Have you ever wondered what a photographer would do if it were their turn to be in front of the lens? After many years (almost 20 😳) of photographing people, I've picked up some great little insights on how my clients get ready for their photo sessions—and I’ve also adopted some effective practices myself!

If I were getting ready for a maternity, family, mini, or headshot session, here are some things I’d do to make sure I’m feeling photo-ready. But if you're prepping for a newborn session? Please don’t worry about any of this! If you manage to get dressed for your newborn session, you're doing amazing.

1. Consider a Color Analysis

I know, I know, this sounds kind of extra—but getting a color analysis done can seriously elevate your photos.

Wearing colors that complement your complexion, hair, and eyes can make a huge difference! You’d be surprised by how much brighter and more vibrant you look when dressed in the right colors.

Wearing colors you feel good in can also boost your confidence when stepping in front of the camera.

While some color analysis services can be pricey, you can find more affordable options on websites like Fiverr.

2. Choose an Outfit You Know You Love

Before anything, I’d head to my closet and search for an outfit I already love and feel confident in. I love picking out one piece I’m really into—like a favorite sweater—then searching for that exact sweater (or something similar) on Pinterest. It’s a great way to see how others have styled it—I always find so much inspiration!

However, if you’re like Elaine Benes and hate everything in your closet, feel free to shop for something new! Just keep in mind that a new outfit can sometimes feel quite different from how it did in the changing room or during the initial try-on.

Fabric, fit, and overall comfort can change when you wear it for the first time, so be sure to give it a test run before your session.

I’d also make sure to have my outfits ready to go the day before, so I’m not scrambling on the day of the photo session. Trust me, something small always goes missing—like a kid’s shoe—which can really set you back and make you late. With mini sessions, there’s no wiggle room for that!

3. Prepping Your Skin

One Week Before

Knowing how much detail cameras can pick up these days, I’d want my skin to be in great shape. I might get a facial that includes dermaplaning to remove any dry skin (which can really show up in photos).

For services like this, I love The Skin Firm in South Seattle.

The Night Before and Morning of

If I had a photo session coming up, I'd definitely want to feel my best. The night before, I might use something like Frownies to help reduce fine lines, and if I’ve already been using it (this is key), I’d apply a retinol like A313 to keep my skin smooth.

I’d also do a mask I know my skin likes the night before to keep it calm and glowing. For a big hit of hydration, I’ve been loving the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask. Again, everyone’s skin is different so try something like this well before your session to be sure your skin doesn’t react negatively!

4. Hair and Makeup

Invest in a Few Key Products

The morning of the shoot, I’d use a super moisturizing lotion like La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer on my face and body for a healthy glow.

I’d also reach for trusty hydrating eye masks like COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patches to help me look awake and refreshed. Because I’d want it to last through the session, I’d invest in a setting spray to keep everything in place.

My go-to would be the On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray—its hold is incredible and would keep my makeup looking fresh all day.

Also, I promise this isn’t an ad—just sharing what actually works for me!

When It Comes to Hair

Thanks to my own hair stylist’s recommendation, lately I’ve been obsessed with the Revlon One-Step Blow Dryer Brush. It takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it legit looks like you just walked out of a salon with a fresh blowout. Super smooth, tons of volume, and no frizz (also it’s cheap!).

If I were getting ready for a session, I’d either use this brush the morning of or the night before for a really effortless, polished look.

Definitely use a heat protectant with this brush (like Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray) to keep hair healthy and reduce frizz.

When It Comes to Doing Your Own Makeup

Whether I’m doing my own hair and makeup or hiring a professional, I’d make sure it’s styled in a way that makes me feel like…me.

If I’m doing my own makeup, I’d practice my routine ahead of time to make sure it looks good on camera. I’d even consider going out for dinner or an event in my makeup to see how it looks and feels in different lighting and settings.

This way, I can see how the products wear and make any necessary adjustments. It’s an amazing way to see how my makeup holds up and make sure I feel good about my look!

Should you Book a Professional?

While I totally understand the appeal of getting hair and/or makeup done professionally on the day of, scheduling can be tricky! Sometimes we have to adjust timing due to rain/clouds, and occasionally we may need to postpone altogether.

I always let clients know the day before if a postponement is necessary, but it’s important to make sure your makeup artist or hair stylist has a flexible policy around rescheduling. To avoid any stress, try booking the first appointment of the day—this way, you’ll be photo-ready no matter what!

If I decided to book a makeup artist, I’d make sure their portfolio includes styles I love and specifically request a natural look.

It’s crucial to feel like yourself in your photos (you’d be amazed at how impactful this can be)!

A week or so before, I’d book an appointment with my regular hairstylist for a trim and my usual hair treatment—nothing drastic, just something to keep my hair looking fresh and healthy.

5. Prioritize Rest

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep! Being well-rested before your session is key—not just for your energy but for how you look in photos too! To promote relaxation and improve your sleep before a session, try doing something the night before that makes you calm (eg a bath or a cozy movie night).

Drinking plenty of water the day and night before can make a huge difference—hydrated skin looks smoother, fresher, and more luminous!

So there you have it! This is exactly how I’d prepare if I were getting ready for a photo session—focused on feeling confident, comfortable, and prepared. But listen…don’t feel like you have to do all of these things! Take whatever inspiration speaks to you and make it your own.

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