Prep for Session

Getting ready for your photography session can really help improve the outcome of your photos. Putting a bit of time into your prep will make your outfit look crisp and your hair on point. Take a look at a few tips and ideas below to get started.

Professional Head Shots

Think about the industry you’re currently working in or would like to get into. Check what other people are doing in your field. Do you need to stand out? Do you need to look a part?

For resumes or Linkedin, you’ll want dress the part of the job you’d like. I always recommend at least a semi professional outfit. It is better to over dress than look too causal. Bring a back up outfit in case you’re not sure. Consider as well that some companies may look at your social media profile shots. Consider taking a professional photo with a more causal look for social media or profile images. For actors or models, go for a clean look that draws attention to your features.

Family

Personality and style really play a role in what type of outfits you should pick for your family photos.

Think about your family’s personalities. Pick outfits that really tell the story of you and your family. Here’s a few basic questions to ask yourself. Are the kids willing to dress up nice? Can you get everyone in a theme color or outfit? Would you rather have everyone show off their unique style? It is always best to go with some type of color coordination or some element that ties together the image. An easy outfit for the family would be jeans and a nice top (black for safest coloring). Of course, it doesn’t hurt to dress up especially if you haven’t done a family photo in a long time.

Portraits

Portraits are a great way to show off a special time in your life. Graduates, engagements, or just to have some fun.

Portraits really should show off your personality in some manner. Think about how you’ll be using the photos. Are these images going to family? What about friends? Maybe the pictures are meant for someone special like your future husband. Always find something you feel good in, but avoid busy patterns or unflattering cuts. Bring props with you to add a little fun to your session. With portraits, your (and your photographer’s) imagination is the limit, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

Some Simple Tips

Click on the tabs for some quick tips for photography sessions. Clothing, hair, makeup, and feeling good all contribute to your photo outcome. Be sure to take some time for prep before your photo shoot.

  • Recommended

    Playing it safe is almost always going to work. Go for something neutral in color such as a dark gray or black. Long sleeves will look more professional. Men should bring a tie or at least a collared shirt. Women can add nice jewelry to an outfit. Or maybe you can change up your gender role and wear the opposite! Matching your eye color with either an accessory or shirt can really add a nice touch. Not sure? Try a few outfits out in the mirror and ask your photographer what s/he thinks.

  • Avoid

    Some types of clothing can look good in person, but photograph very differently from what you’d expect. Avoid tank tops or very short sleeves. Especially for woman, if you’re wearing one of those shirts with sleeves that barely come down over the top of your arm it will make your arm look bigger. Stark white isn’t always the best choice especially if you have dark skin tone. Add a jacket or accessory of a different color to break up white. Avoid tiny, loud patterns. You might have seen a TV show where someone is wearing such a shirt and the coloring looks weird or hurts your eyes. Best to leave checkered shirts or tiny pin dot patterns at home.

  • Makeup

    Makeup can photograph very different from when you looked at it in the mirror. If your make up is very light, it might not pick up on camera. If you’re not used to wearing very dark/heavy make up, you probably won’t like the way your face looks in the photo. Be sure to try your makeup before your appointment day to make sure you like it. Avoid using a lot of very shiny eye shadows or high gloss lip shine as these will reflect more light. If you have the time, get your make up done professionally. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time in between appointments, because make up appointments often take a long time.

  • Hair

    Hair can easily get messed up from the time you finish to your appointment. Be sure to use product! You might not normally use sprays or gels in your day to day, but if you leave your hair natural it will have tons of strays. Make sure you’ve tested the product in your hair before your appointment. Avoid very heavy sprays or gels that make your hair look wet or glued together. Check the weather. Storms and wind might frizz out your hair. If you’re going outdoors for your shoot, try to pick a style that will be wind friendly. Most of all, bring back up product, combs, and pins in case you need to fix your hair during your appointment. As always, be sure to finish your hair at least one hour before your appointment.

Points to Consider

      • Pick clothing, hair, and/or makeup you feel comfortable in. If you want to try a completely new look, be sure to try it out the day before your appointment to make sure you like the look.
      • Dressing up is always the best option. Bring a back up clothing option if you’re unsure. Always iron/steam your clothing before your appointment and try to lay it flat during transit.
      • Bring props if you’d like a more creative photo. When in doubt, always bring it with you!
      • Be sure to finish all your prep at least one hour before your scheduled appointment. Whenever clients are rushed getting ready, they feel like they didn’t look their best for their photos. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your appointment dressed, ready, and excited for your pictures.

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