A professional photography session is an exciting opportunity to capture your best self. Whether it’s for family portraits, business headshots, or a special occasion, you’ll want to feel confident and look your best. At Kiefer Photography, we work with clients to make sure they not only look great but feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. Here’s a guide on how to prepare for your session, with tips for both men and women.

1. Choose the Right Outfit

Your outfit plays a big role in how you feel and look during your photo session. Selecting clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable is key.

Tips for Women:

• Stick to Solid Colors: Bold prints or busy patterns can distract from your face. Choose solid colors that complement your skin tone. Jewel tones, pastels, and neutral shades are usually a safe bet.
• Avoid Distracting Accessories: While accessories can add flair, avoid anything too loud or flashy. Simple jewelry works best for keeping the focus on you.
• Consider the Location: Think about the setting of your photoshoot. For example, if you’re shooting outdoors with Kiefer Photography, soft, earthy tones can blend well with nature, while urban settings might call for bolder choices.

Tips for Men:

• Choose Classic, Tailored Pieces: A fitted blazer, button-down shirt, or a casual sweater in neutral colors like navy, grey, or white always looks sharp.
• Avoid Wrinkles: Make sure your outfit is wrinkle-free. A well-ironed shirt or jacket can make a huge difference in the polished look of your photos.
• Layer Up: Layering adds depth to your look. Consider adding a jacket, vest, or scarf to bring some dimension to your outfit.

2. Hair Styles

How your hair looks and feels will help boost your confidence while in front of the camera.

• Wash your Hair: Wash your hair the night before or the day of your session with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Avoid heavy conditioners and deep treatments unless your hair is very dry. 
• Haircuts: A haircut a couple of weeks before your photo session can help ensure your hair looks great in the photos. Trimming split ends or getting a full cut can help make your hair look its best.
• Think about Location: Think about the location of your photo shoot when styling your hair. For example, you might want to wear your hair up for a formal setting or keep it down for a more casual location. 
• Think about the Weather: If your session is going to be outdoors, think about how the weather might affect your hairstyle. 
• Wear Your Hair Normally: You can change your hair up a little bit towards the end of your session, but you should wear it like you normally do so you feel comfortable and confident. 
• Styling: Try to use fewer styling products leading up to the shoot to avoid buildup. 
• Conditioner: A lightweight leave-in conditioner can help moisturize, detangle, and strengthen your hair. It can also help keep flyaways to a minimum.

3. Prepare Your Skin

A little skincare prep before your session can help you look fresh and vibrant on camera!

Tips for Women:

• Moisturize and Hydrate: Start with a good moisturizer to give your skin a healthy glow. Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your session to keep your skin hydrated.
• Minimal Makeup: Less is often more when it comes to makeup for photography. Focus on evening out your skin tone and adding subtle highlights to enhance your features.
• Chapstick or Lip Gloss: If your lips are dry or chapped, bring some chapstick or lip gloss to your session. Chapstick or lip gloss will add moisture to your lips, making them look natural, and not dry and cracked, in your photographs.

Tips for Men:

• Freshen Up: Exfoliate and moisturize your skin to remove any dryness or flakiness. This will help ensure your skin looks smooth and vibrant in photos.
• Beard Grooming: If you have facial hair, make sure it’s neatly groomed. If you prefer a clean-shaven look, shave on the morning of the session to avoid any shadow or irritation.

4. Focus on Posture

Your body language can make a huge difference in how your photos turn out. Here at Kiefer Photography, we are skilled at guiding clients to pose naturally, but being aware of your posture will help you feel more confident in front of the camera.

• Stand Tall: Good posture—shoulders back, spine straight—instantly makes you look more confident and poised.
• Relax Your Shoulders: Tension shows in photos. Take a deep breath, shake out your shoulders, and relax before each shot.
• Mind Your Hands: If you’re unsure what to do with your hands, ask your photographer for guidance. They may suggest holding a prop or positioning them in your pockets for a natural look.

5. Stay Relaxed and Confident

Feeling nervous before your session is normal, but Kiefer Photography specializes in making clients feel comfortable and at ease. Here are some tips to help boost your confidence and feel your best:

• Practice Smiling: It might sound funny, but practice smiling in front of a mirror before your session. Find a smile that feels natural and relaxed.
• Take a Few Deep Breaths: If you’re feeling anxious, take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves. Remember that your photographer is there to guide you.
• Trust Your Photographer: At Kiefer Photography, we have years of experience helping clients look their best. Trust in our expertise and guidance throughout the session.

6. Get Plenty of Rest

The best way to feel fresh and energized during your photo session is by getting a good night’s sleep. Tired eyes or skin will show up in photos, so make sure you’re well-rested.

• Avoid Staying Up Late: Try to avoid late nights or overworking yourself the day before your session. The more rested you are, the better you’ll look and feel in your photos.
• Avoid Alcohol and Salty Foods: Alcohol and salty snacks can make you look puffy and dehydrated. Stick to light, healthy meals and lots of water in the 24 hours leading up to your shoot.

7. Bring Props or Personal Items

If your photo session is for a specific purpose—like branding, senior sessions, or family portraits—bringing props or personal items can help add personality to your photos. We encourage clients to incorporate meaningful items to make the session more personal and fun.

Looking and feeling your best at a photography session comes down to preparation, confidence, and trusting the process. At Kiefer Photography, we work closely with each client to ensure they not only look great but also feel comfortable and natural throughout the session. By following these simple tips, both men and women can shine in front of the camera, making their professional photos memorable for years to come.