What to Expect During Your First Portrait Session

As a Michigan portrait photographer, I’ve worked with many first-time clients, and I know how important it is to feel prepared and confident going into your session. Here’s a simple guide on what to expect from your first portrait photography session, so you can relax and make the most of your time in front of the camera.”

1. Before Your Session: Communication is Key

Your portrait session starts long before the actual day of the shoot. Once you’ve booked your session, we’ll spend some time discussing what you’re hoping to achieve with your photos. Whether it’s a casual family portrait or a formal professional headshot, having a clear idea of your vision will help guide the session.

Things to Discuss:

•  – The overall style you’re going for (casual, formal, creative, etc.).
• Location options (Michigan has beautiful seasons, think parks, orchards, trails etc.).
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•  – Outfit choices that complement the setting and your personality.
• Any specific poses or types of shots you want. (But maybe no “Blue Steel poses” unless you ask really nicely.)
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•  – This pre-session consultation is also a great time to bring up any concerns or preferences, so I can make sure you feel comfortable and confident going into the session.
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2. The Day of the Shoot: What Happens During the Session

On the day of your portrait session, we’ll start by meeting at the location and going over the plan for the shoot. I always aim to create a relaxed, enjoyable fun atmosphere, so you can feel at ease from the start. Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to pose—that’s why I’m here! I’ll guide you through various poses and expressions to help you look and feel your best.

Here is what typically happens during the session:

• Warm-up shots: We’ll begin with a few casual, easy poses to help you get comfortable in front of the camera.
• Posing guidance: I’ll provide direction on posing to highlight your best features and create flattering angles.
• Candid moments: Cue the dad jokes!! Sometimes, the best shots happen when you’re not overly focused on posing. I love capturing candid moments that reflect your personality.
• Reviewing shots: Throughout the session, we can review some of the images to ensure we’re getting the look and feel you want.

If you’re having an outdoor session in Michigan, we’ll also take advantage of the natural surroundings—whether it’s a golden-hour sunset at the lake or a vibrant fall backdrop in one of Michigan’s scenic parks.

3. After the Session: What Happens Next

Once your portrait session is complete, you might be wondering what happens next. After the shoot, I’ll go through all the photos, selecting the best images to present to you. These images will be edited to enhance lighting, color, and detail.

Here’s the post-session process:

• Photo selection: I’ll narrow down the best images and provide you with an online gallery.
• Editing and retouching: If needed, I’ll offer light retouching to ensure you look your best without altering your natural beauty.
• Image delivery: You’ll receive your final images in both high-resolution format for print, and lower-resolution with our watermark for sharing online.
• Prints, Albums, and more: After you receive your link to our online gallery you have the option to select images to print through one of our amazing print shops. We love to know that your images are printed in the highest quality and hanging on your walls, so we offer a bunch of different options from prints of all sizes, albums to last for years to come, and even ornaments to hang on the tree, and everything in between. 

Most clients receive their photos within 2-3 weeks, but I’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

4. Making the Most of Your Session

To ensure your portrait session is the most amazing experience ever, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Be yourself: The best photos are often the most authentic ones, so relax and enjoy the experience!
• Trust your photographer: I’ll guide you through the entire process, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
• Come prepared: If you’re unsure about outfits or locations, I’m always available to help with recommendations before the session.
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Conclusion:

Your first portrait session is an exciting opportunity to capture amazing memories, and knowing what to expect can make the process a lot smoother and enjoyable. From the initial consultation to receiving your final image gallery, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re ready to book your first portrait session, let’s get started on creating timeless images you’ll cherish for years to come!