Photoshoot Preparation Checklist
Get Ready to Shine
Sometimes shoot days can feel like you’re running around like a chicken with its head off — hair appointment here, outfit change there, GPS acting up and suddenly you’re sweating before we even take the first shot.
This checklist is designed to make your shoot feel smooth, confident, and fun… not rushed and stressful.
1. Wardrobe Ideas
Plan your looks with intention, not panic.
Pick your “main character” outfit first: Choose the one look you must nail. Build the rest around that vibe.
Variety can help sometimes: Unless we agreed on one look, bring 2–3 outfits with different energy (e.g., elevated, edgy, casual clean).
Fit matters more than price: A simple outfit that fits perfectly will photograph better than an expensive one that doesn’t.
Do a full TRY-ON ahead of time: Put the whole outfit on — shoes, accessories, undergarments — and move around in it. How does it look? How do you feel about the look?
Pro Tip: Hang outfits on separate hangers and label them “Look 1 / Look 2 / Look 3” so you’re not digging through bags.
2. Skincare & Grooming
Camera-ready isn’t “more,” it’s “clean and intentional.”
2–3 days before: Avoid trying new skincare products (breakouts love to surprise).
Night before: Exfoliate lightly + moisturize. Don’t overdo it.
Day of: Keep skin clean and moisturized. Avoid super oily lotions on shoulders/arms/legs if you’re wearing something that shows skin.
Makeup + hair: Book in advance so you’re not scrambling. We know how some service providers push appt times back sometimes, so book it with enough buffer in-between that appt and your scheduled photoshoot time. If you’re doing it yourself, practice the look once in advance with outfit(s) so you know how it’ll all turn out.
Men: Line up beard/edges the day before, trim nails, moisturize skin, lip balm.
Pro Tip: If you’re getting pro glam, arrive with a clean face unless your artist tells you otherwise.
3. Props & Accessories
Props should add personality, not clutter.
Choose props with a purpose: Something that fits the theme or tells a little about you (without turning the shoot into a costume party).
Accessories elevate fast: Jewelry, watch, jacket, scarf, hat, glasses, heels — small changes = big variety.
Bring options, not everything: 3–6 strong items is usually perfect.
Think movement: Flowing fabric, coats, jackets, hair flips, champagne flutes — motion photographs beautifully.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, schedule a free phone consultation, we can decide on what looks best.
4. Pre-Shoot Confidence Boost
Confidence isn’t something you “have.” It’s something you warm up into. It’s also something I can help create while on set.
Practice 5 minutes, not 50: Try a few angles in the mirror, find your best side, relax your face.
Stretch + loosen your shoulders: Tension shows up in photos before you even realize it.
Trust the process: You don’t need to know how to pose — I’ll guide you the whole way.
Bring a hype playlist: Music instantly changes your energy and expressions.
Pro Tip: The goal isn’t to look perfect — it’s to look like you, on your best day.
5. Day-Of Game Plan
This is the part that keeps your shoot from feeling hectic.
Before you leave the house
Give yourself a “no-rush buffer”: Plan to arrive at studio 15-20 minutes early so you’re not walking in stressed.
Eat something light but real: You want energy without feeling heavy (protein + water is your friend).
Do a final check (the quick mirror test): hair, nails, lint, undergarments, deodorant (but not too much shine).
Bring everything in one system: Outfit bag + shoe bag + small essentials bag. Less chaos.
Timing your appointments
Book hair/makeup earlier than you think: Build in extra time for traffic, delays and touch-ups.
Don’t schedule back-to-back errands: Shoot day isn’t the day to squeeze in a million things.
IF possible, don’t try new services that day: New barber, new lashes, new makeup style = risky.
What to bring
Hydration: Water (always)
Touch-up kit: powder/blotting sheets, lip product, small brush/comb, hair pins
Wardrobe helpers: safety pins, double-sided tape, lint roller, mini sewing kit if you have it
Comfort essentials: slides/flip flops between looks, deodorant, tissues
Backup basics: nude undergarments, strapless bra, plain undershirt if needed
During the shoot
Tell me if something feels off: A strap twisted, a shirt bunching, you feeling stiff — speak up. That’s teamwork.
Don’t overthink every shot: The first few minutes are warm-up. The magic happens once you settle in.
Stay present: The best photos come when you stop “performing” and start being.
Pro Tip: Your energy sets the tone. Calm confidence photographs loud. Ready For Your Session?
Let’s create something bold, beautiful, and uniquely YOU!!!
““The best photos come when you stop “performing” and start being.””