Oklahoma city couples boudoir | Shannon and Sean

Last year, Shannon and Sean traveled from Minnesota to Oklahoma City to step in front of my camera for a couples boudoir session.

During their initial consultation via Zoom video, I couldn’t help but notice that their living room was a painted a beautiful shade of pink. I asked them how they felt about incorporating pink into their intimate portrait session, and they were both excited and intrigued by the creative possibilities.

The portraits below are highlights from their couples boudoir session, along with feedback about their overall experience. Scroll below to see how we made pink happen - and ended up being some of their favorite portraits from their session.

What was your motivation for scheduling a couples session?

We both follow you on instagram and have been following you for over a year. We had been toying with the idea of scheduling a boudoir shoot, but the creative call inspired us to pull the trigger. We specifically wanted to work with you, so we were waiting for the right time.

What 3 things were you the most nervous about going into your couples session?

Stage fright (being intimate with each other in front of an audience), performance anxiety (the possibility of being so preoccupied with posing and the aesthetics of the finished product that the photos would turn out stiff and awkward), not living up to expectations (you were so excited about us that we were afraid the photos wouldn’t fulfill your expectations).

How did the reality of your couples session compare to your expectations going into it?

We were more comfortable in front of the camera, the shoot was more physical, and the experience went by much more quickly than expected. Additionally, it was harder to get into the poses (the fine tuning of still poses, and the moving shots) than we thought! We are used to posing in very standard ways, so adjusting to more intricate poses took some getting used to.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

(We thought awhile, then answered separately at the same time) Shannon: mine is becoming so comfortable and in tune with each other that we forgot you were there snapping pics. Also smiling so much my face hurt! Sean: smiling so much my face hurt, because it was a symptom of the lovely time I was having with my darling and how close we were able to be with each other.

How do you both feel now that you've completed the couples session?

Closer together as a couple, and proud of us for …generally being outside our comfort zones.

Would you recommend Intimate Lens Studio to others?

Yes, we would recommend Intimate Lens Studio, and Shannon has already shared the IG profile with numerous peers. Such an incredible experience! We will recommend it to everyone we know!

Would you do a couples session again?

Yes! Travel and financial logistics would be the only factors holding us back. If it were just a matter of creative energy and availability, we would be there in a heartbeat. We think there is still so much to explore and capture.

In 500 words or less, based on your experience, what would you tell someone who was thinking about booking a couples session with Intimate Lens Studio?

Be ready to be very open and intimate with your partner. It’s unusual to be emotionally and physically intimate with an audience, but it helps you get closer. However, Ore makes you feel comfortable and the time flies by. You may be having such a blast that you forget to drink water and eat snacks, so keep an eye on your partner and make sure they’re snacking. Also, make sure to eat a light breakfast and get a good night’s sleep. Yoga also helps, since it is quite physical. It’s totally worth it. Do it, even if you have doubts.

What was your absolute most favorite photo from your couples session, and what makes it special?

It’s a tie between the B&W photo in which the light is highlighting our profiles and the photo in which Sean is kneeling and looking up at Shannon in front of the pink backdrop. Both capture moments of intimacy, love, and connection. The B&W one shows minimal details, yet the close up crop of it focuses on our gaze, smiles, and expressions. And the technical aspects of this amazing photo stun us as well! It captures a specific moment we’re sharing, which is accentuated by the B&W. The color photo captures the body language from the point in the shoot we were most in sync with each other and connected. It is apparent from the shot how we feel about each other and it’s a beautiful thing.

Houston Male Boudoir PORTRAIT SESSION |Matt

What 3 things were you most nervous about going into your session?

I was really nervous about looking awkward in the photos, the kind of facial expressions I was going to make, and overall just the whole newness of it all.

How did the reality of your session compare to your expectations going into it?

I felt so comfortable during my session. All my worries went out the window once we started. Everything that I had been nervous about before didn’t matter anymore.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

My favorite part was honestly creating a lasting memory with Ore that I’ll definitely cherish. She made me feel really comfortable both in front of the camera and just with myself.

How do you feel now that you've completed the session?

I feel amazing. I’m still so blown away with how everything turned out.

What was your absolute most favorite photo from your boudoir session, and what makes it special?

My most favorite photo had to be the one of me stretched out on the couch. It gave my major major renaissance vibes. I absolutely love it.

Is there anything at all you wish we would have done differently or think we could do to further enhance the experience in the future?

I definitely wish I could have stepped more out of my comfort zone in terms of what I wore and my nudity level.

