72 Hours in Paris Recap | Boudoir Photoshoots + Parisian Lingerie!

In March 2024, Brooklyn Boudoir, along with Sugar Cookies Lingerie, took 6 lucky women to Paris, and the trip was unforgettable …

For our first ever boudoir retreat overseas, we not only wanted to celebrate ourselves through boudoir and lingerie, we wanted to do it with the Paris je ne sais quoi. Each experience in our journey held true to the theme of female empowerment through fashion, photography and freedom of expression. As one Parisian woman said to me, “Your manifesto and love of women shows up in your work,” and this is one of the highest complements she could have given to me.

This trip has been a dream of mine for years, and if felt so good to use both my photography skills and my event producing skills from my previous career to make it happen. Read on for a full recap!

Imagine… You arrive in a picturesque European city and are welcomed to a Pinterest level apartment overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The room is filled with pieces from Atelier Amour ready for you to admire and shop. Atelier Amour is female owned and operated, and one of my favorite brands to photograph (you will definitely recognize them from my instagram feed). Champagne is flowing and Parisian snacks are plentiful as you meet and mingle with fellow lingerie and boudoir lovers. The next morning you get glamorous for your first shoot through the beautiful city. This is how Brooklyn Boudoir and Sugar Cookies welcome you to Paris!

Day 1

For our US clients, photos at the Eiffel Tower were a must. From Rue de l'Université (a popular photo destination for travel influencers) to the Trocadero itself, we snapped iconic images in front of the Iron Lady.

Next up was a trip to the beautiful Musee Yves Saint Laurent. On display was a collection of pieces from one of YSL’s beloved artistic expressions, sheer fabrics. It was completely on-brand for our lingerie + boudoir themes! YSL loved the idea of the juxtaposition between clothing which is meant to cover or conceal you and using transparent fabric to instead create intrigue and most of all, freedom. He believed in the liberation of women and sought to empower them through his silhouettes and fabrications. We saw sheer tops paired with trousers, bras worn as tops under blazers and lace cut outs galore. For lingerie lovers this was the perfect way to get inspired and in the spirit for boudoir photoshoots!

That evening our crew made their way to the Aubade showroom in the fabulous Les Halles neighborhood. When we stepped off the elevator we entered a lingerie fan’s dreamworld, a beautiful showroom surrounded by a balcony overlooking the city. We sipped champagne and snacked on decadent treats while we got to view their new collection in a mini fashion show. There was a phonebook encouraging us all to “Live Your Desire” and there were gift bags of course. It was truly the VIP treatment!

Day 2

The next morning we were in for a special treat. An intimate chat with iconic French brand, Cadolle. Patricia, whose family founded the brand and still operates it today, took us through their incredible history sharing intimate knowledge and stories. After our time in their private atelier we took a stroll to their boutique where we had the pleasure of shopping their luxurious corsets. I, of course, needed to buy one. Paired with a blazer I felt like Madonna circa Express Yourself and I was loving it.

Everyone got some free time in the afternoon, then we met up again at the Lise Charmel storefront with the 6th arr, for another unique lingerie- related experience. We shopped their latest collection, enjoyed a champagne tasting and some sweet Parisian treats. We also got to see their atelier, where the designers work along side seamstresses to construct the classy and feminine work they are known for. Then, a surprise awaited us as French artist Caroline Montigneaux drew each of our attendees in her signature style. There were even more gift bags, and it was a truly unforgettable night!

And we weren’t done yet! No trip to Paris is complete without a dinner cruise on the Seine. There is no better way to see the city than a dreamy trip down the river watching the lights twinkle and streets come alive. En route to the riverboat, we snapped some more photos at the famous Bir Hakim Bridge, another lesser know spot for travel bloggers and featured in the movie Inception.

Day 3

On our last day, it was the culmination of all the experiences we shared, and my big day as our ladies were treated to their very own Brooklyn Boudoir photoshoot, in Paris! The lingerie we saw and tried on, the inspiration we received and the influence of Paris itself prepared everyone for their private boudoir shoot. With a perfect Parisian apartment as the backdrop and a balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower, all you need is hair, makeup and fabulous lingerie to pose in! Luckily we had all that and more covered.

Before we bid our farewell to France we had to attend the most epic cabaret in the world, Crazy Horse. Women’s power, liberation and beauty followed us everywhere we went in Paris and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than with the fabulous performers of Crazy Horse. Just being in the red velvet venue felt iconic as we sipped our last glass of champagne and cheered on the dancers. What a way to end our 72 Hours!

