Preparation Makes the Picture—Your Guide to a Successful Photography Session


Whether you're gearing up for a high-intensity sports session or a relaxed portrait shoot, preparation can make all the difference. As a professional photographer, I can guide lighting, posing, and editing—but how you prepare beforehand plays a huge role in how confident and comfortable you’ll feel in front of the lens.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you walk into your next session ready to shine.


🏈 For Sports Sessions: Bring the Intensity (and the Details)

Athletes, your focus should be on showing your skills and passion. Here’s how to make the most of your sports shoot:

✅ Uniforms Matter

  • Make sure your uniform is clean, pressed, and complete—jersey, shorts, socks, cleats, headgear.
  • Don’t forget the little things: team colors should match, laces tied, and accessories like gloves or sleeves in good condition.
  • Bring a backup jersey or gear item if possible—just in case.

🧰 Gear Check

  • Bring all necessary equipment: helmets, pads, balls, bats, sticks, shoes—whatever applies to your sport.
  • Clean your gear ahead of time. Dirt and scuffs tell a story during games, but for portraits or posed shots, polished gear looks best.
  • Want action shots? Let me know in advance so I can prepare the right lenses (like my 150–600mm) and positioning.

💪 Mindset: Show Up Ready

  • Think of this as a highlight reel in photo form—get mentally focused like you would for a game.
  • Visualize how you want to be seen—fierce, joyful, determined? We’ll bring that energy into the frame.
  • Warm up lightly to avoid stiffness, especially for dynamic poses or motion shots.

👔 For Portrait Sessions: Confidence Through Comfort & Clarity

Whether it's senior portraits, family photos, or personal branding, the best images happen when you feel like your best self. Here’s how to get there:

👗 Wardrobe Wisdom

  • Choose 2–3 outfits that reflect your style and personality. Aim for variety: casual, semi-formal, and something bold or personal (like a uniform or letterman jacket).
  • Avoid logos or heavy text unless it means something specific to your story (school, sports, etc.).
  • Stick with solid colors or subtle patterns—too many bold prints can distract from your face and expression.
  • Don’t forget shoes and accessories—they matter more than you think!

💇 Hair, Makeup, and Grooming

  • Fresh haircuts, trimmed beards, styled hair, and light makeup go a long way in how photos turn out.
  • Bring a small mirror, comb, and touch-up items if needed.
  • For outdoor shoots, consider light sunscreen and a hair tie if it's windy.

😴 Rest, Hydration, and Mindfulness

  • A good night’s sleep ensures clear eyes, natural energy, and a better mood for your session.
  • Drink water the night before and morning of your shoot to keep your skin fresh and your body alert.
  • If you're nervous about being in front of the camera, that’s totally normal—just tell me. I’ve got prompts and posing ideas to make you feel comfortable.

📝 Let’s Collaborate Before the Camera Clicks

Before any session, we’ll talk through:

  • Location preferences (field, studio, urban space, etc.)
  • Must-have shots or poses
  • Any creative ideas or props you want to bring
  • Your personality or the message you want the photos to send

The more we align beforehand, the smoother the session goes—and the more meaningful the results.


📣 Call to Action:

Every story deserves to be captured with care. Let’s make yours unforgettable. Contact me to schedule your session and download my prep guide to get started today!