How to Prepare for Your Portrait Session

Once you’ve booked your photo session, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare. Here I break down what to wear, what to bring, and how to show up to your photo session, whether you’ve scheduled a no frills headshot or a full branding session.

What to Wear

If you’re wondering what to wear, I have some general rules of thumb:

YES

√ Solid colors
√ Patterns you can live with for a long time
√ Clothing you feel good in, in terms of color and fit
√ Structured tops you can move in
√ Sleeve coverage (rarely do folks like a lot of arm in a portrait!)
√ Blazer or jacket option
√ Various accessories: glasses, scarves, jewelry, small tools of trade if applicable
√ Options that showcase how you want to be seen

NO

X Tight Patterns like small plaids or checkerboard, herringbone, or similar that can create a moiré effect
X Patterns you will get tired of seeing over time in your headshot
X Clothing that feels tight or constraining when you move
X Fussy collars or lapels that won’t stay put
X Sleeveless tops, generally, unless under a blazer
X Tops that are too low cut, may be unintentionally revealing
X A collar/turtleneck that is too high, may create floating head look

One way to go about it is to bring something light, something dark, and something colorful. This is an easy way to cover both differentiation and variety. Below are some examples of a photo session with my go-to hair and makeup artist Shana Astrachan where we maximized looks with a variety of clothing and accessories, including her tools of trade.

Examples of the variety possible in one headshot session—different clothing, accessories, and tools of trade

Note that my branding session option includes an optional zoom or in person consultation, so please take advantage of that if you feel overwhelmed or just prefer to have guidance on your choices.

For any session type, you may bring several options with you and we can decide together right before the session. When we work at my studio or in your space, we’ll have the time and space for you to change clothes so we can try different options so you’ll see variety in your proof gallery.

When working outdoors or in a public location, my recommendation is to maximize options with layers.

How to Show Up

In general, it’s great to show up to your portrait studio session with an open mind and a willingness to work with posing guidance. If you feel nervous or “not photogenic,” know that this is very common and my goal is to put you at ease and work with you to create options you love that feel both elevated and authentic.

If you are taking care of your own hair and makeup, my main recommendation is to avoid product containing sunscreen as it can reflect studio lighting. Other than that, prepare as you normally would and feel free to bring along extra hair and makeup product and other tools for touch ups along the way.

If your package includes hair and makeup, please arrive with clean,dry hair and skin and avoid applying sunscreen as it can reflect studio lighting.

Feel free to bring your clothing options on hangers as I will have a rack for you to use. I have some hangers of my own as well.

If you wear glasses, a good cleaning before the session is recommended and I will have lens wipes on hand.

Thanks for Preparing!

Thanks for thinking about your photo session ahead of time and if there is anything I didn’t address or if you have any other questions, do not hesitate to reach out and ask. I can’t wait to collaborate on our session!