But words and photos are not enough to describe 72 Hours in Paris … you just had to be there. ;)

Since I’ve gotten home the #1 question I’ve gotten is, “Will you be doing it again?” and after the success of this trip, the answer is a resounding YES!

Follow along and stay tuned for our next announcement you won’t want to miss.

Until then, au revoir. 

xoxo, Stephanie

72 Hours in Paris with Brooklyn Boudoir + Sugar Cookies!

Paris is always a good idea.

Fall in love with yourself. In Paris.

Visualize Paris in the Spring - the smell of baguettes and coffee in the streets, a cool nip in the air, the trees just starting to bloom again, the Eiffel Tower standing before you…

Envision yourself sipping champagne at a private lingerie fitting in the lingerie capital of the world, with the help of New York City’s premiere lingerie experts by your side…

Imagine a Brooklyn Boudoir photoshoot, but with Paris as your backdrop, feeling your confidence, the beauty within you, and living life to it’s fullest…

Then consider what it might be like to bring that same self-love, glamour and confidence back to your everyday life.

Brooklyn Boudoir and Sugar Cookies are teaming up again to make this dream happen!

* Join us for 72 hours in Paris! *

Enjoy private lingerie fittings, shopping, a dinner cruise down the Seine, as well as TWO photoshoots: one dressed to the nines at the Eiffel Tower and one… well, less dressed in luxe lingerie for a private boudoir shoot at a stunning Parisian apartment (with balcony and Eiffel Tower views of course!!)

We’ll explore art museums, drink coffee by day and champagne by night, and top it all off with an evening at the Moulin Rouge.

Why Paris?

A boudoir shoot in Paris has been my very own “dream shoot” since I first learned about Boudoir photography. Boudoir and Paris go hand in hand, as does Paris and luxe lingerie. The experts at Sugar Cookies actually specialize in French lingerie! This collaboration has been a match made in heaven from the start.

Our 2023 boudoir retreat in NYC was a dream come true, and we are excited to take the experience worldwide, starting with the City of Light. We will be keeping the group small and intimate to ensure the same attention to detail and customer service our clients are accustomed to.

Event Details

March 14 - 16, 2024

• Boudoir Photoshoot at a classic Parisian Apartment with balcony views of the Eiffel Tower

• Individual + Group Photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower

• Welcome cocktail party at a chic Parisian apartment

• Evening Dinner Cruise down the Seine River

• Luxury shopping in NYC and Paris

• Expert Lingerie Styling and Fittings

• Private museum tour

• An unforgettable evening at the Moulin Rouge

• Endless champagne

• And a few more surprises along the way

$4000

$3800 Special Pricing through Valentine’s Day

* Ticket does not include flight transportation, accommodations, or meals, except for Seine dinner cruise and Crazy Horse*

10 tips for visiting a lingerie boutique | My own lingerie shopping experience at Sugar Cookies NYC

A few weeks ago I was doing my annual closet switch, putting the winter gear away and bringing forward the warmer weather clothes. As I opened my lingerie drawer, I realized: there were a few pieces I wear all the time that were getting pretty worn out, and even more pieces in there that I just never wear. Which got me thinking… when was the last time I actually bought myself new underwear? To my surprise/embarrassment I realized I haven’t bought new underwear since 2017!

You can imagine there have been LOTS of changes in life since then. At the time, my body was still in flux from baby #1. Then I had a second kid, and then of course, came 2020. I know I’m not the only one whose body changed during the pandemic, or whose dressing habits changed.

And so, I knew I was in dire need for a lingerie refresh.

Outside the old Sugar Cookies storefront in Chelsea back in 2017. They’ve since switched to a more private boutique with a “Lingerie Speakeasy” feel to it.

However, if you're an infrequent lingerie shopper, it can be a little intimidating to set foot inside a boutique. Even me, a boudoir photographer who tells women every day how beautiful they are (and believes it!) felt nervous! All the more reason, I thought, to practice what I preach. So with all of this in mind, here are 10 tips I’ve learned to make lingerie shopping both easier and more comfortable for you. Because even if you prefer shopping online, nothing can quite compare to the one-on-one expert attention you get from your local lingerie salon.

