How to Prepare for a Portrait Session | Atlanta Portrait Photographer

So, you want your portraits taken but you don’t know what you should do to get ready. It all depends on the purpose of your portraits. Are they family portraits? Are they for business? Is it a little bit of both? Well, hopefully, I can help solve that conundrum for you. To make things easier to follow, I will separate preparation for family/personal portraits from business/branding portraits.

The absolute first thing is to find a photographer that is right for you. You’ll find this out by checking out their style of photography. Is there style pleasing to you? Do you feel that the photographer can capture the essence of you and/or your family? If so, then contact the photographer and have a chat with them. Do you like the photographer? What I have learned is that people work with people they like. If you don’t like them then you may not like the experience they will provide. Personally, I don’t like giving my time or money to people I can’t vibe with. If you like them and they actually offer you what you want and meet what other criteria you may have, then book them.

I don’t know about other photographers, but I offer a complimentary consultation. This consultation allows us to discuss the session and what you want to get out of the session. We also discuss whether or not you want a theme for the session and we can collaborate to make that happen. Clothing is also discussed. If your selected photographer doesn’t mention clothing choices, please ask them about it. What I would suggest is coming up with a color scheme for the family. You all don’t have to wear the same colors but complementary are suggested. For instance, if someone wants to wear purple, I wouldn’t suggest others wear navy blue. Also, it’s good to stay away from busy patterns for the most part. There are instances where that would work but in general, that would be a no-no. So, once your theme and colors have been selected, you should make sure that all the outfits fit and they should be ironed and ready for wear. For men, I would suggest getting a haircut and/or beard trim a day or two before the session. If you feel confident having your hair cut the same day as the session, then go for it. Women should have their hair done the day before, if possible. I can provide a hair stylist if need be but that would be an additional cost. If you choose this option, make sure your hair has been washed and is ready to be done. If you would like for the stylist to wash it, that is totally up to you.  A makeup artist can also be provided at an additional cost. If children are involved, make sure they have had naps and have eaten. Hangry or tired children will not cooperate nor will they smile. Plus it would be added drama that none of us want.

Just like in any portrait session, a location will need to be determined. If you prefer a studio session, then those will be done somewhere in your home. All I need is space and I can handle the rest. Preferably, an area will already be selected prior to the session, so all I have to do is set up and begin. Once you provide me with the colors that you will be wearing, I can determine which of my backdrops will work best with those colors. If we are having the session outside, then we need to consider at a great location that will give the images the right feel for you and/or your family. The location can be selected by you or me. Aside from that, just make sure you get enough rest, have something to eat and prepare to have a good time!

The preparation for a headshot or branding session is pretty much the same for a portrait session. The only difference is that you do not have to coordinate your clothing colors with others. Basically, you need to pick colors that are complementary to you, as well as outfits. With the branding sessions, you will be provided with a makeup artist, possibly a hair stylist and even a wardrobe stylist, depending on the package you select. Regarding the wardrobe stylist, you actually have two options. The option that is included in the package is where the wardrobe stylist selects outfits for you to wear. An additional option with an additional cost is allowing the stylist to actually purchase clothing for you for the session. As for the clothing, you have to decide what you are trying to say about yourself or your business with your clothing. The clothing should represent who you are and your brand. For example, you are an interior designer who likes clean lines and bright colors, you would probably incorporate that into your clothing, as well as into your surroundings. Choose something that you feel comfortable in and something that you love wearing. Sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone in order to thrive.

After reading this you may think that that was a lot of information. Perhaps it was but it is necessary. During the consultation is when all of this information is discussed. I just wanted to give you an idea of the things to think about. Being that the makeup artist, hair stylist, and wardrobe stylist are individuals working with me you will need to speak with them separately regarding the specifics that you want from them. At any rate, I think that’s everything. If you have any questions, please comment on this blog or just send me an email. Both are welcome!