A Guide to Portrait Sessions

Whether you're preparing for a solo portrait, a family photo session, or a quick mini shoot, this post offers valuable tips on what to wear, how to prepare, and posing suggestions to ensure you get the most out of your session. I'm excited to share these insights with you and help make your photoshoot a fun and memorable experience!

Portrait session in client's apartment in Berkeley. An example of sitting on the edge of the couch slightly turned to the side while leaning forward. 

WHAT TO WEAR

1. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident: Choose outfits that align with your vision for the photos. The tips below are just suggestions to help guide you, but ultimately, it’s important to wear what you love!

2. Neutral colors are always a great choice: Neutral colors avoid unnatural color casts and keep the focus on you. The colors you choose will influence the mood and tone of your photos—whether you prefer rich jewel tones or soft pastels, the choice is yours. Just avoid neon colors, as they can create an unnatural light in photos.

3. Solid verses patterns: Solid colors generally work better than patterns or graphics, which can be distracting and shift attention away from you. If you prefer to wear a patterned item, balance it with solid pieces, such as pairing a striped skirt with a solid top.

4. Coordinate for Group Shots: For group photos, coordinate your colors to create a cohesive look. While everyone doesn’t need to match exactly, it’s helpful if the colors complement each other and fit within a similar palette.

5. Press and Lint Roll Clothing: Lint and wrinkles can be more noticeable in photos, so taking the extra step to iron and lint roll your clothing will help ensure your final images look clean and polished.

Engagement portrait session in Joaquin Miller Redwood Park in Oakland, CA. The couple is wearing neutral coordinating colors and this photo was captured while in movement during some lighthearted banter in order to have the ease, close connection and joy shine through the image. 

How to Prepare Before the Photoshoot

1. Get Plenty of Sleep: Ensure you get a good night's rest before the shoot. Being well-rested will help you look and feel your best.

2. Create a Mood Board: Compile a Pinterest board or collection of images and poses you like for inspiration. Share this with your photographer in advance or keep it handy on the day of the shoot.

3. Pack Essentials: Bring items you might need, such as a water bottle, snacks, a hairbrush, props or accessories, a lint roller, or makeup for touch-ups.

4. Arrive Early: Allow yourself extra time to park and get to the location at least 5 minutes early. This is especially crucial for Mini Sessions, which are often back-to-back and only 15 minutes long.

5. Familiarize Yourself with Poses: Practice posing beforehand (below are some posing tips,) particularly for Mini Sessions. While your photographer will guide you with prompts and directions, being familiar with basic poses can be helpful.

6. Stay Positive and Have Fun: Remember, photoshoots are a collaborative experience involving you, your photographer, and the environment. While having a plan is useful, be open to spontaneous moments. Sometimes the best shots come from unplanned, unique interactions.

Photoshoot in client's apartment. This photoshoot had several outfit changes, a break for tea and played with many different poses and looks. 

Photoshoots with Children:

Children are full of surprises, so flexibility and realistic expectations are key. To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are a few tips for parents:

• Prepare in Advance: Talk positively about the photoshoot beforehand, and make sure your child’s basic needs are met, such as having a good breakfast, snacks, and any necessary naps.

• Allow Extra Time: Give yourself and your child extra time before the photoshoot to avoid rushing. Let your child know ahead of time when you’ll be leaving, which helps them feel prepared and more comfortable. Children pick up on our cues, so maintaining a calm and positive attitude will encourage them to be in a better frame of mind for the photoshoot.

• Manage Expectations: Understand that children may not always stay focused, so aim to capture group shots early in the session before they become tired.

• Create a Fun Atmosphere: Engage your child with games or jokes to make the photoshoot enjoyable. If things don’t go as planned, remember that capturing a range of expressions can also create memorable moments.

• Collaborate with Your Photographer: Your photographer will look to you for guidance on how to handle various situations. They’re there to document your family’s unique dynamics, and working together will help achieve the best results.

Family session at the Albany Bulb. An example of smiles from laughing after some jokes were told, close connected feel with children sitting in laps or hugged by parents, parents close together, and coordinating outfits with limited patterns. 

Posing Tips

These tips are intended to help you feel more confident and aware of your body in photographs. Don’t worry about mastering them—your photographer will guide you throughout the shoot. My approach involves giving prompts to help you move naturally and capture fresh, authentic images. However, having a basic understanding of these concepts can be useful for certain poses.

How to Stand:

• Assertive Stance: Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and toes pointing slightly outward and knees slightly bent. Imagine a string pulling up through your spine, keeping your posture tall with shoulders back and down. Breathe through your chest to enhance this confident look.