Before you go, it’s a good idea to take inventory of what you already have. Anything that is saggy, stretched out or has elastics sticking out should automatically be retired. Anything too tight that if feels uncomfortable and anything you haven’t worn in a year should also say goodbye. (Side note: Keep an eye out for bra recycling programs - Sugar Cookies hosts one every March and will donate a bra for every old one you turn in to recycle.)

Look at what you do wear often and consider why. Then, consider what NEED and what you WANT from your shopping experience. Having a plan helps you prioritize when you are at the shop. I was hoping for a good every day bra that still felt special and was interested in getting something that could be worn under a shirt of blazer as a lingerie-as-clothes look.

And with that, I headed out to Sugar Cookies! Here are my 10 best tips for your lingerie shopping experience:

1) Start on the right foot by going to a specialized lingerie boutique, NOT a chain.

You want to work with someone who understands and cares about lingerie, and can spend time getting to know you and your needs. Independant and female owned boutiques are my favorite - who better to help you figure out the ins and outs of undergarments? Also consider your own style when selecting a place to shop - the best boutiques are very well curated and while they will carry a wide selection, they are not necessarily one size fits all. Do your research and be sure the shop you select fits within your style and price point. For example, if you are looking something special, you would want to find a shop that specializes in luxe laces, not tee shirt bras.

2) If you're shopping for a special occasion, like a boudoir shoot, be sure to let the boutique know you’re on your way.

Calling ahead and making an appointment is the best way to ensure a boutique will be ready for you. Sugar Cookies will even hold time if they know when you are coming so you can have a private shopping experience. The team can make sure you have the best experience possible, and perhaps even pre-select a few items for you to try on.

3) Arrive as your best self.

Lingerie requires a certain mood to be truly appreciated. You may not think you’ll want food in your stomach before going lingerie shopping, but trust me, low blood sugar will sabotage your experience (the same goes for your boudoir shoot by the way!) So put on a little lipstick, try not to shop tired or hungover, and eating a light meal or snack before you go shopping. A little self-care beforehand will make the experience much more enjoyable.

4) Show up wearing a nude, low-rise thong or similarly "cheeky" panty when lingerie shopping.

This allows you see how the lingerie would look if you weren't wearing anything underneath, while still maintaining proper hygiene.

5) Don’t stress the sizes

Just like regular clothes, different brands size slightly differently. Some run big and some run small, so my best advise is not to overthink the sizing. My whole life I have considered myself a 32A. The last time I was fitted, I learned that in some brands I was a 30B and in some a 34A… this felt hard to believe but ultimately it just doesn’t matter! So this time around, I let Suzanne bring me lingerie and I didn’t ask or care about the sizes. If it was too small, she’d bring me something bigger and vice versa. It was her job and not mine to determine my size.

Suzanne, the fabulous owner of Sugar Cookies, helping me with sizes.

6) That said, get a proper bra fitting, especially if it's been over a year since your last one.

No judgement if it’s been awhile - I am the most guilty of this! Time time flies by, life gets crazy and there's a very good chance your body has changed, even slightly, since your last fitting. A well fitting bra is a game changer - you’ll feel the difference physically as well as psychologically, believe me.

7) Try the "scoop and adjust" technique when trying on bras.

This is the only way to be sure your breasts are centered and that the bra fits properly. A sales assistant can show you how to do this if you're unfamiliar with it.

8) Go outside your comfort zone and be honest about what you like.

Lingerie boutiques offer many unique items that you’d never at a regular department store. Don't be afraid to try a new fabric, a new color, or even a new item entirely (corsets and garter belts, anyone?). I’ve recently been into the visible lingerie trend, and where better to test this out? If you’re honest about what you are looking for your sales associate they can make suggestions and bring you something you never would have found on your own. Nervous? Don’t worry, they’ve seen it ALL.

9) Be clear on the store’s return and refund policy before purchasing.

The great thing about shopping in person is that you have a much higher rate of success, and theoretically you won’t be buying something you aren’t sure about. But things happen - I had a client once find out she was pregnant right after she bought. new lingerie, for example. Certain items are always non-returnable, like stockings. Often sale and clearance items are final sale as well. Be wary of boutiques with an "everything is final sale" policy, and understand that some shops will offer store credit only with returns.

10) Remember that it's okay to say "No."

