sexy couples

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.

Oklahoma City couples boudoir interracial couple black man and white woman laughing under covers in black and white photo

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. 

Oklahoma City couples boudoir white brown haired man and white blonde woman laughing together on couch. Blonde woman is wearing a red bodysuit and brown haired main is wearing navy blue shorts.

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).

Oklahoma City couples boudoir photographer gay couple - two white males with beards - playing thumb wars on black leather sofa
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photographer gay couple - two white males with beards - playing thumb wars on black leather sofa
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photographer gay couple - two white males with beards - playing thumb wars on black leather sofa
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photographer gay couple - two white males with beards - playing thumb wars on black leather sofa

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!

Oklahoma City couples boudoir photography LGBTQ lesbian couple in an embrace smiling at each other as they lean into each other for a kiss

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.

Oklahoma City Boudoir Photographer woman with short brown hair kneeling on bed pulling in male sitting on bed for a kiss using tie wrapped around neck. Both partners smiling at each other.

 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!

Oklahoma City couples boudoir photography lesbian couple almost kissing on brown leather sofa
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photography lesbian couple almost kissing on brown leather sofa

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. 

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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.

Oklahoma City Boudoir Photography LGBTQ queer interracial couple lying next to each other in bed in an embrace both partners smiling black and white portrait

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 | Nick and Amanda

Nick and Amanda's session was full of lots of laughter and fun. Both Amanda and Nick described their relationship as goofy, fun and very playful, and it was evident throughout their couples boudoir session how comfortable they were together. After being in a relationship for over two years, it was clear to see the genuine love and affection they had for each other.

 I like to incorporate couples personal interests into a couples boudoir session as much as possible, and Nick and Amanda's couples boudoir session was no exception. 

They brought collars, harnesses and chains with them, and we were able to incorporate them into their couples boudoir session for some light BDSM, while also focusing on capturing the connection and intimacy between the two of them.

 You can see all of the goodness from their session below!

Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir woman in red bodysuit sitting on man's lap and almost kissing
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir man sitting on arm of brown leather couch and woman in red bodysuit sitting on his lap. Both people smiling
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photographer blonde woman in red bodysuit with man standing behind her and grabbing her breast while they almost kiss
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photographer man with tattoos laying down on back on bed with blond woman straddling him looking up at him and smirking
couples boudoir photographer tattooed man in black boxer briefs and tattooed blonde woman in bed laughing together
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photographer tattooed man sitting up in bed and embracing tattooed women sitting in front of him leaning against him.
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photographer black and white image of tattooed man and blonde tattooed woman lying in bed facing each other with man's hand stroking woman's face
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photographer black and white photo of man kissing woman's back while she lies naked in bed
Oklahoma City couples boudoir tattooed brown haired man embracing tattooed blond woman wearing leather corset
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photographer tattooed man sitting with tattooed blond woman in black leather corset kneeling in front of him.
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photography tattooed man in jeans holding collar worn by woman wearing a black harness almost kissing
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photography black and white photo of blonde woman kneeing on floor with man's thumb resting on lips.
Oklahoma City couples boudoir photography man sitting on floor pulling blond chain of color worn by woman in black body harness  as she crawls toward him.

Oklahoma City Dance Inspired Creative Portraits | Tylor and vinny

My mind is always a whirlwind of ideas. They float in and out of my head, sometimes faster than I can write them down. Thankfully, some ideas remain, and some special ones tug at your heart until you have no choice other than bringing to life your vision and letting the magic unfold. This ballet inspired couples boudoir session was one projected I knew I needed to bring to life.

Watching ballet dancers perform is a magical experience for me. Seeing the way dancers move across the stage, admiring the control they have over their bodies, appreciating the beauty they create with the angles and lines of their body - all of that takes years of practice, dedication, strength and perseverance; but seeing it all come together and their skill in making it seem so effortless has me convinced that just a little magic may be tossed in for good measure.

Recently I had the opportunity to work with two local ballet dancers, seeing them come together for this creative project and create their own kind of magic. I was so excited to plan this project and thrilled to capture the entire session from start to finish.