• Elegant Stance: Lean your weight onto one side and pop one hip up and angle in slightly. You can also bend the opposite knee and lean it towards the same side you are leaning your weight to create a more curvy appearance.

What to Do with Your Arms and Hands:

• Assertive Appearance: Place one hand in a pocket and let the other arm hang naturally at your side. You can also do something with your hands such as play with a shirt cuff or watch.

• Elegant Appearance: Create space between your arm and body by slightly bending your elbow. This technique slims and elongates your figure, by adding shape and separation. You might also hold or interact with an item, like a skirt or accessory, to look natural.

Group Shots:

• Points of Connection: To create a cohesive and flattering photo, aim for points of connection between individuals. Stand close together to minimize gaps and maintain a unified look. If comfortable, hold hands or place an arm around one another to add warmth and connection to the image. Another effective technique is to angle one person's shoulder behind another, which can also have a slimming effect.

• Family Shots with Children: For children, those who are small can be held, while older children can stand next to a parent, either holding hands or hugging their parent’s leg. In family photos, positioning parents in the center with children on either side often creates the most balanced and visually appealing composition.

To Smile or Not to Smile:

• Genuine Smile: If you think of something funny or respond to a joke from your photographer, your smile will come across as more genuine because there will be energy behind it and the smile will reach your eyes.

• Natural Lips: When not smiling, a slight space between your lips often looks most natural. To achieve this easily and relax the face you can take a breathe in through your mouth. Practice in the mirror to see how it looks. Remember, you don’t need to smile in every photo—moving and being relaxed will naturally produce beautiful, candid expressions.

Sitting Poses:

• Assertive Pose: Sit with your knees out and lean slightly forward, back, or to the side.

• Elegant Pose: Sit at a slight angle with your legs to the side. Perch on the edge of the chair with your legs bent. This positioning creates flattering curves and separation between your body and limbs.

• Family Sitting Pose: For a picnic-style sitting shot, have the parents sit down first, side by side. Then, arrange the children on either side of the parents or on their laps, ensuring that everyone’s faces are visible and no one is blocking another’s view.

Favorite Side:

• Preferred Angle: Not everyone has a preferred side for photos, but if you do be sure to let your photographer know. If you’re unsure or curious if you do have a preferred side, look in the mirror and cover one half of your face at a time to see which side you prefer.

*Bonus Tip I: To elongate your neck, gently pull your chin forward and then tuck it slightly down. This technique helps avoid the less flattering appearance of pulling your chin back into your neck.

**Bonus Tip II: Leaning slightly forward towards the camera can make the image appear more engaged and energetic.

Couples portrait session in my backyard studio. This image shows several points of connection, neutral solid colors that coordinate, and warm smiles. The couple is also leaning forward slightly which makes the image more engaging.  

Pre-photoshoot Zoom Consultation Info

A pre-photoshoot Zoom call is a great way to meet your photographer and ask any questions you have about your upcoming photoshoot. By getting acquainted beforehand, you’ll feel more at ease on the day of the shoot making the experience more enjoyable and relaxed.

 Downtown portrait session taken last fall.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the call last?
The call is typically scheduled for about 15 minutes, though it may vary slightly.

Why use video calls instead of phone calls?
Video calls create a more personal connection, simulating an in-person meeting, which is a key purpose of this initial call.

What should we discuss during the call?
It’s helpful to get to know each other before the photoshoot. We might talk about your hobbies, sense of humor, vision for the photoshoot, and the intended use of the photos (e.g., headshots, holiday cards, dating profiles).

Can I ask the photographer questions as well?
Absolutely! Feel free to ask about the photographer’s interests and approach. For example, I enjoy cooking, interior decorating, gardening, fashion, music, nature walks, movies, and reading. I also bring a sense of humor and hospitality to my shoots to ensure a warm, relaxed environment.

What is your approach to working with clients?
My approach is to make the experience relaxed and enjoyable. I focus on capturing natural, genuine moments while also guiding poses to ensure they’re flattering and authentic. I blend lifestyle and candid shots with a few traditional poses to suit various needs.

What are your favorite photography styles?
I specialize in lifestyle and documentary style photography, focusing on capturing natural, yet often directed, moments to tell a genuine and engaging story.

Engagement portrait session in Joaquin Miller Redwood Park in Oakland, CA. 

How to Prepare

Prepare Your Questions
Make a list of any questions you’d like to ask your photographer to ensure you cover all important details.

Plan Your Outfits and Locations
Think about the outfits you want to wear and potential locations for your photoshoot. Having a few options in mind will help streamline the planning process.

Gather Inspiration
Create a mood board or collect images that inspire you. This will help convey your vision and style to your photographer, making it easier to align on the look and feel of your shoot.

Family portrait session at the Albany Bulb in Berkeley, CA.

