How to Prepare for Your Portrait Session, Part 2

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! I won't waste any time here, so let's jump right in and continue with part two of this preparation series!

II. Materialistic Prep:

• Clothing Selection:
  • Plan out your outfits ahead of time. I know this seems simple, but if you're any bit of a procrastinator, this will help you immensely! In planning, consider both fun styles and ones more formal/business casual. Also, blend textures. Doing both of these will vary the feel of the photos throughout the session.
    
  • Irons and Steamers are your friends. It is very difficult to remove wrinkles in post-editing. Planning ahead will allow you enough time to take those creases and wrinkles out of your clothing. In fact, even waiting to put on that button-up shirt until you arrive at the session isn't a terrible idea!
    
  • Take into consideration your session time limit. If the shoot is for 1hr, it is probably best to only have 1-2 outfit selections. Of those, it might be nice to have a lighter color option, as well as a darker colored one.
    
  • Location, Location, Location: What I mean by this is try to plan your attire for where you will be and what your end product will be. (Ex. High heels wouldn't be the best choice for a beach session.) With this: Please refrain from low-cut tops or short skirts. These articles can restrict the posing/angles the photographer can get of you.
    
  • Plan for Comfort, especially if the session will be extended. Good footwear if it is an on-location shoot where a lot of walking is involved, as well as a light cardigan or long sleeves for those chilly mornings and evenings. These will keep you happy. And for the summer, sunscreen!
    
  • Lastly, remember to remove the hair ties from your wrists ladies, (or the man-bun type!) Simple things we all do, I know I am rarely without these!
    
• Props:
  • Seniors: I strongly encourage you to bring props for your photos. An instrument, a sports item, a jersey or letterman, anything that represents a passion. Talk with the photog and bounce ideas off of each other for this.
    
  • Younger Children: Bring something of comfort (i.e. a stuffed toy, blanket, rattle). This can be used as a distraction, an attention getter, something to interact with for genuine candids, and/or to make the child more calm and comfortable.
    
  • Infants/Toddlers: If possible and it fits for the session, consider bloomers or fashionable diaper covers! Have fun, but keep the theme in mind.
    
  • Couple Ideas: For Engagements - The Ring! For Birth Announcements - Baby Shoes, an Ultrasound, a Onesie, etc.
• Food/Water:
  • Eat before the session, but also pack a snack for during/after, ESPECIALLY for the kids.
  • Hydration! Plan to bring some water with you, especially if your session is during the spring/summer months.

**The next and last post in this series will cover your mental prep, ideas for the day of, and what to ask me, the photographer.**