Getting Ready for Your Portrait Shoot: What to Wear, Bring and Know
This blog was originally published on 25 January 2021. We’ve updated the tips, visuals and graphics.
These are the things I always tell clients when they ask how to prepare for a shoot. Not in a rigid checklist sort of way, just stuff that genuinely makes the experience better - for you and for the final photos. I’ve picked these up from doing loads of shoots where it’s clear what helps and what just gets in the way.
It’s your shoot. But if you follow most of this, you’ll likely show up feeling more confident, more relaxed, and more ready to enjoy it all.
1. Layer your outfits
Photoshoots work best when they don’t feel too stop-start. Changing into full new outfits mid-way can break the flow and energy - especially if we’re outside or moving between spots. But layers? Layers are your friend.
Plan your outfit so you can take something off or throw something on without disappearing to get changed. That might mean an open overshirt, a jumper, a light jacket, even a pair of sunglasses or a hat. Think about how things work together and on their own. Can the base layer stand by itself? Can one extra piece completely switch up the vibe?
You don’t need to overthink fashion trends or wear things that don’t feel like you. Just bring pieces that give us variety without slowing us down. It makes the gallery feel more dynamic and means we get more out of the time we have.
2. Drink more water than usual
This is one of the easiest things to do and one of the most overlooked. Hydration affects your skin, your lips, your energy - it all shows up in photos, even if subtly. If your lips are dry or your skin feels tight, the camera will catch it. We’re not aiming for glass skin. It’s just about looking fresh, not fatigued.
Try upping your water intake in the couple of days before - not just chugging a bottle the morning of. It makes a difference. Then bring a bottle with you on the day, especially if we’re walking between locations. I’ll remind you too, but having it on hand keeps you feeling better for longer.
3. Accessories add depth (and personality)
Sometimes the smallest things end up making a shot. A pair of earrings, a distinctive watch, a necklace you wear every day - they’re subtle anchors that give a photo context and character.
If there’s something personal to you, something meaningful or symbolic, do think to bring it. We don’t have to make it the focus, but we can include it in a way that feels natural and intentional. Even small things like sunglasses, scarves, or layered rings can switch up a shot and give you something to play with, especially if you’re not sure what to do with your hands.
It’s about having options, texture, and a sense of identity in the frame.
4. Lift your chin slightly
It feels weird when someone says this out loud, but in photos it makes a real difference. Most of us naturally tuck our chin a little bit when we’re unsure, especially if we’re feeling camera-shy or self-conscious. But a slight lift - literally just a few centimetres - can help define your jaw, open up your expression, and separate your face from your neck in a really flattering way.
This isn’t about holding a rigid pose. We’ll guide you throughout and make small tweaks as we go. But being aware of this beforehand saves you from wondering why some angles feel off in the edit. If you keep it in mind, we’ll catch more of those sharp, flattering angles without needing to manufacture them.
5. Bring the right shoes (not just the cute ones)
We’re going to be standing, walking, and maybe climbing a few steps or crossing some uneven ground. If your shoes aren’t comfy, it’s going to catch up with you. You’ll shift your weight differently, get annoyed quicker, and probably end up with it showing in your posture.
Even if you’ve got a specific pair you want to wear for the shoot itself, bring a second, comfier pair to swap between spots. You can always switch back once we’re ready to shoot again. And don’t feel like you have to suffer through heels unless they’re 100% your thing - we’re not here to prove anything. Comfort matters more than people expect.
6. If your glasses tint, swap them
Eyes carry so much of the emotion in a photo. They’re how we connect to the image. So if you wear glasses that go dark in sunlight, we’re going to lose that whole layer of expression in most of your shots.
If you can, switch to a clear pair or wear contacts for the shoot. If not, we’ll work around it, but it’s worth knowing ahead of time that it does limit some shots. That said - if sunglasses are part of your look, we can absolutely lean into them for certain frames. Neon signs and sunglasses? Always a win.
7. Don’t match, coordinate
If you’re shooting with someone else, the aim isn’t to twin. Perfectly matching outfits look flat, and loud clashing outfits can look messy. The sweet spot is somewhere in between: coordinating tones, textures, or colour families without going full uniform.
You don’t need to study colour theory, but just avoid extremes. Think about how the pieces will look side by side. Muted earth tones tend to work well together. If someone’s wearing a pattern, the other might go simpler. It’s about balance.
8. Be early enough to settle in
There’s usually a soft start to the shoot - time to grab a coffee, chat, walk to the first location slowly. That buffer is important. It gives you space to decompress, shake off the journey in, and settle into the energy before the camera comes out.
If you’re rushing or flustered, you’ll bring that into the first few shots and it can take a while to recover. Being early means we can ease in properly and get better photos, earlier. You’ll also just enjoy it more.
9. Sleep well the whole week
People often say “I’ll sleep early the night before,” and that’s fine, but it’s not really enough. Sleep builds up - and so does tiredness. If your week has been draining, it will show. You might be less patient, less energised, and you’ll probably feel more self-critical.
You don’t need to overhaul your lifestyle, but if you know you’ve got a shoot coming up, try to block out anything that’s going to leave you completely burnt out beforehand. You’ll look more rested, yes - but more importantly, you’ll feel more up for it on the day.
10. Avoid alcohol the night before
Even a single drink can leave your skin looking flatter, your eyes bloodshot, and your energy dulled. You might not even notice it in the mirror - but it shows up on camera.
More importantly, it affects your sleep. If you’re feeling groggy or dehydrated the next morning, you’ll just be slower, more irritable, and less in the mood. The shoot will still be fine - but it won’t be your best. If there’s one thing to skip, skip this.
11. Bring a small, useful bag
You’ll want quick access to a few things: your water bottle, spare outfit layers, lip balm or powder, maybe a snack, tissues, hairbrush, or anything else you use regularly.
But don’t overpack - you’ll be carrying this bag between locations and placing it off-frame while we shoot. You don’t want to lug a gym bag or rummage for 5 minutes every time you need something.
If someone’s coming with you, they can help carry bits and keep the energy high. Honestly, friends who hype you up? Underrated shoot tool.
12. Don’t experiment with your routine
Now’s not the time to test new makeup or skincare. You don’t want to wake up with a reaction or regret a new foundation that doesn’t sit right in natural light.
Use what you already trust. If you wear makeup, go with your go-to look. Bring powder, setting spray, or blotting paper if you get shiny. That’s all you need. Looking the most confident, tidy, and comfortable you is the whole point.
13. Book a consult if you’re unsure
I offer free consultations before every shoot. You can book one as soon as you want - doesn’t matter if it’s three months early or the week before. Some people want to talk outfits, others want help deciding a location or theme. Sometimes it’s just useful to ask questions and get a feel for how it’ll all go down.
If things change later, book another. No pressure. Just helps keep us aligned and saves you second-guessing everything the night before.
Your photoshoot, your terms