How to Prepare for Your Portrait Photoshoot

If you’ve booked a portrait session with me, this is the prep guide I share with my clients. If you’re preparing for a shoot with someone else, you’re welcome to use whatever feels helpful—every photographer works a little differently, so it’s worth checking in with yours on the specifics.

QUICK ANSWER: WHAT DO I NEED FOR A PORTRAIT PHOTOSHOOT?

A planned outfit (with backups), a small kit for hair and makeup touch-ups, water and a snack, and any weather-specific items like an umbrella or sunscreen. The rest of this guide walks through what to do in the days before your shoot, what to pack on the day, and a few things most people don’t think about.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN THE DAYS BEFORE MY PHOTOSHOOT?

• Plan your outfit early. If your photographer shared a mood board, use it as your guide—but pick pieces that are actually comfortable. Anything you tug at, fuss with, or hold your breath in will read that way on camera.
• Schedule beauty appointments at least a week out. Root touch-ups, brow shaping, and new skincare treatments should happen several days before—ideally a full week. Skin needs time to settle, and a fresh look feels more like you once you’ve lived in it for a few days.
• Rehearse any new hair or makeup look. The day of the shoot is not the day to experiment. A trial run gives you time to adjust and to show up confident instead of guessing.
• Pay attention to your nails. Hands appear in portraits far more often than people expect. Clean, trimmed nails—polished or not—make a noticeable difference.
• Make a playlist. Music that makes you feel good—confident, calm, energized, whatever helps you settle in. I play it before and sometimes during the shoot. It changes the whole feel of a session.
• Tell someone where you’ll be. Let a trusted person know your shoot location and timing. For your safety, avoid posting the exact location publicly until afterwards.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE PHOTOSHOOT?

Pack everything into one large bag. It’s easier to carry, easier to track, and easier to grab what you need quickly.

• Extra outfit options. At least one alternate, plus a layer or two for different temperatures.
• Backup shoes—especially if your main pair isn’t great for walking.
• A hair and makeup kit: mirror, a brush that smooths rather than adds frizz, lipstick, powder, hand cream, tissues or blotting paper.
• Water and a snack. Low blood sugar makes people tense; hydration helps your skin and your energy.
• A small personal kit: hand wipes, band-aids, allergy medication, mosquito repellent if we’re outdoors.
• A neutral-colored blanket for sitting or lying down without picking up grass or dirt. Choose one that’s easy to shake off.
• A lint roller. Non-negotiable if you have pets or are wearing dark fabrics.

If you can, freshen your hair the morning of the shoot. Recently washed hair has more volume and movement on camera.

WHAT WEATHER-SPECIFIC ITEMS SHOULD I PACK?

For outdoor shoots, weather can make or break the day:

• An umbrella in a neutral color or fully transparent. Patterned umbrellas pull attention and clash with most setups.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sunny shoots.
• Waterproof makeup if rain or humidity is a possibility.
• A warming or cooling drink depending on the season.

Have a question that isn’t covered here? Send me a message—I’d rather answer it before the day than have you wondering on the way to the shoot.

Photographer and author: Alina Veksler @veksalinaphotography

Alina Veksler – a creative portrait photographer based near Portland, Oregon, offering professional photography and creative direction for individuals and businesses seeking unique, tailor-made sessions defined by quality and artistry.

Want your unique story told like this? Let’s make it happen—inquire at veksalinaphotography.com