Individual Portrait Session Prep Guide
Whether you’re coming in for a studio portrait, professional headshot, senior session, or a combination of studio and outdoor photography, a little preparation can help you feel more comfortable and get the most out of your session.
This guide covers what to wear, what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect before, during, and after your session with Coastal Photo Studio.
1. Before Your Session
You do not need to know how to pose or feel completely comfortable in front of a camera before you arrive — that’s part of my job.
Before your session, take a few minutes to think about how you would like your photographs to feel. Clean and professional? Relaxed and natural? Bold and creative? A little bit of everything?
If we have already discussed a specific concept, backdrop, location, outfit, or purpose for your photographs, use that plan as your starting point.
Please also double-check your appointment time and location before heading out, especially if your session includes both studio and outdoor photography.
2. What to Wear
Choose clothing that feels like you and fits the purpose of your session.
Solid colors, simple patterns, texture, and layers tend to photograph well, but there is no rule saying you have to dress a certain way just because you are having professional photographs taken.
Most importantly:
- Wear clothing that fits comfortably and allows you to move.
- Make sure your clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
- Check for visible tags, lint, pet hair, loose threads, or stains before leaving home.
- Avoid clothing you constantly have to adjust.
- Bring options if you are unsure.
- Think about shoes, socks, undergarments, and accessories as part of the full outfit.
If your session allows multiple looks, choose outfits that give us some variety rather than several versions of the same thing.
For outdoor sessions, consider the location and weather when choosing footwear and layers.
3. What to Bring
Depending on your session, you may want to bring:
- Additional outfit options
- Shoes and accessories
- Hairbrush or comb
- Makeup or touch-up products
- Lip balm
- Lint roller
- Water
- Personal or meaningful items you would like photographed
- Props that relate to your personality, interests, career, school activities, hobbies, or accomplishments
You do not need to bring a giant bag of things “just in case.” A few thoughtful choices usually work better than trying to incorporate everything you own.
4. Hair, Makeup & Grooming
Professional hair and makeup are completely optional.
If you are doing your own hair and makeup, prepare the way you normally would when you want to feel your best. You should still look like yourself.
A few things worth checking before your session:
- Hair is styled the way you want it photographed.
- Facial hair is trimmed or groomed if desired.
- Nails are clean and maintained, especially if your hands may be visible.
- Makeup is blended and comfortable.
- Glasses are clean.
- Temporary marks, wristbands, hair ties, and items you do not want photographed have been removed when possible.
Avoid making major changes to your hair, skincare, or appearance immediately before your session unless that change is intentional.
5. If Your Session Is in the Studio
Studio sessions take place at Coastal Photo Studio in downtown North Bend.
The studio gives us greater control over lighting, backdrops, posing, and the overall look of your photographs.
Please arrive ready to begin as close to your scheduled appointment time as possible. Arriving extremely early may mean another session or studio activity is still taking place.
Bring your outfit options and personal items with you, but try to keep belongings organized so we can spend more of your session photographing and less time sorting through bags.
During your session, I will guide you through posing, positioning, expression, and movement. You do not need to arrive knowing what to do in front of the camera.
6. If Your Session Is Outdoors or On Location
Outdoor sessions on the Oregon Coast come with one unavoidable variable: Oregon Coast weather.
Wind, clouds, temperature changes, damp ground, and rapidly changing light are all normal parts of photographing here.
For an outdoor session:
- Wear or bring appropriate footwear for walking between locations.
- Consider bringing a warm layer that can be removed for photographs.
- Avoid bringing anything you would be devastated to get sandy, damp, or dirty.
- Bring a brush or comb if wind may affect your hair.
- Plan for uneven terrain depending on the location.
- Leave unnecessary valuables at home or secured in your vehicle.
Weather does not automatically mean a session needs to be canceled. Overcast skies, wind, and dramatic coastal conditions can photograph beautifully.
If conditions are unsafe or truly unsuitable for the session we planned, we will address rescheduling according to your session agreement.
7. If Your Session Includes Both Studio & Outdoor Photography
Some sessions may include both studio photographs and an outdoor or on-location portion.
If we are doing both, come prepared to transition efficiently between locations.
Keep additional outfits, shoes, accessories, and touch-up items organized and easy to grab. Whenever possible, avoid completely changing your entire look between every setup — layers, jackets, accessories, and simple wardrobe changes can create plenty of variety without using large portions of your session time.
Travel time between the studio and location is part of the overall session plan, so staying organized helps us make the most of the available light and photography time.
8. Headshot-Specific Tips
Headshots are designed to keep the attention on you.
Think about where the photographs will be used before choosing your wardrobe. A corporate profile, acting headshot, business website, creative brand, and social media profile may all call for slightly different looks.
For headshots:
- Bring one or two clothing options if your session allows.
- Consider layers such as jackets, sweaters, or overshirts.
- Avoid distracting logos unless they are intentionally part of your brand.
- Choose necklines and colors you already know you feel good wearing.
- If you regularly wear glasses, wear them — just make sure they are clean.
- If the photographs are for a business or organization, check whether they have specific wardrobe or background requirements.
You do not need to practice a “professional smile.” We will work through different expressions and poses during your session.
9. Senior-Specific Tips
Your senior session should reflect who you are right now.
You are welcome to incorporate interests, sports, instruments, uniforms, hobbies, vehicles, books, artwork, pets, or other meaningful parts of your life when they fit the session plan.
For senior sessions:
- Bring outfit options that show different sides of your personality.
- Think about both casual and slightly more polished looks.
- Coordinate your clothing with any locations we have planned.
- Bring meaningful items intentionally rather than trying to include everything.
- Make sure sports gear, instruments, uniforms, or props are clean and ready to photograph.
- Tell me about creative ideas you have — even if they sound unusual.
Your session does not have to look like everyone else’s senior pictures.
10. Arrival, Parking & Accessibility
Please plan to arrive with enough time to park, gather your belongings, and be ready to begin at your scheduled session time.
Coastal Photo Studio is located in downtown North Bend, Oregon and is ADA accessible.
If you or someone attending your session has an accessibility need that may affect posing, movement, seating, lighting, or another part of the session, you are always welcome to let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly.
11. What Happens After Your Session
After your session, your photographs will be professionally prepared and placed into a private online gallery.
Your gallery will allow you to view your finished photographs and, depending on your session, select included images or purchase digital photographs and printed products.
The photographs you see in your finished gallery represent the completed images available for purchase or delivery.
Please allow the turnaround time provided for your specific session before reaching out about gallery delivery.
12. Galleries, Digital Images & Prints
Your private gallery is designed to make viewing and choosing your photographs simple.
Depending on the session you booked, digital photographs may be included, purchased individually, purchased as a collection, or available as a full-gallery upgrade.
Printed photographs may also be ordered directly through your gallery when available.
Gallery access is available for a limited period, so please review your gallery, make your selections, download purchased photographs, and place any print orders before the expiration date shown with your gallery.
If extended gallery hosting is available for your session, information about that option will be provided separately.
Downloading your purchased digital photographs and keeping your own backup is always recommended.
13. A Studio Designed With Clients in Mind
Coastal Photo Studio is a licensed and insured photography business with a dedicated, ADA-accessible studio in downtown North Bend, Oregon.
From scheduling and session preparation to private gallery delivery and professional print options, the experience is designed to be clear, organized, comfortable, and welcoming from beginning to end.
Coastal Photo Studio proudly serves North Bend, Coos Bay, and communities throughout the Southern Oregon Coast.