Would you recommend Intimate Lens Studio to others?
Definitely. Ore is such a talented and sweet individual.

Would you do a boudoir session again?

YES! YES! YES!

Based on your experience, what would you tell someone who was thinking about booking a boudoir session with Intimate Lens Studio?

Just do it. Stop second guessing yourself. Stop worrying about everything you think is wrong with your body. Celebrate your body for once.

4 Things to Look for When Choosing a Boudoir Photographer - Mens Edition

For so long, men expressing themselves was seen as weakness and something to be avoided. Encouragingly, the false narrative that men can only present themselves “a certain way” has been steadily declining to a place where many men are no longer held down by the gender norms of yesterday, and can embrace every part of who they are now. It’s okay to be vulnerable, it’s okay to present yourselves in ways that make you feel sexy - this is where strength comes in, the strength to simply portray your truest selves, and also the freedom to do it without fear. That portrayal looks different for each person, and finding that courage is easier said than done, but there is something remarkable about the amount of freedom one can experience from participating in a boudoir session. 

This type of vulnerability can be scary, especially when first stepping in front of a camera. That’s why, if you’re seeking the opportunity to express yourselves through an intimate portrait session, it’s incredibly important that you find the right boudoir photographer to take your photos. Below are some things to look for when researching to determine who will be the right fit for you. While this list is not comprehensive, it’s definitely a good starting-point for any guy even a little interested in doing a boudoir photo session for themselves (or even as a gift for their significant others).

Is the Door Open?

Many boudoir photographers are currently set up so that they only photograph women and couples, and don’t photograph solo male intimate portraits. That being said, just because you don’t see men in the online portfolio of a boudoir photographer you want to work with, doesn’t mean that they won’t photograph you. They may not advertise male boudoir sessions  depending on the level of demand in their business area, or they may not have been given a model release to share photos from past client sessions. The only way to know for sure is to contact them directly and ask about booking a session. 

No Pressure

Short and simple - a good boudoir photographer will never pressure you into doing something you’re not comfortable with. Period. You should be able to talk with your boudoir photographer before your session on discuss your expectations of what will happen during the session, what you are comfortable with doing, and what your boudoir photographer is comfortable photographing. That way you both go into your boudoir session with a clear understanding of each other’s boundaries and expectations.

 The way I approach learning and understanding my client’s expectations for their session is by sending them a pre-session questionnaire to complete that encourages them to share what they want out of their session, which we then discuss in-depth during  pre-session video consultation. That conversation includes both the vision they have for their session – what story they want their images to convey, as well as the level of nudity and the level of sexuality clients want to show in their photos.

They Break the Ice

A good boudoir photographer will be able to put a good amount of any “pre-shoot jitters” at ease. It’s okay to be nervous, part of that means you’re excited for the shoot, but a good boudoir photographer knows that the photos taken are created through a collaborative process. That means it’s not your responsibility to walk into your session and make the magic happen all on your own. You should feel comfortable enough with them to express your insecurities, but also trust in the process and know that you are in good hands. 

 My approach to help reduce nerves is based on the idea that (the right) knowledge equals power. So before each session, clients receives a detailed getting ready session guide, which provides advice and suggestions to help clients get ready for their session.  The pre-session consultation also gives guys the opportunity to ask questions about their upcoming boudoir session.

It’s a Collaboration

Touching again on the idea of a “collaborative process”- that’s exactly what the boudoir session is, a collaboration. You and the photographer are working together. A good boudoir photographer is going to work with you, not just talking at you. During your session, your boudoir photographer should be letting you know what is going well, what may need to be adjusted/modified, and what poses and guided direction will work best for your body. You should feel free to ask them questions, and your photographer should be checking in with you throughout the session to make sure you’re both on the same page about how your session is progressing, and how you are doing. 

 They’re Prepared

Additionally, a good boudoir photographer should be able to use their experience and expertise to coach you along throughout the session. Ideally, they have some sure-fire methods of capturing a great shot that they can pull out of their back pocket, especially since its more than likely that you’re not experienced in front of the camera. They should walk in prepared, having a at least a general idea of what they want to capture in the session, with the flexibility to move in a different direction if need be, leading the way as they guide you through your session. If they’ve done their homework, it’s a sign that it’s a good match. 

 I strongly encourage anyone interested in doing a boudoir session and looking for a professional boudoir photographer to get to know and understand their overall process. A great way to do this is following the photographer’s social media accounts – many boudoir photographers are active on social media such as Facebook and Instagram, and love to share about the boudoir experience they offer. If you like what you see and think they will be a great fit, go for it! Reach out to them about scheduling a session for yourself. Once you take the risk, you will definitely reap the reward.

