How to Prepare for a Portrait Session (So Portraits Look Natural & Confident)

As a portrait photographer in the Chicago North Shore, I've worked with a wide variety of clients on their portrait sessions. Preparing for a portrait session can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to being in front of the camera. The good news is that great portraits don’t require perfection — they start with feeling comfortable, confident, and prepared.

Whether you’re planning headshots, family photos, or personal branding images, a little preparation can help you feel more relaxed and enjoy the experience. Here’s how to get ready for a portrait session so your photos look natural and truly feel like you.

Why Preparation for a Portrait Session Makes a Difference

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before a portrait session. Many people worry about how they’ll pose, what to wear, or whether they’ll look awkward on camera.

Preparing ahead of time helps reduce those nerves. Planning a pre-session consultation to walk through the process and ask questions is a great idea to help give you confidence for your session. When you know what to expect, you can relax and focus on being present instead of overthinking every detail. Preparation leads to:

• More natural expressions

• Relaxed posture and body language

• A smoother, more enjoyable session

• Photos that feel authentic and confident

What to Wear for Your Portrait Session

What you wear can have a big impact on how you feel during your session. The most important thing is to choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

Helpful wardrobe tips:

• Avoid bold logos, busy patterns, or neon tones

• Focus on fit — tailored fits photograph better than baggy clothes which can add bulk.

• Comfortable clothes help you move naturally

• Make sure undergarments are hidden from every angle.

• Coordinate outfits for group sessions without matching exactly

Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel like your best self. Confidence shows in your posture, expression, and energy, and it translates beautifully on camera.

The Importance of Connecting With Your Photographer

Feeling comfortable with your photographer is one of the most important parts of a successful portrait session. When you trust the person behind the camera, it becomes much easier to relax and be yourself.

Your photographer’s job is not just to take photos — it’s to help guide you, reassure you, and create an environment where you feel at ease. From the way they communicate to how they direct the session, that connection helps calm nerves and build confidence.

Choosing a photographer that you feel comfortable with can make a huge difference in how your photos turn out.

How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera

You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do — that’s what your photographer is there for. Still, a few simple mindset shifts can help you feel more relaxed during your session.

• Focus on breathing and slowing down

• Allow yourself to move naturally instead of holding stiff poses

• Trust your photographer’s guidance and prompts

• Remember that it’s okay to laugh, shift, and take breaks

The more you allow yourself to settle into the experience, the more natural your photos will feel.

Simple Posing Tips That Help You Look Natural

You don’t need to memorize poses to look good in photos. Small adjustments can make a big difference.

• Shift your weight and consider movement instead of standing rigidly

• Angled or crossed arms and legs add interest to your photo

• Turn your body slightly rather than facing straight on

• Use a variety of props to help you pose - chairs, benches, desks and walls.

Some of the best images come from moments in between — when you’re relaxed and not thinking about the camera at all. If you’re in the Chicago North Shore area - Wilmette, Evanston, Winnetka, Glencoe, Glenview and you’re interested in learning what a session would be like, contact me and let’s chat.