How to Prepare for a Shoot When You Have No Idea What You’re Doing

So you booked a shoot. Maybe you’ve been wanting to do this forever. Maybe a friend finally convinced you. Maybe you just woke up one day and decided — enough waiting, let’s go. Whatever got you here, I’m glad you’re here.

And now you’re wondering: okay, but what do I actually do to prepare? What do I wear? What if I’m awkward in front of a camera? What if I show up and have absolutely no idea what’s happening?

Here’s the thing I want you to know before anything else: you don’t have to figure this out alone. That’s literally what I’m here for.

First, We Have a Design Call — and It Changes Everything

Before your shoot ever happens, we sit down together for a design call. This isn’t just a quick check-in — it’s where we figure out everything together. Your vision, your vibe, what you want to feel like in these images, what you’re nervous about, what you’re excited about. All of it.

I’ll ask you questions you probably haven’t thought about yet — in the best way. We’ll talk about what these photos are for, who’s going to see them, and how you want to feel when you look back at them. By the end of the call, you’ll have a clear direction. No more staring at your closet at 11pm wondering what to do.

Outfits? We’ll Figure That Out Together Too

One of the biggest things clients stress about is what to wear. During our design call, we talk through your wardrobe options so you’re not guessing. A general rule I love: aim for three intentional outfits and one wildcard — something unexpected, something you maybe never wear out. You’d be surprised how often the wildcard becomes the shot. But even before you get there, I’ll help you think through what makes sense for the story we’re telling.

The Night Before: Keep It Simple

By the time the night before your shoot rolls around, you should already feel calm — because we’ve already talked through the plan. All you need to do is lay out your outfits, drink some water, and get good sleep. No dramatic new skincare routines. No fresh haircut the morning of (unless you are very, very confident in your barber). Just rest.

If anything comes up and you’re feeling anxious, you can always reach out. I’m more than happy to check in.

On Shoot Day: You Don’t Have to Perform

The first 10 minutes of any shoot are a little awkward. For everyone. Even people who do this for a living. That’s completely normal, and it’s something I actively help you move through. We’ll ease in, I’ll give you direction, and somewhere along the way — usually sooner than you expect — you’ll forget about the camera entirely.

That’s when the real magic happens. Not when you’re performing. When you’re just being.

And After? The Reveal Session

The support doesn’t stop when the shoot ends. After we wrap, we’ll have a reveal session together where you see your images for the first time. It’s one of my favorite parts of the whole process — watching someone see themselves the way I see them.

From the very first design call all the way to the final image in your hands — every step of this is intentional, collaborative, and built around you.

Artist Portrait on Chair

You don’t need to have it all figured out before we talk. That’s what the design call is for. Ready to start? Let’s book yours.