What Should I Bring To A Portrait Session?
Do you know what to bring to a portrait session? 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 for a portrait session sound like more than enough to learn. Do you really need to worry about more things?
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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 one of the must-have accessories for portrait sessions. Towels and tissues are super helpful if it’s crazy hot outside, you’re inclined to sweat easily, or we’re doing stuff with water. Especially for sweat, it’ll keep it out of your eyes and keep your makeup fresh. 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 can be a lifesaver in terms of wrangling stray hairs and maintaining your look. Also, if we’re shooting outside and it’s windy, a brush will really help mitigate that lion’s mane.
6. Hairspray
Remember when I said hair has a mind of its own? Well, sometimes, some hairspray is the only thing stopping your hair from going full COVID-19 and exploding everywhere.
Hairspray is super handy on windy days or when your hair is very intricate. If you don’t usually use hairspray or gel, make sure to 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 or can’t help yourself and have to pet every dog coming within a 3-mile radius of you, then bring a lint brush to your portrait session. Keep your clothes clean and clear of stray hairs, fuzzies from a chunky sweater, or random crumbs you may pick up from sitting in your car.
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! Keeping yourself refreshed during your session provides energy and can help you relax as well. If your shoot is outside and cold out, don’t be afraid to bring some hot chocolate, tea, or coffee to your portrait session! Get warm and stay comfortable.
13. Comfy Shoes
Save the super snazzy, painfully uncomfortable shoes for when you’re shooting. Hurt feet affect your mood and your posture. If your portrait session requires a lot of walking, it’s worth having a pair of comfortable shoes.
The momentary pause to change into and out of comfortable shoes between locations will be well worth how much better you’ll feel at the end of your session.
14. Bug Spray
I’m based in Atlanta, which means I try to schedule outdoor photo sessions for early mornings or late afternoons to beat the heat. Those late afternoon portrait sessions are usually swarmed by mosquitoes and gnats, though.
And if you’re anything like me, bugs come swarming when I’m outside to feast. So, save yourself from the annoyance, the pain, and the itchy bug bites! Bring some bug spray to your portrait session.
15. 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
16. 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.
17. 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!
