What to Bring to Your Photo Session

A little preparation before your session saves a lot of time on the day. Here's what to bring, what to prepare, and what to leave behind.

Clothing

Bring more options than you think you need. For a 1-hour portrait session: 2–3 outfit changes minimum. For a branding session: 3–4 looks. Solid colors photograph better than busy prints. Coordinate with your photographer if you're bringing a partner or family — you don't need to match exactly, but you should complement each other tonally.

Avoid: brand-new shoes you haven't broken in, outfits that don't move naturally, or anything with large visible logos (unless intentional for branding).

Touch-Up Kit

Especially for outdoor sessions: a small bag with powder/blotting papers for shine, lipstick for retouches, a hair brush, and travel-size hairspray. Humidity and wind are real. A quick touch-up between locations keeps your images consistent.

Props (If Relevant)

Only bring props that are naturally connected to your session's purpose. A book for a literary-themed branding session, yes. Random seasonal props, usually no. Discuss with your photographer in advance.

A Charged Phone (But Don't Use It Constantly)

Your photographer will share preview shots and communicate via phone on the day. Keep it accessible but don't spend the session reviewing images in real time — that disrupts the flow and the experience.

Water and a Snack

Especially for outdoor sessions in summer. Dehydration affects your energy and your skin. Bring a water bottle and something light to eat if your session is longer than 90 minutes.

What to Leave at Home

Distractions: children who aren't part of the session, pets who haven't been pre-approved. Anxiety about looking perfect: that's what I'm here to handle.