Preparing for a photo session can feel a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and communication, you can turn your shoot into a fun, relaxed experience that truly captures your vision. Whether you’re taking family photos, celebrating a milestone, or simply updating your portraits, a few simple steps ahead of time can make all the difference. From sharing your vision to choosing the right outfit, these tips will help you feel more confident and ready to shine in front of the camera.
1. Share Any Inspiration That You Have With Your Photographer
The best photos come from when photographers and clients understand each other so if you have an idea in mind, share your vision with your photographer ahead of time! Whether it’s colours, posing, props, or location, communication is key to helping your photo session run smoothly so feel free to share! Don’t know where to start? Take a look at your photographer’s previous work to understand their editing style and scout out props that may be available to you or browse Pinterest for poses you might want to try!
2. Plan Your Outfit
After you’ve curated your vibe, planning your outfit is the next essential step! Consider what colours you want in your photos, how you can coordinate with others if you are part of a group, and what footwear and accessories you want to go with your outfit. Planning your outfit for your photo session well in advance will save you so much stress leading up to your photos and making sure that you try on your outfit (especially if you have kids that grow out of their clothes quicker than you’d think) and ironing out any wrinkles for a polished final look is the cherry on top for great photos.
3. Keep Your Location in Mind
When planning your outfit, keep your location in mind! While flowing fabrics are perfect for a summer beach session, they may look out of place in a forest. And don’t forget about footwear! You might love high heels but if your location includes rough terrain or you have to walk to get there, opting for something more comfortable (but still stylish) is the way to go.
Looking for ideas of what to wear for your next photoshoot?
Stay tuned—I’ll be doing an entire post about outfits soon!
4. Don’t Try Anything New Right Before
The best look you can have for your photo session is one that looks like you, so don’t try anything drastically new right before! Getting a haircut at least a week before will ensure that you are comfortable with styling it for your photos and sticking to your regular skincare routine prevents the possibility of allergic reactions to new products. I know it can be tempting to try a new hair style or makeup routine before photos, but sticking to what you already know and love is the best way to get photos you’ll love too.
Also, this might not be the time to try any extreme sports… unless you think a cast would be just the finishing touch your photos need! Staying safe and healthy is also just as important for having a good photo experience!
5. Know Before You Go
Timing is absolutely key to helping your session run smoothly so removing any extra stressors is essential. Make sure that you know where you are getting your photos taken, how long it will take you to get there, and what the parking situation looks like. And to relieve some time anxiety, plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early because you never know what traffic you might run into.
At the end of the day, the most memorable photos come from feeling comfortable, prepared, and true to yourself. By taking the time to plan ahead, communicate openly with your photographer, and keep things simple and familiar, you set yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable session. A little preparation goes a long way in creating images you’ll love for years to come.
Thanks for reading!
