Complimentary Resource Guide
How to Prepare for Your Portrait Session
Expert-backed tips to look and feel your absolute best — from skincare to mindset.
From Your Creative Team
Preparation Makes Perfect
The difference between good portraits and extraordinary ones often comes down to preparation. These tips come from years of professional experience and will help you arrive at your session confident, relaxed, and camera-ready.
01
Start Your Skincare Routine Two Weeks Out
Begin with nightly moisturizing two weeks before your session. Exfoliate gently 3–5 days before (never day-of — it causes redness). If you want a light chemical peel for extra glow, schedule it 2–3 days prior. Well-prepared skin photographs with natural radiance that no filter can replicate.
Expert Tip
Remove facial hair at least two days before your session. Tweezing same-day causes redness, and waxing needs even more recovery time since hair grows at different rates.
02
Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Drink 2–3 liters of water daily for 3–4 days before your session. Well-hydrated skin looks plumper, fresher, and photographs with more natural luminosity. This is the single most effective (and free) thing you can do for your photos.
03
Understand Makeup for Camera
Camera-ready makeup follows different rules than everyday makeup. Use a hydrating primer before foundation. Avoid SPF and silica powders — they create ghostly white patches under studio lighting and flash. Apply blush 30% bolder than you’d normally wear daily, since cameras flatten color saturation.
Expert Tip
For high-stakes sessions (headshots, branding, engagement photos), a professional makeup artist is worth the investment. They understand camera-specific techniques that make a visible difference.
04
Choose Your Wardrobe Strategically
Simple, solid-color clothing photographs best. Avoid bold patterns, logos, and busy prints that distract from your face and expression. Bring 2–3 outfit changes for variety. Assemble and iron everything 2–3 days before — last-minute outfit stress shows on camera.
Expert Tip
If you’re changing outfits after makeup application, wear button-up shirts to avoid smudging. And always bring a lint roller.
05
Time Your Hair Styling Right
Schedule professional styling the morning of your session, ideally 1–2 hours before. If you’re coloring your hair, do it at least 3–5 days prior to let the color settle and avoid scalp irritation. Always test both hair and makeup together beforehand if possible.
06
Get Serious About Sleep
Eight or more hours of sleep the night before your session makes a visible difference in skin quality, eye clarity, and facial puffiness. This is especially critical for morning sessions. Avoid alcohol the night before — it dehydrates skin and causes under-eye puffiness.
07
Less Is More With Jewelry
Wear minimal, delicate jewelry. Large, chunky pieces create distracting shadows and compete with your face for attention. Simple accessories complement portraits without overwhelming them. If you have a signature piece, bring it — but keep everything else understated.
08
Optimize for Natural Light
For outdoor sessions, the hour before sunset (golden hour) produces the most flattering, warm light. In-home sessions work best with late morning light (10am–12pm). Discuss optimal timing with your photographer during the consultation — the right light transforms ordinary locations into stunning backdrops.
Expert Tip
Overcast days are actually excellent for portraits. Cloud cover acts as a giant natural softbox, eliminating harsh shadows and providing even, flattering light across your face.
09
Create a Mood Board
Build a Pinterest board or collection of reference images showing the photography style, poses, color palettes, and mood you’re drawn to. Share this with your photographer before the session. This alignment prevents expectation mismatches and helps your photographer understand your vision.
10
Trust the Process and Relax
You hired a professional for a reason. Allow yourself to relax and follow their guidance. Genuine smiles and relaxed energy photograph beautifully — forced poses and nervous tension show in every frame. Think happy thoughts, trust your photographer, and enjoy the experience.
Expert Tip
The best portrait sessions feel like a conversation, not a performance. Bring your favorite music to play during the shoot — it immediately sets a relaxed, authentic mood.
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