How to correctly prepare yourself for a portrait session to get interesting and emotional photos during the studio photoshoot? Why is it crucial to take the right steps while getting ready both physically and psychologically?
A good mood and attitude will positively affect the quality of the pictures. Depending on what type of photo session you are going for: whether it’s a family shoot, children photo session, high school senior shoot, or a business headshot session – the preparation steps may differ. Although different photo sessions require a unique approach to preparation time, the main points for a successful portrait photoshoot are the same.
This article will discuss some of the most important steps you can make when preparing for a professional studio portrait photoshoot. Let’s dive into the details of how to better prepare for a successful and fun portrait photo session.
If you are looking for a portrait photographer in the Sacramento, California area, Bidun Studio Photography will gladly offer you our services. You can see more of our photography style and portfolio here.
GETTING READY FOR A STUDIO PHOTOSHOOT
Creating portraits in the studio is the best option, but you need preparation both from a photographer and the client even here. Without planning, you may get an unsatisfactory result.
At Bidun Studio Photography, the preparation time starts with the consultation. A consultation meeting is where the photographer is learning about the client’s vision for their portraits. Based on the information that the photographer learns about the client, they can tailor the experience to their exact wishes. During this time, the photographer recommends styling, props, and activities to best showcase your personalities and special bond.
Below, you will find all the steps that need to be taken to prepare for your portrait session properly.
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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE FOR YOUR PHOTOS?
The question is actually more complicated than it seems. Especially if you answer it honestly. There is no wrong answer, but the more accurate your answer will be, the better the result will be. Having determined your goals, both you and the photographer will clearly understand what you are doing and why.
Why do you want photos:
- for social media networks;
- work or business portfolio;
- for personal memory;
- for a creative portfolio;
- a few of the above.
Be honest with yourself, and it will become clearer what photos you need.
FIND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY REFERENCES
We understood why you are taking pictures. The next step is to select the reference images. References are example photographs that inspire you and show the photographer what images you are looking for. They must be in approximately the same style and the same location setting. References can inspire or simply create an atmosphere.
Where should you look for reference images?
Once you choose the photographer you want to take photos with, you should be familiar with their photography style, since this attracts you. Your best bet for finding references is by looking through that photographer’s website and portfolio. Save or screenshot the images that you like the most from their collection.
To find our studio photoshoot reference images, see the Bidun Studio Photography site.
It’s no secret that in this day and age, we all have social media accounts where we follow our favorite singers, movie actors, and people we sympathize with. When it comes to reference search, think about the images you’ve seen on these actors’ profiles – you will find many different examples of photos.
You can also add reference images to your mood board with photos taken by other professional photographers. These are easy to find on social media platforms such as Instagram by using a simple keyword and hashtag search. Instagram offers a convenient way of saving your favorite images right on their platform, which you can refer to later.
Pinterest is probably the best and most popular tool when it comes to visual search. You will be able to find great inspirations on Pinterest once you know exactly what type of images you are looking for.
Don’t forget about Google as another useful tool for finding visual reference ideas. Many of these images will be of high quality and will serve as an excellent reference for your future professional portrait photoshoot.
REST WELL BEFORE THE PHOTOSHOOT
It’s crucial to arrive at the portrait session well-rested and fresh. Plan to get a full night’s sleep the night before the photo shoot, and you won’t regret it. A few benefits from this are that you will be in a much better mood and enjoy the process of a photoshoot instead of just waiting for it to be over. You will also look better on the face with sparkly eyes and smile on your lips.
Getting a proper rest applies to family photo sessions even more. Families with children know very well how cranky the little kids can get if they are tired and sleepy. It’s best to schedule your family photo session around the kids’ nap schedule for the photoshoot’s best results.
We recommend reading our post on Kids Photography Tips to get the best images during the family and kids photoshoots.
HAIR AND MAKEUP TIPS FOR THE PORTRAIT SESSION
Depending on the type of photoshoot, you will need some kind of cosmetic interference. A professional makeup artist and hairstylist will be your best candidates for this. You can find your own specialist, or we can suggest some local professional specialists to help prepare you for the studio photoshoot.
If you decide not to delegate this matter, then the main tips will be as follows:
- Makeup – Stick to your image; go for a natural look, do not overdo it.
- Manicure – Check for chipped nails, only neutral color nail polish.
- Eyebrows – Do not overdo it.
- Hairstyle – Make sure your hair is washed, and style it with wavy curls or any hairstyle that you prefer. We will experiment with putting the hair up or doing something different during the photo session.
- Mustache or a beard – If the photoshoot is “relaxed/casual” – a slight mess of hair is even welcome. For a business headshot portrait – make sure your hair and facial hair is neat and clean.
The person’s eyes are the center of attention in a portrait, and the photographer must do an excellent job highlighting this important feature. It’s crucial in portrait photography to have a sharp focus on the eyes, as every viewer tends to make eye contact with the subject.
Read my key points on how to help your eyes stand out in a portrait during a studio photoshoot.
