Preparing for Your Session

• Choose a location that relates to your brand, whether it is your office/studio, home, a rented studio/other venue, or an outdoor location. 
• Consider backgrounds, ease of using props, access to location, seasonal weather, and ability to do outfit changes.

• Choose outfits that represent you and your brand in style and color. 
• Consider your location and what colors or patterns could clash with the setting.
• Avoid wearing large/visible brand names and logos for other companies as possible.

• Tools and objects used to conduct business/create products (laptop, agenda/calendar, supplies, uniform(s), business cards, promotional items/signs).
• Personal items (coffee mug, headphones, phone, desk clutter, extra clothes, perfume/cologne, accessories).

• What words and emotions do you want to evoke in your audience?
• Include clothes/objects that have your logo or business name.
• Consider the style and mood that you want captured to represent you and your brand.

• How do you plan to use your photos to market your business?
• Consider amount of photos needed of products/processes vs you/employees.
• Work with photographer to decide the best orientation and posing based on where photos will be used/posted.

• Make sure that your personality is reflected in your outfit(s), makeup, accessories, and location. 
• Do poses/expressions that feel natural to you. 
• Consider the tone of your style and expressions in relation to your brand.

• Partner knows there is a scheduled photoshoot but does not know they are being proposed to. In this case you will coordinate with the photographer to decide roughly how long into the session you want to wait to propose. 
• Partner does not know the photographer(s) is present or that they are being proposed to. In this case the photographer will coordinate with you on where to stand and when so they are hidden, but can capture the moment. 
• In some cases a second photographer can assist at no extra cost to capture more angles. This is dependent on assistant photographer availability and will be confirmed prior to session if requested. 

• Have nails done a few days before proposal/session.
• Match accessories/other jewelry to ring colors/materials as possible.
• If you or your partner plan to tan/get a spray tan, have it done a few days before proposal/session.
• Make sure you and your partner are happy with your current haircuts/hairstyles.
• Make sure your partner doesn't already have other rings on their left ring finger before proposing. 

*Not all of these may be possible or applicable for everyone. The most important part is being comfortable and confident in yourselves* 

*Applicable for proposals and portraits*

• Do you plan to have any loved ones or pets present during the session/coverage?
• If others will be present, at what point will they be included? (Will they be hiding before and during the proposal and reveal themselves after, or will your partner know they are there/be around them during the proposal and photos afterwards?)
• For portraits only, consider how many photos you would like with loved ones and pets vs you and your partner alone.
• If you will be including any pets, don't forget extra water, treats, toys, etc. and consider how they will do/who will watch them while taking photos without them included.

• Coordinate outfit style and colors with your partner. 
• Make sure outfits are weather and season appropriate. 
• Try to avoid too many patterns and words that could be distracting.
• Decide if you would like to do any outfit changes. 
• Match the aesthetic of your location as possible.

• Champagne/Prosecco 
• Flowers
• Letter board 
• Balloons 
• Blanket 
• They Said Yes sign
• Sentimental items/printed photos
• Toys/props/clothes for pets 

*Some props restricted by certain locations*

*Some props can be provided by photographer*

• A full photoshoot with proposal included at a time of your choosing. 
• Proposal coverage and a couple of photos after.
• Proposal coverage and mini session after.
• Will you require multiple locations?
• Will you require celebration coverage?
• Split time (proposal coverage and additional photos/celebration coverage at a separate time or on a separate day).

• Small loved ones group/couple portraits
• Extended/multi-group portraits
• Team/organization members portraits
• Milestone portraits 
• Recreate old photos
• Holiday card photos
• Commemorate a holiday/tradition/season/event
• Hobby/group activity/work portraits
• Costume/cosplay portraits

• Choose somewhere meaningful to your group and/or a place that represents the aesthetic you would like to portray. 
• Consider how well/if the location can accommodate the number of people and if it is available at desired times. 
• Consider ease of using props.
• Consider how your desired outfit choices will work with the setting.
• Chose somewhere easily accessible. 

