Today I’m excited to introduce you to one of my favorite local business, Boudoir by Lily. I found Boudoir by Lily while researching San Francisco boudoir photographers for a special VIP package I’m going to be offering in the Fall, and instantly fell in love with Lily’s work. I started looking into boudoir photography in the first place because I think it can be a good complement to sex therapy. Both aim to help women feel more in touch with their natural sensuality. After meeting Lily in person, I realized that we are equally passionate about helping women feel more confident in their own skin! Boudoir by Lily photographs are sexy and beautiful, but in a way that feels authentic to each individual subject.

A few weeks ago, I interviewed Boudoir by Lily about her unique approach to boudoir photography. Check out her answers and some great tips below!

VM: What is boudoir photography?

Boudoir by Lily: Boudoir photography is a tasteful set of sensual photos that can be seductive, evocative, and playful.

VM: How did you come to specialize in boudoir?

BBL: When I first saw boudoir photography from another photographer I fell in love immediately with the beautiful form of the woman’s body and how tastefully it was captured. As I started to find my style, my personality and vision really resonated with a lot of women out there looking for boudoir photography. They want to see themselves in a new light that’s unlike the typical Victoria’s Secret model or Maxim Magazine spreads. They want soft, sensual, romantic, and sweet photos that reflected who they are. When I show them their photos, they are blown away and can’t believe it is them. This is the most rewarding aspect of my job and it motivates me to continue to do what I love to help women feel beautiful.

VM: What are women most nervous about when they sign up for a boudoir shoot?

BBL: Most women are afraid of how they’ll look in camera because they’ve never done anything like it before and they feel like they don’t know how to pose or express themselves in a sensual way. My clients trust that I do my job well, and I reassure them by helping them with their wardrobe selections and guide them through the posing.

VM: Why should a woman do a boudoir shoot?

BBL: Every woman should do a boudoir session because it’s just down right fun! In addition to that you get to experience the feeling of being sensual and beautiful. When we’re young as children we love to play dress up by wearing our mother’s pearls and putting on lipstick, and I feel like this is the same thing. Sometimes we forget to have fun as adults, and this is a great opportunity to do it and have photos to remember by.

VM: How does a boudoir shoot help a woman get in touch with her bodies or her sexuality?

BBL: My style of boudoir photography really speaks to the woman first and the man second. A boudoir shoot with me focuses on her vision of beauty, and I ask tough questions to coax it out of her to see what she finds sexy. This gives her the opportunity to think about herself in a new way. We can all quickly name areas we don’t love, but I will not hear any of that during my shoot because I want her to focus on the positive areas. When we focus on our assets we will easily forget our flaws. With positive encouragements and a sneak-peek behind the camera after the session, my clients feel a new sense of confidence and that is sexy.

VM: Many women feel uncomfortable in lingerie. How can women feel more confident and sexy – but still authentic – in lingerie?

BBL: Finding high quality lingerie that fits well is the most important part in helping a woman feel sexy. The fabric, the color, and the style should represent who she is. Try boutique stores to find more variety in styles. Actually, I tell my clients in addition to their lingerie, they should bring in some of their favorite clothing items like a sexy pair of jeans, T-shirt, a button up shirt, or a sweater because more often than not stripping off these everyday items make us feel sexy because it is who we are.

Lily and I put our heads together and decided to come up with a fun offer for any of my readers who are interested in trying boudoir photography. Lily will offer a 30 minute boudoir shoot at her adorable studio in Burlingame, complete with one outfit change, hair and makeup, and two 5×7 prints, for $450. Boudoir by Lily packages start at $599 without hair and makeup, so this is an amazing deal! Email at info@boudoirbylily.com and mention Vanessa Marin Sex Therapy.