Do Couples Have Sex In The Studio During Erotica Sessions?
by Teresa Conner
Intimate Photography Sessions have been up and running for a several months now at Boudoir Studios New York, and we have been thrilled to share some of the fiery images that made it past social media community standards. Unfortunately, there are many amazing shots that we can not post on our public profiles because of the guidelines around nudity and sexual activity. While we work on ways that make sense to share those spicier photos, our clients have been the ones to encounter their friends’ responses to their erotica images. One commonly asked question is, “Wait. Did you really... you know…???” And of course they’re referring to the apparent intercourse in the photos. Is it real or simulated? They want to know! Well, the answer is…
It depends!
Penetration is absolutely a defining breakaway from boudoir. If a couple wanted to document physical intercourse, that is welcomed in an erotica session at BSNY, where we have two photographers present and clear boundaries and consent already agreed on prior to the session. If you see a close up image of intercourse from our studio, it is likely not simulated, but sometimes it is. It is not uncommon for solo or multiple client erotica sessions to include penetrative stimulation.
However!
Penetration is not required to have an erotica session. Erotica is a style of photography that is less subtly sensual than boudoir and more overtly sexual. It would be completely reasonable (and has been done successfully in our studio) for a client or couple to document pleasure and external genital stimulation without the need for any penetration. However, if a client wanted no genital stimulation documented, we may have more discussions around their reasons for wanting an erotica session. Boudoir may be the better option for them. Couples boudoir sessions do exclusively have simulated intimacy and you can learn more about that on our blog post, “What Really Happens During a Couple’s Boudoir Session?”
Boundaries!
How do we keep this from getting weird?!? Great question! It’s all in the boundaries. Right from the very beginning of the process, the team at BSNY is at work to make your experience as comfortable and professional as possible. From the questions we ask about your relationship and love story, to fine-tuning your vision for wardrobe and style, we are making sure that by the time we get to session day, everyone is on the same page and you’re feeling confident. That way Andrea and Asif can give direction while you’re able to stay in the moment.
All the blushing, giggling questions are going to be taken care of well before the day of your session, so your photographers will know what words you use to refer to your genitals and if you plan on engaging in oral sex during your session. Then they’ll coach you with erotica-specifc prompts that are different from boudoir posing (Ex: “Chin down, elbow to the left, look down toward your top lip, perfect!”). Erotica directions are action based (Ex: “Client A, tell Client B how you would like them to touch you for the next 3 minutes. Client B, do that and I’ll tell you when time is up. Ok. Bring your arm down slightly and don’t move for 10 seconds…..got it. Thank you!”) Your photographers are not interacting with your intimacy. They are simply letting you know when to adjust. You get to be genuinely in a moment of passion, and that will translate into your images. It is no exaggeration that you will forget they are there at times, and that is exactly what they want!
Cleanliness!
At BSNY, we take everyone’s health, hygiene, and comfort seriously. We always have. All linens and blankets have always been stripped and washed between every client - boudoir and erotica alike - and all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected after every session. All toys and props are carry in/carry out so there is never cross over.
As Intimate Photography continues to expand at the studio, we are looking forward to finding more ways to share these sessions and give you all the details and information you need to decide if erotica is your next brave step.