You should never feel pressured into buying something you don’t like. A reputable boutique will always tell you when something doesn't look good on you or fits improperly. Listen to your gut and if you don’t feel your best in a piece at the store, it’s unlikely you’ll feel your best in it back at home. Move on and look for something else.

BONUS TIP: Have fun!

Lingerie shopping can be one of the more enjoyable things in life, especially when you go to the right place. So relax, allow yourself to indulge, and enjoy. I was nervous going in to this experience and I ended up having the best time.

So what did I end up with?

My purchases!

As a mom of 2 comfort is often key, so a soft cup bra is a frequent go-to. Most of mine were too small and digging in to my skin leaving lines behind, so this was on my “need” list. Suzanne helped me find this Simone Perele piece that was soft and comfortable but also had some side boning, which gave me a a little extra “umph” and didn’t make me feel so flat chested.

There was a set from Fleur du Mal that I loved but didn’t come in my size. Taking this as inspiration, Suzanne recommend this Chantelle set. It wasn’t even on the sales floor, so if I wasn’t shopping at a private and specialized boutique I would have missed this. It’s lacy and lightly padded so I can wear it under most outfits feeling confident and subtle sexy. I also got the matching cheeky bottom and felt AMAZING wearing this on my birthday.

Since the Sugar Cookies holiday party I have had my eye on this dark floral nightgown. Luckily there was one left in the shop and even luckier it was in my size. It feels so light and soft, and with a belt I could even wear it as a summertime slip dress. It was a splurge, but I figured it was my birthday and I have literally been thinking about this one for 3 months, so even at a higher price point it was a worthwhile purchase to me. If you love something and feel incredible every time you wear it, it’s a better purchase than something that you feel so-so about it, even if it was “cheaper.” So when shopping for anything really, I try to consider value over the straight up number on the price tag.

I didn’t get a lingerie as outerwear piece on this trip, but now I have something on the “want” list for next time! Do you have tips to lingerie shopping? I'd love to hear it in the comments!

And psst: if you are a lover of lingerie and boudoir, Sugar Cookies NYC and Brooklyn Boudoir are teaming up this summer for a weekend of lingerie, boudoir and NYC fabulousness! Contact me to learn more!

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

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!

2019 Year in Review | Photography for the Modern New York Woman

Photo Credit by Marcia Coronado

2019 was a year for the books. It’s hard to believe how much I crammed into one year, and can’t believe it’s already new year’s eve! It truly was the Best Ever Year of Brooklyn Boudoir, and I couldn't have done it without each and every one of you who follows along regularly and trusts me with their boudoir experiences.

Here’s a short review of the year!

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

Some of my favorite images (that clients have given me permission to share) from this past year:

AND OF COURSE, MY OWN MATERNITY SHOOT WITH THE FABULOUS LOLA MELANI

INSTAGRAM TOP 9

It dawns on my that 3 of these images weren’t taken by me! Top 2 by Lola Melani from my own maternity shoot, and middle right by my bestie / LA wing woman / behind the scenes genius Ashley Glacel.

TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS

With a surprise(ish) pregnany this year, I wasn’t able to travel as much as I would have liked, but I did make it to LA twice for my west coast contingency, and to Paris with my mom and daughter for my 40th birthday (four months pregnant). So far for 2020 I’m working on dates for my next LA trip (sometimes mid-winter), a trip to Austin for a friend’s wedding and to be photogarphed by my mentor Kara Marie, and a big family trip to Greece to celebrate my mom’s next milestone birthday.

Photo by @Paris_pics_

WHAT'S NEXT?!

I’ve never been much of a New Year’s Resolution girl. I pretty much try to be my best self ALL of the time and don’t care to beat myself up over a lapsed resolution. HOWEVER, I do have lots of ideas and plans for myself both personally and professionally and my goal is to achieve at least some of them this year.

In 2020 I plan to...

*HOST MORE PAST CLIENT EVENTS

Last year I hosted 2 events for past clients only - shooting fine art nudes and also fresh faced portraits. I love re-connecting with women I’ve worked with before and giving past clients the opportunity to refresh their images in a more bite-sized and cost effective way. Each time we shoot together the results get better and better, so be on the lookout for these opportunities via Instagram and my newsletter (which you can sign up for on the sidebar to the right if you haven’t already —->) Sorry ladies, these events are for return clients only - first timers really need the whole experience before diving into mini sessions.

