You've booked your portrait session. Now what?

A little preparation goes a long way. The clients who walk away with their absolute favorite photos aren't necessarily the most photogenic — they're the ones who showed up ready. Here's everything you need to know to make your session a success.

Before you think about outfits or hairstyles, get clear on what you want these portraits to do for you.

Are they for LinkedIn and your professional brand? A personal milestone like a birthday or graduation? A gift for your family? The answer shapes everything — the mood, the wardrobe, the poses, and the final look.

When you book with Megastar Photography, we talk through this in your pre-session consultation. But the more clearly you can articulate your vision, the better we can bring it to life.

Clothing is one of the biggest factors in how your portraits turn out — and it's entirely in your control.

Colors that photograph beautifully:

• Deep jewel tones: navy, emerald, burgundy, plum
• Neutral classics: charcoal, cream, soft grey, camel
• Earth tones: terracotta, olive, warm brown

Colors to avoid:

• Neon or very bright colors (they reflect onto your skin)
• Pure white (it blows out in studio lighting)
• Busy patterns, logos, or text (they distract from your face)

Fit matters more than brand. A well-fitted outfit from any store will photograph better than an expensive one that doesn't sit right. If something pulls, bunches, or you're constantly adjusting it in real life, leave it at home.

Even if you've planned your outfit carefully, bring two or three alternatives. Lighting and backgrounds can change how colors read, and having options gives us flexibility to find what works best for you.

For headshots, bring at least:

• One formal option (blazer, button-down, or structured top)
• One smart-casual option
• One option that feels most like "you"

For everyone:

• Get a haircut or trim 5–7 days before your session (not the day before — freshly cut hair can look stiff)
• Moisturize your skin the night before and the morning of your session
• Get a full night's sleep — it shows in your eyes

For those wearing makeup:

• Go slightly more polished than your everyday look — studio lighting softens everything
• Matte or satin finishes photograph better than high-shine
• Bring your makeup bag for touch-ups

For men:

• Decide whether you want clean-shaven or groomed stubble — either works, but be intentional
• If you shave, do it the morning of your session
• A light moisturizer reduces shine under studio lights

• Lay out your outfits and accessories so you're not rushing
• Steam or iron anything that needs it (wrinkles are very visible in photos)
• Confirm your appointment time and the studio address: 24015 Van Ry Blvd, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
• Get to bed at a reasonable hour

• Eat a real meal — you'll feel more relaxed and energized
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early so you can settle in, not rush in
• Bring water and any touch-up items you might need

When you arrive, we'll spend a few minutes getting comfortable before we ever pick up a camera. We'll talk through your goals, look at your outfits together, and make sure the lighting setup matches what you're going for.

Most clients feel a little nervous at first — that's completely normal. Within the first few minutes of shooting, that usually disappears. Part of my job as your photographer is to direct you so you never have to wonder what to do with your hands or where to look.

Trying to control their own expression.

When people think too hard about smiling or looking serious, it reads as forced in photos. The best portraits happen when you're genuinely engaged in a conversation or reacting to something real.

Trust the process. Talk to me. Laugh when something's funny. The camera catches authentic moments — and those are always the best ones.

You'll receive a gallery of edited images within the agreed turnaround time. From there, you'll select your favorites for final retouching and delivery.

If you're ordering prints — and I strongly recommend it — we'll walk through the options together. There's something about holding a beautifully printed portrait that a screen simply can't replicate.

Your portraits should look like the best version of you — not a version you don't recognize. With a little preparation and the right photographer, that's exactly what you'll get.

Book your session at Megastar Photography and let's create something you'll be proud to hang on your wall.