Portrait Session Checklist
This portrait session checklist will help you get better images from your session. It works by showing you how to prepare and the best timing for doing everything to maximize your results.
You don’t have to do everything on this list, but you should consider everything mentioned, because each of these things can have a positive impact on your portraits.
Key Takeaways
- Plan ahead. Small details add up and none are magic alone, but together they enhance your portraits.
- You don’t need to do everything on this list. All of these things are suggestions with recommendations to help you get the most out of them.
- Hair prep matters. A fresh cut or color 3–5 days before your shoot boosts both your look and your confidence.
- Go easy on lashes. Whether you choose extensions or strip lashes, subtlety will always photograph better.
- Makeup is included. Arrive with a clean naked face for best results.
- Smile confidently. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth, consider teeth whitening before your shoot.
- Mind your nails. Get a manicure the day before if your hands will show in your intended photos. Chipped polish is a pain to fix later.
- Outfits count. Dress in colors and styles that feel like you, but colors that also work well with your background.
Hair Cut & Color
Getting your hair cut and colored before your shoot can boost your confidence and make your final images look even better.
If you’re planning to color your hair, aim to do it 3 to 5 days before your session. This timing gives any dye stains time to fade and allows the color to settle in properly.
It’s also the perfect window to shape your brows or wax your face, especially if we’re capturing close-up shots like headshots.
Even if you’re not coloring your hair, a fresh trim still makes a big difference.
When you feel good about how you look, that positive energy naturally comes through in front of the camera.
For a little extra polish on the day of your shoot, consider booking a blowout at your go-to salon that morning.
It gives my makeup artist a clean, styled base to work from as they finish your look.
Blowouts are completely optional, but clean, dry hair is essential.
Please skip any leave-in products, since my artist may need to use heat tools to style your hair.
Finally, resist the urge to try a brand-new hairstyle right before your session.
Resist The Urge To Try New Hair Styles
Stick with a look you already know flatters you. That way, you’ll love every photo and won’t be left with photos of a hair style you regret.
Makeup
Good makeup is invaluable for enhancing your portraits. The goal is to optimize your photos before any Photoshop for best results
Even if you’re not usually a makeup person it’s always a good idea have a natural look professionally done.
A professional naked face look does two things. The first is that it even’s out your skin tones which reduces the amount of editing needed in Photoshop.
The second makeup does is it mattifies your skin which is more flattering under lighting.
By perfecting your appearance in-camera, I can refine your photos to achieve a high-end, polished look.
That’s why every photo shoot with me includes hair and makeup. It truly makes a significant difference in your final images.
For the best makeup results, exfoliate and moisturize your face the night before your photoshoot.
On the morning of your session, it’s best to arrive with a clean face that is free of any products.
If you choose to apply moisturizer, do so a few hours before your makeover. Make sure the product contains no SPF, glitter, or other reflective elements.
Eyelash Enhancement Options
Good makeup brings out your eyes, but lash extensions or even strip lashes can take them to the next level. Both options work well, though they come with different pros and cons.
The key is to avoid overdoing it. Super thick or long lashes can look like caterpillars above your eyes. Knowing how to look good in pictures often means choosing subtle enhancements that highlight your best features. Less really is more here.
Lash Extensions
Lash extensions involve gluing lightweight lashes to your natural ones. You can choose the length, curl, and thickness to match your style.
For the most natural look, a lash artist applies a single extension per lash. For more volume, they can fan out multiple tiny lashes from a single point. These are called 2D to 4D lashes.
My Favorite Lash Tech in Santa Rosa
Be careful with high-volume lashes. If they are not applied well, they can look clumpy and overdone. That is why it is important to go to someone who knows what they are doing.
If you are local, I highly recommend Ducky Rickman. She is fantastic and knows exactly how to enhance your eyes without going too far. You will walk out feeling confident and photo-ready. Her extensions are the best you can buy before your photo shoot.
Strip Lashes
If lash extensions aren’t in your budget, strip lashes are a solid alternative. Strip lashes are applied along your upper lash line during your makeover and they’re included at no extra charge. They look great when your eyes are open and in 1/2 and full length portraits.
The only time they might fall short is in close up headshots or beauty portraits where your eyes are closed or looking down. In those cases, the band of the strip can be super noticeable and distracting. In all other scenarios though they can really help enhance your eyes if you have thin lashes.
Strip Lashes Don’t Have Maintenence
What many women don’t realize until they get lash extensions for the first time is that you have to fill them every 2-3 weeks once you have them. This is both expensive and time consuming which is another advantage strip lashes have over lash extensions. Once you’re done with these, you take them off and that’s it.
Your Smile
The next item on your portrait session checklist is teeth whitening. While not necessary for everyone, particularly younger individuals, it can be beneficial if you’re older or consume substantial amounts of coffee, red wine, etc.
I’ve encountered clients who have been self-conscious about the color of their teeth and guard their smile.
Eliminating insecurities prior to your photo shoot contributes to better photos, as it lets you concentrate on your photographer’s guidance rather than worrying about any perceived flaws, like the shade of your teeth.
A confident, natural smile can make or break a portrait this is something you should address well in advance of your photos. To state the obvious, teeth whitening is always best handled by your dentist because:
- Your dentist has access to superior, prescription-grade products that you can’t purchase online or over the counter.
- Seeking advice from a dentist is more reliable than taking recommendations from a photographer’s blog (like this one).
Nails
The last personal care detail to consider for your portraits is your nails. If you’re only taking headshots, manicuring your nails isn’t necessary since your hands won’t be featured in the photos.
For 3/4 or full-length portraits where your hands are visible, you might want to think about getting your nails done.
Personally, painted nails don’t sway me either way. For your photos, what’s crucial is that nail polish is either entirely present or completely absent.
If you opt to manicure your nails, the optimal time to schedule your appointment is the day before your photo shoot to minimize the chance of chipped polish in your photos.
It may seem minor, but details like chipped or grown out polish can really stand out in photos. This timing ensures your nails are in the freshest state possible for your final portraits.
Outfits
Now that you’re versed in preparing your body for a photo shoot, it’s time to discuss the outfits you’ll don for your portraits.
While everyone has unique stylistic preferences, it’s important to choose ensembles that reflect your true self.
One universal consideration is how your outfit’s color will harmonize with your photo shoot location.
This post about color-coordinating outfits should assist you in selecting colors and prints that enhance your photos, preventing any jarring color discrepancies.
Good Places to Rent Clothes For Portraits
It’s always a good ideas to have at least one nice outfit that’s yours. If you want additional looks, but are on a budget, consider renting some outfits for your photo shoot. Renting is a good way to get a few extra looks on the cheap, even from designer brands. The following are some good places to start:
- Rent the Runway Unlimited: Rent Designer Fashion for Women.
- Tulerie: Peer to Peer Clothing Rental Community.
- Rainey’s Closet: Rent Stylish Children’s Clothing & Maternity.
- Infinite Style by Ann Taylor: Rent Stylish Clothes With Professional Options.
- Express Style Trial: Rent the Latest Styles for Men & Women.
