How To Prepare For Your First Portrait Photoshoot

If you’ve never been in front of a professional camera, booking a portrait session can feel a bit intimidating and like there’s some secret “model rulebook” everyone else knows. Take it from someone who has been on both sides of the camera; there isn’t. You don’t need to be a professional model to want high-quality photos of yourself, whether that’s for business use or even just for social media. You don’t need to know how to “smize” or pose like you’re in a fashion magazine. You’ll need a little preparation, the right photographer, and a willingness to relax into the process. But most importantly, you need to bring your own personality and know what you want to get out of the shoot (but that’s not the same as knowing what to do IN the shoot).

Here’s how to get ready so your first shoot feels exciting, not nerve-wracking.

1. Choosing the Right Photographer

Before you think about outfits or hair, think about the person behind the camera. A great photographer will make you feel comfortable, guide you through poses, and help you look your best.

Questions to ask when choosing a photographer:

• Can I see a full gallery? Social media often shows “highlight” shots. A full gallery, usually on a website, will show how consistent their work is and what you can expect from a whole session.

• What’s your style? (Natural light? Studio? Candid? Editorial?) You want someone whose style matches the vibe you’re after. My style, for example, is quite cinematic and moody. I love it – but it wouldn’t suit everyone!

• How much direction do you give? If you’ve never done this before, you’ll want someone who guides you rather than leaving you guessing. I’ll probably say this a few times during this blog, but communication is key. If you aren’t sure what you’re doing – no problem! Just tell the photographer that. Part of our job is to guide you through your shoot and make sure you get images you’re thrilled with.

• What’s included in the session? Make sure you understand time limits, number of images, and whether retouching is included.

• Do you help with location ideas? A good photographer can suggest spots that match your personality and goals.

2. How to Prepare Before the Day

A little forethought can make a big difference to a shoot, and this is usually a collaboration with the photographer as we do a lot of prep work around your shoot before the day as well!

A week before:

• Choose your outfits early. Aim for clothes that feel like you, but don’t be afraid to push your boundaries. A photoshoot outfit isn’t necessarily something you’d wear out with your friends, but bolder choices can work great on camera. Whatever you pick, just pick something you’re comfortable in. If you feel good, the shots will be good. Think about what you’re trying to convey with the shoot too - if you’re using photos to try and pitch to a modelling agency then plain, more form-fitting stuff is the way to go. But if it’s a business website shot, go for the image you’d like to portray to your future customers.

• Confirm details. Check the time, location, and any parking instructions. Nothing kills your pre-shoot calm like getting lost.

• Talk it through. If you’re nervous or unsure about any part of the day, reach out and let us know! We can talk you through your concerns, or put plans in place to help ease the nerves (for example, if you’re nervous about a location being busy and you don’t want a lot of onlookers, we can plan a backup location that’s quieter). Photographers want you to have a good time and get as much as you can out of the day, so don’t be afraid to talk to us about what you need.

The day before:

• Get a good night’s sleep. It’s not about looking “perfect”, but looking alert and refreshed always helps confidence!

• Hydrate. Skin loves water.

• Lay out or pack everything. Outfits, accessories, props, shoes… so you’re not scrambling in the morning.

3. On the Day of the Shoot

This is where mindset matters more than anything.

• Arrive a little early. Rushing equals stress.

• Bring comfort items. Water, lip balm, a hairbrush, or blotting papers if you get shiny.

• Trust your photographer. They can see angles, light, and poses you can’t, and we are ALWAYS our own worst critics. That being said, if you feel uncomfortable with anything a photographer asks you to do, always speak up. It’s your shoot, and all good photographers will respect your opinions and boundaries.

• Move naturally. Little shifts and adjustments look better than holding a frozen “pose.”

• Breathe and blink. Sounds obvious, but tension shows in the face.

• Have fun with it. Some of the best shots happen in between the “posed” moments.

4. Extra Tips for Feeling Comfortable

• Bring a friend for moral support. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: if a photographer isn’t happy with you bringing someone along to a shoot – book with someone else. I don’t care that “another person might put them off” or that it “gets in the way of their creativity” or “they’re worried it’ll make you less relaxed”. No. If you want to shoot solo, go ahead (though please always exercise caution when shooting with new photographers, especially in indoor/private spaces). But if you want to bring a friend, partner, parent or anyone else to a shoot, I maintain that NO good photographer will have an issue with that.

• Make a playlist that gets you in the mood! If it’s an indoor shoot or even an outdoor shoot somewhere quiet, we can absolutely play some tunes that make you feel confident and happy.

• Tell your photographer your insecurities and they’ll work around them and find your best angles. We want you to feel good.

• Focus on connection, not perfection. People respond most to warmth and authenticity, not flawless posing. Think about what you want to achieve with these photos, tell your photographer, and you’ll be well on your way to creating images that will connect with your audience.

Final Thoughts

The best photos happen when you’re relaxed, engaged, and trusting the person behind the camera. Don’t be afraid to ask for a video call or a meeting before the shoot if you want to get to know your photographer and feel a little more at ease (sometimes they’ll have to charge for an in-person meeting, but rarely for a video call or phone call).

Think of it less like “posing” and more like hanging out with a friend who happens to have a camera and knows exactly how to make you look good. And lastly; enjoy it! It’s an amazing experience and the results can have a hugely positive impact on your confidence. Give it a go, and you might be surprised at how much fun you have.