Next Steps

After your Zoom pre-photoshoot consultation, if everything feels like a good fit, the next step is to schedule your photoshoot. To secure your time, you’ll receive a photo agreement to sign, summarizing the details discussed, including location, date, time, total cost, and the number of images you’ll receive. This standard proposal ensures that both you and your photographer are on the same page and have clear expectations for the shoot.

If you have a specific style in mind, your photographer may ask you to share a few examples of images that inspire you. A 10% non-refundable deposit is typically required to hold your date.

In Conclusion

I hope you found this information helpful in preparing for your pre-photoshoot Zoom consultation. Remember, the meeting is a relaxed opportunity for us to get to know each other and discuss your goals for the photoshoot. There’s no set format for the call, so feel free to reach out with any additional questions via email as we get closer to the shoot. I look forward to being your photographer and providing you with a fantastic experience and beautiful images you’ll treasure forever!

Photography Beginnings

I started a photography business the beginning of 2024. I always wanted to have my own business. My background in photography, and love for creativity and connecting with people, made portrait photography an obvious choice.

My dad bought me my first camera when I was seven. I loved how I could capture so much beauty and emotion with a camera while adding my own creative expression to it, and then it was something you had, forever. My dad and I would go on nature walks with our cameras. He even started a photography 4-H club called The Shutterbugs that was really just for myself and my brother, the only club members. I remember using an underwater camera to photograph an underwater story with my cousin and entering photos in the county fair.

As a kid I liked to take photos of the animals around the farm I grew up with or of my friends in some of my mom’s costumes I claimed for my own. My mom was a seamstress and a horse trainer so there were both a lot of fabric and animals around to photograph. I would often dress my younger brothers up for photoshoots with a cinematic vibe, which they graciously agreed to (usually.)

Self portrait of my dad and I on one of our photowalks when I was in my early 20s.

We were shooting with Nikon 35 mm SLR cameras and this is a scan of a print. I am sure I have the negative somewhere.

A photo of my dad taken shortly before he passed away. He was an avid nature photographer and videographer which inspired my love for photography. He was in the middle of a project photographing all the waterfalls in Oregon. Photo credit: Dad’s friend Will

I went on to study photography in college studying both film and digital as well as darkroom and studio lighting techniques.

Self portrait in my 20s for a school project. I was using my dad’s Nikon 35 mm SLR camera that I still have today.

Side by Side Nikons: my dad’s Nikon 35mm SLR film camera next to my new Nikon Zf mirrorless, full frame camera. I love that Nikon made a digital nostalgic version of their very popular F bodies from the 70’s. I also like to use the full frame D750 and Z8 camera bodies. What can I say, I’m a Nikon girl! My dad and my grandfather were both photographers and both Nikon users so that’s what I started with :)

Themed or costume photoshoots have always been a special interest of mine. I love a cinematic vibe! It would not be uncommon for me to suggest to a friend that we should dress up and take photos, cause who doesn’t love having cool photos of themselves?! I have had a costume closet of vintage and period piece clothing since I was a kid. Maybe there is something you would like to borrow from my costume collection for your next photoshoot :)

Photograph of me as a kid with my friend, brother and Johnny, the pony. (Johnny was named after a boy I liked in second grade haha.) We dressed up with costumes from my drawer of dress up clothes. My mom was a seamstress and horse trainer so horses and fabric were a big part of my childhood.

One of my favorite portraits of my brother taken November 2023 in Oregon. He still lets me pose and photograph him like when we were kids :)

Best Bay Area Parks for Family Photography and Outside Portraits

There are so many great parks and outside spaces in the bay area for family portraits and portraits of all kinds! Below are three of my favorite spots in the east bay for photo shoots.

1. Crab Cove. 1252 McKay Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 // Hours Sun - Sat, 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Kid friendly crab cove is one at the top of my list for a fun family shoot! The driftwood on the beach and beautiful trees in distance make for some points of interest in photos. There are also boats docked to one side that are cute. And you will often see photographers here just for the many birds that like to hang out here. Bring layers as the wind over the water can be a bit chilly for some of our little ones. On one photoshoot here a child complain how cold it was the whole time but we managed to get some pictures of her laughing too. This was in January though :) In the fall is my favorite time of year there; it is less chilly and you catch some beautiful fall leaves.

Kid Friendly Crab Cove!

2. Albany Bulb. 1 Buchanan St, Albany, CA 94706 // Hours Sun-Sat, 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

If you want beach, urban art sculptures, trees, and water this place has a lot of options! On the weekends it can get pretty crowded making parking tricky, but it is open every day early till late making it a convenient option for any schedule. I photographed some yoga portraits here that turned out dynamic with many choices for the background. Try standing on one of the hills for a powerful expansive look. It can get pretty bright here during the day so be sure to expose for the highlights or use an ND filter. The space feels huge so take some time to walk around and find your favorite spots.

