Your Session Preparation Guide: Everything you need (and want) to know before your shoot!

I am so glad we’re doing this! I know that being in front of a camera can feel a little vulnerable, but my goal is for you to forget I’m even there. We aren't here to create a "perfect" version of your life; we’re here to capture the honest, beautiful reality of it.

I've put together a quick little list to help ease your mind and getting you feeling super prepared for our time together!

1. The ultimate burning question: what should I wear?

Forget the matching white t-shirts and stiff poses. I want you to wear what makes you feel most like yourself.

• Move-ability: If we’re sitting on the ground, running through a field, or leaning against a brick wall, you want to be comfortable. If you’re constantly tugging at a hemline, it shows in your face so select a few pieces that feel like the real you.

• Texture and Patterns: Knits, linens, and denims photograph beautifully and add depth without being distracting. We can work with a fun pattern too but just be mindful of patterns that can impact the way the light is captured.

• The "YOU" Check: Ask yourself: “Would I actually wear this on a normal Saturday?” If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track. If you want something stand out that's valid too, just make sure it still feels like something that represents you.

2. Hair and Face prep

Since we aren’t doing a full glam squad, just aim for your "favorite version" of your daily look.

• Skin: Moisturize well! Natural light loves hydrated skin.

• Hair: Don't feel the need to get a brand-new haircut the day before. Wear it how you usually do, down, messy bun, or tucked behind your ears. This part is up to you and REMEMBER it's supposed to be fun so if that one curl is just not curling don't let it get to you!

• Make-up: If you usually wear it, go for it. If you don't, please don't start today! We want your gallery to look like the person your friends and family know and love.

3. Choosing a Location That Means Something

Instead of picking a "pretty" spot you’ve never been to, let’s think about where you feel most at ease.

• At Home: This is where the most honest stories happen. Don’t worry about the laundry pile in the corner; we’re focusing on the life happening inside the walls.

• Your "Third Place": Your favorite coffee shop, the park where you walk your dog, or the record store you frequent.

• The "Nothing" Spot: Sometimes a simple quiet alleyway or a park bench is all we need to let your personality take center stage.

And if at the end of the day none of these spaces are working with your vision I keep a super simple list of awesome options around the city that my clients love.

4. Practice if it makes you feel less stressed

This is the best part: You don't have to do anything. I’m not going to put you in a stiff pose and tell you to "say cheese." I might give you a gentle prompt like "tell them a secret" or "walk toward that tree"but mostly, I just want you to interact with the people (or pets!) you’re with. If you’re laughing, moving, or even just sitting in a quiet moment, your hands will find a natural place to be.

If practicing a few poses or natural smiles helps you feel more perpared for the day of though it can also be an awesome way to get used to seeing yourself in the beautiful, empowered way you deserve to!

5. Managing the "Chaos" (Kids and Pets)

If your toddler has a meltdown or your dog won't stop sniffing my camera bag, it is okay. Truly. Some of the most beautiful, "real" photos come from the messy moments in between the "organized" ones. My job is to find the magic in the chaos, so don't feel the need to apologize for it. All of our lives are chaos so there is no stress here. The only thing I do ask is you make sure they are safe during our sessions so I can focus on capturing every minute of it.

6. A Note on "The Wait"

After our session, I’ll be diving into your photos to curate a story that feels authentic to our time together. I don't "over-process" things; I focus on enhancing the natural light and the mood we captured. You’ll hear from me afterwards with a gallery that looks and feels exactly like you and I'll always let you know during your session how long it will take.

I’m right here if you have any questions before the big day. I can't wait to see you through my lens!

Until next time;)

Michaela