5 Ways to Prepare for Your Portrait Session

Because being photographed is about more than just showing up.

Let’s be honest, getting in front of the camera can feel vulnerable.
Even the decision to book a portrait session can stir up nerves or self-doubt. In a world full of filtered images and pressure to look a certain way, it’s easy to feel like we have to be “ready” before we deserve to be seen.

But that’s not true. You don’t have to look or feel perfect. You just have to show up.

No matter what kind of session you’re planning, portrait, personal branding, or even boudoir, there are a few simple things you can do to feel more at ease and fully present in the experience. These tips apply whether you're coming to my home studio in southern Sweden, meeting me in Denmark, or planning your session somewhere else entirely.

1. Communication is everything

One of the most important things, if not the most important thing, is to ensure that you have an open line of communication. Yes, it is absolutely the photographer's responsibility to make sure that you are as thoroughly prepared as possible, but when you, yourself, make sure to communicate your insecurities, wants, needs, and desires, you are bound to have an even greater experience. Before anything else, let’s talk.

Tell me what matters to you.

What are you hoping for? What are you nervous about? What do you want your images to say?

As your photographer, it’s my job to guide you and prepare you, but the more you share with me upfront, the more personal and meaningful your session will feel and be.
This is why I include a Discovery Call as well as a consultation with every booking, no matter the size. We’ll talk through everything: what to wear, how the process works, what to expect, and what kind of images speak to you. Prior to every single session, no matter if it is a small headshot session or a full Portrait Experience, I make sure to talk in-depth with my clients to guarantee that they are as thoroughly prepared as possible. I prep them on what to wear, what to expect, prices and products as well as making sure that the vision of my client is fully aligned with mine.

That conversation helps us get aligned and build trust. And trust is what leads to portraits that feel real, not just polished. All of this is to allow me to capture you fully on the day of your session.

2. Choose clothes that feel like you

What you wear can make a big difference in how you feel during your session, and how much you recognise yourself in the final images.

My advice? Choose outfits that feel good on your body and feel true to who you are. Bring options in different styles and textures. We’ll go through them together during your session, and I’ll help you figure out what works best depending on light, background, and mood.

Think about how you’ll use the images, too. Are they for professional use or personal? Are they going on your website? Social media? Your wall at home? Styling should reflect both your personality and the purpose of your portraits.

3. Spend a little time with the mirror

This isn’t about practising the “perfect” pose - it’s just about getting familiar with how your body moves and how your expressions shift.

Look at your face in the mirror. Try different postures. Notice what feels comfortable, where your natural expressions live. Try smiling, softening, and turning slightly. This small step can help you feel more grounded when the camera is on you. Play around with it and have fun! Put some fun music on and dance in front of the mirror! Get comfortable moving your body in different ways that you are not necessarily used to.

Also, take a moment to look at yourself without filters or expectations. This is your real face. These are your real lines. Every one of them tells a story. You don’t need to change anything. You’re not here to be flawless, you’re here to be seen, and I will help you every step of the way to make the whole experience as fun and comfortable as possible.

Many people look at their selfies taken with their phones. They add filters on top of the ones that are built into the phone cameras, and that makes it really easy to forget what we also look like. Take a look and try to embrace everything you see, both the things you love and the things you love less. Be honest with yourself, and later, be honest with me. By the end of the day, this might have helped you gain extra confidence in yourself. Remember, every line on your face is a story that has happened, every wrinkle was a smile and a burst of laughter.
If that is not beautiful, I do not know what is.

4. Take care of yourself in the days and weeks leading up

In the week leading up to your session, treat yourself with a little extra care. Use your favourite beauty products. Get plenty of rest. Take a bath. Moisturize. Drink water. Do whatever helps you feel calm and connected to your body.

If you’re planning to get a facial, haircut, or wax, I recommend doing that at least a week in advance so your skin has time to settle.

This kind of preparation isn’t just about appearance; it’s about showing up feeling good in your own skin.

5. ALLOW yourself to enjoy it

This day is about you. You’ve taken the time. You’ve shown up. Now let yourself be in it.

If you want music, we’ll put some on. If you need to move or take a breath, we’ll pause. I’ll guide you, gently and fully, so you never feel like you have to perform. But having an open mindset and maybe a playlist of songs that make you feel amazing can go a long way in helping you relax and enjoy yourself.

And yes, it’s completely normal to be nervous. You’re not alone in that. As a matter of fact, in my more than a decade-long career, I have never met a client who wasn't nervous about doing a photoshoot.

But I promise, something beautiful always comes out of this!