What to Expect During a Couples Boudoir Session | Oklahoma City Boudoir Photographer

Envisioning the day of a couples boudoir session can be scary for some. Especially for first-timers, there are a lot of unknowns that can lead to pre-shoot jitters. I’m here to assure you that this is totally normal, and am going to walk you through a typical couples session to help. There are, of course, elements that you and your better half will bring to the table, making the experience unique and special, but here is a list of moments to expect along the way.

Before the session

 I really mean it when I say that you can reach out via email or social media and ask me any questions about the experience. I’ve done this many times; I know what works. If there is anything you are unsure of, the answer is probably in the email of details I send out regarding your session. If for some reason it’s not, I’m happy to clarify. It’s okay to have a bunch of questions-I’ll have a bunch of answers. I’d rather you flood my inbox requesting info than showing up the day-of feeling like you wish you knew more ahead of time. I’m here to communicate; my inbox is always open. 

Starting Off

Call it expertise, call it magic, call it whatever you like; I have my toolbox of tricks to help you and your partner feel comfortable. That starts with you both wearing clothing that you feel good about wearing. Certain garments work better on camera, so it’s best that we keep an open dialogue so we’re on the same page. I want you both to feel good about your photos, so if an outfit doesn’t feel right, we’ll make any changes you or your partner may need. 

            Next, we’ll break the ice, but we’ll break the ice…gently, if that makes any sense. I usually start my couples sessions with casual conversation. “Tell me a funny story about your partner” “Hum a song in your partner’s ear and have them guess what it is”-we’ll keep it easygoing and fun. I might even have you two compete in a few rounds of thumb war (You’d be surprised how freakin’ adorable a thumb war photo can be).

You also get to pick the tunes, so just let me know what kind of music you like, and we’ll let that play in the background. If you’re vibing with a certain song, we can even have a little dance party. Some of the best photos come from you and your partner just goofing off. Don’t worry, the sexy-time photos are just around the corner. 

Halfway Point

             After the ice is broken, we’ll go step-by-step through different poses and prompts to photograph you and your partner together. The poses and prompts are based on the comfort level you and your partner shared with me during our pre-session video consultation. If that means you start to unbutton shirts or pants a little bit, great! If that means all clothes stay on, that’s great too!

My goal is never to push you and your partner beyond a place that leaves either one of you uncomfortable or unwilling to move forward with a couples boudoir session. All I ask is you keep an open mind, and stay engaged with your partner. Your time with me is a time for you and your partner to connect- I’m just there to capture that connection.

 I have a few rules for couples boudoir, and but one of my biggest is this: No kissing unless I say so. I make this rule because I’m evil and cruel….just kidding. Jokes aside, I want you and your partner to have a wide range of options for photos to choose from. Some amazing photos happen in the moments just before and just after a kiss. I promise you, if you follow my kissing rules, you will have plenty of choices. Does that mean you’ll never get to kiss your partner, or that kisses are limited? Nope! You’ll get so many smooches, and snuggles, and butt grabs and all the other goodness you and your partner have agreed upon. Just not all at once!

When we’ve reached the more intimate portion of the couples session, you may start to forget that I’m in the room, and that’s ok- that won’t hurt my feelings. You may be wondering, how in the world could you ever forget about me?!?! It may seem impossible, but it happens almost every time. The main reason is that I shoot with a mirrorless camera on silent mode. That means you will never hear the shutter clicking, so you’ll never know when I’ve started or stopped taking photos unless I’ve told you.  I also advise couples never to look directly at the camera unless I specifically ask (which is pretty rare for a couples session). At this point, I want you focused on your partner. I may chime in with where to move your hand or to turn your head a certain way, but it’s really about you maintaining the connection that you two have worked to build with each other. I’m there to capture the magic, so by all means, let your mind (and hands) wander with your partner, I’ll meet you at the end. 

End of session       

            I’m not going to lie, you will probably be exhausted after the shoot. Even though it’s a lot of lying around and snuggling, couples boudoir has a way of prepping you for a really good nap.

Be prepared to need to take some time to rest after your session. To some, it might not feel like work, but a lot of energy goes into the process. Allow you and your partner some time to recharge. Approximately two weeks after your couples boudoir session, we will have your reveal and purchasing appoint where we will go over your photos and you and your partner can pick out the ones you love. My preferences may be different than yours, so again, we will strive for an open dialogue to help you and your partner select the photos that you feel great about. 

