SESSION GUIDE

portraiture

WHAT TO WEAR

colors

You will want to wear colors that go well with your hair and skin complexion. You also want to wear colors that won’t blend into the background, so being mindful of where you are doing your session. You can go bold and bright, wear something more neutral, or go with soft pastels. The decision is yours.

patterns

Patterns can look great on a basic background, but for most of my portrait sessions, they take place outdoors. Choosing a pattern that won’t be too busy will help the focus stay on you in your photos. You also want to make sure any pattern you choose won’t blend into the background. Sticking with more solid clothing items is ideal, but the right pattern will still look lovely.

outfits

If you have the basic portrait package, you only have one outfit to plan. Any of the other packages will allow at least 2 outfits, so choosing them wisely is important. I recommend choosing a more casual look and a formal look. I also suggest trying something you may not always wear, or something that you have always wanted to wear but never get to. This may be a certain dress, or it could be a nice sweater. You have complete freedom over what you wear to your session, as it represents who you are. So don’t be afraid to branch out and be creative!

accessories

Accessories can help make an outfit whole, so I suggest picking some nice necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to incorporate into your outfits! Accessories can also be things such as props that represent you. Maybe you are an artist, so including a paintbrush could help bring something unique to your portraits. Maybe you want to incorporate flowers, a football, or even your pet! The choice is yours! If you do bring items you would like to include, please let me know so I can plan accordingly!

HOW TO PREPARE

preparing yourself

You want to make sure you look and feel your best for your session. This could mean getting your hair and makeup done, eating a nice meal, or resting before your session. You may not feel completely confident in front of the camera and that is okay! Finding ways to keep yourself calm and relaxed is key to having a fun session day. You will want to plan your outfits ahead of time, as well as any other activities, such as getting your nails done. Being prepared is an important factor when it comes to having a fun day and getting some beautiful photos.

posing

Poses are something that can make or break a photo! It is important to do some research beforehand in order to find what will be comfortable and flattering for you. I suggest using Pinterest, as there are a lot of ideas on there. Anything you find that you like, you should save or screenshot. Saving these ideas will allow me to understand what you expect out of your photos. Having these on hand on your session day is a great way to start our conversation. Any ideas you may have or want to try is completely okay! I may move or change the pose slightly, as some angles can look awkward and unflattering. I want you to look your best!

WHAT TO EXPECT

before your session

Before your session, you want to make sure you are looking and feeling your best. All hair, makeup, accessorizing, etc. should be done before the start of your session. If there is a need for outfit change, there will be time for that during the session. You want to make sure you chose comfortable shoes, as there may be a lot of walking involved depending on your session location. A change of shoes for walking is a good choice if you have chosen special shoes for your photos. Make sure your clothes are completely clean and free of wrinkles. Everything about your outfit should look nice and neat. If anything looks off during the session, I will be sure to let you know and have you adjusted anything that needs to be fixed.

during your session

I will plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to discuss any ideas you may have for the session, as well as to get to know you! We can discuss possible areas at the location that can be used for the background. We will walk to certain areas that I believe will be good for some photos. When I feel that we have enough quality photos of a certain pose or at a certain location, we will move on. If there is any outfit or location changes, we will do these once I feel there is enough quality photos from the previous outfit or location. The session is meant to be a fun and laid-back experience, so don’t be afraid to be yourself! I also normally make bad jokes or comments, so it’s okay to laugh! Once we conclude our session, I will show you some of my favorites on the back of my camera, as well as collect any information or payment that may be needed.

after your session

Once your session has concluded, I will contact you if I need any information or have any questions regarding the way I edit the photos. I will also be able to give you an estimate on how soon they will be ready. My typical turnaround time is 2-3 weeks, depending on how busy my schedule is and how much editing needs to be done. If you have certain deadlines that need to be met, please let me know in advance so I can plan accordingly!