Do's and Don'ts of Session Day

How to be prepared

Whether you’re thinking about booking a session or if the session you already booked is right around the corner, it’s always good to do a little prep work before the big day! To help ensure your session day goes off without a hitch — and that your pics look flawless — I’ve outlined some major DO’s and DON’Ts of session day. These are based off years of experience, and things that I’ve figured out work and don’t work.

Session Day Do’s

• Eat and stay hydrated:

  Make sure you have eaten and gotten plenty of liquids.  You don’t want to feel run down or tired at your session and you want to feel your best and look your best.  I also suggest bringing water and a small snack with you to the session just to make sure you and any children will not be “hangry” and will have opportunities for a little break.

• Leave the entire day free:

  The last thing you (or the photographer) want on the day of your shoot is to have planned too much, get behind schedule, arrive late, and be in a frazzled mood for your photoshoot. That frazzled mood will show through in your photos - trust me. I suggest planning nothing on the day of your shoot. Try to take time to relax, and not stress. 

• Arrive Early:

  You know that saying “if you’re on time, you’re late”? Well, that totally applies to photography sessions. Just like you arrive a bit early to a work meeting, doctor’s appointment, or massage, arrive a good 10 minutes early to your session so we can get started right on time. When you are running late this can make you stressed and if you are having to wrangle kid can make everyone grouchy.  This will show in the photos.  So rule of thumb, be early.

• Call Me if You’re Running Behind:

  On that note, things happen. If you end up running a little late, please make sure to call us so I can plan accordingly. Communication for the win!

• Have Your Outfits Planned:

  If you’re doing multiple outfit changes (applies to seniors usually), have everything figured out and put together in advance for each person who’s being photographed. Trust me on this one. Also plan hair, and makeup far in advance so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute. It is important to do this the week prior to your session and not be getting your hair cut the day of.  In case anything goes awry it is good to have some days to regroup and figure out a new plan.

• Make Sure You’re Looking Fab:

  We’re not saying you have to spend oodles of cash, but you do want to put a little extra attention into the details. Nails should be manicured, hair groomed, and clothing pressed. Spring for the blowout if you’re feeling it. Again, this is something that should be done prior to session day.

• Be Flexible:

  Sometimes it rains, sometimes it’s windy, sometimes there’s a parade going on across the street. Roll with the punches.  

Session Day Don’ts

• Don’t Neg Yourself:

  We’re all super critical of ourselves — more so than anyone else would be — but we urge you to use this day to think positive thoughts and refrain from self-criticism. Your smile is gorgeous and the outfit you picked is perfect.

• Don’t wait on outfit choices, haircuts, makeup look etc. :

  These things are best when done a week prior to your session.

• Don’t Bring Your Squad:

  You know how it’s hard to cook in a crowded kitchen? Yeah, that. It’s fun to hang out with friends, but I promise things will go way smoother if only those being photographed, and your photographer, are present. However, I understand that there can be some nerves issues and we all have the one friend or family member that really puts us at ease and makes us laugh.  So, bringing just 1 person isn’t so bad, just notify me ahead of time that you are bringing someone so I will know how best to utilize them.

• Don’t Direct the Photographer:

  I love to know and hear about your input on what sort of vibe you’re going for, and I’m eager to see what sort of pictures you have in mind for your shoot. This is best communicated prior to your session day.  The day of, though, let me work my magic and deliver the style of images you hired us for! I will have looked over all of your input and ideas and planned them into your session.

• Don’t Stress It:

  This day is about you and your loved ones, and we want to make sure that you have the best time ever. Try not to stress too much. We’ll help you navigate those poses and ensure that your pictures turn out beautifully.

Above all just enjoy the day, relax, have fun and know you are in good hands!