How do I prep for my photoshoot?

How to Prepare for Your Photoshoot: A Complete Guide to Looking and Feeling Your Best

Whether it's a professional headshot, a branding session, a family portrait, or a personal milestone shoot, walking into your photoshoot prepared makes all the difference — not just in the final images, but in how confident and relaxed you feel in front of the camera.

Here's everything you need to know to get ready.

1. Define the Purpose and Vision

Before anything else, get clear on what this shoot is for. Are these images for your LinkedIn profile? A business website? A personal celebration? Knowing the goal shapes every decision — from your wardrobe to your location to your posing style.

If you're working with a photographer, have a discovery call or exchange mood boards beforehand. Pinterest, Instagram, and even film stills are great references. The more your photographer understands your vision, the better they can light, direct, and frame you.

2. Plan Your Wardrobe (Earlier Than You Think)

Clothing is one of the most overlooked — and most impactful — elements of a photoshoot. Don't leave it for the morning of.

Start at least one week out. Pull multiple outfits and photograph yourself in them. Check for wrinkles, fit issues, or colors that wash you out.

What to consider:

Solid colors and subtle patterns tend to photograph better than loud graphics or tiny prints, which can distort on camera.

Avoid neon or overly bright colors unless they're intentional to the shoot's theme.

Layer textures — linen, denim, knitwear — for visual interest.

Bring options. Most photographers appreciate having 2–3 outfit choices so you can vary the look.

Make sure your clothes are steamed or freshly ironed the night before.

3. Take Care of Your Skin

Great skin in photos starts days — not hours — before the shoot.

One week before: Stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and cut back on salty and processed foods, which can cause puffiness. If you want a facial or skin treatment, do it at least 5–7 days before to allow any redness to fully subside.

The night before: Moisturize well. Avoid anything new on your skin — no new serums, harsh exfoliants, or retinols.

Day of: Keep it simple. Apply your usual skincare routine and, if you're doing your own makeup, go a touch heavier than you normally would — cameras tend to flatten features and wash out color.

4. Hair: Plan Ahead

If you're coloring your hair, do it 1–2 weeks before the shoot so it looks fresh but not freshly-dyed. The same goes for a haircut — give yourself at least a week so it settles into its shape.

For styling on the day, consider whether you want a polished or natural look, and practice it beforehand. If you're booking a hair stylist for the session, confirm the style in advance and show reference images.

5. Rest Well the Night Before

This one is simple but often ignored: get a good night's sleep. Puffy eyes, dull skin, and low energy are hard to edit out. Aim for 7–9 hours.

Avoid alcohol the night before — it dehydrates your skin and can cause facial puffiness. Instead, drink plenty of water throughout the day leading up to the shoot.

6. Eat Smart on Shoot Day

Skip anything that tends to make you feel bloated or sluggish. Eat a light, nourishing meal before your session so your energy stays steady — but nothing too heavy right before you're expected to pose and move around.

Good options: eggs, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, or a simple salad. Bring snacks for longer sessions.

7. Prepare Mentally

Being photographed can feel vulnerable — and that's completely normal. A few things that help:

Practice poses beforehand. Stand in front of a mirror or take selfies in the outfits you've chosen. Experiment with how you hold your hands, where you look, and how shifting your weight changes the feel of a photo.

Review your photographer's work. Knowing their style and being familiar with the kind of images they produce can ease nerves and help you trust the process.

Arrive a few minutes early. Rushing creates tension. Give yourself a buffer to settle in, connect with your photographer, and feel present before the first shot is taken.

8. On the Day: What to Bring

Pack a small prep bag the night before so you're not scrambling in the morning:

Touch-up makeup and a small mirror

Bobby pins, hair ties, and a travel-size brush or comb

Blotting papers (for oily skin in warm conditions)

Lint roller

A bottle of water

Your reference images or mood board

Breath mints

9. Communicate with Your Photographer

Your photographer is your creative partner. Before and during the session, don't hesitate to:

Share poses or angles you love (or don't love).

Ask to see a few shots early on so you can course-correct if needed.

Let them know if you're feeling uncomfortable or need a moment.

The best photographers excel at making people feel at ease — but they can only do so if there's open communication.

10. Trust the Process

It's easy to overthink in front of a camera. But here's what most photographers will tell you: the best images almost always come from genuine moments — a real laugh, a candid pause, a natural glance.

Prepare thoroughly, then let go. You've done the work. Show up, be present, and trust that the preparation you've put in will carry you through.

Great photos aren't just about looking good — they're about feeling like yourself. Prepare with intention, and the camera will show that.