Imagine stepping into a bright studio or finding yourself in a favourite outdoor spot, with the photographer and his camera ready, and feeling a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves.
Your first portrait photography session can feel like a small adventure.
You might wonder what will happen, whether you will know how to pose, or if you will feel awkward in front of the lens.
This post will walk you through each stage of your portrait session so that you arrive feeling calm, prepared and excited about the experience.
Before the day of your session, you will usually have a conversation or meeting with your photographer. This might happen in person at a local café in Cranleigh, over the phone or via video call.
The aim is to talk through your ideas, discuss the purpose of the portraits and explore locations or styles that appeal to you.
You might choose a simple white background for a classic headshot or pick a quiet spot in the Surrey Hills for a more relaxed, natural feel.
At this stage, your photographer will ask about the intended use of the images – whether you need them for social media, a website, personal gifts or simply as a keepsake.
By discussing your goals in advance, you and your photographer can create a clear plan for the session.
Once you agree on a date, time and location, you will receive guidance on what to wear.
Simple outfits often work best, so you might select plain tops or shirts in colours that suit your skin tone.
If you are planning a few outfit changes, it is a good idea to bring a lightweight bag with options that can be slipped on and off easily. Avoid large patterns or logos that can distract from your face.
Accessories such as scarves or jewellery can add subtle interest, but too many accessories may draw attention away from you.
Comfortable shoes are important if your shoot involves walking or standing for a spell in the Surrey Hills.
On the morning of your session, aim to arrive with your hair and make-up as fresh as possible.
If you plan to use a professional make-up artist, try to schedule their work so that it is completed just before the shoot begins.
Natural, understated make-up tends to photograph well, though you can opt for a bolder look if that suits your style.
Make sure to drink plenty of water, have a light snack and get a good night’s sleep the evening before. Feeling rested and hydrated will help your skin look its best and give you energy for the shoot.
When you meet your photographer on location, they will take a few moments to ensure that you feel comfortable. They might play some gentle music, invite you to warm up with a short walk or chat through any final details.
This initial friendliness helps to break the ice and sets a relaxed tone for the shoot. The photographer will then help you into position, guiding your posture, hand placement and head angle.
Even if you have never posed for professional photographs before, you will find that clear, simple instructions make all the difference.
You might start by standing tall, chin slightly forward and shoulders back, or by sitting on a low wall with one leg raised. Each pose will be suggested and refined until it feels natural.
Lighting plays a crucial role in portrait photography.
Your photographer may use natural light, especially if you are outdoors in the Surrey Hills, or they might introduce a soft studio light to add a gentle glow.
You do not need to worry about the technical details. Instead, focus on keeping your movements slow and deliberate. Small shifts of the chin or subtle changes in expression can make a big difference.
You may be encouraged to look away from the camera or to think of a memory that makes you smile. These little prompts help to capture genuine emotion rather than a forced grin.
Throughout the session, your photographer will pause periodically to review images on the camera’s display. This is an ideal moment for you to see how the photographs are shaping up.
If a pose feels uncomfortable or if you wish to try a different expression, now is the time to speak up. The collaboration between you and the photographer ensures that the final images reflect your personality and preferences.
You will rarely be left guessing whether a shot was successful. Instead, you will enjoy a continuous flow of feedback and encouragement.
A typical portrait session might last anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours. Factors such as the number of outfit changes, the complexity of the location and the style of portraits you want will influence the length.
If you are short on time, it is better to focus on quality rather than try to squeeze in too many looks. A well-planned, one-hour session often delivers more striking and memorable images than a rushed two-hour shoot.
After the session, your photographer will select the best images for editing.
Retouching usually involves adjusting colour balance, cropping for composition and smoothing minor skin blemishes—all in a subtle way that preserves your natural appearance. The final images will be delivered through an online gallery or a USB drive, depending on your preference.
You might receive a handful of high-resolution files or a larger collection of images from which you can choose.
When you open your gallery, take your time browsing each image. Look for the shots that capture your best angles and your authentic expression.
If you are unsure which images to use for a particular purpose, your photographer can advise on which ones work best for a website, social media profile or printed portfolio.
Your first portrait session will leave you with more than just photographs. You will gain insight into how to prepare for future sessions, how to pose with confidence and how to express yourself in front of the camera. With each session, you will find that the process becomes easier and increasingly rewarding.
Get in touch if you are ready to capture your personality in a series of striking portraits.
I look forward to creating images you will treasure for years.
