Photo Tips for Clients
Whether you’re preparing for a photo shoot, family portraits, or engagement photos, knowing a couple of simple tips can make all the difference in getting the photos you’ll love and treasure forever. As a photographer, I want every client to feel comfortable, and confident. So, I’ve put together a list of helpful photo tips to help you look your best and feel at ease during your session.
1. Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Confident
One of the first things I tell clients is to wear something that makes them feel confident and comfortable. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in the photos.
Avoid overly bright or flashy patterns that can distract from your face. Instead, go for solid colors or subtle patterns.
Coordinate, don’t match. If you’re taking family or group photos, aim for complementary colors rather than matching outfits head-to-toe. This creates a more natural and cohesive look.
Dress for the season and location. Make sure your outfit suits the environment, whether it’s a formal indoor shoot or a relaxed outdoor session.
Pro Tip: Bring a few outfit options to your shoot! That way, you’ll have more flexibility!
2. Practice Good Posture
The way you stand or sit can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your photos. Something as simple as good posture makes a big difference.
Stand tall with your shoulders back. This will help you look confident.
Relax your body so it doesn’t look stiff. I’ll guide you into natural, flattering poses, but keeping your posture in mind is always helpful.
Avoid slouching or leaning back too much. This can make your body look off-balance.
Pro Tip: A simple trick for a natural-looking pose is to shift your weight to one leg, which makes the pose feel more relaxed and flattering.
3. Mind Your Hands
Hands can often get overlooked but paying attention to them can make your photos look much more put together. Whether they’re placed gently on your waist, or just resting by your side, try to remember to keep your hands relaxed.
Use soft gestures that feel natural and comfortable, like lightly touching your partner’s arm or holding a prop (like flowers or a book).
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure what to do with your hands, I’ll direct you. But feel free to practice in front of a mirror before the shoot to get a sense of what looks good and feels natural.
4. Communicate and Be Yourself
One of the biggest tips I can give clients is to be yourself! You don’t need to force a smile or strike a stiff pose. Real moments, real expressions, and authentic interactions are always more captivating than anything that feels staged.
Talk to your photographer. Let me know what you’re looking for or if you have any concerns during the shoot. Whether you want playful, candid moments or something more serious, communication helps us get the images you have in mind**.**
Relax and have fun! The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the more natural your photos will look. I promise!
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about being “perfect.” Candid moments where you’re laughing, interacting, or simply being present will always result in the most beautiful shots.
5. Be Mindful of Your Facial Expressions
Your face is the focal point of most portraits, so it’s important to be aware of your expressions.
Avoid forced smiles—instead, think of something that genuinely makes you happy or makes you laugh. This helps create a natural, relaxed expression**. I’ll give prompts that will also help to get some natural smiles out of you.**
Soft, relaxed eyes are key! Try not to stare too intensely or squint too much. Instead, look into the camera or at your partner with a calm, relaxed gaze.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about your smile, try a “half-smile.” It often looks more natural and relaxed, giving your photo a genuine vibe.
6. Prepare for the Session (Hair and Makeup)
If you’re planning to wear makeup or have your hair styled for the shoot, it’s always helpful to do a trial run beforehand, or at the very least discuss with your artist your vision for your look. This ensures that you’re happy with how you look and helps you feel more confident on the day of the shoot.
Go for a fresh, polished look, but avoid heavy makeup or over-styling. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself, not someone else.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about how much makeup to wear, a little extra can help, especially under strong lighting or on camera, but keep it natural. You want to look like yourself!
7. Be Punctual and Prepared
Arriving on time and prepared is key to ensuring a smooth photo shoot. It helps maximize the time we have to capture beautiful moments and avoid feeling rushed.
Be ready to go when you arrive—this means having your outfits, and any necessary items (like makeup touch-ups or hair products) ready to go.
Pro Tip: If you’re doing a shoot with multiple outfits or locations, be sure to bring a bag with everything you might need, including any makeup or touch-ups.
8. Trust Your Photographer
This may be the most important tip of all: Trust your photographer to guide you through the session. We are here to help you look your best and create beautiful images that you love. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance on posing or what looks good on camera.
Trust the process. Even if something feels awkward at first, it often looks amazing in the photos**.**
Let go of self-doubt. I’ll help direct you, but it’s important to relax, enjoy the experience, and trust the vision we’ve created together.
Pro Tip: The more comfortable and trusting you are with your photographer, the better the images will turn out. This leads to stunning, natural photos.
9. Have Fun!
The best photos are the ones where you’re truly enjoying the moment. Whether you’re laughing, playing with your kids, or just enjoying a quiet moment, those are the moments I aim to capture. Don’t stress about the “perfect shot” – focus on having fun and just being present.
Pro Tip: If you’re ever feeling tense, take a deep breath and remember why you’re doing this—whether it’s to capture a special milestone, celebrate a moment, or simply preserve memories. The joy will come through in your photos.
I hope these tips help you feel a little more prepared and excited for your next session! Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being yourself and enjoying the process. I’m here to help you every step of the way!
With love,
Harper