How to Make the Most of Your Portrait Session

Be receptive to your photographer's directions.

You can spend hundreds of dollars on a portrait session and be unsatisfied with your photos if you don't plan ahead and make the most of your time. Perfect photos take careful planning. Make the most of your portrait session and get your money's worth by planning things ahead of time, like what you're going to wear and where you want to take your photos.

Instructions

1. Choose a location ahead of time. Don't wait until the day of your portrait session to ask your photographer to recommend a location. Do some research. If there is a place that is particularly special to you, take a drive there and decide if it would be a good place for a portrait.

2. Check what the weather will be like on the day of your portrait. If rain is expected, choose an indoor location.

3. Decide what you will wear beforehand. Stay away from busy and distracting prints and materials. You want a color that will complement your looks without being a distraction. Avoid wearing black and white, as they don't photograph well. If you are taking a family photo, make sure that everyone matches and is comfortable. If you're uncomfortable it will show in your photos.

4. Bring examples of photos that you like so your photographer can get an idea of what you're looking for.

5. Trust your photographer and be open to ideas. You may not understand why your photographer wants you to pose a certain way or in a certain place, but as the photographer he knows what he's doing. Tell him what you want but don't dictate the appointment or it will go nowhere.

6. Hydrate your skin with moisturizer and drink a lot of water 24 hours before your photo session. This will give your skin a soft, healthy look in your photos.

7. Reschedule your photo session if you feel sick or aren't up for it. You will only waste your time if you don't feel well. Plan it for another day so you can get the pictures you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid drinking alcohol 18 hours before your photo shoot if it makes your skin red and blotchy.

• Bring a change of clothing just in case. You may like something in the mirror but it can look totally different in a flash.

• Remember that dark colors are more slimming and draw more attention to the face.

• Wear long sleeves or a sweater if you are self conscious about your weight, as bare arms can add weight.

References

• Gail Werner Photo: Making The Most of Your Portrait Session
• LaDuke: Making The Most of Your Portrait Session
• Ana Soosani Photography; How To Get The Most Out Of Your Portrait Session; Ana Soosani; July 2011