*GET PUBLISHED

i have a lot to say about Beauty and Boudoir photography and I’m ready to start spreading the work. Last year I was interviewed for a film about working mothers and I was recently interviewed for a newpapser piece on the subject. Now I’m working on my own pieces that I hope to have published onlne and/or in print.

*TRAVEL as much as I can. 

Traveling has always been such a big part of my life and something that always brings me great joy. I am so grateful to have traveled as much as I did before I had kids, but I still feel that itch to do more — there are still so many places I’d love to see! Luckily my little one is great on planes so I want to get more adventurous with our travels both for business and pleasure.

*HAVE MY OWN BOUDOIR SHOOT

Every year I try to be photographed by another photographer - I find this really important, particularly as a boudoir photographer. In 2019 it took the form of a maternity shoot but in 2020, before I turn 41, I plan to be photographed by my mentor, Kara Marie, who is arguably the best boudoir photographer in the business right now, and I.CAN’T.WAIT.

*PUT MYSELF OUT THERE MORE 

Guys, I’m all about straight up instagram but the other social media platforms are just not my thing (I’m still waiting for someone to explain snapchat to me, sorry if that makes me sound like a grandma). I love making connections with my clients and realize I can start that process even earlier by getting on Instastories and showing my face a little more. I’m going to need some help with this one so feel free to keep me accountable!

*OFFER MORE MENTORSHIPS 

I had some incredible mentees last year and just love sharing MY love of boudoir photography with others. My mentorships are a very thorough and customized experience that covers business coaching as well as photography techniques. If you are a fellow photographer looking to step up your game, give me a holla and let’s chat!

*CONTINUE TO EDUCATE THE $%&@! OUT OF MYSELF. 

I have always loved being a student — and a good one at that. I really love to learn and have studied with some of the best boudoir photographers out there, and I plan to continue to study photography for as long as I'm shooting. I want to enhance my technical craft, and continue to push my creativity to keep my work fresh and improving it every year.  This year I’ll be focusing not only on photography but also on retouching.

*GIVE EVEN MORE TO MY CLIENTS. I'm always looking for new ways to make my clients feel extra special. From customizing a location just for them, to following up with them years down the road to congratulate them on new life events....client relationships are really important to me. That's not just something I say. So, in 2020 I'll be continuing to fine tune the client experience even more to give them alllll the warm and fuzzies.  

*HAVE MORE DATE NIGHTS WITH THE HUBS. Being a working mom is hard, and in an effort to take better care of myself, my clients, my kid and my business, my husband tends to get the boot. Something’s got to give of course, but I miss the days when we would go on weekly dates. However busy life got, we always used to go out on Fridays and often did something unusual around the city. Weekly dates aren’t really feasible right now (the cost of a babysitter doubles the cost of the night!) BUT I have to believe that a monthly date will be good for both our relationship and my psyche.

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, TRULY, GENUINELY, THANK YOU. Thank you for reading through this long and winding blog post, thank you for reading all/ANY of my blog posts. Thank you for every sweet comment, every word of encouragement, every Instagram "like". Thank you for trusting me with your boudoir experience. Thank you for being friendly and my friends. Thank you for all of your continued support of making my passion a career. I love you all and cannot wait for ANOTHER Best Year Ever in 2020.  I am so grateful for the abundance of business, blessings, and beauties that surrounded me in 2019. 

xoxo, Stephanie

Five More Minutes | Thoughts on Motherhood | Brooklyn Boudoir Photographer

I have a new alarm clock.  It’s a 2 year who wakes up at 6:35am on the dot every day without fail saying, “Mama come in… come in Mama…please Mama, come IN” at regular intervals, gaining volume for 30 minutes straight until I come to terms with the fact that there is no such thing as a snooze button anymore. (my husband is somehow blissfully and annoyingly unaware of this new alarm clock). 

And so the day begins, hoping I remembered to set the coffee machine to start the night before, getting the babe changed, fed, dressed, and out the door in time, trying to put my own self together without her getting at my makeup, answering my husbands 10 million questions about the day (including what the weather will be, as if he has no other way of finding out...) and suddenly it’s 9a and I am (already!) worn out.  There’s nothing like running around town with a top knot (and not the fashion-week kind) and a purse filled with raisins to help us forget that we are intelligent, indepndant and desirable women with layers, personality, and a life outside of school drop off.

