Stepping in front of the camera can feel intimidating, whether it's your first professional portrait session or your fifth. The key to stunning portraits isn't just great lighting and composition—it's preparation. When you arrive at your session feeling confident and ready, that positive energy translates directly into beautiful, authentic photographs that truly represent who you are.
Planning Your Portrait Session
Great portraits start long before you step in front of the camera. The planning phase is crucial for ensuring your session runs smoothly and produces images you'll treasure for years to come.
Define Your Goals and Style
Before anything else, think about what you want from your portrait session. Are these professional headshots for your LinkedIn profile and business cards? Family portraits to display in your home? Personal branding images for your social media? The purpose of your portraits will influence everything from your wardrobe choices to the locations we choose.
Browse through portrait galleries and save examples of styles that resonate with you. Do you prefer bright and airy images, or are you drawn to dramatic, moody lighting? Understanding your preferences helps ensure we create images that align with your vision.
Wardrobe Selection: Dress for Success
Your clothing choices can make or break your portraits. The goal is to choose outfits that complement you without becoming the star of the show.
Colors That Flatter
Stick to colors that complement your skin tone. Earth tones, jewel tones, and classic colors like navy, charcoal, and cream work beautifully for most people. Avoid bright whites, which can be harsh and distracting, and very bright colors that might reflect onto your skin.
If you're unsure about colors, bring a few options to your session. As your photographer, I can help you choose the most flattering option once we see how they look in the lighting conditions.
Fit and Style Guidelines
Choose clothing that fits well and makes you feel confident. Avoid clothes that are too tight (which can create unflattering lines) or too loose (which can make you appear larger than you are). Well-fitted clothing that you're comfortable moving in will always photograph better.
For professional headshots, business attire or business casual works best. For family or personal portraits, coordinate colors and styles without being too "matchy-matchy." Having everyone in similar tones or complementary colors creates harmony without looking forced.
What to Avoid
Steer clear of busy patterns, large logos, or anything that dates your portrait. Small patterns can create a moiré effect in camera, while large patterns can be distracting. If you want to include patterns, choose subtle ones like small checks or thin stripes.
Avoid clothing with thin straps or strapless tops for professional portraits, as they can look too casual. Also, be mindful of jewelry—choose pieces that enhance your look without being distracting.
Grooming and Beauty Preparation
Professional portraits require attention to grooming details that might not matter in everyday life but become pronounced under professional lighting.
Hair and Makeup
Schedule your haircut at least a week before your session to allow your hair to settle naturally. If you color your hair, touch up your roots a few days before the shoot. For the session day, style your hair in a way that makes you feel confident—this isn't the time to try a dramatically new look.
For makeup, aim for a polished version of your everyday look. Professional lighting can wash out your features, so you may need slightly more makeup than usual. If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional makeup artist who understands photography makeup. If doing your own makeup, focus on evening out your skin tone, defining your eyes, and ensuring your lips have some color.
Skin Preparation
Start preparing your skin a few days before your session. Stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and stick to your regular skincare routine—avoid trying new products that might cause breakouts. If you have a regular facial routine, schedule it at least a week before your session to avoid any potential irritation.
Mental Preparation: Building Confidence
Your mindset going into the session is just as important as your physical preparation. Confidence shows in photographs, and there are several ways to build it before your session.
Practice Makes Perfect
Spend some time in front of a mirror practicing expressions and poses. Find your good side, practice your smile, and get comfortable with how your face looks from different angles. This isn't about vanity—it's about understanding your features so you can work with them during the session.
Practice good posture. Roll your shoulders back, elongate your neck, and engage your core slightly. Good posture immediately makes you look more confident and authoritative in portraits.
Understand the Process
Knowing what to expect can significantly reduce anxiety. Professional portrait sessions typically start with easier, more natural poses and gradually move to more dynamic ones as you become comfortable. We'll take many shots from different angles and with various expressions, so you don't need to nail the perfect pose on the first try.
Day of Your Session
The day of your portrait session should be as stress-free as possible. Here's how to set yourself up for success:
Timing and Schedule
Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and relax. Bring any outfit changes in garment bags to avoid wrinkles. If you're doing your own makeup, plan extra time or arrive with makeup done.
Eat a good meal before your session—portrait sessions require energy, and you don't want to be distracted by hunger. However, avoid foods that might get stuck in your teeth or cause bloating.
What to Bring
Bring multiple outfit options, even if we've planned specific looks. Sometimes what looks good in theory doesn't work as well in practice, and having alternatives ensures we can adapt. Also bring:
- Touch-up makeup for between outfit changes
- A lint roller for removing pet hair or fuzz
- Any accessories you want to incorporate
- Water to stay hydrated
- A positive attitude and openness to direction
Working with Your Photographer
A successful portrait session is a collaboration between you and your photographer. Communication is key to achieving the results you want.
Express Your Concerns
If you have specific concerns about angles, features, or anything else, speak up before we start shooting. Experienced portrait photographers have techniques for addressing common concerns, but we need to know what they are first.
Trust the Process
Remember that your photographer sees you through the lens and knows how to capture you at your best. Trust their direction on posing and expressions. What feels awkward or exaggerated to you often looks natural and flattering in the final image.
Special Considerations for Different Types of Portraits
Professional Headshots
For business portraits, think about the message you want to convey. Are you looking to appear approachable and friendly, or authoritative and serious? Your expression, posture, and clothing should all support this message.
Family Portraits
Coordinate your family's outfits in terms of color palette and formality level. Bring snacks and small toys for young children, and plan the session during a time when everyone is typically in good spirits.
Personal Branding Photos
Consider your brand personality and target audience. Bring props or accessories that represent your business or interests, and think about the environments that best represent your brand.
After Your Session
Once your session is complete, the work isn't quite done. Here's what to expect in the post-session process:
Review and Selection
You'll receive a gallery of edited previews to review and select your favorites. Take your time with this process—these images will represent you for years to come. Consider having trusted friends or family members help you choose, as they often see flattering qualities in images that you might overlook.
Final Delivery
Your final edited images will be professionally retouched to remove temporary blemishes while maintaining your natural appearance. The goal is always to present the best version of yourself, not to create an unrealistic representation.
Common Portrait Session Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from others' experiences can help you avoid common pitfalls:
- Don't try a completely new look the day of your session
- Avoid scheduling your session during a stressful time in your life
- Don't forget to charge your phone if you plan to share behind-the-scenes content
- Avoid wearing strong fragrances that might be distracting in close quarters
- Don't bring too many people to your session unless they're also being photographed
Making the Most of Your Investment
Professional portraits are an investment in yourself and your image. To maximize that investment:
Use your portraits consistently across all your professional platforms. Update your LinkedIn, website, business cards, and social media profiles with your new images. The consistent professional image across platforms builds trust and recognition.
Don't be afraid to share your new portraits. You've invested in professional images—use them! Post them on social media, include them in press kits, and display them in your office.
Conclusion
A successful portrait session is the result of thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and a collaborative spirit. When you arrive prepared and confident, you're setting yourself up for portraits that not only look professional but truly capture your personality and style.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's authentic representation. The best portraits show not just how you look, but who you are. With proper preparation and the right mindset, your portrait session will be an enjoyable experience that produces images you'll be proud to share and display for years to come.
At Artamlapar Photography, we're committed to making your portrait session comfortable, fun, and successful. If you have any questions about preparing for your upcoming session, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you look and feel your absolute best in front of the camera.