The Nerves Are Normal
Every single client I have ever photographed has been nervous before their session. Every one. That includes the most confident people you can imagine. Nerves are not a sign that you are not ready. They are a sign that this matters to you.
By the time we are fifteen minutes into the session, those nerves are gone. I have watched it happen hundreds of times. Trust the process. If you want to hear it from women who have been through it, read their stories on my testimonials page.
The Week Before Your Session
Here is what to focus on in the days leading up to your shoot:
- Hydrate — Drink plenty of water in the days before your session. It makes a noticeable difference in how your skin looks on camera.
- Avoid new skincare experiments — Now is not the time to try a new product or treatment. Stick with your normal routine.
- Get a good night of sleep — Rest shows in your face and your energy. Try to protect the night before.
- Prep your outfits — Steam or iron anything wrinkled. Try things on one more time. Pack everything in a bag so you are not scrambling the morning of. Not sure what to bring? Read my guide on what to wear.
- Avoid tight clothing the day of — Elastic bands leave marks on your skin that take time to fade. Wear loose, comfortable clothes to the session.
The Morning Of
Professional hair and makeup are included in your session. You do not need to show up camera-ready. Come with clean, dry hair and a clean face. That is it. I wrote more about how hair and makeup transforms the experience if you are curious about what that part of the day looks like.
This part of the experience is not just about looking good — it is about easing into the day. It gives you time to settle in, relax, and start feeling taken care of before we even pick up a camera.
What Happens When You Arrive
Here is the flow of a typical session:
- Hair and makeup — You arrive, get settled, and our artist gets to work. This usually takes about an hour.
- Outfit planning — We look through what you brought and put together a plan for the shoot.
- Shooting begins — I guide you through every pose, every expression, every movement. You do not need to know what to do. That is my job.
- Wardrobe changes — We switch looks a few times throughout the session. You will have privacy for every change.
- Wrap up — We finish, you exhale, and you realize it was nothing like what you feared.
You Do Not Need to Know How to Pose
I cannot say this enough. I will direct you through the entire session. Where to put your hands, how to shift your weight, where to look, how to move. You just need to show up. I handle the rest. Learn more about my approach on my about page.
The Biggest Mistake First-Timers Make
Overthinking it. The clients who have the best experiences are the ones who let go and trust the process. You do not need to be perfect. You do not need to look a certain way. You just need to show up as yourself.
That is enough. It has always been enough. Ready to book? Get in touch and let us start planning.