Preparing for Your Boudoir Shoot: A Quick Guide to Feeling Confident, Comfortable, and Camera-Ready
Boudoir sessions are all about celebrating you—your beauty, confidence, and power. Preparing both mentally and physically can make the experience unforgettable. Here’s how to prepare for your boudoir shoot at my studio in Ferndale, Michigan.

Your Comfort Comes First
The minute you step into my studio, my goal is for you to feel at ease and empowered. We’ll start with hair and makeup tailored to your vision, and before we begin shooting, we’ll talk through your preferences and comfort areas. This helps you feel confident and secure.
And to be totally honest, most everyone is still nervous during the first couple of shots. Once I’ve gotten my lighting and the pose dialed in, I will show you right on the back of the camera just how incredible you look. Within that first outfit, the heightened feeling starts to fade and you can start getting into the shoot. 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
Here are a few of my favorite places to shop for outfits:
To make your session feel personal and empowering, choose 5-6 outfits that reflect your style and make you feel amazing. Think all the sexy lingerie, cozy oversized sweaters, robes, or statement accessories like garters or fun body jewelry, and leather harnesses.
Explore the Detroit Boudoir Photography Portfolio and check out what other clients wore for their sessions!
Essentials like body lotion and your favorite go-to lip product are always nice to have as well.
Preparing Your Body Physically
Boudoir poses can be dynamic and require strength and flexibility, similar to a pilates session! To help you feel comfortable and elongate your body naturally, incorporate daily stretching and specific poses into your routine leading up to your shoot:
- Daily Stretches: Practice gentle stretches that engage your core, open your shoulders, and create more flexibility in your back.
- Key Poses: Include moves like the cat/cow stretch to help arch your back and increase comfort when holding poses. Shoulder rolls and gentle yoga flows help bring your shoulders back and create a poised, confident look.
- Building Stamina: Remember that boudoir poses can feel like a workout, so focusing on holding stretches for longer periods can improve your endurance.
- Body Limitations: Your body will have its own limits, and that’s perfectly okay. Boudoir is about celebrating you as you are, so we’ll always tailor poses to what feels comfortable and natural for you.

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.
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.
Read more about the The Truth About A Luxury Boudoir Session with Magan Rogers if you want all the details!
Check out the boudoir Experience page.
If you’re ready, let’s do it! Contact me to schedule your Boudoir Session in Ferndale here.
And if you haven’t had a chance to check out my reviews!