Yoga at the Albany Bulb.

3. Crab Cove. 1252 McKay Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 // Hours Sun - Sat, 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Kid friendly crab cove is one at the top of my list for a fun family shoot! The driftwood on the beach and beautiful trees in distance make for some points of interest in photos. There are also boats docked to one side that are cute. And you will often see photographers here just for the many birds that like to hang out here. Bring layers as the wind over the water can be a bit chilly for some of our little ones. On one photoshoot here a child complain how cold it was the whole time but we managed to get some pictures of her laughing too. This was in January though :) In the fall is my favorite time of year there; it is less chilly and you catch some beautiful fall leaves.

2. Blake Garden. 70 Rincon Rd, Kensington, CA 94707 // Hours Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

This sprawling garden was originally a private residence but has since become a teaching facility for the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design. The garden is open to the public during weekdays. There are many lovely spots for portraits here such as some shady ferns with beams of light shining down through the trees, old fashioned buildings with steps to pose on, a lily pond to lounge by, many native plants and trees, and a view of the bay! If you can plan for a weekday shoot, this place is certainly worth the visit!

Blake Garden amidst the ferns with the streams of light through the trees. Lovely lighting.

Three Posing Tips for Family Photography

I love family photography sessions for so many reasons! For one they are full of surprises and each one is unique. This makes each photoshoot a fun adventure every time! Because of the unpredictability of children at various ages, helping everyone pose in family photography does have it’s challenges. I have found it is best to come with lots of joyful energy and have some pose and prompt ideas prepared beforehand. You will come with your plan and ideas but allow for those plans to change. Once you get to know your group you might need to change directions and go with the flow or “follow the child” as Maria Montessori describes. Below are my three tips for facilitating natural and fun outdoor family portrait sessions.

1. Group shots first. You don’t know how long you have before the kids loose interest or patience for photos so make sure you get your group shots taken first and take a lot of them! The more the better so you can pick out ones where everyone looks their best.

2. Keep them moving. Make it fun! If you include movement and games in your outdoor portrait sessions you will get more engagement from everyone and capture some genuine smiles and personality. A couple examples would be to have the family walk holding hands, or play the tickle game. The more everyone is moving the more relaxed they will be and the more opportunity for capturing personality and that inner glow.

3. Use prompts instead of poses. Instead of telling everyone to smile, engage people in an action that makes them smile such as “look at the funniest person” or “run to try and catch dad.”

I hope these ideas are helpful! Every family photoshoot will be different because every child and age is different and every day is different. Have patience, have fun and go with the flow. Your families will thank you for it and everyone will leave with a positive experience looking forward to the next photoshoot.

Three Tips for Low Light Concert Photography

Music is one of my other main passions! Taking photos at a show can be a little intimidating because of the unpredictable lighting and the crowded environment. This fall I decided to bring my professional camera to a show at a small local venue instead of just using my phone. I wanted to find out what worked best. Flash generally isn’t permitted at concerts so besides that what else can be done to properly expose images in low light? Concerts also usually have a lot of movement so your shutter speed will need to stay in the 1/200th of a second range. So that just leaves three things. Below are three tips I have found really help in creating the best images in low light concert situations.

Cheers and happy shooting!

Shawna

1. Use a full frame camera. These have the larger sensor. These are also called FX or full sensor cameras. The larger sensor is going to have an easier time focusing in low light resulting in sharper images. Worth it!

2. Use a prime lens. Prime lenses have the capability of a wide open aperture of F1.8 or F1.4. Say you have a 50 mm prime lens with and aperture of F1.8 and a 24-120mm zoom lens with an aperture of F4. Which would you choose? It’s nice that the F4 lens can zoom without needing to change lenses however F4 is not going to let in enough light to get the proper exposure. Also a lens that has a wider aperture is generally a higher quality lens which will also help create better images. If you can bring two lenses to a show, I would suggest a 35 mm F1.8 and an 80 mm F1.8 so you get some wider angle shots and closer shots to the band. A lot of times I will just bring my 50 mm F1.8 as a good in-between size and then you can crop later.

3. Don’t be afraid to up your ISO! The newer full frame digital cameras can handle the higher ISO without creating a worthless grainy photo that those of us who started in film are afraid of. I have upped my ISO to 4000 to bring in more light to the exposure. This allowed me to keep my shutter speed fast enough to freeze motion. A lot of times a blurry image is just not properly exposed so don’t be afraid to up your ISO! Plus you can always de-noise the image in post if you need to.

Richard Haig performing at The Knockout in SF