Erotica

“The erotic is a measure between the beginnings of our sense of self and the chaos of our strongest feelings.” — Audre Lorde

Going Further Than Typical Boudoir

Marissa Harlow – SW Florida’s ONLY exclusive Erotic Photographer

Imagine…

You walk into the comfortably staged room, made just for the moments you’re about to experience. A warm thrill is flowing through your body. You’re thinking can I do this? Am I ready? She walks in with you, guiding you and preparing you for what is to come. You are finding yourself more and more at ease. You are ready - you can feel it now. She asks you to undress slowly. The sudden goosebumps on your skin believe you’re calm and steady exterior and expose your anticipation. Her demeanor is calming yet empowering. She positions you exactly where she wants you, knowing all your best angles. She sees things in you that you do not, and somehow, she makes you feel incredible, more powerful than ever before. From across the room, she’s guiding you. You feel your hands roaming your body, finding your most tender areas. You’ll never forget this moment. She is capturing all that you are - your stunning beauty, raw sexuality, your true essence, your most intimate experiences. And you know that the next time you’re together, you will see what she saw in you.

Regardless of your sex, your sexual orientation, whether you come alone or with a partner, you will never forget this experience. Not just because of the images that will last you a lifetime, but because the memory of the day will empower you for years to come.

Judgement is not in my vocabulary

You may wonder how one gets into erotic photography. Well, I started photographing women about 7 years ago. I realized a had a passion for making mama’s-to-be feel beautiful and accept the massive changes their bodies go through during pregnancy. I specialized in maternity and newborn photography. (Yes, yes, big leap to here, I know!) Fast forward a few years, and I have found my passion, and now focus solely on boudoir (including expectant mothers). I love what I do, and that love is driven by the results of making people feel beautiful, empowered, confident, and all the benefits that come to them for that.

Throughout my professional journey, I realized the desire for more than just the typical boudoir session. Clients hesitantly request certain images < pulling their phone out and awkwardly handing it over as inspiration here >. That hesitation comes from fear of judgement, lack of normalizing the human body, and shaming sexuality. And boy do I get it! I was raised in a conservative household where we were taught to hide our bodies. I didn’t even get the birds and bees talk!

Perhaps it was that restrictiveness that that drove me to be the wild card that I am today. But I also believe that’s what has helped me understand my clients on a different level. I live my daily life consumed with fiery love, lust, passion, and enthusiasm. Sexually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically — I put myself out there. I understand the wants and needs of my clients, because I too, am human and share those wants and needs.

YOU. WILL. NEVER. BE. JUDGED. My studio is a judge-free zone, a safe place to create beautiful, intimate art. Your comfort is my top priority, followed by tasteful images of the highest quality and the utmost discretion. That’s my absolute promise to you.

What is erotica?

Let’s begin with this simple statement - erotica is not pornographic. Erotica is art. It’s a well thought out image that depicts everything sexual, sensual and heartfelt. Erotica is the perfect combination of love and lust. Illuminating the anticipation and build-up to a sexual encounter is erotica. A sloppy, unthoughtful image of a penis in a vagina is not.

So what’s the difference between boudoir and erotica?

Boudoir is simply the vanilla version of erotica.

Do you photograph couples or BFF’s?

Yes! Absolutely!