How to Prepare for Your Portrait Session: A Client's Guide

Booking a portrait session is exciting, but showing up prepared makes all the difference. Here's my guide to help you get the most out of your session.

## What to Wear

Your outfit sets the tone for the entire shoot:
- **Solid colors** photograph better than busy patterns or logos
- **Layering** adds visual interest — jackets, accessories, and textures work well
- **Bring 2-3 outfits** for variety (even if we don't use them all)
- **Avoid neon colors** — they can reflect onto your skin
- **Iron or steam** your clothes beforehand to avoid wrinkles in close-up shots

## Grooming Tips

Small details make a big difference on camera:
- Get haircuts or touch-ups 3-5 days before (not the day of)
- Keep nails clean and groomed if hands will be in the shot
- Moisturize the night before for healthy, glowing skin
- Guys: trim or shape facial hair the morning of

## On the Day

A few things to remember:
- **Get a good night's sleep** — it shows on camera
- **Stay hydrated** — it genuinely improves how your skin looks
- **Eat before the session** so your energy stays up
- **Arrive on time** so we don't rush through setups

## Mindset Matters

The biggest thing I tell every client: **you don't need to know how to pose.** That's my job. All you need to bring is yourself.

If you're nervous, that's completely normal. Most people loosen up within the first 5-10 minutes once the music is playing and we start shooting. I'll guide you through every pose and angle.

## What to Expect During the Session

Here's the typical flow:
1. We'll chat briefly about the vibe you're going for
2. Start with natural, relaxed poses to warm up
3. Move through outfit changes and location shifts
4. I'll show you some shots on the back of the camera to build your confidence
5. We'll wrap up with any specific shots you had in mind

## After the Session

Expect your edited gallery within 7-14 days depending on your package. I'll send a private online gallery where you can download, share, and even order prints.

The most important thing? Have fun with it. The best photos happen when you're genuinely enjoying yourself.