you are confident, you are beautiful, stunning, fierce, unstoppable. And really, you could have clothes on and still gain the same experience out of this photo session. What you wear (or don’t wear) doesn’t matter – it’s just the icing on top. What matters is finding it in yourself to feel like you are feminine and ENOUGH.

Ms. T., whose images you see here, was one of my favorite sessions from last year. This amazing business woman almost had to reschedule because — and get this — she is a motorcycle racer amongst many other things and had a spill a week before her shoot. She was scraped up but, as she was traveling in from Texas, and that she is a super badass, we went ahead with her session as planned, working around her injuries.

You would think that being such a beautiful woman and #badassfeminist she would have all the confidence in the world. But the cover is not always the book. Like so many of us, she had her own struggles with self-acceptence, and I’m just so so happy I could be a part of her journey towards loving herself just as she is.

Ms. T said:

Just WOW. I can’t express what a gift you’ve given me. As someone that’s struggled with a lifetime of negative self talk, convinced I’m always going to be either too much or not enough, to finally exhale and have the opportunity to see myself with a fresh perspective through your lens and be proud of who and what I see…

And it goes beyond just the gorgeous images — it’s the experience you create from start to finish that’s helped me learn to celebrate myself and simply be comfortable in my own skin. Thank you for the confidence to finally own my value, my worth and to know that I am enough.

^^^^ THIS! This is the reason why I LOVE being a boudoir photographer. Women need more love and self respect in this world. Many of us feel the need to compare and judge ourselves based on other people’s “highlight reels.” We go to the grocery store and don’t share a smile with the people we pass. We don’t compliment the woman with the nice shoes or who looks like they did their hair extra nice today. Why?

Boudoir to me is extending my light and my confidence to others. I have the skills and the means to show women they are beautiful. I have the courage to give them an experience unlike any other. That’s why I became a boudoir photographer – to extend compassion instead of comparison and to show you the truth about yourself: that you are enough.

So if you’re feeling like a boudoir session ISN’T for you — be assured that each session in our studio is unique and all about you! Show a little, show a lot -- but either way, I believe that every woman deserves to see how beautiful, sexy and unique they truly are. Every body is beautiful and you should be comfortable in your own skin regardless of where you are in your journey in life.

XOXO, Stephanie

Ready to find YOUR confidence? Contact me and let’s chat!



Elise Joan | Client Spotlight | Destination Boudoir Photography

If you don't follow Elise Joan on Instagram, you must go and do so immediately. A beautiful and charismatic yogi and lifestyle coach, her feed is flooding with the most breathtaking organic images of her in practice, in stunning location around the world over along with the most thoughtful and insightful captions. Her stories share amazing lifestyle tips, incredible travel photography (most recently she’s been in Croatia), with occasional cameos by her handsome husband and adorable dog. I assure you, you'll see this feed and go researching yoga classes in your city and then make your friends take them with you. So inspiring and goals AF. 

Elise Joan has been a satellite friend of mine for nearly 20 years. I say “satalite” because there were only a few months at a time that she & I were living in the same city, and so our visits over the years have been few and far between. Even so, time and distance have barely affected our friendship — even after years of being out of touch we can chat over Skype for an hour as if no time has gone by at all. Originally from New York, Elise now lives and teaches in Los Angeles, but travels quite often. So I was thrilled when on my last trip to LA we were finally able to connect.

In a city flooded with yogis, Elise truly stands out. She’s obviously beautiful with an infectious smile and some inspiring travels under her belt. But it’s really much more than that. The magic in Elise’s teachings is that she makes yoga & healthy lifestyles choices seem easy and accessible to anyone, even the most intimidated beginner (raises hand). When you speak with her, you really believe that she’s seeing you, your challenges, what makes you tick. No stranger to life’s challenges herself, she’s honest, open and all about creating a life you are happy with — one that lets you be your best, most authentic self, to help you reach our full potential in life, not just in the yoga studio. And so, our goals for our clients (and women everywhere!) are really very similar.

