Are you in love or loved by a special someone? Engaged? Pregnant? Celebrating a milestone in your life? Feeling proud about recent weight loss or athletic training? Yeah, me neither. Even so, my session with Koren Reyes was meaningful, and I was made to feel that I might even deserve the treat that this experience proved to be. This is how it all came about. A friend spotted a Groupon for a boudoir photo shoot, and lassoed me into the deal. Being uncultured, I had no idea what a boudoir photo was, and had to learn that it comes from the French word for bedroom, and is a collection of seductive and classy (as opposed to smutty and raunchy, in case there was any confusion) photos that women traditionally present as romantic mementos to their lovers. I agreed to give it a whirl, then forgot about it until the week before, when Koren herself started sending thoughtful reminders and illuminating contract information. The night before, I wigged out a bit, wondering what the HELL I was going to do to force myself to look good since I still had a patchwork of tan lines on my skin and a winter hibernation gut. Oh, and I didn't really have lingerie sets as far as garters and all that was concerned... The next morning, I showed up at Koren's house a bit before ten. There was a professional studio setup right in her high rise Midtown West apartment. "You look very West Coast," she said in her down to Earth manner, eyeing my duffel bag full of piecemeal negligee and my Marmot rain jacket. "Are you from Seattle?" I liked her already. We chatted a bit about what I wanted. I was a bit wired from a rough evening of partying the sleepless night that followed, but she put me at ease and managed to get the essentials out of me. I was welcome to her pine candle scented bathroom to change into my things, and we got to work right away. She was a meticulous master of poses; telling me exactly how to create curves I definitely don't have, and reminding me to stick my chin out so my jowls don't show. If I shyly mumbled about something I wanted to try, she picked up on it and made me work. I had walked in thinking that my face was my only asset if anything, but was shocked that I ended up choosing prints that were more abstract and dependent on the structure of the pose and the lighting. Koren was patient and enthusiastic as I finally chose my two 5x7 prints, and even added an extra one because I just couldn't let it go. She took my credit card info, printed me a receipt, and handed me a picture CD of all the thumbnails (only lightly watermarked). I had some time left over before my friend arrived, so she let me sit around, play with her adorable dog, and just ask her questions aplenty about the gigantic prints and framed photos all around the studio. One thing that caught me off guard was her maternity photography. I swore to her that her photos were one of the first things that made me see the beauty of pregnancy. I have no idea if she believed that, but I wasn't shitting around. "I wish someone loved me like this," I sighed, looking at a nude couple with the man spooning his round bellied wife and kissing her neck. "Oh, I MADE them do that," Koren said. She shared a few more fascinating secrets realities of the people and situations of each photo. She also shared the intensity of shoots with women prior to mastectomies, after surgery, or facing terminal illness. I was stunned and entertained by her memory and attention to the lives behind her photos. What I valued most from my two hours of art and introspection (and a bit of physical strain in holding poses - haha) with Koren was that any self-consciousness or tendency for anxious exhibitionist melted away in her presence. I became a medium for her art, and ended up with pieces that were not even me, but a moment of visual aesthetic made possible by a true professional with a good heart. These days, it seems like anyone can just shoot a photo and make it pop with Photoshop. Koren restored my faith in the fact that there is still a level of photography that not just anyone can reach with a digital device and the power of editing programs. I can see how boudoir posing could be addictive despite the high-end price (still reasonable considering all that she puts into it). However, I purposely want to wait until I do reach a milestone or a special occasion. Who knows what it will be, but I will definitely revisit Koren at that time, knowing it will be worth every penny, even without a special discount. Whether you are facing a special time in your life or want to put your stamp on someone's heart or just want to explore parts of you that you never knew, Koren Reyes's studio is the place to go. read more

