7 Tips to Prepare for Your Next (Or First) Photoshoot

You’ve booked your first photography session, but now what? It is so easy to overwhelm yourself thinking of all the details and tasks to be chosen and/or completed leading up to your photoshoot, no matter the genre. The best advice I can give you is to keep things simple and follow these seven tips.

1.Create a Mood Board on Pinterest

Anybody that knows me will know that I am quite honestly obsessed with Pinterest. In fact, I get most of my inspiration for a variety of projects from Pinterest. The idea is to pin photos that show a high level vibe that you are looking to achieve. The beauty of it is that you can take bits and pieces from each image to inspire an outfit, hairstyle, or make up style that is unique to you!

For example, I’m planning a Halloween themed photoshoot with a girlfriend of mine. All of the photos on my board had a dark and moody editing style while the subjects donned masks from various horror movies and pumpkin heads.

2. Decide On Your Clothes, Hair, and Makeup

Now that you have a mood board, you should be able to narrow down the existing clothes in your closet, or at least have expectations for what you plan to purchase. (In the realm of clothing, I highly suggest avoiding patterns!) It may be in your best interest to do a trial run with the whole ensemble. This is a fantastic opportunity to see how you like the overall look and consider what you need to do to tweak it. Maybe you love what you have so far, but feel its necessary to add some jewelry or nail polish to complete the look. Maybe you don’t love the hair or make up and decide you want to consult a hair or make up artist. (If this is the choice you are going to make, please schedule a trial run! I made this mistake when I had my own engagement session!)

3. Don’t Forget the Shoes!

This tip goes for anyone that is going to be in front of the camera. This may just be photographer preference, but I am personally a big fan of full body, mid range shots. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to hide a pair of bright yellow Crocs!

The only time I would say this rule doesn’t apply is if you know you will be walking in the water, or you are going for a more “carefree-running-barefoot-in-a-field” kind of a vibe.

4. Figure Out Your Location

I generally love to find a pretty background to stick my clients in front of, but I also love shooting at a location that is truly meaningful for my clients. This place could be where your husband proposed to you, where your child spoke his/her first word, or the old family farm you grew up on. I have found that locations that hold a deep meaning for my couples or families usually show up in a variety of emotions in their portraits. I love being able to capture that kind of authenticity!

Chloe’s Senior Portraits

While we did do two different locations for Chloe’s Senior Session, this photo was taken at her mom’s house. It was here that I noticed she was far more comfortable and genuine with her gorgeous smile!

5. Discuss Your Expectations With Your Photographer

As your photographer, I want to know how I can provide the best service for you. This would be a great time to show me your mood board so I can see what your style is, and how I can align that with my shooting/editing style. Additionally, I know to cover the basic shots in whatever type of session you booked, but now is the time to speak up if you have something unique or specific you want captured!

6. Complete Your Self Care Routine the Morning of the Shoot

Do all the basic (or complex) self care processes you need to do to look and feel good the day of your shoot. This could include a facial, exfoliating your skin, moisturizing, whatever floats your boat! Pro tip: If you plan to shave, do so the night before to avoid razor burn showing up in your images.

7. Eat, Drink Water, and Rest

Your session is today and your major decisions and tasks are completed. Now all you need to do is eat something light and healthy, drink a respectable amount of water, and chill out! I want you to be as comfortable as you can possibly be coming into this session, and that won’t last long if you get hangry! (Also speaking from experience).

Whether you choose to use a few, or all seven of these tips, I really it hope it brought a little more ease and value to your photo session. If you are interested in staying on top of all my future blog posts, feel free to sign up for email notifications here.

Thank you all for reading!

-Jodie :)