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Your step-by-step guide to your portrait session
Thank you for choosing to work with me! I’m so excited to get started on your portrait session.
The goal is to make this experience as helpful and stress-free as possible, so here is a step-by-step guide to plan your perfect shoot. Just follow each step below to get started:
Step one: select a location
When selecting a location for your portrait session consider the season and style of images you want. Beach images during the winter months will look very different than beach images during the summer. There is no right or wrong; just be mindful of what type of images you want to have.
Palace of Fine Arts
Legion of Honor
Pier 7
San Francisco City Hall
Presidio
Botanical Garden
Golden Gate Park
Conservatory of Flowers
Baker Beach
Montara Beach
Stowe Lake
Sutro Baths
Airbnb Rental***
Tiny Home Rental***
Your home
***May cost extra
Step two: Pick your style
What kind of style fits you? Look for outfits that are similar to these tones and styles.
Step three: Getting ready tips
Getting ready for your portrait session doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some simple tips to have a stress-free and fun portrait session.
Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Remember, when it comes to portraits, your attitude will shine through more than the outfit itself. When you feel amazing and comfortable in your own skin, everything else—like style and details—will just fall into place.
So don’t stress too much about your outfit choice. Trust your instincts and pick what feels most you! Here are a few tips to help you get ready:
If you're hiring a hair & makeup artist for your wedding then consider doing a trial run for your engagement session. This is a great opportunity to test if you like a specific style of makeup or preference of hairstyle.
If you're like most guys, taking photos probably isn't high on your list. But I promise, this won’t be your typical session. I’ll keep things relaxed, fun, and natural—no stiff poses or fake smiles. All I ask is that you bring an open mind, and I’ll make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
By the end, you’ll be glad you did it, and the photos will be something you’ll actually look forward to seeing!
Step four: Personalize your session
Personalizing your session is what makes your images truly yours. Bring any items or props that feel meaningful to you—I love when couples add their own special touch! If you're not sure what to bring, just ask—I’m more than happy to share some ideas to help make your session even more unique.
Got a furry friend that feels like family? Bring them along to your portrait session—I love including pets in the photos!
Just a heads-up, some locations are better suited for pets than others, so let me know in advance if you’ll be bringing your fur baby, and we’ll choose the perfect spot for your session
If you're the "snuggle up and get cozy" type, bring your favorite blankets and comfort items!
Cuddling up with what feels familiar will help you both relax and create truly beautiful photos. It’s all about capturing those intimate, personal moments that make your session feel unique and special to you.
Let the sparks fly! If you’ve got fun prop ideas—sparklers, bubbles, ice cream, or anything else—bring them along! I’m all for adding some extra personality to your session.
Just let me know what you have in mind, and I’ll make sure we’ve got a plan to capture all the magic.
Step five: Submit your session plan
Please take a moment to tell me about your portrait session plan. Within 24 hours of submitting your session plan, I'll reach out via email to confirm your session plan and location details. I am looking forward to a fun, relaxing and inspiring session ahead!