• Group heirlooms/old printed photos 
• Matching items/clothes/accessories
• Holiday/tradition items
• Blanket(s)/picnic supplies
• Smash cake
• Champagne bottle/flutes
• Meaningful games/books
• Milestone objects

*Some props restricted by certain locations*

*Some props can be provided by photographer*

• Consider, as possible, a time and location that is convenient and allows everyone to be present and not rush.
• Coordinate a theme or purpose, outfits and props, and decide on the one/mood you want to achieve. 
• If you will be including any pets, don't forget extra water, treats, toys, etc. and consider how they will do/who will watch them while taking photos without them included.
• Pre-plan and make photographer aware of breakout group combinations. 

• Make sure styles and colors compliment and are comfortable for everyone.
• Consider weather, season, and location aesthetics.
• Coordinate outfits based on holidays, events, teams, traditions, shared interests, organizations, milestones, etc. 
• Example: Everyone wears a neutral outfit under graduation cap and gown.
• Example: Everyone wears a matching customized shirt, jacket, hat, etc. 

• For spring sessions, consider pastels with muted/earthy neutrals and jewel tone accents.
• For summer sessions, consider soft/airy shades with classic neutrals and/or vibrant accents.
• For fall sessions, consider dark/earthy shades with muted neutrals and/or jewel tones.
• For winter sessions, consider either deep jewel tones with classic neutrals and/or earthy accents, or icy colors with cool neutrals and/or earthy accents.

• Personality portraits
• Portraits of you and your pet(s)
• Hobby/special interest portraits
• Milestone portraits 
• Recreate old photos
• Holiday card photos
• Commemorate a holiday/tradition/season/event
• Pride/drag portraits
• Costume/cosplay portraits
• Professional photos/headshots

• Group heirlooms/old printed photos 
• Matching items/clothes/accessories
• Holiday/tradition items
• Blanket(s)/picnic supplies
• Smash cake
• Champagne bottle/flutes
• Meaningful games/books
• Milestone objects
• Biodegradable confetti 

*Some props restricted by certain locations*

*Some props can be provided by photographer*

• Choose somewhere meaningful to you and/or a place that represents the aesthetic you would like to portray. 
• Consider if the location is available/accessible at desired times. 
• Consider ease of using props.
• Consider how your desired outfit choice(s) will work with the setting.
• Chose somewhere easily accessible.
• Consider how it looks in different seasons if outside.

• Consider what kind of photos you need/want for your portfolio including poses, expressions, and photo orientation.
• Do poses and expressions that feel comfortable and natural to you. 
• Decide if you will do any outfit changes. 
• Discuss with photographer prior to session if you will be promoting any brands/products that you are working with in the photos. 
• Pre-plan with photographer if you would like to have a MUA and/or hairstylist.

• Make sure you are comfortable and choose styles and colors that compliment and flatter you.
• Consider weather, season, and location aesthetics.
• Choose outfit(s) based on holidays, events, teams/fan groups, traditions, special interests/hobbies, organizations, milestones, etc. 
• If you will be doing any outfit changes, consider ease of changing at chosen location.
• Try not to plan more than 2 or 3 outfits.

• For spring sessions, consider pastels with muted/earthy neutrals and jewel tone accents.
• For summer sessions, consider soft/airy shades with classic neutrals and/or vibrant accents.
• For fall sessions, consider dark/earthy shades with muted neutrals and/or jewel tones.
• For winter sessions, consider either deep jewel tones with classic neutrals and/or earthy accents, or icy colors with cool neutrals and/or earthy accents.

• Personality portraits
• Portraits of you and your pet(s)
• Hobby/special interest portraits
• Milestone portraits 
• Recreate old photos
• Holiday card photos
• Commemorate a holiday/tradition/season/event
• Pride/drag portraits
• Costume/cosplay portraits
• Professional photos/headshots

• Group heirlooms/old printed photos 
• Matching items/clothes/accessories
• Holiday/tradition items
• Blanket(s)/picnic supplies
• Smash cake
• Champagne bottle/flutes
• Meaningful games/books
• Milestone objects
• Biodegradable confetti 

*Some props restricted by certain locations*

*Some props can be provided by photographer*

• Choose somewhere meaningful to you and/or a place that represents the aesthetic you would like to portray. 
• Consider if the location is available/accessible at desired times. 
• Consider ease of using props.
• Consider how your desired outfit choice(s) will work with the setting.
• Chose somewhere easily accessible.
• Consider how it looks in different seasons if outside.