HOW TO CHOOSE OUTFITS FOR THE STUDIO PHOTOSHOOT
When giving general recommendations for everyone – I advise on timeless outfits and clothing. These outfits will make it hard to tell when the photo was taken; at the same time, they never go out of style. Neutral colors are best for photos – shades of gray, beige, brown, at times black and white clothing. Depending on the type of studio photoshoot, you can bring in jackets, coats, dresses, skirts, shirts, t-shirts (without prints).
Stay away from bright colors, prints, patterns because they attract attention. The main thing in portrait photography is yourself. Wear something that you like, something you are comfortable in.
For more ideas on preparing outfits for your photoshoot, read our detailed post – Top 5 Outfit Ideas For Family Pictures.
Remember to bring a clean pair of shoes for your photoshoot. Your shoes should fit your look both in style and color. For instance, if you are wearing a classic dress, then flip flops will not work. A man wearing shoes without socks can look stylish.
ACCESSORIES IN PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
If you like accessories and want to get more creative portraits, bring in favorite jewelry pieces or glasses if they suit you. An experienced photographer will be able to create interesting shots with them. We will experiment with reflections, hard light, and different poses for more artistic portraits.
If you love hats and they look good on you – take some with you to the photoshoot. Ensure that a specific hat complements the outfit you are wearing and will work well with the style you are going for. Hats work exceptionally well combined with classic clothes – coats, or a traditional dress/suit.
PHOTOGRAPHY POSES AND ANGLES
POSING. During the photoshoot, breathe evenly, often try to breathe through your mouth, and narrow your eyes more. Doing so will give you a more mysterious facial expression. Ask the photographer to show what comes up on the screen – tell him what you like and what you don’t like. The main task of the photographer is to take photos that you love.
Start with poses where you can find support. Lean on the back of the chair, sideways on the wall, on the table. Interact with location, items, move around. Once you are more used to being in front of the camera, the posing will become more natural and relaxed.
I have devoted a full article on posing tips for portrait photography: Posing Tips For Women Portrait Photography.
ANGLES. It’s the photographer’s job to know the angles that work best for your body type. But you should also know about some of the nuances. If you are slightly overweight, the angle from above is best suitable for you. It hides extra chins and makes the body look slimmer. The view from below is the opposite. The person loses the neck, and all the extra chins are in full view.
It is better to photograph slightly sideways, facing the light – so the figure is more beautifully emphasized. If you have fuller arms, and you want to hide/slimmer them – hands on the waist is your way out.
SET THE RIGHT MOOD FOR YOUR PHOTOSHOOT
As much as it is in your power – come to the photo session in a good mood. Eat a cake on the eve, drink coffee, and get enough sleep – all for a good mood. Because if you have an unhappy face during the whole photoshoot, it will not help you, no matter how experienced the photographer is.
Remember – beauty is a relative thing. Depending on time, territory, culture, religion, and other points, beauty principles are different. The most important element of beauty is self-confidence. You are what you are. Accept yourself, love yourself, be yourself. This is very ordinary and predictable, but the principle is simple and sincere.
STUDIO PHOTOSHOOT IDEAS
We’ve discussed the top tips on how to prepare for a studio portrait session. Now you know the key aspects that go into a successful photoshoot. Let’s explore some photoshoot ideas that you can implement in your studio portrait session.
FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY IN STUDIO
Fine art portraits are truly one of a kind. They are set apart from other portrait photography genres by particular color tones, poses, and style. Fine art portraits are images that are meant to be printed and displayed on the walls of your home. These portraits capture the personality of the subject in a timeless and artistic way.
Fine art portrait photography requires outfits that are rather simple and in darker tones. The outfit color or style should not steal the attention from the face and its expression. This photography genre was especially popular during the renaissance time, but nowadays, we see more of contemporary fine art.
Fine art portraits are not some spontaneous snaps, but carefully planned out and executed pieces of art. There are specific ways that photographers pose their subjects in this photography style. Learn more about Fine Art Portrait Photography from our detailed post.
SENIOR PHOTOSHOOT IDEAS IN STUDIO
The traditional way of taking senior headshots is in the studio. These are the standard portraits that go into the school yearbook. This type of quick photoshoot won’t give you much opportunity for creative senior portraits. That’s why nowadays, the majority of seniors opt-in for an artistic lifestyle photoshoot outdoors. High school seniors love to show a bit of their personality, style, and talents through their pictures, and that’s what professional senior photographers concentrate on.
You can find many fun and creative ideas for an outdoor photoshoot in our Senior Picture Ideas Guide.
So, is the idea of in-studio senior portraits completely dead? Not at all. Some senior photographers specialize specifically in creative studio sessions. Photographing in the comfort of the studio allows them to schedule sessions at any time of day and in any season.
SENIOR GUYS PHOTOSHOOT IDEAS
Shooting in a spacious photography studio allows us to implement different and unique senior photoshoot ideas. Athletic pictures for senior guys are among the most preferred photoshoot ideas when clients are looking for high-quality images. Images taken in the studio are significantly crisper and seem like magazine quality portraits.
