So you've decided to have professional portraits taken, what's next?

Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile photo, need a business portrait for your company website, want content for your Instagram feed, or just want to have some fun with a photo session, there are a few key things to consider to ensure you get the most out of your shoot.

First and foremost, remember that "you get what you pay for" holds true in the photography industry. Always, always, always review a photographer's portfolio before booking. In today’s digital age, most photographers have online portfolios or Instagram pages. Since each photographer has a unique style, make sure their approach aligns with the type of photos you want.

Also, keep in mind that years of experience don't always equate to exceptional photos. Some photographers with less formal training or fewer years in the business can produce outstanding work. So, do your research!

Once you’ve chosen a photographer, schedule a consultation to discuss your vision. It’s helpful to create a Pinterest board or collect visual inspiration to give them a clear idea of the style and types of portraits you're aiming for.

You've booked your photographer, set the date, and now it’s time to prepare for your shoot. So, what’s next?

As someone who’s been on both sides of the lens, I’ve got some tips to help you look and feel your best and avoid excessive retouching costs—because that stuff can get pricey! From self-care and personal hygiene to wardrobe choices and last-minute preparations, here’s a guide to help you get ready for a fantastic photo session.

1. stick to your regular workout schedule

If you’re already active, keep up with your regular workout schedule as your shoot approaches. For those who don’t exercise often, it’s a good idea to start moving a few weeks before your session. Whether it’s taking walks, doing morning crunches, or practicing yoga, staying active will help you adopt a body-positive mindset and give your muscles a more toned appearance in your photos. You don’t need to run a mile every day, but regular physical activity boosts endorphins and self-esteem, which will enhance your confidence and shine through in your portraits!

2. Watch Your Diet: Avoid Alcohol and Salt, and Drink Plenty of Water

To ensure your skin looks its best for your session, pay attention to your diet in the days leading up to your shoot. About three days before your session, cut out alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate your skin, increase dark circles, and heighten the risk of breakouts. According to Dr. Tess Mauricio, CEO of MBeautyClinic.com, alcohol's dehydration effect can make wrinkles and pores more noticeable, and diminish your skin’s natural plumpness and glow.

Also, reduce your salt intake two days prior to your shoot. Excess sodium causes water retention, leading to bloating and less defined muscles. Cutting back on salt will help your body appear more toned, which is crucial for full-length photos.

Hydration is equally important. Aim to drink at least a gallon of water (about 4-32 oz bottles) daily for two days before your shoot. The night before, limit your water intake to sips only if you’re thirsty after 9 p.m. Staying well-hydrated helps keep your skin clear, improves elasticity, flushes out toxins, energizes your muscles, and controls calorie intake.

On the day of your shoot, avoid drinking large amounts of water to maintain muscle definition, but keep a water bottle handy in case you need a sip to stay hydrated.

Once your photo shoot is over, you can return to your regular diet and hydration routine. With good planning and self-discipline, you'll look your best in your photos. Enjoy the day, and remember that your hard work will shine through. Celebrate your efforts and have fun during your shoot!

Resources: INSIDER | What Models Eat Before A Shoot | WebMD

3. Implement a Grooming and Skincare Routine

In the week leading up to your photo shoot, establish a thorough skincare regimen to ensure your skin is healthy and glowing on the day of your session. Alongside maintaining a balanced diet, a self-care routine will help alleviate any stress or anxiety you may have about the shoot.

Schedule Your Haircut a Week in Advance

Plan your haircut at least a week before your photo session. While you can have your hair professionally styled the night before or the day of your shoot, avoid getting a haircut on the same day. A trim ahead of time will keep your hair looking fresh, but a last-minute cut might leave you with an uneven look or unwanted hairline changes.

Shave a Few Days Before

For those who shave or use hair removal methods like waxing or depilatories, do this a few days before your shoot to avoid redness or bumps. Hair removal is fine, but give your skin time to settle. If you need to clean up brows or stray hairs, do so a few days in advance. Men should shave right before leaving for the shoot to avoid a five o'clock shadow and use cooling gel or aftershave to soothe any irritation.

