What to Expect During a Portrait Photography Consultation (Before Your Photoshoot)
If you’ve never done something like this before, the idea of booking a portrait session can feel like a lot. Most women (I should underscore that word “most” because this truly does apply to most people, which hopefully makes you feel less alone) start with questions like “what happens before a photoshoot"?” and “what am I supposed to wear to my photoshoot?” as well as awkward feelings, anxiousness and nerves.
Underneath all of that, there’s often a more pointed concern. “Can I actually do this?”
That’s exactly where a portrait photography consultation comes in. Not as a formality, but as the beginning of the experience.
First things first.
Before your portrait session is even booked, we begin with a discovery call. This is a relaxed conversation where we talk about expectations (yours and mine) and make sure we’re aligned before moving forward. If you’ve been wondering what happens before a photoshoot, this is your first step. There’s no pressure to book; just a conversation to see if this feels right for you. When you make the decision to book your portrait session, we’ll make two separate appointments. The consultation is the first most important thing we’ll do (I generally never do a session without one!)
What happens during a portrait consultation?
Your portrait consultation will take place right in the comfort of your own home if you live locally in Red Deer or within a short driving distance. If you feel more comfortable virtually, we can also easily do the consultation over a Zoom call!
There is structure, but it doesn’t feel rigid. The consultation is conversational and centered around you.
Plan to devote 20-30 minutes to this meeting (unless we get to talking, which is possible and even likely).
Questions you’ll be asked during your consultation
One of the first things we talk about during your portrait consultation is something you may never have been asked before: how do you want to feel when you look at your photos? A big part of portrait session planning is understanding you, your goals, and even how you would most enjoy your finished portraits.
Some of the questions I’ll guide you through include:
Why is right now the right time for you to take part in an experience like this?
How do you feel about yourself in photos?
Have you ever had professional photos taken before?
Do you prefer albums, wall art, or both?
Do you have a vision for how you want your photos to look?
There are no right or wrong answers.
This part of the consultation helps shape your entire experience.
If you’re deciding between styles, you might also want to read How to Find the Perfect Boudoir Photographer”
You don’t need to have everything figured out
One of the biggest misconceptions about portrait consultations is that you need to come in with a clear plan. You don’t. Most women don’t know exactly what they want yet, and that’s completely normal. Part of the consultation is helping you figure that out. Sometimes that means letting go of what you think you should want. You’re not expected to perform or fit into a specific type of photoshoot.
We plan your portrait session together
During your consultation, we also go through the practical details of your portrait session so nothing feels uncertain.
This may include:
reviewing your wardrobe
refining outfit choices
discussing hair and makeup options
talking about mood, tone, and overall aesthetic
This is where your session starts to take shape.
You won’t be going in to this meeting blind, either. Before your session you’ll be have access to a wardrobe guide to start brainstorming on your own. You can also check out the blog post “How many outfits should I bring to my photo shoot?” and download the photoshoot prep guide.
What about pricing and products?
Your consultation is also where I walk you through my product and pricing guide. You’ll see examples of albums and wall art, and we’ll talk about how you might want to enjoy your images after your session. When you have a photoshoot at my studio, printed products are always part of the equation in some form. One of the most important points of this whole experience is to create art that will remind you of who you are, who you’re becoming, and why you decided to do this for yourself.
Your session fee payment includes a $500 product credit, and most clients choose to purchase a collection, but what you decide to purchase is always up to you.
How you’ll feel after your portrait consultation
Most clients spend the time between booking and consultation date feeling at least a little bit nervous or unsure. By the end of the consultation we’ve built some familiarity and a weight is lifted off your shoulders. You may still feel a little nervous, but you also feel supported and capable. You understand what to expect from your photoshoot, you realize you’ve had the opportunity to be heard, and you’ve started building trust.
And that changes everything.
If you’re feeling unsure about booking a photoshoot, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re prepping for an intimate and vulnerable session or you’re just a complete newbie to the process, being in front of the camera can be overwhelming and nerve wracking. The portrait consultation is an important early step that works to calm your nerves by reassuring you that you’re not expected to guide this process. I am. The antidote to fear is information, and during the consultation you’ll be provided all the information you need to feel confident that you’ll be supported through the next steps.
Then you’ll start allowing yourself to move toward excitement and anticipation for what comes next!
If you’re curious about what a portrait session could look like for you, you’re welcome to start with a conversation.
You can book a portrait consultation to talk through your ideas, ask questions, and see if this feels like the right fit for you.