Overall, the studio setting appeals more to male clients. Senior guys appreciate the masculine backdrops that photographers can use and bring in their personal items to use as photo props. It’s easier to personalize the senior photoshoot when clients include items that help to represent their character. For more ideas on how to better customize your photoshoot, read our post – Senior Picture Ideas for Guys.
SENIOR GIRLS PHOTOSHOOT IDEAS
Although most female seniors choose to have an outdoor photo session, it’s not impossible to have a fun and artistic in-studio photoshoot. An in-studio portrait session will allow them to have quick and convenient outfit changes and convenience with hair & makeup touch-ups. Most studio locations have outdoor access, which the photographer may utilize for snapping a few extra images adding to the senior gallery.
To keep the senior pictures from looking boring or posed, the photographer can turn on the client’s favorite music track, lead a friendly conversation, and give the subject some action advice. Some seniors tend to be very shy, as this is often their first professional photoshoot. But all they have to do is trust the photographer and listen to his/her posing advice.
Posing is an essential factor in a studio photoshoot. Without the key posing knowledge, the photo session won’t be successful. Different photography genres have their own posing approach – feminine, masculine, glamour, playful, or formal. A professional senior photographer knows which poses will look best for your session while considering your body shape. We discuss this topic in much detail in our Posing Tips for Portrait Photography article.
FAMILY PHOTO SESSION IDEAS IN STUDIO
Family portraits in the studio will look exceptionally beautiful if photographed in a fine art style. These portraits will be worth printing and displaying on your home’s walls or in a family album keepsake. Pick an outfit color theme that complements the studio setting and looks amazing on you. The photographer will do his magic of creating memorable and lively portraits of your family.
In family pictures, it’s possible to get a variety of images by merely changing the poses. From different sitting poses to standing poses – there are so many ideas for family pictures in the studio. Also, don’t forget to get smaller group photos such as kids by themselves, parents by themselves, mom with kids, dad with kids, etc.
Remember that the moments captured today will be the memories you will treasure for a lifetime. Invest in your family’s memories, as these are the images you will value more and more with each year.
For ideas and visuals on which photoshoot outfits look best for a family photo session, see our Family Pictures Outfit Ideas and Tips post.
CHILDREN PHOTOGRAPHY IN STUDIO
Children photography in the studio begins with a newborn photoshoot. The best location and setting for those special newborn pictures is in the studio. The photographer sets up the backdrops, the lighting, the newborn props – all in the comfort of a cozy studio room. Babies love the warm and cozy environment and usually behave the best up until they are approximately three weeks old. The optimal age for newborns to be photographed is from birth and up to two weeks old.
The next milestones for babies are at three months old – when they can lay on their stomach and lift the head; six months – the baby can sit up on her own; and one-year-old – the time when the baby starts walking. Many parents love documenting these essential milestones in their baby’s life.
While newborn photography requires special skills from the photographer, in addition to all the props – other children’s photoshoots are not as demanding. A basic understanding of a child’s personality and likes will be a huge bonus for the photographer. It’s important to befriend the little client and build a good relationship during the photoshoot. Once the child is not intimidated by the big camera and relaxes – the photographer can capture their genuine smiles and emotions.
We share many tips and ideas for successful kids photography in our detailed guide.
HEADSHOT PHOTOSHOOT IDEAS
Headshots are primarily taken in the studio. Business headshots, actor headshots, model headshots, or any other headshots are often required to be made in a studio. Whether you need to update your website, a business card, or a social media account – you need a high-quality professional headshot. A smartphone selfie just won’t do. A quality business headshot will show that you are an expert in what you do.
Casting directors look through thousands of submissions and profiles before choosing an actor or model who’s portfolio looked the most professional. Actors and models must invest in a quality image portfolio. Doing so will up their chances of getting hired for that job. Studio headshots will be of much higher quality and suggest that you are a very serious candidate to the casting agent.
PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY IN STUDIO
Personal branding portraits, just like business headshots, is something that business people and entrepreneurs need. This photography genre is somewhat new, but the demand for it is quickly growing. Any entrepreneur seeking to build their website or enrich their social media platform will significantly benefit from a personal branding photoshoot.
If you are a businessman, you can take pictures in the studio or utilize your business workspace for a more personal approach. Lawyers, judges, politicians, and anyone else will look sharp and professional in a studio setting. Carefully picked out poses and angles will skillfully highlight your professionalism.
See for yourself how professional personal branding portraits can help your image stand out from the competition. Read our Photography Guide for Entrepreneurs.
CONCLUSION
It is necessary to prepare for a studio photoshoot. The more carefully you plan out, the better the result will be. There is a chance that having let the planning go by gravity, everything will go well, but it is not worth hoping for it. Take action. The future of your photo shoot is in your hands.
Our Sacramento Photography Studio will gladly help you with tips and ideas on properly preparing for a photoshoot of your dreams. A portrait photo session is a special time that captures the essence of who you are as a person, leaving you with timeless images at the specific time of your life. You deserve to get high-quality portraits, so do everything in your power to prepare for it well.
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Photographer: Sergey Bidun
Written by Maria Bidun
