I often get questions from my clients on what they should do to prepare for an upcoming photo shoot. Perfect topic for the blog! If you’ve booked a professional photo session and you’re wondering how you should be prepping for it, or maybe you didn’t realize you need to prepare… I’m here to help you!

When you book a session, you want your images to be amazing, right?! I mean you’re taking the time out of your day to have a session and you (most likely) paid for it! Why wouldn’t you expect nothing but the best. My job is to help find the perfect location, using the best natural light, while posing you and making sure you look as natural as can be. All you have to do is prepare for your photo session by reading these simple tips…

Be Confident

Whether you’re having engagement pictures taken, a maternity shoot or even a family session, I can’t stress enough how important it is to look and feel your best. Confidence comes across in pictures! Be sure to be rested and ready – by prepping for your photo session!

Dress the Part

Pick out your outfits well in advance so you’re not feeling frazzled the day of your shoot. Be sure to try them on to make sure you like how they fit! Keep in mind, your outfits should work with your location. If you’re going with a beach setting, you most likely won’t want to wear heels in the sand.

Don’t be afraid of patterns & colors! While most patterns are actually ok, graphics and text on clothing are not favorable for portraits. Try to choose a pattern that is not overwhelming or distracting and make sure you do not clash with your partner if they are wearing a pattern as well. 

I’m a HUGE fan of color, so any colors look great on camera. There aren’t any specific colors that I’d recommend over another… anything color is ok in my world! However, your outfit colors should not match, but coordinate instead. Complimenting one another in the same tones is beneficial.

Also, don’t be afraid to accessorize! Jewelry, scarves, boots, can all add interest to your photos. Check out my Pinterest Boards for more ideas!

Pinterest Board – What to Wear for an Engagement Session

Pinterest Board – What to Wear for a Maternity Session

Keep the Season in Mind

If it’s cold out, dress appropriately. If you’re cold, you are going to look cold (and uncomfortable) in your photos – which is not ideal. You can always bring a cute blanket to snuggle up in for photos! 

If it’s hot, be sure not to over dress. We can always wipe away a little bit of sweat but the more you sweat, the more uncomfortable you might feel and look.

Splurge on Hair & Makeup

I highly recommend having your hair & makeup professionally done if you can swing it. If you’re getting married, schedule your wedding trial for the same day as your engagement session and kill two birds with one stone! If you’re having a maternity session, you totally deserve to be pampered and beautified by the professionals! And then once you’re done with your session and looking your best, make a date out of it and go out for dinner afterward!

Be Yourself!

The most important thing to remember is to be yourself!!! Don’t stress about posing during your session. You don’t have to be a pro at this – that’s my job! Be yourself, laugh, and have fun! I’m going to help and direct you along the way and it’s going to be a blast. The more you enjoy yourselves and are naturally affectionate with one another, the better your images will be!

Just remember, beautiful photos take some planning. Invest a little bit of time into prepping for your photo session and you’ll be much happier with your end results!

Do you have any topics you’d like to learn more about when it comes to photography? Submit your ideas here! If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your engagement or maternity session, I’d love to chat! Inquire here .