What Should I Bring To A Portrait Session?

Do you know what to bring to a portrait session in Atlanta? I know, I know — you’re already anxious about looking your best and trying not to look goofy when you pose. Clothing and makeup tips sound like more than enough to learn. Do you really need to worry about more things? Most of this list applies whether we’re shooting in a studio or out on location. A few items are specifically for outdoor sessions, and I’ll flag those as we go.

Items To Keep You Looking Good

1. Mirror

It’s worth having a pocket-sized mirror or your phone handy to check your hair and make-up periodically during your session. Catch stray hairs, blemished lipstick, etc. I’ll point stuff like this out during the session, but I’m not going to get that spinach out of your teeth!

2. Makeup

Guys, don’t scoff. A little bit of foundation goes a long way. If you are wearing makeup for your session, then make sure to bring some to the shoot for touch-ups. You’ll be grateful, especially if it’s hot outside, a super long session, or we break for food/coffee. Finish strong and just as dashing as when you started.

3. Towel / Tissues

These are must-haves for outdoor sessions especially. Towels and tissues are lifesavers if it’s blazing hot, you sweat easily, or we’re doing something with water. Georgia summers also have a habit of dropping a surprise afternoon shower on you with zero warning, so a small towel doubles as a quick dry-off in a pinch. Remember to dab, not rub!

4. Chapstick

If it’s windy or cold out, chapsticks can be a lifesaver — a small creature comfort but also a way to keep your lips looking fresh and clear. Try to stay away from any that make your lips super shiny, though.

5. Comb/Brush

Hair has a mind of its own, and sometimes fingers just don’t cut it. A brush or comb is a lifesaver for wrangling strays and maintaining your look. If we’re shooting somewhere elevated and exposed — like the rooftop at Ponce City Market — wind becomes a real factor, and a brush will save you from spending half the session looking like you just stepped off a rollercoaster.

6. Hairspray

Remember when I said hair has a mind of its own? Well, sometimes hairspray is the only thing standing between you and full chaos. It’s especially handy on windy days, at elevated outdoor spots like Arabia Mountain, or when your hair style is intricate enough that one good gust ruins everything. If you don’t usually use hairspray or gel, test it out before your session — the day of your portraits is not the time to experiment.

7. Hair Ties

If you want a quick and easy way to change your look by modifying long hair, consider bringing some hair ties. If you don’t recall, hair’s gonna do what hair’s gonna do. A hair tie is a quick way to negate the effects of wind or go from formal to casual super quickly.

8. Lint Brush

If you have a pet at home or you’re the kind of person who can’t walk past a dog without saying hello (the Beltline is basically a dog parade), bring a lint brush. Keep your clothes clear of stray hairs, fuzzies from chunky sweaters, or whatever you picked up sitting in your car on the way over.

9. Clothespins

Clothespins are excellent for modifying clothing. Sometimes, a pose is perfect, but you have to tighten your shirt or sweater to show off how awesome you look. These are quick clips to pinch clothing and ensure the fit is flattering.

10. Safety Pins

Like clothespins, but more for emergencies, safety pins are great for fixing a dress where the zipper snapped or a button popped off from a pair of pants. Portrait sessions are usually pretty relaxed, but occasionally accidents happen. A couple of safety pins can save the day and keep you posing in your favorite outfit.

Items to Keep You Happy

11. Snacks

Seriously, a quick munchie can do wonders for your energy and mood. Stay away from snacks that drip or are particularly messy, though. You don’t want to risk messing up your makeup or clothes.

12. Water

Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated! Atlanta’s humidity is no joke, and even an indoor studio session can leave you feeling more drained than you expect. If we’re shooting outside and it happens to be cold out, don’t be afraid to bring hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. Get warm, stay comfortable, and keep your energy up.

13. Comfy Shoes

Save the snazzy but painful shoes for when we’re actually shooting. Hurt feet affect your mood and your posture, and if we’re walking between spots in East Midtown near the High Museum and the Fox, strolling through downtown Decatur, or shooting in front of the Krog Streeet Tunnel, you’ll be on your feet longer than you think. The quick pause to swap into comfortable shoes between locations is absolutely worth it.

14. Bug Spray

I schedule outdoor sessions for early mornings or late afternoons to beat the heat, but those late afternoon sessions — especially near Piedmont Park or Sope Creek — come with their own welcoming committee of mosquitoes and gnats. If you’re anything like me, bugs treat you like a buffet the moment you step outside. Bring some bug spray and save yourself the misery. (Outdoor sessions only — no mosquitoes in the studio, I promise.)

15. Umbrella / Rain Jacket

Atlanta weather has opinions, and it doesn’t always share them in advance. We could be shooting in 80-degree sunshine one hour and watching a thunderstorm roll in the next. In April especially, it’s not unusual to go from shorts weather to needing a jacket in the same afternoon. A compact umbrella or a packable rain jacket takes up almost no space and can save a session. (Outdoor sessions only — but if it’s useful, here’s what to do if it rains on your Atlanta photoshoot.)

16. Spare Bag (for electronics, accessories, wallet, etc.)

When shooting, I always ask my clients to remove from their pockets and wrists any phones, wallets, keys, watches, hair ties, etc., if those items are not part of the shoot. Instead of lying them on the ground, bring a small bag to gather and carry them. You’ll know where everything is and keep it all clean during your portrait session.

Other Items to Bring

17. Hangars

If you’re changing into multiple outfits for your portrait session, I highly recommend bringing some hangers. Keep your clothes off the floor to avoid wrinkles and dirt! I always bring a spare light stand to portrait sessions. You can use this stand as a clothes rack, giving your hangers and clothes a place to go.

18. Props

Have some fun and choose some props to bring to your portrait session! These can be accessories or items that help tell the story of your photos.

Seniors should bring props that show off their hobbies and extracurricular activities. If you’re doing branding portraits, bring along the tools that help you do the job! Or, be silly and bring some props to be goofy. Getting your picture taken should not be a stuffy experience. Have some fun!

I hope you found this list helpful! Not every item will always be applicable or necessary but this is a good starting point on what to pack for a portrait session. Bring things that make sense for your photoshoot, and check if your photographer will already be bringing stuff!

Leave a comment below or email me if you have questions about this list or have suggestions for what to bring to your portrait session or more helpful tips!