Hello y'all!
Welcome back to my blog. If you are reading this, it's because you probably have a portrait session coming up and you are looking for every possible way to prepare for your session. Maybe this is some of y'alls first time in front of a camera and you don't even know where to start! That is perfectly okay, and like I say it is always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. So without further ado, here are 5 of my do's and don'ts for your portrait session!
Don't- Wait until the last minute to stress for your session
Times are busy, I totally get that. But in order for your pictures to come out looking fabulous and feeling authentically you, then you should think about prepping just a little bit for your session. Don't make any last minute outfit, hair, or makeup changes unless you absolutely HAVE to.
Do- Take time to prepare for your session
This is one of the most important aspects of the shoot. Make sure that you have picked out and tried on your outfit, hairstyle, and makeup at least a week before your shoot so you have time to adjust things accordingly. Make sure you get a good night's rest the day before and always put an extra 15 minutes on your drive time! This will save you the day before.
Don't- Wear giant slogans or logos/ mixed patterns on your clothing
In this day and age, it's almost impossible to avoid some type of logo on your clothes, and small logos are okay. Giant logos or wording tends to distract from the image, unless you have a clear vision for your shoot and the slogan is the focus of the shot. It is better to stick with solid colors or patterns that match in order to keep the focus on you and not your clothes.
Do- Wear solid colors or cohesive patterns
It is better to stick with solid colors or patterns that match in order to keep the focus on you and not your clothes. Wearing solid colors or matching patterns will also enhance the photo rather than take away. It's all about the look you are wanting to go for and what you feel most confident in!
Don't- Keep information about your shoot from your photographer
The worst feeling as a photographer is leaving the shoot knowing I could have provided a better experience if I was given a little more information about the shoot. And although it might go without saying... if you don't do anything off of this list it is definitely this one!
Do- Tell your photographer about any updates you have to your shoot
Keeping your photographer up to date on any changes in the session helps A TON. It could be as little as changing your hairstyle or adding a family member or pet to your session. Giving us even the tiniest details not only helps us to prepare beforehand, but helps us to deliver the pictures that you want! Like I always like to say, I am one text message or email away... and most other photographers are to! So make sure to tell your photographer.
Don't- Overthink too much about how you look during your session
It's hard to give over your full trust to someone that you might not know, I totally get it! And some times there is going to be a voice in the back of your head telling you things that aren't true about yourself. The good thing about that voice is that it is just a voice, so tell it to shut up! Nine times out of ten your photographer knows what they are doing and they are able to see things that you cannot, so don't stress too much because you are going to look amazing!
Do- Come to your session with an open mind!
I love when my clients come to the shoot and tell me that they trust me with their posing! Having an open mind makes it easier to pose and style a session, so don't be afraid if things feel a little awkward and if all else fails just laugh it out! Most times I like to through out random prompts like do you best drunk walking or smile like you just saw your celebrity crush to lighten the mood and bring out your personality! This makes for more authentic pictures and helps you leave the shoot feeling confident about yourself.
Don't- Leave your gallery sitting online or on a USB
I have had one too many experiences with losing my pictures or not remembering where I stored them for personal shoots I have done in the past because I left them online or on a USB. I have also forgotten that I took professional photos in the first place because I didn't have any physical evidence of it!
Do- Print out your pictures!
Photos were quite literally made to put on your wall, fridge, car, or any surface you could possibly think of! I like to offer these services because I know it makes the difference. Being able to walk past your pictures every day will make you fall in love with them over and over again. Not to mention they make great gifts for family or really amazing decorative pieces!
And that all that's to it! I hope these tips helped you to understand a little more about preparing for your upcoming portrait session, as well as eased any stresses or nerves that you might be having about your session. If you are booking with me and have any questions about your session or are wanting any more tips and tricks please be sure to reach out to me!
-Alyssa <3
