How to Prepare for Your Portrait Session

A portrait session should feel exciting, not stressful. Over hundreds of sessions, I've found that a little preparation goes a long way in helping you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. Here's my complete guide to getting session-ready.

Start With Your Wardrobe

Clothing is the most common concern I hear from clients, and for good reason — it has a huge impact on the final images. My advice is to keep things simple and timeless. Solid colors and muted tones photograph beautifully, while busy patterns and logos can distract from your face and expression.

Bring two to three outfit options so we have variety to work with. Think about the mood you want: a crisp white shirt feels clean and professional, a dark sweater feels moody and editorial, and a flowing dress adds movement and elegance. Layers are always a great idea — a jacket or cardigan can completely change the look of a photo.

Iron or steam your clothes the night before. Wrinkles are surprisingly visible in photographs, and while I can retouch minor things, starting with clean lines saves time and produces better results.

Think About Color Coordination

If you're shooting with a partner or family, you don't need to match — you need to coordinate. Choose a color palette of two to three complementary tones and have everyone pull from that palette. Earth tones, navy and cream, or black and olive are combinations that always work well together.

Avoid neon colors and all-white or all-black outfits unless we've specifically planned for that aesthetic. The goal is for the clothing to complement the scene and each other, not compete for attention.

Prepare Your Skin and Hair

You don't need a full glam squad (though I can arrange hair and makeup as an add-on). For most sessions, clean, moisturized skin and styled hair that makes you feel like yourself is perfect. If you do your own makeup, aim for slightly more than your everyday look — camera lighting tends to soften makeup, so a little extra goes a long way.

For men, decide in advance whether you want a clean shave or styled facial hair. Either works great, but a fresh trim the day before keeps things looking sharp.

Get Into the Right Mindset

This is the part most people overlook, and it might be the most important. A portrait session is a collaboration, not a performance. You don't need to know how to pose — that's my job. What you need to bring is willingness to be present and a bit of trust.

Listen to music that puts you in a good mood on the drive over. Take a few deep breaths before we start. Remember that the camera is not something to perform for — it's a tool for capturing who you already are.

The Day Of

Eat a good meal beforehand. Bring water. Arrive a few minutes early so you're not rushed. If we're shooting outdoors, check the weather and bring a backup layer. And most importantly — come ready to have fun. The best photos always come from genuine moments.

I'll guide you through every pose, every angle, every expression. All you have to do is show up as yourself.