First off: take a deep breath. Preparing for a photoshoot doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and no, you don’t need a perfectly curated mood board, a personal stylist, and a backup wind machine (although now I kinda want one?). What you do need is to feel good, be a little bit thoughtful, and trust that I’ve got your back — and your good side.
Here’s your chill, non-intimidating guide to getting ready for your shoot like a pro (but make it fun):
1. Mood Boards = Cool, Not Crucial
If you’ve got a specific vibe in mind — cottagecore picnic queen? Soft grunge romance? High fashion meets forest goblin? — a mood board is a great way to show me what’s in your head without needing to explain it with words like “ethereal but also kinda moody but not too moody.”
BUT! You don’t have to make one. If you’ve got general ideas, I’m great at pulling things out of the creative ether and running with them. And just a friendly reminder: we’re not out here trying to copy someone else’s Pinterest perfect photo. It’s for inspo, not imitation. Your story > their aesthetic.
2. Strike a Pose (In Your Bathroom Mirror)
I cannot stress this enough: the mirror is your friend. Play around with angles, hand placement, posture, and your “soft smile that doesn’t look like you’re passing gas.” Learn what feels good and what looks like you — and remember that it’s not about memorizing poses, it’s about recognizing them in your body so you can hit that angle later without thinking about it.
Bonus tip: this is the best excuse to play dress-up in your room while pretending you’re on a Vogue shoot. Zero shame.
3. Let’s Talk Insecurities (Because We All Have Them)
Listen. If you’ve got something you’re self-conscious about — say so. Tell me. Whisper it. Write it on a napkin. Tape it to a squirrel and send it my way. Whatever works.
Mine? It’s my chin. We’re frenemies.
This isn’t about photoshopping you into a completely different person (I will not turn you into a Bratz doll, sorry). It is about understanding what you want to highlight, what you want to downplay, and how we can work together to make you feel confident and amazing in your photos.
Because I promise — the thing you see as a “flaw” is probably something no one else even notices. But if it’s affecting your confidence, I wanna know so I can pose and light you like the absolute legend you are.
4. Wardrobe Tips: The “Not Matchy, Still Classy” Edition
If you’re doing a family shoot, here’s the secret sauce: color coordination > everyone in the same shade of denim and white.
Pick a color palette, not a single color.
Start with the parents' outfits. Why? Because you’re probably the pickiest, and you deserve to feel comfy and stylish.
Then build around that. Kids have more options, look good in anything, and are generally too busy playing to notice what they’re wearing anyway.
Solid colors = always a safe bet. Prints are fun but can be distracting. Muted tones usually photograph better than super bright ones, especially in nature settings. Think "warm neutrals" not "a pack of highlighters."
BUT (and it’s a big one): if wearing your favorite wildflower-print dress from 2008 makes you feel like a goddess, then WEAR IT. Confidence is the best accessory and cannot be outshined by your kid’s plaid shirt. Promise.
5. Rules Schmules: You Do You
Everything above? Helpful guidelines. Not gospel. If you want to break every single one of them, go for it. My job is not to tell you how to dress, pose, or live your life — it’s to meet you where you are, make you feel good, and capture that real spark you’ve got going on.
What does matter? That you show up feeling like yourself. That you’re not stressed about the kids messing up their hair or your dog photobombing. (Honestly? Dog photobombs are elite content.)
Confidence shows. Stress shows too. And we’re all about that first one.
TL;DR?
Come as you are — but maybe practice a couple poses, pick an outfit that makes you feel amazing, and tell me your insecurities so I can make sure they never even think about showing up in your pics.
And remember: this isn’t just about getting “nice photos.” It’s about capturing you — laughing, loving, glowing in that beautiful natural light, and looking like your best self.
So let’s go make some magic. (And yes, I know a great forest trail with ✨incredible✨ lighting.)
