The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Your Portrait Session
So you booked your session — yay!! This is such an exciting moment and I want to make sure you feel completely prepared and confident walking in. A little bit of preparation goes a long way when it comes to getting the most out of your time in front of the camera. Whether this is your first professional photo session or your fifth, this guide covers everything you need to know from what to wear, to how to show up feeling your absolute best. Bookmark this, save it, screenshot it — come back to it as many times as you need!
Before Your Session
Book Your Session at the Right Time
Timing is everything in photography. The best light of the day happens during golden hour — the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset. When you’re booking your session, keep this in mind and don’t be afraid to ask your photographer what time of day they recommend. Sessions booked at peak light times almost always result in the most stunning, glowy images.
Scout Your Location
Not sure where to shoot? That’s okay! Your photographer should have a go-to list of locations that photograph beautifully — and I absolutely do. From golden fields and wooded trails in Oxford, OH to stunning desert landscapes in Phoenix, AZ, I have hand-picked locations that I know will make your gallery look incredible.
That said, the most special sessions I have ever photographed have been at locations that meant something to the client. The park where you had your first date. The field behind your childhood home. The downtown street where he proposed. When a location holds a memory or a feeling, it adds a layer of meaning to your photos that no perfectly curated backdrop ever could. Those are the sessions that make people cry happy tears when they see their gallery — and those are my absolute favorite kind.
Not sure if your meaningful spot will photograph well? Send me the location and I will scope it out! Finding the magic in unexpected places is one of my favorite parts of this job.
Communicate With Your Photographer
Before your session, don’t be shy about sharing your vision, insecurities, or ideas with your photographer. The more I know going in, the better I can tailor your session to YOU. Share your Pinterest board, tell me which angles you don’t love, let me know if you have a favorite side. This is your session and your gallery — communication makes everything better.
What to Wear
Choose Outfits That Make You Feel Amazing
This is the number one thing that affects how confident you feel during your session. When you love what you’re wearing it shows in every single photo. Choose pieces that fit well, feel like your personality, and make you feel your best — not just what you think photographs well.
What works beautifully on camera:
- Solid colors and simple patterns
- Earthy tones, neutrals, pastels, and jewel tones
- Flowing fabrics that move well outdoors
- Layers and textures that add visual interest
- Classic pieces that won’t feel dated in 10 years
What to avoid:
- Logos and busy graphics
- Neon or overly bright colors
- Overly casual pieces like gym wear
- Brand new shoes or outfits you’ve never worn before
Coordinate — Don’t Match
For couples sessions, the goal is to complement each other — not look like twins. Choose a color palette and build your outfits around it. Think warm neutrals, earthy tones, or soft pastels. When your outfits coordinate they create a cohesive, polished look in your gallery without feeling too matchy-matchy.
Pinterest is your best friend for outfit coordination inspo! Search “couples session outfit ideas” and save what speaks to you.
Bring a Backup Outfit
If your session allows time for it, bring a second outfit! Outfit changes add incredible variety to your gallery and give you two completely different looks and vibes. I always recommend one more dressy option and one more casual or relaxed look so your gallery tells a full story.
The Day of Your Session
Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Get Ready
Nothing kills session confidence faster than rushing. Give yourself more time than you think you need to get ready — do your hair, put on your outfit, and give yourself a moment to breathe before you head out. Arriving flustered and rushed translates directly into your photos so slow down and enjoy the process of getting ready!
Day-of timeline suggestion:
- 2 hours before: Start hair and makeup
- 30 minutes before: Get dressed, do final mirror check
- 15 minutes before: Leave for location
- 5 minutes early: Arrive, breathe, and get excited!
Do Your Hair & Makeup How You Feel Most Like YOU
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to hair and makeup for your session. Some clients love a full glam look, others prefer something natural and effortless. The most important thing is that you feel like yourself — just a slightly elevated version. Whatever makes you feel most confident and beautiful is the right choice.
Quick tips:
- Avoid trying a brand new makeup look the day of your session
- Add a little more definition than your everyday look — camera tends to soften everything slightly
- For outdoor sessions, opt for a setting spray to keep everything in place
- Bring touch up essentials in your bag — lip gloss, powder, hair ties
Bring the Essentials
Pack a small bag to bring to your session so you’re prepared for anything. Here’s what I recommend:
- A blanket or wrap if it’s a cooler evening session
- Touch up makeup (lip gloss, powder, mascara)
- Travel size hairspray or smoothing serum
- Comfortable shoes to walk to location in
- Water bottle — stay hydrated!
- Your backup outfit
During Your Session
Trust Your Photographer Completely
I know it can feel vulnerable to stand in front of a camera — but the single most important thing you can do during your session is trust the process. I will guide you through every pose, every transition, and every moment. You will never be left standing there wondering what to do. Let go of the need to control every shot and just be present — that is where the magic happens.
Embrace the Awkward Moments
Awkward moments during a session are not a sign that things are going wrong — they are a sign that things are going very right. The nervous giggles, the fumbled poses, the “I have no idea what to do with my hands” moments — these create the most genuine, real expressions in your entire gallery. Lean into it, laugh at yourself, and trust that I am capturing something beautiful even in the in-between moments.
Be Present & Have Fun
At the end of the day, your session should feel like an experience — not a chore. Put your phone away, be present with whoever you’re with, and allow yourself to actually enjoy it. The more fun you have, the more that energy radiates through every single image. Come ready to laugh, to be silly, and to make some incredible memories along the way.
You Are So Ready For This
Preparing for your portrait session doesn’t have to be stressful — it just takes a little thought and intention. Follow this guide, communicate openly with your photographer, and show up as your most authentic self. I promise the rest will fall into place beautifully.
I cannot wait to create something truly special with you. If you have any questions before your session, my inbox is always open!