When I visited her this past March, we almost didn’t get around to shooting because we spent so much time talking! I had thought we would capture her in her yoga practice, but then we realized, she’s captured herself like that so often… we wanted to capture something different. Being in her own home, we created images that feel intimate, quiet, and personal.

Elise said:

Stephanie gently guided me and directed me to bring out my own inner confidence and created a beautiful image showing he complex juxtaposition of my feminine curves and my strength. I felt comfortable, confident and feminine!

Her advise to anyone considering their own boudoir shoot?

Be yourself!! Loose your inhibitions and channel your inner goddess!! I recommend a quick grounding meditation before beginning your shoot to really get rooted in what you want to create and share!

You can find Elise’s workouts at Beach Body on Demand, and come January she will be expanding her classes to a Barre Class (which is very much up my ally, I can’t wait for it!!)

Infinite thanks to Elise for sharing her words, her home, her skills and her beauty with me and the rest of the world. I continue to be so so grateful for the amazing things my camera allows me to be a part of. 

Namaste. ;)

xoxo, Stephanie

Ready to be YOUR best self? Contact me and let’s chat!

Come As You Are | Natural Beauty Bridal Boudoir | Brooklyn Portrait Photographer

I’ve talked a lot recently about natural beauty, and not necessarily *needing a makeover before your boudoir shoot. This modern and untraditional bridal boudoir session is the perfect example of how beautifully this can work, even in a boudoir photoshoot setting.

Ms. S is a dancer amongst other things. She’s a natural beauty who doesn’t wear much, if any, makeup in her “real” life. So when she contacted me about a shoot for her soon to be husband as a wedding day gift, her one concern was looking too made up and not herself.

Ladies, this is no problem whatsoever! As I’ve said before, the most important thing to me is that you are looking and feeling like your best YOU. Not like “her” (whoever she is) but like YOU. Makeovers are fun, getting primped up is fun, and sometimes playing dress up is fun — I totally get that and am all for it. But sometimes — scratch that, MOST OF THE TIME — being yourself is the most satisfying and most beautiful you there is.

I loved how Ms. S. knew herself and her style and opted out of the hair and makeup chair. She came to her shoot completely au natural and it completely works for her casual, just-woke-up like this, cool girl vibe. I never thought Chuck Taylors could look so sexy and yet, here she is rocking them! In fact some of these images are some of my most commented on and repined from my Pinterest pages, I think because they are unique, honest and really tell a story about the woman wearing them.

And ultimately, isn’t this what we we all want? To be seen as ourselves, and have our stories heard?

In her own words, Ms. S said:

Out of any wedding related thing I've done in the last year (including looking for and buying my wedding dress) this was the absolute my favorite experience. Stephanie is super talented and a pleasure to be around. I felt like she really took the time to get a feel for who I was and catered the shoot to that. It's nice when people recognize your individuality! The final products absolutely embraced my personality and style. Also...it was just totally fun!

I will never put you in heels if you don’t own a pair of heels that make you feel good. I don’t put crazy long eyelashes on you unless you love that look. We can capture your beauty in ANY state of dress or undress as long as it’s how you feel best about yourself. Yes, I’ll direct you and I’ll even push you to the go a little bit out of your comfort zone — but only as far as you are excited to go. I have a sixth sense when it comes to women and their feelings. If you are excited to try some artistic nudes but nervous to go there I am great about capturing a few in the most comfortable and easy way. And if you want to stay in your jeans the whole time, we can absolutely make that work as well (see photos here as proof).

So if you are considering a boudoir session — for yourself or as a gift to a loved one, my advise is: don’t get caught up in what you think it “should” look like. Find a photographer who’s style you love and jives with your own, and just be yourself. So come as you are! Get glammed up or not, wear lingerie or not. Because you are truly never as beautiful as you are when you’re just being yourself.

xoxo, Stephanie

Ready to express YOUR individuality with a boudoir shoot? Let’s chat!

