20 October 2026
How we plan a portrait session
Most of a good portrait happens before the camera comes out. Here's what we sort out first.
Most of a good portrait happens before anyone picks up a camera. By the time we meet on the day, we want the boring stuff handled so the shoot can just be fun.
Start with the why
Is it for a website, a gift, a new chapter? The answer changes everything: location, outfits, how polished or relaxed the photos should feel.
Pick the light, then the place
We plan around time of day first. Soft morning or late-afternoon light flatters almost everyone, so we pick a slot and then find a spot that works in it.
Keep outfits simple
Solid colours, comfortable fits, nothing brand new and stiff. Bring a second option if you like, and we’ll pick together.
Leave room for the unplanned
The plan is a safety net, not a script. Some of our favourite frames happen in the gaps, walking between spots or laughing at a mistake.