             There you have it. A kind of “couples boudoir photo session skeleton”. Keep in mind, every couples session is different, so if you feel like straying from the norm, go for it! I provide my clients with general structure so that we have the option to stray from it as and when needed. The goal is to make the experience special for you and your partner, so know that I have a plan, but that plan is not set in stone.  Keep an open mind, and the rest will fall into place. 

Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir | When Souls Collide

I loved hanging out with Nikki and Emily and getting to hear about their relationship during their couples boudoir session in October. These two booked a session to celebrate 9 years together and 4 years married, and the joy and peace they had being in each other’s presence was an absolute honor and pleasure to be surrounded by as I hung out with them that morning through the afternoon.

To have a more intimate feel, they borrowed a relative’s home for their boudoir session, and after Nikki whipped me up a delicious sweet potato and bacon hash brown casserole (um, I’d like to have this happen more often, yes please!) we got to shooting. Check out the portraits below from this sweet and delectable (or should I say, edible) couples boudoir session!

What 3 things were you most nervous about going into your session?

1. Being naked in front of a stranger

2. I thought I'd hate myself in the pictures

3. Maybe that’s all

How did the reality of your session compare to your expectations going into it?

Reality was MUCH more comfortable than what we expected.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

Favorite part has got to be the image reveal, but DURING the shoot, my favorite part was Ore’s prompts. The "what do you like, not love" question is gonna stick with me for sure.

How do you feel now that you've completed the session?

Amazing. Literally telling every couple and woman I know to book this shit immediately.

Is there anything at all you wish we would have done differently or think we could do to further enhance the experience in the future?

I think our only regret is not booking more time as there were scenes we didn't have time to get to!

Would you recommend Intimate Lens Studio to others?

Absolutely, already have.

Would you do a boudoir session again?

Most def, I'll have my people call your people.

In 500 words or less, based on your experience, what would you tell someone who was thinking about booking a boudoir session with Intimate Lens Studio?

Absolutely a couples sesh is an amazing experience, even for someone who thinks they'd never be comfortable like that. The experience of the shoot, combined with the photos we get to keep is worth every penny.

What was your absolute most favorite photo from your boudoir session, and what makes it special?

Black and white tub make out....I love our connection in the photo, but the composition & lighting make it.

Anything I haven't asked that you would like to add?

No questions, but we'd like to add that you're amazing and so talented it's scary.

Oklahoma City Male Boudoir | I'm a Slave For You (Zane)

When Zane reached out to me about scheduling a boudoir session for himself, he mentioned being inspired by creative photos capturing musical artists Madonna and Britney Spears.

Because he planned to use several of the photos from his boudoir portrait session for an album he is creating, he wanted something unique and eye catching. With the help of Titan, the over 100 pound albino Burmese Python (and Titan’s caretaker, who made sure Titan was treated well and taken care of while at the portrait session), Zane delivered all the goodness in his boudoir portraits! You can see all the goodness from Zane’s session below, as well as check out his perspective from the boudoir session.

What 3 things were you most nervous about going into your session?

I was most concerned about my level of comfort because I have never done anything like this before. I also always get nervous when meeting new people! I was also in a location I had never been before so I had to get over that!

How did the reality of your session compare to your expectations going into it?

I was incredibly shocked to find myself feeling like I was life-long friends with the people who I was meeting for the first time. The environment was very warm and welcoming.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

Getting to meet everyone was such a pleasure! I enjoy getting to know people and the experience was very surreal.

How do you feel now that you’ve completed the session?

I had such fun and I got some of the best photos I’ve ever taken out of it! I’m very confident with the images I got.

Is there anything at all you wish we would have done differently or think we could do to further enhance the experience in the future?

I just wish I had more time with the snake!

Would you recommend Intimate Lens Studio to others?

Absolutely, I’ve already recommended it to my coworker who is aspiring to be a model!

Would you do a boudoir session again?

Possibly, if the situation called for it!

In 500 words or less, based on your experience, what would you tell someone who was thinking about booking a boudoir session with Intimate Lens Studio?

I would tell someone who was interested in a boudoir session to absolutely reach out to Intimate Lens! Ore does an incredible job of making anyone comfortable in their own skin as well as keeping her bubbly personality, making her feel like a lifelong friend! She has a specific vision and can make anyone feel beautiful.

What was your absolute most favorite photo from your boudoir session, and what makes it special?

