Prepping for Your Session
- Kaylinn Gilstrap
- May 16
- 2 min read
Updated: May 21

Let’s Make It Amazing Together
We’re in this together, and I want you to feel confident, relaxed, and completely you on the day of your shoot. To help you prepare, here are a few tips that can make a big difference leading up to your portrait session.
Grooming
Give yourself time to feel your best. That might mean scheduling your haircut a week or two in advance if you prefer the slightly grown-in look, or getting a fresh trim just a day or two before—whatever works for you. One important tip: avoid trying a brand-new look right before your session. Stick with styles that make you feel like the best version of yourself.
Hair & Makeup
This part is entirely up to you. If doing your own hair and makeup feels like fun, go for it! If you prefer a natural look and don’t wear makeup regularly, that’s completely fine—your portraits should reflect your true self.
That said, having a professional Hair and Makeup Artist (HMUA) on set can be a game-changer. Their job is to help you feel pampered, relaxed, and confident. A good HMUA can bring your vision to life—whether you want a fresh, natural look or something more glam. They'll also be there to tame flyaways, touch up shine, and keep everything polished during the shoot. It's a great investment, and I’m happy to connect you with someone I trust.
Wardrobe
Your wardrobe should reflect where you are in your journey. If you’re in a business role, a polished look makes sense. If you’re a creative, maybe something more casual and expressive is better. The key is to wear outfits that help you shine—not compete for attention.
A few helpful tips:
Avoid loud prints, solid white, or solid black when possible.
Make sure you feel great in what you wear—comfort and confidence go a long way on camera.
Try on your outfits at least 3–4 days before the shoot. This gives you time to spot stains, check the fit, and test out different tucking or layering options.
Snap some mirror selfies in each look. You can send these to a friend (or to me!) if you’d like feedback.
Bring more options than you think you’ll need—about 3 or 4 outfits is ideal for most sessions.
Need help curating your look? I’d be happy to recommend a wardrobe stylist to guide you.
Vibe
This part is where the magic happens. We’ll work together to create the energy you want your images to convey—playful, powerful, calm, confident—whatever best tells your story.
I’ll ask for your music preferences ahead of time so we can build the right atmosphere. Music is one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to set the tone, so think about the artists or playlists that make you feel your best.
Final Thoughts
If you have any questions or want to run ideas by me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you every step of the way and ensure your photos feel authentically and uniquely you.
If you haven’t booked your session yet—let’s get it on the calendar and start planning your shoot!

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