Photoshoot Prep 101: Your Guide to Showing Up Confident | Portraits and beyond!

Aug 22

How to prepare mental and physically for your photoshoot!?

Hi! If you’re here then you’re probably either planning on booking a session, or wondering how to even prepare for your session. Whether you’re doing a family session, a engagement session, or a boudoir session, getting ready for your photoshoot can feel a bit overwhelming. On top of all the excitement and anticipation bubbling up inside you might not know or be able to think straight going into a session (ESP if you have kids, or are Neurodivergent!). Additionally, you might be wondering about weather, and what do to when you show up!

My tips!

ASK! Don’t ever hesitate to ask your photographer questions. They are there to answer all your questions. If they’re not…. are they a good fit?
Create a comforting sense of predictability around the photoshoot day. What I mean by this is don’t do anything new, or overwhelm yourself with “prep” tasks the day of. Example: don’t go get your hair done the day of, unless its a blow out. or Don’t add a new adventure for a child liek going to a brand new museum before your shoot. This allows you (and your family) to relax and fully enjoy the experience as it naturally unfolds. With adding things we don’t know what could happen. Causing a diff layer of anxiety.
Wear things you might normally wear and feel completely comfortable in. Try to avoid anything brand new or items that don’t quite feel like you, as it’s important to look and feel 100% yourself during the shoot.
- And Coordinate don’t MATCH, unless thats the vibe (AKA JCPENNEY vibes).
- OH! take off that hair tie early!
- Iron or steam anything new!
Make up! Don’t feel like you HAVE to go get that done, but if you do, don’t over do it. And don’t try anything new. Try something soft, not to much glitter, and shine. Keep it simple with soft matte coverage. Bring chapstick if you tend to have dry lips, and lotion if you need it.
For family sessions, try to schedule a time that not only works really well for natural lighting, but also fits perfectly with your kids' moods and energy levels! AKA morning time is probably the best option when little ones are fresh and eager, or alternatively, after dinner but before bedtime when they’re generally calmer (and maybe a bit sleepy). (DISCLOSURE: I am not a parent, so this advice might be slightly off, but it’s based on my own experience working with families and kids during sessions).
If you are bringing kids! Bring treats or snacks for bribing. I know thats not always our favorite but for a little 30 min session there is nothing wrong with it.
Don’t practice to many poses before hand! You will get overwhelmed and think TOO much about what to do and how to do it.
If you're in Seattle or North Carolina, do not worry about the rain. We’ll either have a blast playing in it or find a cozy spot with plenty of coverage to keep you dry and comfy.
If you’re in sunny Arizona, we’ll need to plan around that infamous heat of the day! Absolutely NO mid-day sessions, or better yet, book a cool and comfy studio session to keep things breezy and fun.
DRINK WATER!

No matter what! My point in the end (with all those points) is that find a way to make this just aprt of your day, and not THAT big of a deal. All we are doing is capturing a moment in time for you. Whether it's the joyous chaos of a wedding day, the quiet beauty of everyday life, or the bold confidence of a boudoir session, Andrea Michelle Photography is here to capture those authentic bits of time with some fun. So let’s make magic together—because your story deserves to be told in the most genuine and unforgettable way possible.