Preparation Guide
Your path to the perfect portrait
I’m really looking forward to welcoming you in front of my camera soon. So that you can fully relax and enjoy the experience on the day of your session, I’ve put together a few thoughts on how to prepare. Think of this guide as a little head start for a calm, enjoyable session and portraits in which you truly recognise yourself.
If any questions come up, you can reach out to me at any time.
Time just for you
For our creative work together, we’ll plan around 1.5 to 2 hours. Immediately afterwards, we’ll sit down to review the images and choose your favourites, so you leave knowing we’ve created exactly what you were hoping for.
My tip: If you can, keep the rest of the morning or afternoon free. Without another appointment waiting, you’ll naturally project more ease and calm—and that always shows in the photos.
Your personality in focus
My tip: If you can, keep the rest of the morning or afternoon free. Without another appointment waiting, you’ll naturally project more ease and calm—and that always shows in the photos.
Clear guidance – I’ll guide you step by step with posing and expression so you never have to wonder what to do. You don’t need to rehearse anything in advance—I’ll show you how to highlight your best angles so you feel secure and at ease.
Relaxed atmosphere – We’ll explore your individual expression in a calm, encouraging setting. Many people are surprised by how enjoyable it is to lean into the creative process and see themselves in a new way.
Versatile looks – Depending on your needs, we’ll work with different outfits and backgrounds so you receive a set of images that work equally well for your professional presence and your personal life.
Wardrobe
Bring a small selection of outfits—from more formal to relaxed and casual—so we can tailor each look to the impression you want to make.
Transport – If possible, bring clothing on hangers to avoid creases. That way everything is ready to step straight in front of the camera.
Textures – Fabrics such as fine knitwear, wool, and denim photograph beautifully, adding depth and a premium feel. Large patterns and bold logos, on the other hand, tend to distract.
Layers – A blazer or jacket over a shirt or top adds structure and dimension in a way that a single layer rarely does.
Favorite Pieces & Signature Look
If you have certain favorite pieces that are part of your personal signature look – for example glasses, a hat, a jacket or a special piece of jewelry – definitely bring them to your session.
These personal details help tell your story and make your portraits feel more like you; on the day, we’ll decide together how prominently they should appear in the images.
Shoes
Even when the main focus is your face, what you wear on your feet still matters. In shoes you feel good in, you naturally stand taller and more grounded—and that subtly changes your whole presence in front of the camera.
For personal branding sessions, your shoes may be visible more often, so bring your cleaned favourites separately, especially in wet or snowy weather.
Hair & Makeup
Hair
Hair plays a key role in lively, expressive portraits. It tends to look its best on camera when it’s freshly washed and styled, with a natural, healthy shine.
If you’re planning a haircut or colour, about a week before your session is ideal so the style can settle and you feel completely at home in your look on the day.
Makeup
A soft, natural day look is a perfect starting point. Bring your usual products with you so you can adjust or refresh your makeup as we go.
Studio light can emphasise shine on the forehead or nose, so a touch of translucent powder can work wonders.
And don’t worry about small blemishes or temporary skin issues—I retouch these gently in post-production so they disappear without your images ever looking over-edited.
Would you like professional hair & makeup?
If you’d like, I can arrange professional hair and makeup for your session. In that case, we’ll go over your preferences beforehand so the styling supports both your features and the mood we want to create.
A professional styling not only gives you an extra layer of confidence in front of the camera, it also ensures a beautiful, polished result under studio lighting.
Still unsure about outfits?
Already have a few favourite outfits in mind? Feel free to send me a quick phone snapshot if you’d like a second opinion—I’m happy to help you refine the final selection. I’m looking forward to our session.