A little preparation goes a long way towards a relaxed session and a great set of photos — but it’s genuinely simpler than most people expect. You don’t need to overhaul anything. Here’s the short, practical checklist I’d give anyone before a shoot.
Before the day
- Think about your outfits. Pick one or two options you feel good in and that suit the purpose of the shoot. If it’s headshots, I’ve written a fuller guide on what to wear.
- Get a decent night’s sleep. It genuinely shows — you’ll look fresher and feel more relaxed.
- Know what the photos are for. LinkedIn, an acting portfolio, a personal portrait and a dating profile all call for a slightly different feel, so it helps to be clear on the goal.
On the day
- Arrive in good time. Rushing in flustered is the enemy of a relaxed shoot. A few calm minutes beforehand makes a real difference.
- Bring anything that matters. A change of clothes, a meaningful prop, glasses if you wear them day to day — small touches that make the images truly you.
- Don’t worry about posing. This is the big one. You absolutely do not need to know what to do with your hands or how to stand. Guiding all of that is my job.
The most important thing
Try to relax. I know that’s easier said than done if you’re someone who dislikes being photographed — but the session is far more enjoyable than most people anticipate, and feeling at ease is the single biggest factor in getting photos you love. We’ll take it at a comfortable pace, you’ll see the images as we go, and there’s no pressure to be anything other than yourself.
Got a session coming up, or thinking about booking one? Get in touch and I’ll happily talk you through exactly what to expect.
