Getting your portrait taken is exciting yet nerve-wracking. For those who are not used to being in front of a camera, it can sometimes feel awkward. Common worries that may be holding you back include not knowing what to wear, how to pose, where to look, or how to act. These are all common concerns, and there is nothing to worry about!
The good news is that you don’t need to know how to pose or be naturally comfortable in front of a camera. That’s part of what your photographer is there for. At Bridgeforth Photographics, our photographers will teach and guide you throughout every moment.
A little preparation beforehand doesn’t hurt and can make a big difference. Here are a few things to do before your portrait session to help you arrive feeling relaxed and ready.
Choose Outfits That Feel Like You!
The best outfit for a portrait session is usually one you already feel good in. When you feel more comfortable, you feel confident and look good too!
You don’t need to completely change your style just because you’re having professional photos taken. After all, these pictures are meant to capture you, not a different version of yourself. If you normally wear simple, neutral colors, there’s no need to show up in something overly formal. If you love colors and patterns, bring some personality into your session.
Choose clothing that fits well and allows you to move and pose comfortably. Try to avoid clothing that you need to constantly adjust or pull at.
Match the Occasion
When choosing what to wear, think about the overall look rather than focusing on individual pieces.
Whether you want to wear bright colors or muted neutrals, it is important to consider other factors about your session. Does the location or occasion call for specific colors or styles? Maybe you’re doing a group session, so coordinating outfits may be beneficial. Wearing exact-match outfits may look strange, so try to coordinate rather than match. This could mean similar colors or clothing styles. When colors clash or patterns look odd together, the result may be strange images. Choose outfits that look good together.
Your photographer may also have suggestions based on the location, lighting, and style of the session. If you’re confused or don’t know what to wear, asking your photographer can be helpful!
Bring Options
If you’re still unsure about what to wear, bring a few choices.
You don’t need to pack your entire closet. Two or three outfits are usually more than enough for a typical portrait session.
Think about variety. Maybe one outfit is casual, another is a little more polished, and the third has a completely different feel. This will give you a great selection of different images from just one session.
Take Care of the Little Details
Portraits tend to capture details you might not notice in everyday life, so take a little time to check the small things before your session.
Iron or steam your clothes. Clean your shoes. Check your nails. If you wear glasses, give them a quick clean. Having a clean shave, styled hair, and a wrinkle-free outfit has a drastic effect on the outcome of your pictures.
If you’re getting a haircut, color, or other beauty treatment, try not to make a major change immediately before your session unless that’s intentional. If you’re planning a change, scheduling it a few days in advance gives you time to get comfortable with the new look.
The goal isn’t to look perfect. It’s simply to arrive feeling put together and comfortable.
Don’t Experiment with New Skincare
Your portrait session probably isn’t the best time to test a new skincare product.
A reaction, breakout, or irritated skin is the last thing you want to be worrying about right before your photos. Stick with products you already know work well for you. If you have sensitive skin, try to limit unnecessary skincare or face masks to avoid potential irritation.
The same goes for makeup. If you’re having your makeup professionally done, tell the artist what you normally wear and how you want to look. You should still recognize yourself when you see the finished photographs. Don’t experiment with unusual looks or drastically different makeup. This will cause you to look unlike your normal self in the final product.
Get Plenty of Rest
Try to get a good night’s sleep before your session. You don’t need to do anything extreme or change your normal routine. Just give yourself enough time to rest so you don’t arrive tired and rushed.
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready and travel to the location, too. Walking into a session five minutes after fighting traffic is a very different experience from arriving with time to spare.
If you’re relaxed when you arrive, it’s much easier for your personality to come through in your photos. Feeling well-rested helps with your patience and eases the anxiety you may feel before your portrait session.
Eat and Stay Hydrated
Being hungry, thirsty, or low on energy can make it much harder to enjoy your session. Have a normal meal beforehand and bring water with you, especially if you’re outside.
If your session lasts a couple of hours, a small snack can be useful, too. You want to spend your time thinking about the photos, not wondering when you’ll get to eat.
Staying hydrated is especially important if your session is taking place outdoors or on hot days. Take care of yourself in every way you can. You’ll thank yourself later!
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Preparing for a portrait session doesn’t have to be complicated. Choose clothes you feel good in, take care of the basics, get some rest, and give yourself enough time to arrive without rushing.
After that, let your photographer handle the rest. You don’t need to be a model. You don’t need to be “photogenic.” You just need to show up as yourself. At Bridgeforth Photographics, we help our clients feel comfortable. We believe that the more comfortable you are, the better you look, and the more natural your portraits will appear. Those are usually the photographs you’ll end up loving the most! Contact Bridgeforth Photographics today and get professional portraits that you’ll love.