Facials Should Be Done a Week Ahead

If you plan to get a facial, schedule it at least a week before your shoot. Facials can cause temporary redness, so allow your skin time to recover. A facial brightening sheet mask the night before is an exception, but remember to moisturize generously to keep your skin smooth and healthy.

Be Cautious with Tanning

Avoid sunbathing, especially in the summer, as UV rays can intensify marks, darken scars, and cause redness or tan lines, which can be costly to retouch. If you want a sun-kissed glow, opt for a spray tan 2-3 days before your session. Alternatively, use a bronzing lotion in the week leading up to your shoot to achieve a natural-looking glow without drastically altering your skin tone.

Get Plenty of Rest

Ensure you’re well-rested before your shoot. A good night’s sleep is essential for looking your best. Aim for at least 8 hours of rest, but if you usually function well with 6-7 hours, stick to your routine. Remember, a photo session can be surprisingly tiring, so being well-rested will help you look fresh and energized.

4. Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time

Choosing your outfits in advance is crucial for a successful photo session. I recommend laying out and trying on the clothes you plan to wear to ensure they fit well and make you feel comfortable, confident, and at ease on the day of your shoot.

Most photographers are happy to discuss your outfit choices with you. Sharing your wardrobe plans helps them select the best backdrops and locations to complement your color palette and the overall vibe you’re aiming for.

For additional tips on clothing and accessories, see the section below under 'Day of the Shoot.'

5.practice makes perfect

Before your shoot, spend some time in front of the mirror to identify your best angles. Everyone has a “good side”—discover yours and remember that mirrors can flip your face, so the camera might capture things a bit differently.

If one of your eyes is noticeably smaller, position that side of your face slightly toward the camera to minimize the difference. Experiment with various expressions in the mirror to see what looks best—whether it’s a stoic look or a more animated one. A skilled photographer will capture a range of expressions and guide you through different poses, but practicing beforehand can help you feel more prepared and confident.

Day of the shoot

The day of your photo session has arrived! After all your preparation and practice, it's time to shine. To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, gather most of your belongings the night before, except for any products you'll need for morning touch-ups if you're doing your own hair and makeup. Here are some key tips to keep in mind before, during, and after your shoot

clothing and accessories

Clothing is a powerful way to express your personality and will be reflected in your photos. My top advice for selecting outfits is to keep it simple.

Clothing Tips:

• Opt for solid colors for a clean look, but if you prefer patterns, choose subtle ones.
• Start with a basic shirt or blouse and bring layers to vary your look throughout the shoot.
• Pack a few outfit changes to offer different styles and looks.
• Ensure all clothes are ironed and pressed beforehand. Wrinkles are hard to Photoshop out, so don’t rely on the photographer to fix them. If you’re worried about wrinkles during transport, bring a handheld steamer.
• Don’t forget a lint brush or roller to keep your outfits looking fresh.

Accessories Tips:

• For headshots, you can skip shoes, but if full-length photos are included, coordinate your shoes with your outfits. Comfort is key.
• Have fun with accessories! Consider bringing items like hats, sunglasses, or scarves to add variety to your shots.
• Bring some of your favorite jewelry—such as watches, necklaces, bracelets, or rings—to enhance your look, especially for headshots that feature your hands.

Prepare all your outfits the night before, placing them in a garment bag for easy transport. With these tips, you’ll be ready to make a great impression and have a fantastic shoot!

hair

Whether you’re opting for a professional hairstyling session or doing your hair yourself, be prepared for touch-ups throughout your shoot.

Hair Tips:

• If your budget allows, consider hiring a hairstylist for the day of the shoot to ensure your hair looks its best.
• Bring a beauty bag with essential hair products, such as a brush, gel, hairspray, and any products you regularly use to manage flyaways.
• Pack a hair straightener and/or curling iron in case you need to make adjustments on the spot.
• Start your shoot with your hair down for a classic look, and later in the session, consider putting it up in a ponytail for a more relaxed vibe. Bring hair clips, bobby pins, and other styling tools to add variety and flexibility to your photos.

