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Writer's pictureCal Ta'Nous

Preparing for Your Portrait Session: Embrace the Excitement and Capture Your True Essence

A portrait session is a special opportunity to celebrate yourself and create lasting memories. As a Taos-based photographer, I believe in capturing authentic and beautiful portraits that reflect your true essence. To ensure a successful and enjoyable experience, it's important to prepare both physically and mentally.



In this blog, I'll share my top tips on how to embrace your nervousness, enhance your natural beauty, choose comfortable attire, and create a relaxed atmosphere during your session. Let's dive in and make your portrait session an unforgettable experience.


1. Embrace the Excitement:


Nervousness before a portrait session is completely normal. Instead of letting it overwhelm you, reframe it as excitement. Recognize that this is a unique opportunity to celebrate yourself and create beautiful memories. Embracing the excitement will help you relax, be more open, and truly shine in front of the camera.



2. Enhance Your Natural Beauty:


When it comes to makeup for your portrait session, opt for a light and natural look that enhances your features without overpowering them. Emphasize your best qualities while still feeling like yourself. Remember, the goal is to capture your true essence, and a natural makeup look will help achieve that.



3. Dress Comfortably and Authentically:


Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Whether it's a flowing dress, jeans and a tee, or something that reflects your personal style, wear an outfit that allows you to move freely and express yourself. When you feel comfortable in what you're wearing, it will radiate in your portraits.



4. Stay With Your Breath:


Feeling anxious or nervous during a portrait session is 100000% normal, but taking deep breaths can help calm your mind and relax your body. Before and during the session, focus on your breath - there's no reason to rush! Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple technique will help center your energy and bring a deep sense of calmness.


5. Practice Self-Care Beforehand:


Self-care practices that help you feel centered and nourished are perfect to implement before your portrait session. Yoga, meditation, a relaxing bath, dance, and breath work are just some examples! If you arrive at your session feeling refreshed, regulated and calm - your portraits are absolutely going to reflect those emotions.



6. Create a Playlist:


Music has the power to uplift our spirits and evoke emotions. Before your portrait session, create a playlist of your favorite songs that inspire you. Listening to your favorite music during the session can help you feel more relaxed, connected, and in the moment, enhancing the overall experience and the energy you bring to the portraits.



6. Trust Your Photographer:


Remember that your photographer is there to guide you and document your best self. Trust their expertise and vision. Communicate openly with them about your desires, concerns, and any ideas you may have. This collaboration will ensure that the portraits truly reflect your unique personality and story.



7. Stay Present:


During the session, allow yourself to be fully present. Try your best to let go of self-conscious thoughts and expectations. Instead, focus on the connection with your photographer, your loved ones, or the surroundings. Authenticity shines through in portraits, so embrace your true self, let your emotions show as they come, and enjoy the experience!



Preparing for a portrait session is an opportunity to embrace your excitement, enhance your natural beauty, and create an atmosphere of comfort and authenticity. By reframing nervousness as excitement, opting for light and natural makeup, choosing comfortable attire, practicing deep breathing, enjoying music, and trusting your photographer, you'll be able to relax and truly be yourself in front of the camera. Remember, capturing your true essence is the key to creating stunning and meaningful portraits that you'll cherish for a lifetime.




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