5 Prep Tips for Looking Your Best During a Portrait Photoshoot

Featured Image Caption: Portrait Photography Tips and Tricks

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With portrait photography being one of the most popular genres of this particular visual art, scheduling a photoshoot with a pro is a must if you want to have a collection of great-looking pictures that capture both your beauty and personality.

To get the best photos, having a professional photographer handle your portrait photography session is a must. An expert can give you plenty of advice and direction that will result in amazing pictures.

Professional photographers also do everything they can to ensure that you get the photos you are looking for.

As the subject, there are several things you can do to ensure that you get amazing pictures during the shoot. By preparing well, you will get fabulous photos. You will make the photographer’s job a bit easier, too.

Below are five tips that will help you prepare well for a portrait photography session:

1. Update your hairstyle at least a week before the shoot

If you want to get a haircut or change your hairstyle, do this a week or two before the scheduled shoot. By doing so, you will have time to feel comfortable with your hair and learn the best ways to style it.
If you don’t find your new hairstyle flattering, then you will still have at least a week to see a hairdresser and get a better ‘do.
You can avoid this problem by choosing a haircut that suits the angle of your face. If you’re not feeling too adventurous, opt for a hairstyle that you have tried before and you know looks great on you.
Additionally, if you have some grey hair or if your color is already faded, dye it a few days before the shoot. Have it treated as well if it looks dry and brittle.
When your hair looks great, your photos will turn out splendid overall, too.

2. Practice your facial expressions

If you want to nail the perfect look in your photos, stand in front of a mirror and try different smiles several days before the shoot.
If you are aiming to appear as a young and passionate entrepreneur or professional, work on perfecting a full or half smile. If you are a CEO or you hold a high position, opt for a neutral expression since this conveys strength and a high level of professionalism.
To avoid having unnaturally wide eyes in your photo, practice squinting your eyes slightly when posing. This will help you feel comfortable during the shoot and minimize the tendency of having that “deer in the headlights” look.
If you want to show off a natural-looking smile, think of something funny. The real emotion will not only help with your grin; it will also show in your eyes, thereby resulting in exceptional photos.
You can also try taking selfies of some of your favorite poses and facial expressions so that you will have something to look at and copy during the photoshoot.

3. Choose your outfit carefully

For the shoot, select clothes that convey the look you are aiming for. If you are having your corporate photos taken, go for outfits that make you look like a stylish entrepreneur, lawyer, or a person in power.
Focus on finding fitted blouses or dresses that flatter your figure. Choose colors that best suit your skin tone and eyes. Blue, navy, and burgundy are hues that tend to look great on nearly everyone.
Additionally, avoid prints and bright colors since they are too distracting and won’t make you look good in your photos.
If you want to accessorize, opt for elegant and simple earrings, a necklace, a watch, or a bracelet. Avoid layering jewelry heavily since this will distract from your face.
Whatever you choose to wear, try your outfit on before the big day and be conscious of the details. Once you have decided on one ensemble to wear for the shoot, don’t forget to plan to bring an extra outfit in case of any emergency or for some additional photos.

4. Get enough rest

To look fresh and your best on the big day, get enough sleep two days before the shoot.
Additionally, put on a facial mask two days before the shoot. This will help you have glowing skin on all your photos.
On the night before the shoot, make sure you get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. When you wake up feeling physically and mentally fresh, your portraits will reflect this.

5. Stick to your regular skincare and makeup routine

On the day of your photoshoot, look fresh by going about your usual facial cleansing routine.
Don’t be tempted to over-moisturize since this may cause you to have shinier skin, which will reflect under studio lights. This can lead to an unflattering glare on your face that will show in the photos.
Additionally, if you want to put on your makeup yourself, don’t over-apply or opt for a more dramatic look. Your photos should be natural representations of yourself. As such, if you usually choose a light lipstick, stick to it.
Many photography studios have in-house makeup artists if you want to look a bit more glamorous and you’re not too confident with your glamming-up skills.

As a bonus tip, arrive at the studio at least 20 minutes before your schedule. By doing so, you will have time to freshen up. If you want to have your face and hair done by a makeup artist and stylist, show up earlier.

If your photographer is not busy while you’re getting made up, chat with him or her a bit as well. This will help you feel more comfortable during the shoot itself, which will also have an impact on the overall look of your photos.

By following these tips, you will have a successful portrait photography shoot and get pictures that bring out the best in you.

By Stefanie Descheemaecker
who is the Studio Manager at Stu Williamson Photography, located at The Palm Jumeirah – Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. She has been associated with the company for almost 3 years and is driving force behind the success of the business.

Member since February, 2020
View all the articles of Stefanie Descheemaecker.