Let's Talk Photoshop | Brooklyn Boudoir Photographer | Frequently Asked Questions

AFTER >> BEFORE

Oh Photoshop. I love a love/hate relationship with you. Ever since the infamous Britney Spears album cover & Candies Ads (where they dramatically changed the shape of her body), it’s been a hot & touchy subject.

When it comes to photoshop, I stick to my gut (no pun intended). In general my photoshop style is very natural. So while i will make the skin look it's best, I’ll keep the "Photoshop" action minimal.  I rely on my strategic poses, lighting and angles to accentuate the positive and play down "problem" areas . I WILL edit out minor blemishes/skin flaws as well as simple things like under-eye circles and small scars if requested. My main rule of thumb is, if it’s permanent, it stays. This includes tattoos.

Many women ask about the retouching of stretch marks. While I firmly believe that your stretch marks are a part of your story and therefore are beautiful, I also understand many women’s aversion to their own. Our standard skin smoothing process will fade the appearance of stretch marks, but if you want them to be removed completely, or left 100% alone please be sure to tell me at your photo shoot. It’s all about your personal preferences.

So how does this all translate to your photos? Here are 2 examples so you can see my step-by-step Photoshopping process.

Example 1 is a self-portrait I recently took — it’s more of a beauty than a boudoir image. The crop is kind of boring so the first thing I’ll do is crop the image for a more pleasing look.

Next, I’ll zoom in to the face to remove any blemishes, bumps, stray hairs, etc. I luckily was having a pretty good skin day that day so there’s not that much to remove, but there are some red bumps, and I do have a few beauty marks that read as blemishes in photos, so I removed those too.

Before Blemish Removal

After blemish removal

Next I’ll smooth out undereye circles and even out skin texture and tone, as well as add sharpness to the eyes. The image is definitely starting to look more polished, but not plastic-y.

After skin-evening and under-eye circle removal. I may have gone slightly overboard here for the sake of illustration (and maybe some vanity on my part) #keepingitreal.

Next I’ll check out the body to tweak a few things that are bugging me out. The strange bump on my wrist, for example needed to go! I also lowered the neckline of the jumpsuit a touch to add some more skin, tightened the underside of my chin a touch and plumped up my hair, particularly around the part at the top. Little things like this make the body look better without changing the shape of the body at all!

Finally I’ll add some grain, contrast and darken the background a bit so that the subject stands out even more. And there you have it! The finished product. Not super different than the original, just a bit more polished overall. The side by side at the top of this blog page shows you the 2 images next to each other.

The finished image.

Next, here is a boudoir self portrait so I can illustrate how I might tweak a body. Once again, the goal is to get as much as possible right in camera and not depend on photoshop. The light and then pose are key to this photo working and being flattering to the body.

The image as it came out of the camera.

There are just a few things I would tweak here: the bumps along the back from the bodysuit bunching up are bothering me, so I will smooth those out. Clients are often shocked to hear that when I do smoothing like this, or like a a tight bra strap digging into a shoulder, I actually PLUMP the skin that’s being pinched, as opposed to slim the rest of the body to meet it. I also flattened the tummy a touch, as if I was inhaling at the moment the shutter snapped, and smoothed the texture at the top of my bent leg. The final step is to convert to black and white and adjust the tones until I’m happy with the final image — blowing out the background so that the focus was on the body and not the building was one thing that was important here.

The finished product

So there you have it! With just a few touches we keep you looking like you on your most polished, well-rested, “skinny” day. The most important thing when it comes to photoshop is that you are comfortable with the approach. Some women want to look “flawless,” others want to embrace their so-called flaws and celebrate themselves just as they are. Most women fall someplace in the middle, just like I do. I don’t want to create an illusion of perfection (perfection = boring in my eyes) but I don’t want a zit or a bunchy top to distract you from seeing your true beauty. We’ll always talk about your preferences ahead of time, which I’ll address accordingly when editing.

What are your thoughts on photoshop/facetune and similar retouching programs? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

xoxo, Stephanie

Have another question about Photoshop? I’m happy to answer it! Contact me here or send me an email and I’ll be in touch.