For years I’ve been an avid reader of Brooklyn Blogger Joanna Goddard, who recently joked about motherhood on her blog: “Everyone here wants to touch my boobs for different reasons, but kind of the same reason.”  This rang SO TRUE for me.  I think about it all the time and share it with all of my other mom friends, to which everyone busts out laughing, then turns inwards and nods quietly to themselves. 

Being the center of everyone’s universe is a double-edged sword: on one hand it's so sweet & flattering, truly the greatest blessing, AND ALSO it's the most taxing, stressful, and exhausting experience. If you hope to survive it, not to mention find joy in it, then you need to care for yourself.
 

After drop off, a full day of work, deadlines that never end, pick up, dinner, baths, story times, and then back to the computer for more work that I could not finish in my work day, I am often too tired to do anything for me, other than put on my pj’s and go to sleep, knowing that tomorrow will be a similar grind. I found myself taking absurdly long showers just to get “5 more minutes” (my daughter’s current favorite negotiating phrase) to myself.  And then I realzied — this is crazy!  I shouldn’t have to hide in the bathroom to allow myself some ME time!  And I resolved to start making more time on the regular to look after MYSELF with the same care I look after my daughter & husband.

We moms share so much in common. Yes, you are a caregiver but you are also fierce, you are proud, you are resilient.  You’ve brought life into this world and most likely struggled to do so (even with the stongest epidural) and there is NOTHING more amazing than that. We love and care for our children, sacrifice our time, energy and money for our families, and too often put ourselves last — especially when prioritizing personal wants, needs, and desires.  There’s only so much we have to give and we shouldn’t forget to give to ourselves.

It’s not like I’m disappearing for hours on end, or partying into the night. Sometimes it’s as simple as taking a walk around the block by myself to listen to a podcast, an afternoon having a glass of wine with a friend I never get to see anymore (because she is probably also a mom in the same boat) or shutting myself in the bedroom to reading a book (read: trashy magazine) for an hour.  

It doesn’t always come easy.  I still worry if my daughter will feel abandoned, or end up at school with 2 different shoes on her feet because I tasked my husband to get her dressed in the morning.  But the truth is, EVERYONE in our house is better off when I feel like myself, as opposed to a strung-out, harried juggler.  Even a small amount of time helps revitalize and enrgize me.   I find myself appreciating my daughter and husband more, smiling more, being more productive at work, feeling more satisfied with life in general and even wanting to have sex to more!

Well ladies, I encourage you — hell, I CHALLENGE you — to resolve to honor yourself: that beautiful, seductive, alluring, phenomenal woman you know you are.  There are big ways and small ways to do this.  I’ll tell you, one fantastic way to do this is by treating yourself to a boudoir session. Boudoir is a classy, elegant way to show off your sexier side and celebrate the beauty of YOU!

At Brooklyn Boudoir I love taking beautiful portraits of women.  But that’s only part of it.  The other, equally important thing that I give my clients is a few hours that’s just for them.  You get to feel beuatiful, have a glass of wine and enjoy the feelings of freedom and womanhood.  You get pampered.  You'll walk away with a pep in your step that maybe you haven’t felt for awhile.  Fast forward 2 weeks to your reveal when you get to see your photos for the first time… I have had women cry seeing them because they can’t beleive the woman in the photos is them.  Because the photos show them that they ARE still beautiful, and yes, also sexy.  That they ARE a sensual person, a feminine powerhouse, AND ALSO a boss/wife/mom.  YOU CAN BE ALL THOSE THINGS!  For the first time in maybe a long time they see themseves the way they used to and begin to feel that *spark* again.  They are energized and proud, and after we hug goodbye, I see my clients walk away with a new twinkle in their eye.  

And THEN, on top of it all, you get to hold on to those images in an album or a piece of wall art to remind you of who you are when you need it. Trust me: there isn’t anything like seeing a portrait of yourself looking and feeling your very best to inspire even the most tired women. 

Ladies — it’s still in there.  When you take care of yoruself, you start to remember who you really are at your core, and you can be a better caretaker for others.  You’ll be more present with your kids, feel warmer towards your partner, smile more to the other parents and pickup.  And when you FEEL good, you really do look your best.  

So Happy Mother’s Day to all the hard working, strong, badass mothers out there.  You are doing great.  And you deserve to be pampered, not just on mother’s day, but every day.  

xoxo, Stephanie

Ready to pamper yourself a bit?  Contact me and let's schedule your boudoir session!

Photo Credits: Keturah Davis Photography