Koren Reyes Photography - Photographers Near Me

I bought this Groupon during a sleepless-college-finals-week when I had a moment of feeling daring. I then waited until the last possible minute to use it because I was feeling nervous (a more natural feeling for me). The shoot was a lot of fun. Koren made me feel incredibly comfortable and was great about directing my poses which I was happy to not have to think of myself. She complimented me, making me feel good about myself in the moment. As someone who is not thrilled with their body, I hoped the shoot would help me learn to love it. Looking at my photos, I don't feel this as much as I hoped to. Most of them are hidden on the CD I got and I refuse to let my boyfriend of three years see them. Nonetheless, I was able to find 2 that I liked to order and he absolutely LOVES them. When choosing photos, Koren was very patient and very kind. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to her and recommend the experience for anyone (just remember she can't actually change what your body looks like!). read more

My husband bought me a groupon for a 90 minute boudoire shot with Koren. I like to throw myself out of my comfort zone from time to time, and this was definitely a challenge! Seriously, I'd been holding onto the groupon for months before I decided to take the plunge and just schedule my session. Kind of a now-or-never moment. I mean, I've jumped out of an airplane, but get into my skimpies in front of a stranger? That to me is a bit more daunting. Still I did it and I'm so glad I did. Immediately I felt at ease with Koren. She and her adorable little Havanese dog, Charlie met me at the door as I got off the elevator. After walking through I immediately blurted out how nervous I was and she let out a little reassuring chuckle and said, "who isn't?" She did an amazing job with making me feel comfortable and gave me recommendations on the clothing options I had brought. My biggest fear was the posing and she totally took the reigns and told me exactly what to do and how to pose. After about 5 minutes of being in her studio I totally forgot my nerves. So much so that by the end I ended up taking of my clothes entirely and just posed with my husband's tie. Did I mention that she's good at making you feel comfortable? The quality of the pictures were amazing too and I couldn't believe at how great they looked. I liked the experience so much that I ended up staying about a half hour extra just to talk. I didn't feel rushed at all. I obviously think pretty highly of Koren and am telling you that if you have any fears, don't! Just go! You'll be thrilled with the results. read more

I've had two photo shoot experiences with Koren Reyes Photography and both times I have not only been pleased with the experience during the shoot, but the results of the pictures. Choosing which pictures my husband and I would love to order prints of was beyond difficult, and that's a good thing! We have recieved complements that our photos should be in fashion magazines, our family and friends gasp at the amazing quality and the poses that made us seem like professional models. I have to say, I felt like a million bucks seeing the finished product. Enjoying the experience in the moment is what shined through, I feel. I have to add, our first photo shoot with Koren my husband was recovering from a terrible cold and he had been coughing that morning before we arrived so he was nervous and not feeling 100%. Determined to get through the shoot and with Koren's patience during coughing fits (fortunately he wasn't contagious at this point) he did his best to pose and follow Koren's directions. Honestly, they were the best pictures he's ever taken and you wouldn't have known he wasn't feeling fantastic. She had us smiling and in good spirits with her amazing energy that is positive and bright. I felt any other photographer would have been annoyed and eager to get us out the door with the mini-breaks we needed to take so my husband could take a sip of water or stop coughing. She didn't let it bother her so it didn't bother us, her attitude was professional and upbeat. Her personable, professional, passionate and artistic qualities made the experience before, during and after our sessions enjoyable. My husband isn't a fan of taking pictures and he turned out looking, and feeling, like a model. He was so at ease and it isn't usually easy for him to relax and enjoy being center of attention. We took maternity pictures, and we then took pictures with our new born as a new family. Both experiences were equally amazing and the quality of the pictures blew us away. Koren has the ability to make others relax and enjoy being in the spot light. We came in trusting her and her direction, and thank goodness we did, it was the best photo session we've ever had and we have these amazing pictures to cherish for a lifetime. We have these documented moments of a very special time in our lives to share with our daughter. I feel Koren magnified our excitement when we took our maternity pictures and she captured the love we have for our daughter when we revisited her. If you're looking to capture a special time in your life Koren Reyes Photography is the photographer you should definitely go with. She is amazing and I look forward to working with her a million more times in the future for any and all special occasions in our life. read more

