The complete planning checklist for your portrait session

A portrait session runs more smoothly with a small amount of planning done in advance, most of it simple once it’s written down in order.

Book early enough that your preferred date and location are actually available, particularly if timing matters. Confirm exactly what you’ll need to bring, outfit changes included. Share the brief in writing beforehand rather than explaining it all on the day, so nothing gets missed under time pressure.

On the day itself, build in more time than you think you need either side of the session. Rushing in or straight out afterwards is the easiest way to lose the relaxed atmosphere that makes for better images.

See also: Booking a portrait session in Fulham: what to know.

The Portraits page covers pricing in full. Get in touch for anything specific to your situation.

FAQs

Some quick answers here.

What does the £400 studio session include?
An hour and a half in the studio, up to three outfit changes and five fully retouched images chosen by the client. Extra retouched images can be added after the shoot.

I hate having my photo taken. Will this work?
That is the rule, not the exception. Sessions are directed from start to finish, so nobody stands there wondering what to do with their hands. Most people relax inside ten minutes.

Further reading

More on this, if useful.

• Hidden costs to ask about before booking a portrait session
• What actually happens during a portrait session, step by step
• Red flags to watch for when booking a portrait session in London

The steps

Broken into steps below.

1. Book early. Confirm your preferred date and location while both are actually available, particularly if timing matters.
2. Confirm what to bring. Outfit changes, props, anything specific to the shoot. Sort this before the day, not on it.
3. Share the brief in writing. Put it in writing beforehand rather than explaining it all on the day, so nothing gets missed under time pressure.
4. Build in extra time on the day. More time than feels necessary either side of the session avoids rushing in or straight out afterwards.