Preparing for Your Boudoir Shoot: A Quick Guide to Feeling Confident, Comfortable, and Camera-Ready
Planning your boudoir photoshoot in Detroit? This guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare for your boudoir session, helping you feel confident, comfortable, and camera-ready at my Ferndale studio.
Whether you’ve just booked your session or you’re still exploring the idea, this prep guide is your roadmap to walking into the studio feeling supported and radiant.
Would you like to see the full pricing and details? Click here!
Your Comfort Comes First
The moment you walk into my Ferndale studio, my goal is for you to feel safe, seen, and supported.
We’ll start with hair and makeup tailored to your vibe. Before we begin shooting, we’ll chat through your preferences, boundaries, and what you’re excited (or nervous) about. This helps ease the nerves and build trust.
Let’s be real—most people feel nervous at first. But once I show you that first photo on the back of my camera (and you see how GOOD you look), everything shifts. You’ll feel yourself soften, trust the process, and start to enjoy being fully in your body.
Confidence is built in the studio, and that’s one of the reasons I love photographing boudoir so much. Seeing that little switch in how you’re carrying yourself, how moving into the next poses even though they feel a bit awkward at times, you already trust that whatever I am doing to pose you – is going to be GORGEOUS and maybe even a bit unexpected.
What to Bring
Your wardrobe plays a major role in how you feel during your shoot. Here’s how to curate the perfect outfits:
Lingerie: Bring a mix of lace, silk, bodysuits, or even a simple oversized button-down. Choose what makes you feel your best.
Colors that Pop on Camera: Jewel tones, classic black, or nude shades work beautifully for boudoir.
The Power of Texture & Layers: Lace, fishnets, garters, body chains, jewelry – and silk robes add depth and dimension to your photos.
💡 Need ideas? Check out our Boudoir Outfit Guide for more inspiration!
Here are a few of my favorite places to shop for outfits:
Bring 5–6 outfits that make you feel confident and expressive—you don’t need to limit yourself to traditional lingerie. And yes, you can absolutely bring cozy sweaters, sports jerseys, your partner’s shirt, or a killer leather jacket.
Want to see how clients styled their looks? Browse the full boudoir gallery.
How to Physically Prepare for Your Boudoir Session
Boudoir posing is a little like yoga or pilates—it’s all about elongation, intention, and body awareness. Here’s how to prep:
✨ Daily Stretching
- Focus on opening your shoulders, elongating your spine, and stretching your core
✨ Key Poses to Practice
- Cat/cow stretches for back flexibility
- Shoulder rolls to create openness and posture
✨ Build Stamina
- Boudoir poses can be held for several seconds—practice gentle breathwork and holding stretches to build confidence
Remember: Your session is tailored to YOU. There’s no one way to show up, and we’ll work with your comfort level every step of the way.
Your Prep Timeline
4 Weeks Before: Start curating your session’s theme and shop for outfits.
3-5 Days Before: Exfoliate and shave or wax, allowing your skin time to recover and look radiant. Nails, even if it’s just a simple manicure/pedicure, are a must. Hands and feet are shown in many of the photos.
The Night Before: Avoid anything that makes you feel bloated, hydrate well, and pack your essentials.
Day of: Arrive with loose clothing to avoid marks on your skin, a fresh face, and clean, dry hair.
Mindset & Confidence Boosting
A boudoir session is more than just photos—it’s a transformative experience.
💖 Affirmations to Use Before Your Shoot:
“I deserve to feel sexy, empowered, and celebrated.”
“This is my moment to embrace every part of myself.”
“I am powerful, confident, and beautiful.”
Day-of Tips
Make sure you check the travel time to arrive on time (we do understand that Metro Detroit traffic can be unpredictable), take a breath, and embrace the excitement. The session is a space for you to shine, celebrate your beauty, and capture your confidence. I’ll guide you through each pose to bring out the best in you, and we’ll create images that reflect the power, elegance, and personality that are uniquely yours.
Still feeling nervous? Totally normal. That’s why I’m here.
We’ll ease into each pose, play music that feels good to you, and celebrate every moment. Most clients leave saying, “I can’t believe how much fun that was!”
Boudoir Prep FAQs
Q: What should I avoid before my boudoir photoshoot?
Avoid tight clothing before the session (it can leave marks on your skin), heavy meals, and any new skincare products that may irritate your skin.
Q: Can I bring more than a few outfits?
Absolutely. I recommend 5–6 options so you have variety and flexibility.
Want to dive deeper into the Frequently Asked Questions?
Ready to Feel Like You Again?
Your boudoir experience is already unfolding the moment you start preparing.
✨ Read more about what a luxury boudoir session is really like
✨ Explore the Boudoir Experience page
✨ Book your Detroit Boudoir Session here
You are so ready for this—and I can’t wait to meet you.
🖤 Feeling nervous? Totally normal. Ease into your shoot with my favorite grounding tool — The F*ck-Yes Ritual. It’s the perfect pre-session practice for anyone still dancing with doubt.
Read more from the blog:
- Destination Detroit Boudoir – Midweek Luxury Boudoir Experience Guide
- Who I Am as a Woman, Artist, and Witness: The Soul Behind the Lens
- Nude Boudoir in Nature | Wild, Soulful Outdoor Photography in Michigan
- Why Boudoir Is a Worthy Investment in Yourself | Detroit Boudoir Photographer
- Nude Boudoir Photography in Detroit | Body-Positive & Empowering