I was fortunate to get in on Koren's special project of photographing nude women over 50. I was 62 at the time, and she took many wonderful pictures that I cherish. The one I treasure most is an image I call "Ageless", which shows off my legs, and my "crowning glory" of beautiful red hair. She's a true pro, and very imaginative. Her work shows her passion. I feel very lucky to have had a session with her, and recommend her highly. Sandy Murphey California read more

I went to Koren for a maternity shoot when pregnant with our first son. I found her after researching a number of photographers in the Manhattan area, and selected Koren because not only were her photos stunning but she offered a highly competitive package in terms of the type and quantity of photos as well as ameneties (e.g., organizing the makeup artist, etc.). I am thrilled with the results and will treasure them always. Koren brought in a fantastic makeup artist who did an artful job, and succeeded in capturing a wide range of styles and photos and outfits, every one of which I could find a photo that I loved and wanted to order/keep. In addition to her talent as a photographer, Koren is artful in ensuring that her clients don't feel self-conscious and are able to sufficiently relax to capture the best possible images and moments. I would unequivocally recommend Koren. read more

I had the opportunity to meet Koren a few months ago. Recently, she made mention of a project she is working on photographing women in hats and offered to let me bring my favorite chapeaus to do a two hour photo shoot. I jumped at the opportunity and then immediately regretted it. While I am 51 and loving every minute of it, I was terrified of letting a camera bare my soul. Koren put me completely at ease, letting me know that many feel that way. She directed every movement and made me feel confident and beautiful. The photos are stunning. It was a once in a lifetime experience I will forever be grateful for. read more

I bought the groupon ticket for the boudoir shoot because it was something I always wanted to do, and wanted to look back in 30 years and have the fond memory of my youth. Koren made me feel instantly at home and comfortable, and was nothing but professional. Koren is very personable and easy to talk to. I had an outstanding experience and my photos came back better than I could have ever imagined!! Koren is a true talent and I would recommend her to anyone! read more

I cannot say enough amazing things about my experience with Koren. She totally made me feel at ease and helped me achieve some awesome pictures of myself. She makes you feel right at home and works with you so no matter how your feeling you end up looking absolutely beautiful!! read more

I have never thought that I was beautiful or photogenic. Koren changed all of that. I showed up feeling shy, awkward and nervous. She sat me on the stool, told me I was luminous and got to work. With a tweak here, lift my chin there, move my shoulder a bit more to the left (or right)... her magic worked. I now have a collection of photographs that makes me look like a movie star. I am glamorous, I am decadent, I am drop dead gorgeous. Who knew? She brings out your inner (and outer) beauty. She makes you feel comfortable and makes you glow. read more

Koren is brilliant! Not only is she talented but is she is fun to work with. I stumbled upon her by chance, and do not regret my decision to have boudoir pictures done for my boyfriend. She made me feel at ease about my body and although I am no model or a model's size, my beauty came through in her pictures. And she was willing to cooperate on poses and ideas of costume I had. In fact, she prefers it. Bring your ideas, your enthusiasm, your smile, and your sultriness, and Koren will take care of the rest. Every woman is beautiful. Let her prove it. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. You will be stunned speechless when you see the magic her camera can do. :) read more

AMAZING EXPERIENCE!! All women should feel as beautiful as I did today! First let me start with I bought a groupon for a great deal, but if I knew what this was going to do for my soul I would have sold my car to get this experience! I had the absolute pleasure of posing for a dynamic, gorgeous, super talented woman name Sari Goodfriend, google her because if you can book an appointment with her today. I walked into her studio shaking and left feeling so great that no amount of traffic or stupid life problems could effect me! She made the whole process so enjoyable that I just felt like I was leaving one of my friends homes. the only negative I have to say is that I hate that I can't go everyday because I would if I could! Sari was able to direct me, and guided me into poses that were natural and flattering. Her knowledge and artistic eye shown through the camera and produced pictures that were able to capture my inner beyonce! Sari Goodfriend not only liberated a side of me that I kind of forgot about, she gave me great pictures to prove it! If any women is thinking about doing it...do it! thanks read more