I’m excited to share with you the results of my vision to create a series of intimate portraits of two dancers showing grace, agility, and movement, with intimacy and connection woven throughout each portrait.

Dancers:

Tylor Bradshaw - Oklahoma City Ballet

Vinicius Vasconcelos - Oklahoma City Ballet

Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers striking a pose
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers one holding the other up
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers in an embrace
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers hand on chest
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers standing face to face
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers in an embrace
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers holding hands
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers one dancer standing over the other
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers sitting together
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers heads together
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers heads together
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers lying together
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers standing near a wall
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers standing together
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers
Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir two male ballet dancers

Why I Love Photographing Couples INTIMATE LIFESTYLE PORTRAITS | Oklahoma City Couples Boudoir

Have you ever been around two people and just knew that they were meant to be?  

couples boudoir oklahoma city couple in bedroom
oklahoma city couples boudoir one partner on bed other partner standing kissing

Not because they both look good based on society’s beauty standards, or because the couple comes from the same background and share similar interests, but because you can almost visibly see their profound and abiding connection and commitment to one another.

 You see the way their thoughts flow together and the way they seem to see into each other’s souls and know their partner’s heart.   You see the way they laugh together, tease each other, fight (acknowledging that no relationship is perfect 24/7) and make up, and live each day with the conscious choice and commitment to “do life together.”

oklahoma city couples boudoir lgtbq friendly two women lying on bed
oklahoma city in-home boudoir session lgtbq friendly two women kissing by window

 I enjoy being around these couples.  I love seeing their connection, seeing their joy, and I want to give these couples a tangible reminder of what they mean to each other.

oklahoma city couples boudoir in home session lgtbq friendly couple lying on bed
in-home couples boudoir lgtbq friendly gay men lying on bed

It’s easy for couples who have been together for a while to get stuck into a routine, focusing on the day-to-day activities that need to get done… jobs to go to, bills to pay, chores to complete, kids to pick up, clothes to clean, dishes to wash, etc., and sometimes couples forget that their life together is more than just completing things to check off items on an imaginary list.

 It’s about living out life with your favorite human…and stealing the covers.

 And so I want to give couples photographs that remind them of the truth of their relationships that they may sometimes forget.  That their partner loves them, cares for them and has chosen them. 

oklahoma city couples boudoir couple kissing on bed
oklahoma city couples boudoir couple in shower

I  photograph couples either at my in-home studio or at the couples’ home with the goal of capturing who THEY are as a couple.  No two couples have the same relationship, so in my pre-session questionnaire and pre-session video or in-person consultation I ask couples specific questions about their relationship with the goal of photographing each couple and capturing what it means to them to be in their relationship; how they fit, how they interact, and how they connect with each other.  I love hearing couples say that they feel like I captured “THEM.”   

Some of my favorite images to photograph involve one partner looking away, while the other partner is staring at them without the partner who is looking away knowing they are being admired.  You can see in the eyes of the partner staring intently at their lover that they know the prize they have “won”, they have a look in their eyes that says my partner chose me, and I’m so FUCKING THRILLED that I get to spend forever with them.

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When I have the opportunity to capture that emotion and then present that photograph to the partner who didn’t see it because they were looking away, and that partner then gets to see that connection and love shining in their lover’s eyes, that gives me the BEST FEELING EVER.  It’s like a big warm hug (if you like big warm hugs, if not think of it as a really great high five!).

These portraits allow couples to see their love shining back at them through photographs of them together, and they can have them as a reminder either in high quality albums or as wall art displayed in their home.

oklahoma city couples boudoir lgtbq friendly gay men lying on bed
oklahoma city couples boudoir lgtbq friendly gay men lying on bed

The best part? You don’t have to have a special event to wait and schedule a couples boudoir session.  By scheduling a couples boudoir session, I’ll capture your love, connection and intimacy, giving you a tangible reminder that each of you is loved by the other.

oklahoma city in-home couples boudoir couple sitting on bed facing each other
in-home couples boudoir man and woman lying in bed
oklahoma city couples boudoir in-home session man and woman lying on bed together