There are some things that you can do to elevate the portrait experience. Whether it is for business, branding, or your family these things will make the shoot run smoother and help ease the jitters that often come with have your photo taken. The biggest thing I recommend is to give yourself time. Time to plan, time to gather ideas and work with your photographer. Nothing like rushing through a portrait session and then hating your images because you look frantic. The experience doesn’t have to be painful so give yourself that time to get the most out of it.
Know What You Are Looking For
Photographers do have their own style and way of shooting so finding the look and feel you are going for is important. Before having the photoshoot, before you even book with a photographer, I highly recommend looking at the photographer’s work and making sure that you are drawn to the images they create. And that it matches your vision for you. If you are doing a branding shoot this is very important as it is for you and your business so you want to portray the right mood and feeling for your clients and customers. I suggest doing this in person or at least via a video call so you can share ideas back and forth and they can show you samples of their work that may align with what you are wanting. The last thing you want is to go in with the expectation of one look and feel and the photographer really doesn’t work like that and the resulting images are not what you were hoping.
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Hair and Makeup
Yes, even for guys too. Having a polished look at the shoot can do a number of things for the final product. Especially when you don’t have to think about it and it is done for you. If you have a go-to person make sure you let your photographer know and see if you can schedule with them directly before the shoot. It is best to have a Hair and Makeup artist on set for the shoot as they can fix any rogue hairs or completely change the makeup look to fit the style of the images you are looking for. This should definitely be part of the planning process before the shoot. And besides, a little pampering before the shoot can always help with nerves.
Styling Session
Whether with a stylist or the photographer themselves this meeting will help you make some decisions on your wardrobe and escape the I-have-nothing-to-wear anxiety. This should help you narrow down what you have in your closet or some styles that you can go out and purchase, although not necessary. Covering the best fit, colors, and accessories so you have a plan. I have worked with the incredible stylist Carrie Montgomery for some personal branding photoshoots and she is very thorough and guides women through finding their style. Other stylists in Portland include Dress with Anya and Style Me Portland. Men can get a lot out of it as well so don’t shy away from that either. Your portrait experience will be more enjoyable with more people who know you in your corner and willing to help you out.
“When you look good you feel good,
When you feel good you look good.”
– Unknown
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The clothing we wear has a huge impact on us and how we present ourselves. I go by the rule that when you look good you feel good and when you feel good you look good. You probably have some outfits or pieces of clothing that you put on and your mood immediately changes. You can feel powerful and confident or relaxed and comfortable. Sometimes the things that make you feel amazing may not be a regular piece you wear but would be perfect for you in your portraits. Don’t worry we walk through wardrobe during our Design Consultation to make sure you are comfortable with what you are bringing.
Prep Before
You hopefully have an idea of what you are going to bring for outfits. Maybe you already talked with your photographer about it. So now put the little time before the shoot on your own and prepare your clothing, accessories, and props. Washed, ironed or steamed and hung up. Prevent any possibility for wrinkles or stains. Doing this the day before can make you more relaxed for the photoshoot itself because you have everything ready to go. Streamlining the process on your end for the best portrait experience.
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Trust
This process is a collaborative effort. From you, the client in front of the camera, to the hair and makeup artist, down to any assistants the photographer may have. So the more planning is done and the more invested you are the better the outcome will be. Trust yourself in being present during the shoot and not worrying about little things. Trust the Hair and Makeup artist to make you look awesome! Trust your photographer to guide you through posing and expressions.
Let’s face it, most people would rather have teeth pulled than having their photo taken. Being an Eagle Scout I grew up, and continue to live by the motto of “Be Prepared.” A lot of these things mentioned here comes down to being prepared before the shoot. Knowing what to expect and doing the little things to be ready and taking the time to invest in your portrait experience. It is a collaborative effort between the subject and photographer so if either one slacks it will diminish the experience and the results may not be what you were expecting.
