It’s not every day you have your photos taken by a professional photographer! What’s part of my regular day-to-day life can feel awkward or even uncomfortable for the person in front of the camera, which is why I put together this guide on what to expect from your portrait. photography session. Say goodbye to those nerves and let’s prepare to get some amazing photos of you!

Plan your outfits ahead of time

The most common question I get from my clients is “What should I wear?” While we have another blog post just for this question, here are a few quick recommendations:

• Wear layers. This way, you can remove or add a layer (like a cardigan or jacket) to give your photos different looks without having to go to the trouble of changing clothes.

• Avoid bright colors. Go for muted hues, like jewel tones and neutrals.

• Make sure you’re comfortable. If you can’t move easily, you likely won’t get the best photos from your session.

While you can change outfits, keep in mind that you will most likely have to change in a car, as there may not be any place available for you to switch outfits. That’s why wearing layers can be such a life-saver! It means less time spent changing clothes and more time shooting.

Don’t worry about posing

If you’re not used to having your photo taken, you may worry about how to place your hands and body or how to smile. Have no fear! I guide my clients into poses that feel natural to them and help them to express their genuine personalities. We’ll take both posed and candid photos to get a variety of images, and you may find that you love candid images best of all!

Get location suggestions

Not sure where you want to take your photos? I know all the best spots, including some you may not even be aware of! One of my favorite things about being a photographer is finding great places to capture my clients, especially hidden gems throughout the city. If you have a favorite spot, we can definitely shoot there, but I can also offer some great recommendations for places that will look amazing in your photos.

Plan for several hours

Depending on your portrait location, your session may take several hours, so be prepared to have plenty of time in the day for your photos. You want to give yourself plenty of time to get ready in the morning before your session—be sure to eat—as well as plenty of buffer time afterward so you don’t feel rushed to get somewhere else.

Keep an open mind

When you hire a professional photographer, you’re getting their expertise and years of experience. Sometimes my directions may seem a little odd, but you have to trust me! I know how to make magic and create images you’ll love, so when we work together, keep an open mind and be willing to try something new. You never know what the resulting photos will look like!

Be vocal

Is there a particular image you want to create? Stay in conversation with your photographer and let them know! The more open you are about what you want, the better your chances of getting the images you’ve been imagining since booking your session.