boudoir secrets Archives - Michigan Boudoir Photography Studio | Michelle Burroughs Photography | #1 Grand Rapids Michigan Boudoir Photographer

Alright, let’s spill some secrets. Boudoir photography might look effortless—flawless poses, dreamy lighting, confidence radiating from every shot—but there are a few things we photographers don’t always tell you. Don’t worry, it’s nothing scary! Just some behind-the-scenes truths that will have you nodding along (and maybe even laughing) once you experience your own session. So, if you’ve ever wondered what really happens during a boudoir shoot, here are five things nobody tells you—but I think you definitely should know!

Secret #1: Everyone is nervous at first – and that’s totally normal!

If you’re feeling a little (or a lot) nervous about your boudoir session, you’re not alone! Every single client—yes, even the confident-looking ones in my portfolio—starts off with a case of the jitters. But here’s the secret: those nerves fade fast! Once you get into the session and see how fun and empowering it is, that initial anxiety turns into excitement. I’ll guide you every step of the way, so all you have to do is show up and trust the process.

Secret #2: Posing is hard work – “I’ve never worked so hard to look relaxed!”

Boudoir photography is all about creating stunning, effortless-looking images—but behind the scenes, there’s a bit of a workout involved! Arching your back, pointing your toes, tilting your chin just right—it’s all part of the process to create those jaw-dropping images. But don’t worry, I’ll coach you through every pose and adjust you down to your fingertips. And yes, you might wake up a little sore the next day, but it’s all part of the magic!

Secret #3: It’s an amazing investment in yourself

A boudoir session is so much more than a photoshoot—it’s an experience that can change how you see yourself. It’s a chance to step outside your comfort zone, embrace your body, and celebrate the woman you are right now. These images become a powerful reminder of your strength, beauty, and confidence. Every time you look at them, you’ll remember exactly how incredible you are—because you are incredible and that is always worth documenting.

Secret #4: Hair and makeup isn’t just about hair and makeup

Sure, professional hair and makeup make you look stunning on camera, but the experience is about so much more. It’s about slowing down, relaxing, and allowing yourself to be pampered. When was the last time you got to focus just on you? It’s a moment to sit back, sip a drink, and step into your most confident self before your session even starts. By the time you step in front of the camera, you won’t just look amazing—you’ll feel it too.

Secret #5: Size really doesn’t matter – Forget what the tag says!

Boudoir is for every body. It’s not about fitting into a certain size—it’s about celebrating your unique shape. I always recommend choosing outfits that fit well rather than focusing on the number on the tag. A well-fitted piece accentuates your curves, avoids awkward bulges, and makes you feel sexy and confident. And if you’re not sure what to wear, I’ve got a Client Closet full of gorgeous options that flatter every body type! I’ll help you pick out the best shapes and colors to make you feel like an absolute goddess.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

Now that you know what to expect, are you ready to take the leap? A boudoir session is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself, and I’d love to help you create something truly special. Let’s chat about how we can bring your vision to life!

5 myths about boudoir photography blog (2)

Only people with excellent bodies should do it. I need to lose 10 lbs first. You don’t need to change! Love the you now. Doing a boudoir shoot will allow you to see how beautiful you ALREADY are. You don’t need to lose weight to love yourself. You just need to start now.
You’ll hide what I don’t like and “photoshop” me to look beautiful. I’ll pose and light you to show you how gorgeous you already are. You don’t need to change what you look like. You just need to see yourself in a flattering pose and with flattering light that isn’t one of those terrible cell phone selfies that your friend took on a ladies’ night out that makes her look good but doesn’t flatter anybody else in the photo. Believe me, with a little professional guidance, you’ll see that you are as gorgeous as any magazine cover.
It’s just sexy photos. Boudoir is about more than just taking sexy photos. You’ll definitely have those! But those are just the way to remember the experience. Boudoir photography is about teaching you to love yourself and your body. Women can often feel a sense of self-worth from their intelligence, their drive and their achievements, but it’s just as important to love who you are physically. It isn’t the only or most important part about you, but it is an important part. Ignoring or hating what you look like physically can prevent you from fully loving yourself and allowing yourself to live abundantly in joy.
A boudoir shoot can only be done as a gift for a significant other. While a lot of women do a shoot as a gift for a lover and that’s a super sexy gift to give, it’s important to do it first for yourself. This is a gift for YOU. The gift of confidence, of love, of self-worth.
I first learned about boudoir photography by doing a shoot for myself and it was the best gift I’ve ever given or received. It boosted my confidence and reminded me that my body was beautiful just how it was even at a time when I wasn’t willing to be kind to it. As women, it can be hard to not pick at all our flaws when we see so many images of how we “should” look. My boudoir shoot showed me that I was beautiful and unique and my flaws were just part of my story. It was truly the greatest and kindest gift I could ever give myself.
It’s too expensive. Boudoir photography is an investment in rebuilding your self-worth. It’s about the experience of loving yourself enough to allow yourself to be pampered, to have a day celebrating who you are, and having reminders of the joy you found in loving yourself and being able to recreate the experience whenever you need a pick-me-up.

Interested in doing a boudoir photo shoot or learning more? Read the FAQs or Contact me to chat more at my studio and get all of your questions answered!