Words Have Meaning, And So Does Preparation.

Meet Julie, she came fully prepared for our photoshoot. She even booked a hair and makeup artist for our session. Talk about investing in yourself!

There is always ONE!

Recently, I was photographing everyday people at their offices. I brought my little mobile studio, set up in a quiet spot, and person after person came in, each one ready in their way. Most had read the brief: wear dark colours, look presentable, and show up as your best self. And they did. People had made an effort with their hair, put on a bit of makeup, and worn clothes that made them feel sharp and confident. It made all the difference.

Then, one woman walked in, and I could tell immediately that something was off.

She hadn't gotten the memo; I mean, she had, but she hadn't if you know what I mean. She was wearing beige while everyone else was in dark tones, and her outfit didn't fit her properly. No makeup, hair untouched. She looked like she'd thrown something on that morning and completely forgotten she was about to be photographed. And the very first thing she said to me was:

"I'm so un-photogenic. I hate having my photo taken."

And that was it. From that moment on, her session was hard. She was closed off and uncomfortable, making it a real struggle to connect with her or capture a photo that truly reflected her essence. Not because she wasn't beautiful (she was). Not because the lighting was bad (it wasn't). But because she showed up unprepared, not just in what she wore, but in what she told herself. And look, we got there in the end and managed to capture a lovely portrait of her, but she made it harder for herself.

How to Set Yourself Up for a Portrait You'll Love.

Preparation matters.

And I don't just mean the obvious things like brushing your hair or putting on your favourite lipstick. Yes, those things help. Feeling good in your skin is powerful. Wearing something that fits you well and flatters your shape can give you that extra boost of confidence. Dressing like yourself, but the version of yourself that walks a little taller, makes a huge difference.

But preparation goes deeper than that.

It's also about what you say to yourself before the session even begins. That internal monologue sets the tone—whether it's one of ease and openness or one of discomfort and resistance. When you say, "I'm terrible in front of the camera," your body follows suit. You shrink. You tense up. You disconnect. And that energy always shows up in the photos.

Instead, try this:

🎤 "I'm amazing in front of the camera."

🎤 "I'm showing up for myself."

🎤 "I look great. I've got this."

You don't need to believe it 100% yet. Just say it. Fake it if you have to. You'll be amazed at how different the whole experience can be when you shift your mindset before the camera even clicks.

So here's the secret sauce:

Preparation for a successful photo session is a combination of your outfit and your mindset. Your outfit should be something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and your mindset should be one of self-acceptance and positivity. One without the other won't get you very far.

One without the other won't get you very far.

You can wear the most beautiful outfit in the world, but if you tell yourself you look awful, it won't translate.

Likewise, if you have the best attitude but you're wearing something that makes you feel off, it can chip away at your confidence.

The best portraits happen when you align both:

You feel good, and you talk to yourself like someone worth photographing because you are.

So next time you're having your photo taken, don't put your head in the sand. Don't wait until the last minute. Prepare. Plan your outfit. Do a bit of grooming. Say something kind to yourself in the mirror. Show up fully. That's where the magic happens.

And if you are keen on updating your photos for your business, let’s chat!