You already know, but my favorite photo is the one I have selected for the album cover. When I saw it, I was immediately captivated. I look like a professional model, and the photograph looks like it captures a moment in time that was not intentional.

Oklahoma City Male Boudoir | Halloween Creative Session

For this year’s Halloween creative photoshoot, I was inspired by the “sexy bunny” photoshoot done for Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman” album, released in 2016. I loved the photos, and was inspired to do my own take on the “sexy bunny” theme, but with a more masculine theme.

So I partnered with one of my amazing muses Jon Stombres who accepted the “sexy bunny” challenge.

To say I had a blast during this photoshoot would be an understatement; it was a combination of leather, fairy dust, and lace, and made for an overall winning combination.

My makeup artist Gaby Zegans started the transformation by giving Jon a smokey eye/glowly look makeover. After makeup, and once Jon put on the stockings, harness, leather jacket and bunny mask, I know it would be amazing. And the 5 inch heels taking Jon from his already tall 6’2 height to 6’7 was just icing on the cake.

We played with different poses and expressions for a mixture of serious, funny, masculine, feminine, and I also photographed Jon while he was eating snacks. So it was definitely a well rounded photoshoot. I hope you enjoy!

Oklahoma City Intimate Lifestyle Portrait | Riza

This was Riza’s second time to step in front of my camera for a boudoir session, and I know it was going to be even better than the first boudoir session she did with me back in 2018. For this second time, Riza was up for anything. She was ready to shed her inhibitions and push past her comfort zones, while also knowing she was in safe hands with me.

Even though it was her second boudoir experience, she was still nervous at the beginning of her session. Those initial butterflies are completely normal and expected. But after giving her direct and coaching her through the first couple of poses, I saw her visibly start to relax and start to let go and trust the process.

You can see the result of her letting go and allowing herself to shine bright in the photos below, as well as read about her second boudoir experience with Intimate Lens Studio.

What 3 things were you most nervous about going into your session?

Like always, my body. I’m comfortable enough for nudity or implied nudity around [Ore] but I always worry about my body having too many lumps and bumps based on how I pose. My facial expressions, I feel like the line between RBF, dead eyes and sexy face is very thin and I worry I fall more into dead eyes when I try to relax my facial expression… I want to be confident in my body so that my poses/posture is more relaxed or confident rather than my body language showing how nervous I can get. But [Ore] did such a great job with making me feel relaxed! Never in a million years could I have foreseen me being naked on a couch without feeling some type of way about it!

How did the reality of your session compare to your expectations going into it?

I always expect myself to do pain face the further along into our session because I know I worry about whether or not I’m photogenic. I know you …[help]… with posing so I wasn’t expected to know how to pose but when I started sinking into the couch cushions I was worried I’d just look like a girl slouching on the couch with lingerie on. Instead [Ore] transformed me into this sensual woman who looks so sure and confident of herself. That is some sorcery woman!

What was your favorite part of the experience?

Listen, when [Ore] grabbed that red harness bodysuit deal I kinda gave [her] a mental side eye but I knew [she was] the professional so I took a little side detour from my comfort zone and trusted [her] and I’m so glad I did! I was terrified I’d look like we’d done pot roast or something but the pictures with that outfit turned out so good!! Just speaks volumes on [her] creativity and how well [she] photographs/poses [her] clients!!

How do you feel now that you've completed the session?

I feel beautiful and empowered! The first session I did with [Ore] I had no idea at all what to expect but this second time was a lot smoother since I kinda knew the process. I trusted [Ore] during the session but seeing the fruits of [her] direction in the photos and seeing how they turned out really amped up feelings of confidence I didn’t think I had.

Would you recommend Intimate Lens Studio to others?

I always do! Especially after this last session, I was showing everyone the photos and encouraging everyone to get “the gift that keeps on giving” by booking a session with [Ore]! I even tell some of the gals that they can bring their significant others for a couples session if they’re too nervous to do it by themselves!

Would you do a boudoir session again?

Abso-fucking-lutely!

What was your absolute most favorite photo from your boudoir session, and what makes it special?

The photo of me on the couch looking out the window was absolutely breathtaking because I feel sexy, classy and beautiful. I mean I’m not sure what magazine I would be featured in, but I almost feel like this could maybbeee go in one. The pose also looks natural and relaxed considering I was sinking into the cushions! All those couch shots turned out beautifully with the warmth of the couch leather and my skin against the background of the wall and the plants just made me look so confident as if I wasn’t sitting there mentally chanting “be photogenic” over and over in my head.