General Photo Session Checklist

Pack For A Successful Photo Session!

Choose the appropriate checklists

A successful photo shoot starts long before the camera clicks, and our Photo Session Checklist is here to guide you every step of the way. From outfit planning and prop selection to timing and location tips, this checklist ensures you’re fully prepared for a smooth, stress-free experience. With our Photo Session Checklist, you’ll feel confident, organized, and ready to capture stunning images that reflect your style and story.

On This Page

Preparation

Multiple Wardrobe Changes Are Very Important To Keep Pictures Interesting.

Pack Days Ahead

  • Pack a suitcase, large bag or box
  • I will adjust wardrobe for changing skies and backgrounds
  • Feel free to send ideas, questions and pics

Wardrobe

You can normally change wardrobe every half hour.
Please bring multiple wardrobe changes.

Casual

Styles:

  • Tank crop top, spaghetti strap crop top, v neck tank, strapless crop top, strapless tube top, spaghetti strap crop tube
  • Your favorite or memorable tops
  • Shorts, long skirts, short skirts, pants

Casual Colors:

  • Blue, purple, red, mauve, pink, magenta, teal, orange, yellow, light gray, white, black
  • BAD Greens, browns

Dresses

Styles:

  • Hippie dress, sundress, formal, evening, costume, period dress

Casual Colors:

  • Blue, purple, red, mauve, pink, magenta, teal, orange, yellow, light gray, white, black
  • BAD Greens, browns

General Tips

  • Personality Choose the clothes that match your personality
  • Textures should be thin and smooth so it hugs or flows over your body
  • Undergarments should be unnoticeable, smooth, close fit and a non-bunching
  • Tight Clothing should be smooth and free of heavy seams and distractions
  • Loose Clothing should be thin and flow over your body, not constrict it
  • Swimsuits, Bikinis and Thongs should be smooth, close fit and non-bunching
  • Sheer Clothing Use unnoticeable pasties and skin or white bikini-thong bottoms
  • No Nude Pictures

Props

Please Bring Some Of These Items

  • Hand Bag or Purse
  • Small Hobby Items
  • Books
  • Mugs, Cups, Wine Glass

Optional Ideas

  • Small Mirror
  • Hand Fans
  • Empty Picture Frame
  • Baskets
  • Cushions
  • Stuffed Animals

Patterns and Textures

Patterns
You do not want to compete with your clothing

  • Solids are best, paisley or hippie
  • BAD – Extreme outfits that draw the eye away from your face

Textures

  • GOOD – Smooth body hugging or flowy cloth
  • BAD – Ruffles, bunching, excessive folds, heavy stitching, thick padding, double cloth

Accessories

Please Bring Some Of These Items

  • Jewelry
  • Boots
  • Casual Shoes
  • Sandals
  • High Heels
  • Flops
  • Favorite Hat
  • Big Hats

Optional Ideas

  • Wraps
  • Jackets

You do not have to go strictly by the Photo Session Checklist. Bring items that match your personality, hobbies or your favorite sport.

Hair Styles

Change It Up

  • Headbands
  • Scarfs
  • Pigtails
  • Ponytails
  • Clips and pins
  • Quick Bun

It’s best to show with the most time consuming look, then do fast changes during the session. There is no time for extensive hair changes such as braiding.

Makeup for Outdoor Sessions

Good

  • Show Up With A Natural Makeup Look
  • Clear Lip-Gloss and Mascara will do just fine
  • Setting Powder is essential to reduce shiny skin, but only apply if I ask
  • Bring Towel to dab perspiration
  • I always remove acne blemishes, bug bites, sores and whiten teeth
  • I normally reduce or remove distracting scares

Bad

  • Thick Makeup is Very Bad
  • Unless you have a professional that works with models and actors, do not apply thick makeup
  • I cannot edit or retouch it and you will look like plastic in pictures
  • Bring your normal makeup and a small mirror in case we need it

I Normally Bring

  • Sheer Wraps
  • Paper Umbrella
  • Chair (park session)

Upon Request

  • Pearl Beads
  • Flower Crowns
  • Violin

Posing

Look Amazing has general tips, movement, head, face, body, arms and legs
Top Model has some basic and involved techniques that you can practice before photo session.
Flow Posing may seem silly but it makes you appear more natural by moving into the desired position rather than a still pose that may appear rigid.