3 Ways to Prep for the Morning of Your Portrait Session
Most clients think their session starts when they show up.
Nope. Wrong.
It actually starts as your feet hit the floor, getting out of bed.
How you’re feeling when you walk into your session, will show up in the photos. If you had a rough morning, it'll show. If you're excited and happy, it will show too. Good news though- you can create that feeling on purpose. Mind over matter. And it's waaay easier than you think.
After years of photographing people, I've learned that when the morning goes smoothly, the whole session feels more fun and carefree. Oh, and the portraits turn out better. I promise.
I once had a senior session where the mom tried to put makeup on her daughter before I arrived. The daughter secretly went and wiped it all off, and mom had no idea. I showed up, the daughter came out makeup-free, and I had no clue what had just gone down. I could tell she was uneasy and really didn't want to be photographed. Sigh… this is the hard part of the job. But, "challenge accepted."
It took a little time to pull her out of her shell, but by the end, it was fun, and she was smiling, naturally. And the photos? Beautiful. Mom ordered a few to turn into large wall art. I think there's a shrine on the family wall now. Ha!
This isn't about perfection and looking drop-dead gorgeous. It's about preparing a little bit ahead so when you walk in, you feel relaxed, grounded, and ready to become the version of yourself we're about to bring to life.
Here's a quick checklist, below.
T'was the Night Before Your Session
Let me tell you, a smooth portrait session starts the night before. Well, a week before, honestly, but that's a different post. Secret hint: avoid soda and alcohol for the week before. Your skin will thank you.
Lay out your entire look the night before, like you're staging a costume for a role you were born to play. That means the gown or garment, yes, but also everything underneath and around it. The undergarments that actually work with the piece, shoes, any jewelry, crown, or horns, and a backup outfit just in case- oh, and any of those props we talked about.
Doing this ahead of time means you're not tearing the closet apart five minutes before you're supposed to leave. Been there. Cried about that.
Getting yourself out the door takes longer than you think, especially when there's a themed look involved.
You have hair, makeup, wardrobe, the whole transformation. Add in at least 30 extra minutes. The less rushed you feel, the happier (and more magical) you'll walk in.
A little Note: if there's ever a time to let someone else do your hair and makeup, this is it! Whether you use a recommended stylist, trusted friend, or you're doing it yourself, you deserve to feel like the character you're stepping into-not like you rushed here with only one eyelash on. I’d opt for letting someone else do your hair and makeup. Make it a whole day and treat yo’self.
The Gooood Morning, Game Plan
Treat the morning like part of the portrait session, not just prep work.
Start with something in your stomach, please don't skip breakfast, even if it's small, like a piece of toast.
You could buy a Chobani yogurt for the morning of, or a breakfast muffin from your favorite local bakery. Buy the fancy creamer to add to your coffee. Make a whole ordeal out of it.
It's easy to forget to eat when you're rushing around, but a quick bite makes a real difference. I want you to feel your best once we're deep into the session and laughing with delight.
Give yourself a few quiet minutes before you leave. Look in the mirror and give yourself the pep talk you'd give a friend: you don't have to "be perfect," you get to play and let loose, and this is supposed to be an adventure, not a performance. Starting the day calm and connected to why you booked this in the first place, will change everything about how you feel once we begin.
If All Else Fails, We’ll Conjure Plan B
Even with all the prep in the world, things happen. A strap breaks. A piece goes missing. Nerves creep in right as we start.
That's why I keep a mini emergency stash in my studio: safety pins, hair ties, a lint roller, and a couple of things for quick touch-ups or fixes on the fly. Yes, I carry a supply kit with me on location, too. It’s my Mary Poppins bag.
I also have snacks and water in my studio in case (gasp) you didn’t eat or get a little wobbly during the session.
If something doesn't go as planned, you're not scrambling, I've got you.
But above all, don't overthink it. I've seen clients show up flustered, only to totally settle in and shine once we start.
One final tip: plan something fun for after your session. A coffee run, a nice lunch date with a friend, maybe dinner and margaritas in town, a little treat for yourself- whatever fits. It gives you something to look forward to, and it turns the whole day into a memory instead of just an appointment.
When you're calm, confident, and even a little excited, it shows up in every image.
And listen, you don't have to do it all perfectly. You don't have to check every box. I'll meet you exactly where you are, with my camera in one hand and encouragement in the other.
Your session is going to be beautiful. And unique, just like you.
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Thanks for reading along, and I hope to see you soon.
Cheers,
Annette