• Consider, as possible, a time and location that is convenient and allows everyone to be present and not rush.
• Coordinate a theme or purpose, outfits and props, and decide on the one/mood you want to achieve. 
• If you will be including any pets, don't forget extra water, treats, toys, etc. and consider how they will do/who will watch them while taking photos without them included.
• Pre-plan and make photographer aware of breakout group combinations. 

• Make sure you are comfortable and choose styles and colors that compliment and flatter you.
• Consider weather, season, and location aesthetics.
• Choose outfit(s) based on holidays, events, teams/fan groups, traditions, special interests/hobbies, organizations, milestones, etc. 
• If you will be doing any outfit changes, consider ease of changing at chosen location.
• Try not to plan more than 2 or 3 outfits.

• For spring sessions, consider pastels with muted/earthy neutrals and jewel tone accents.
• For summer sessions, consider soft/airy shades with classic neutrals and/or vibrant accents.
• For fall sessions, consider dark/earthy shades with muted neutrals and/or jewel tones.
• For winter sessions, consider either deep jewel tones with classic neutrals and/or earthy accents, or icy colors with cool neutrals and/or earthy accents.

• Can be used for marketing/promotions, social media posts, website content, album/record jackets, etc. 
• Coordinate with photographer prior to event about important/pre-planned moments and/or special effects.
• Will you require coverage for the entire event?
• Will you want coverage of getting ready/set up?
• Will there be any videographers present? 

• Instruments/gear
• Artist/band merch
• Guitar picks/drum sticks/microphone
• Vinyl records/CDs/etc. 
• Record player/boombox/etc.
• Music stand/sheet music
• Headphones/earbuds
• Bubble machine/fog machine/sparklers
• Personal items

*Some props restricted by certain locations*

*Some props can be provided by photographer*

• Choose somewhere meaningful to you and/or a place that represents the aesthetic you would like to portray. 
• Consider if the location is available/accessible at desired times. 
• Consider ease of using props.
• Consider how your desired outfit choice(s) will work with the setting.
• Chose somewhere easily accessible.
• Consider how it looks in different seasons if outside.

• Can be used for marketing/promotions, social media posts, website content, album/record jackets, etc. 
• Consider how many photos you would like of the entire band vs amount of individual photos wanted.
• Work with photographer to decide the best orientation and posing based on where photos will be used/posted.
• Consider the style and mood that you want captured to represent you/your band.
• Do poses/expressions that feel natural.

• Make sure you are comfortable and choose styles and colors that compliment and match your aesthetic.
• Consider weather, season, and location aesthetics.
• Consider your personal and musical vibes and how your outfit(s) match or contrast.
• Coordinate outfits amongst group if multiple people will be included.
• If you will be doing any outfit changes, consider ease of changing at chosen location.
• Try not to plan more than 2 or 3 outfits.

• For spring sessions, consider pastels with muted/earthy neutrals and jewel tone accents.
• For summer sessions, consider soft/airy shades with classic neutrals and/or vibrant accents.
• For fall sessions, consider dark/earthy shades with muted neutrals and/or jewel tones.
• For winter sessions, consider either deep jewel tones with classic neutrals and/or earthy accents, or icy colors with cool neutrals and/or earthy accents.

• How many people are you expecting?
• How long are you expecting the event to last? 
• Will you require coverage for the entire event?
• Will you want coverage of getting ready/set up?
• Will multiple locations/short distance travel be required? 
• Will you need to split the coverage time? 
• Will MUA, hairstylists, etc. be present? 
• Will there be any videographers present? 
• Coordinate prior to event if extra coverage time will be required.

• Consider amount of candid vs posed photos wanted.
• Will you have any photo backdrops/opportunities set up?
• Will you have photo props for people to use? 
• Coordinate with photographer prior to event about the schedule, important moments, must have photos, must have people/groups for posed photos, and anything else that you want to make sure is covered. 
• Will there be time prior to event to capture photos of decorations, etc?

• Birthday parties
• Anniversary parties
• Retirement ceremonies/parties
• Graduation parties
• Family reunions 
• Performances (comedy, dance, DJ, drag, gymnastics, theater, etc.)
• Games/tournaments
• Small business openings
• Restaurant openings
• Charity events
• Consider if you would like to include any part(s) of the getting ready/setting up process, etc.