Preparing for your first portrait session can be exciting and nerve-wracking, all at the same time.
To guarantee you make the most of your time during your headshot session, here are five essential things you NEED to know before stepping into the studio!
Express Yourself Through Your Attire
When it comes to portrait photography, what you wear can significantly impact the mood and “feel” of the final images.
All professional photographers agree: dress in a way that reflects your personality and captures the essence of your profession.
Are you a teacher, social worker, office worker, or someone in administration? A well-fitting blouse or button-down shirt paired with pressed slacks or a skirt should work great.
If your career choice is more niche, or something easily recognized by its ‘uniform’ (E.g., a profession in the medical field), a white coat or pair of matching scrubs would do the trick perfectly.
Whether you opt for a formal look or a more casual ensemble, the key is to be comfortable and authentic.
If you’re unsure about what to wear, don’t hesitate to reach out to your photographer for some friendly guidance! Their goal is to capture your genuine essence, and the right outfit can play a big role in achieving that.
Communication is the Key to Success
Clear, effective communication is fundamental to making sure your portrait session meets your expectations start to finish.
Feel free to share any specific ideas, preferences, or concerns you might have with your photographer before, during, or after the shoot. We value your input and want to incorporate your vision into the final product!
Not sure what questions to ask, or how to prepare for posing? Check out our blog, How to Strike a Pose: 13 Secrets of Headshot Posing for Beginners, for a complete list of ways to get warmed up for your big moment!
Trust Your Photographer’s Expertise and Direction
Remember: there’s a reason you chose your photographer.
Even if you weren’t the person who booked them directly (AKA, you’re an employee who recently learned about mandatory company headshots, or just found out you have a portrait session scheduled last-minute), trust that the people behind the camera have your back.
Every photographer strives to paint their subject in the best light possible. They won’t think less of you if you ask how to pose or need direction!
During your portrait session, your photographer will guide you through various poses and expressions with the goal to bring out your best features. Trust their expertise and direction, even if some poses might initially feel unfamiliar.
They know how to capture your best angles and showcase your natural beauty, allowing your personality to shine through each photograph.
Timing is Everything
For outdoor portrait sessions, especially in a bustling city like Boston, timing can make all the difference.
At Mainframe Photographics, we like to schedule our outdoor headshot sessions during the “golden hours” – the magical periods shortly after sunrise or just before sunset when the natural light is soft and flattering.
However, if an indoor portrait shoot is more suitable for you, we can create a beautifully well-lit, inviting atmosphere at our private studio!
Regardless of the setting, your photographer should work closely with you to guarantee the timing aligns with your vision and the overall mood of the portraits being generated.
Relax and Enjoy the Experience
Above all, the most crucial advice we can offer is to relax and enjoy the moment.
A calm and comfortable subject translates to the most captivating and authentic photographs.
Your photographer’s aim should be to create a warm and friendly environment—one where you feel at ease expressing yourself.
So, take a deep breath, let go of any nervousness, and trust they will capture the best version of you during your portrait session (because they will!).
Before You Go…
Preparing for your portrait shoot—whether it’s our first or your twentieth—should be an exciting and fulfilling experience!
Considering these five key points and rest easy knowing you can arrive at the studio feeling confident and ready to embrace the process.
In (or around) Boston? Searching for the best damn headshots around?
Annie and Susan at Mainframe Photographics are committed to making your portrait session a memorable and pain-free journey.
Get your single or group headshot session on the books today: