How to Prepare for Your Portrait SESSION

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Getting ready for a portrait session is all about looking and feeling your best together! Choose outfits that fit well, coordinate in colour, and keep the focus on your faces rather than busy patterns. Keep grooming simple and polished—natural makeup, neat hair, and clean nails make a big difference. Most importantly, bring your smiles, energy, and connection—authentic moments and joyful interactions make the best photos!

More tips and details are below.

• Fit Matters: Choose outfits that fit well—not too tight or loose. Well-fitted clothing enhances your silhouette and ensures you look your best.
• Coordinate, Don't Match: For families or couples, coordinate colours rather than matching exactly. This creates a harmonious look without being overly uniform.
• Avoid Distracting Patterns: Steer clear of bold patterns or logos that can distract from your face. Solid colours or subtle patterns work best.
• Complement the Setting: Consider the location of your shoot. For outdoor sessions, earthy tones can blend well with natural surroundings, while vibrant colours can pop against neutral backgrounds.

• Hair: Ensure hair is clean and styled as desired. If possible, avoid drastic changes close to the session date. Bring a comb or brush, and any products you use, just in case there is a need for touch-ups.
• Makeup: Opt for a natural look that enhances your features. Avoid heavy makeup, as it can appear exaggerated in photos. Bring your makeup with you, just in case you need a touch-up.  Particularly focus on keeping your lips moisturized, and try to avoid makeup with an SPF, which causes shine.    
• Skin & Nails: Clean and well-maintained skin and nails contribute to a polished appearance. For families with young children, consider their grooming as well.
• For Men: Don’t forget to be freshly shaved and/or trimmed (and don’t forget nose and eyebrows)! If you are wearing a button-down shirt without a tie for a more casual look, do not wear a crew neck undershirt, as it will be visible. We recommend wearing a v-neck undershirt so that it is not visible.   
• Glasses: If you normally wear glasses, please wear them for the shoot!  There are ways to address glare that are natural. If you sometimes wear glasses, bring them, and we can shoot some photos with and without them. 
• Jewelry/Accessories: Necklaces and earrings can be great as an accent or splash of colour. Try to keep them simple, though, so that they do not distract.

• Choose Meaningful Spots: Select locations that are significant to you, whether it's a favourite park, your home, or a special landmark.
• Consider Lighting: Natural light is flattering. Aim for sessions during the golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—for soft, warm lighting.
• Plan for Comfort: Ensure the location is accessible and comfortable for all participants, especially children and elderly family members.
• Rest Up: Ensure everyone gets a good night's sleep before the session. Well-rested individuals are more likely to be relaxed and photogenic. 
• Stay Hydrated & Fed: Have a light meal before the shoot to avoid hunger-induced irritability. Bring along water and non-messy snacks, especially for children. 

• Outfit Options: Bring 1–2 additional outfit options for variety.
• Touch-Up Essentials: Pack a small bag with makeup, a hairbrush, and any necessary grooming items.
• Props: While not necessary, props that are personal to you or the occasion can be a great addition. Consider bringing items like a favourite book, blanket, or toy for children to add a personal touch to your photos.
• Positive Attitude: A smile and a positive mindset go a long way in creating beautiful, authentic photos.
• Fun: Keep the mood light and fun. Playful interactions often result in the most genuine and memorable photos.

Remember, the goal is to capture genuine moments that reflect your personality and relationships. With a bit of preparation, your photo session will be a fun and memorable experience.

If you have any questions or need further assistance in preparing for your session, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you look and feel your best in front of the camera!