Photography
Portrait Planning Guide
Your step-by-step guide to your portrait session
YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO A PERFECT PORTRAIT SESSION
Thank you for choosing to work with me. I am so excited to get started on your portrait session.
I want to make this experience helpful and stress-free so I have created a step-by-step guide to plan your perfect portrait session. Simply follow each step below to get started.
- Select a location
- Pick your style
- Getting ready tips
- Personalize your session
- Submit your session plan
Step One
Select a Location
When selecting a location for your portrait session consider the season and style of images you want. Beach images during the winter months will look very different than beach images during the summer. There is no right or wrong; just be mindful of what type of images you want to have.
Studio
Ideal For child Portraits
Simple Backgrounds
Backlit Shots
Newborn sessions
Beach
Pismo Beach
Gaviota Beach
Santa Barbara Beaches
Wall Beach *must have base access
Outdoors
Santa Ynez Mission
Backlit field
La Purisma Mission
Alisal Guest Ranch
Local wineries
Step Two
Pick and outfit & Style
What kind of style fits you? Look for outfits that are similar to these tones and styles.
Modern
Natural
Boho Chic
Elegant
Step Three
Getting ready tips
Getting ready for your portrait session doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some simple tips to have a stress-free and fun portrait session.
A note for her:
Select an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. When it comes to your portraits, your attitude will reflect greater than your actual outfit. When you feel beautiful and confident in your own skin, the other style details will all fall into place.
So don't get overly stressed about your outfit selection. Go with your gut and what makes you feel like you! Here are some general tips for getting ready:
Best places to shop for gals:
- H&M
- ASOS
- Rent the Runway
- J. Crew
- Anthropologie
Hair & Makeup:
If you're hiring a hair & makeup artist for your wedding then consider doing a trial run for your engagement session. This is a great opportunity to test if you like a specific style of makeup or preference of hairstyle.
Don't Forget:
- Clean your ring or jewelry
- Get a manicure or take nail polish completely off
A Note for him:
If you're like most guys, then you dread taking photos. We challenge you to throw out all your doubts, insecurities, and frustrations toward taking photos because this is NOT your average portrait session. If you promise to have an open mind I promise that I will do everything in my power to make you feel comfortable and excited during your portrait session.
Best places to shop for guys:
- H&M
- ASOS
- Rent the Runway
- J.Crew
- Urban Outfitters
Don't Forget:
- Bring your ring
- Trim your beard or facial hair
- Relax, just be yourself
Step four
Personalize your session
Personalizing your session is how you make your images feel unique to you. I welcome and encourage you to bring items and props that feel like you. If you're not sure what to bring just ask, I can provide some ideas.
Pets & furry friends
Do you have a furry pet that feels like family? Feel free to bring your pets along to your portrait session.
Please note: some locations work better for pets. Please notify me that you will bring your animal so we can pick an appropriate session location.
Blankets & comfort items
Are you the snuggle up and get cozy type? Bring your favorite blankets and comfort items with you. Cuddling up next to each other with your favorite items will put everyone at ease and make for some amazing photos.
Props
Consider bringing fun props to your portrait session. Sparklers, bubbles, ice cream, instruments...whatever your ideas are we welcome them!
Let us know what your prop ideas are so that I can prepare a plan to photograph them.
Step five
Submit Your session Preferences
Please take a moment to tell us about your portrait session plan.