How to Prepare for Your Portrait Session with Stewart Kay Photography
So you've got a session booked...first of all, that's exciting! Whether it's a family portrait, a senior session, or just some updated photos for yourself, a little preparation goes a long way toward making sure you walk away with images you absolutely love. Here are a few things I always tell my clients before we meet up.
Start With Your Outfits...Earlier Than You Think
This is the one thing people wait on too long. Don't pull your clothes out the morning of your session...do it a few days ahead of time. Try everything on, make sure it fits the way you want it to, and check for wrinkles or stains in good lighting.
A few tips that make a big difference:
Stick to solid colors or simple patterns...busy prints can be distracting in photos
Coordinate, don't match...for families especially, pick a color palette and work within it rather than everyone wearing the exact same thing
- Bring a backup outfit if you can...sometimes the light calls for something different and having options is never a bad thing
Avoid logos and text on shirts...they pull attention away from your face
Get a Good Night's Sleep
This one sounds simple but it matters more than people realize. Tired eyes and puffy skin show up in photos...a well rested face photographs completely differently than one running on four hours of sleep. Do yourself a favor and make it an early night before your session.
Skin and Hair
For ladies, if you're doing your own makeup, go slightly heavier than your everyday look...cameras tend to soften things and a little extra goes a long way. If you're getting your hair done, try to schedule it the day before rather than the morning of...freshly done hair can sometimes look a little too stiff and styled. One day later it settles in perfectly.
For guys...a fresh haircut about a week before is the sweet spot. Too fresh and it looks just cut, too long and it starts to look shaggy. A week out hits right in the middle.
Show Up a Little Early and Relaxed
Nothing adds stress to a session like running late...when you arrive frazzled it takes time to settle in and relax in front of the camera. Give yourself a buffer, especially if you're bringing kids or coordinating a group. The first few minutes of any session are always a warm up anyway...arriving calm and unhurried makes a huge difference in how natural everything feels.
Talk to Me Beforehand
Seriously...don't hesitate to reach out before your session. If you have a vision, a location idea, an outfit question, or just want to know what to expect, just ask. The more I know going in the better I can tailor the session to you. I want you to feel comfortable and confident from the moment we start shooting.
On the Day Of...
Drink plenty of water...hydrated skin photographs better
Eat something...don't show up on an empty stomach, especially if you have little ones coming along
Leave the timeline loose if you can...some of the best shots happen when we're not rushing to wrap up
Trust the process...even if it feels awkward in the moment, I promise the camera picks up way more than you think it does
A great portrait session doesn't happen by accident...it's a little bit of planning, a little bit of trust, and a whole lot of just being yourself. I genuinely love what I do and that energy is contagious. Show up ready to have a good time and we'll take care of the rest.
Ready to book your session? Reach out today at stewartkayphotography.com or give us a call at (417) 986-5064...I'd love to work with you.
— Colby | Stewart Kay Photography | Carl Junction, MO