Being prepared with these items will help you maintain a polished appearance and adapt your look as needed throughout the shoot.

make up

Whether you’re opting for professional makeup or doing it yourself, a well-applied makeup can significantly enhance your portraits.

Professional Makeup:

• If your budget allows, hiring a makeup artist is a great investment. A professional will ensure your makeup is flawless and can provide touch-ups throughout the shoot. This is particularly valuable if you're investing in high-quality portraits; don’t skimp on this important detail.

DIY Makeup Tips:

• Bring a Beauty Bag: Pack your makeup, moisturizer, and any touch-up products to keep your look fresh throughout the shoot.
• Avoid Sunscreen: Skip applying sunscreen before the shoot, as it can cause unwanted shine on your face.
• Prep Your Skin: Apply toner and moisturizer to ensure your skin is well-hydrated and ready for makeup.
• Start Natural: Begin with a natural look to cover blemishes, and gradually build up your makeup as the shoot progresses. Add eyeshadow and a darker lipstick later to enhance your look.
• Avoid Matte Products: Matte makeup can dry out your skin and may not photograph well. Opt for dewy or radiant products instead.
• Keep Lips Soft: Bring lip balm or gloss to maintain soft, hydrated lips. Exfoliate your lips the night before with a toothbrush or lip scrub to remove any dead skin.

With these tips, your makeup will complement your shoot and help you look your best in every shot.

during the shoot

To make the most of your photo session and feel at ease, consider these tips:

• Set the Mood with Music: If you’re shooting in a studio, request some music to help you relax and boost your energy. Let the photographer know your music preferences beforehand to create a comfortable atmosphere.
• Follow the Photographer’s Direction: Trust the photographer’s guidance, even if the instructions seem a bit unusual. They have the expertise to direct you into the most flattering poses and angles, and the end result will be worth it.
• Stay Relaxed and Enjoy the Process: Remember, headshot sessions are meant to be enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to relax and let your guard down—being authentic will make your photos shine.
• Avoid a Forced Smile: A genuine smile always looks better. Instead of forcing it, leave a small gap between your teeth when you smile (enough to fit the tip of your pinky). Lightly biting your tongue can also help create a more natural expression.
• Subtle Squint for Confidence: A slight squint can enhance the confidence and natural look of your photos. Avoid the "deer in headlights" effect by slightly narrowing your eyes.
• Take Breaks: Don’t hesitate to take short breaks to relax, sip some water, and step away from the lights. This will help you stay refreshed and maintain a relaxed demeanor throughout the shoot.

Following these tips will help you feel more comfortable and confident, leading to stunning photos that capture your true essence.

after the shoot

After your photo session, it’s important to communicate clearly with your photographer about your preferences for editing:

• Discuss Editing Preferences: Photographers have different editing styles, so let them know how you’d like your photos to be edited. Whether you want certain imperfections like freckles, moles, or scars removed, or prefer a more natural look, make sure to discuss this beforehand. If the topic doesn’t come up during your conversation, don’t hesitate to bring it up. A professional photographer will expect and welcome these discussions.
• Understand What Can Be Edited: Requests for specific edits, like removing double chins or enhancing eye size, are common. However, the feasibility of these edits depends on the image and the extent of the changes. Photographers will do their best to make you look fantastic, but keep in mind that major edits might incur additional fees.
• Clarify Editing Costs: Find out if editing and retouching are included in your package or if they come at an extra cost. Some photographers include these services in the package price, while others charge separately, either per photo or as a flat fee.
• Allow Time for Editing: Editing can take more time than the actual shoot. Provide a realistic timeframe for receiving your photos, especially if you’ve requested significant edits. Quality editing takes time, and your patience will ensure the best possible results.

By addressing these details in advance, you can ensure that the final images meet your expectations and that the process runs smoothly.

Hopefully this guide will help you prepare for your big day in front of the camera, and will make your experience a little more stress-free. If you have any questions feel free to email me at info@extraordinairephotos.com