how to make the most of your photo session
Recently, while rewatching episodes of Mad Men — a series about an advertising agency in 1960s New York — I saw something that made me think. In one episode, the main character’s wife brings their children from upstate to Manhattan to have their family photos taken at a department store. When she arrives at her husband’s office to pick him up, he’s nowhere to be found. Though he eventually appears and they leave together to have their photos taken, it’s not the experience she hoped for.
In the next scene, we find her in the kitchen with her friend complaining about how terrible the photos are. Though her friend tries to convince her that the photos aren’t that bad, she picks them apart: her daughter looks fat, the colour is off, and her husband probably won’t even notice how poor the photos are. But ultimately, it comes down to how her husband made her feel by being late: like she didn’t matter. That’s what she sees when she looks at their family portraits.
I often talk about the experience of having your photos taken. While this might sound abstract — especially if you’ve never worked with a photographer before — this is what I mean. It’s not just about the final photos you hold in your hands; it’s about how you felt throughout the entire process. How you felt during the session is what you see in those photos.
Over the years, my husband and I have had our photos taken by several photographers. While they all did lovely work, one particular photo session stands out above the rest. In the months leading up to this session, the photographer and I exchanged emails, making plans and getting to know each other. By the time we met in person, it felt like we were already friends, and we had a clear vision of what we wanted to create together. She also did a excellent job of calming my nerves. When I look at those photos now, that’s what I see: memories of this wonderful experience.
Some of the other photo sessions left me with mixed feelings. While the photos themselves turned out fine, the experiences weren’t great. One photographer missed the signs that my excessive talking was due to extreme nervousness, which shows in photos where I look clearly uncomfortable. Another photographer showed little interest in getting to know us, resulting in photos that didn’t feel like us at all. These memories colour how I feel whenever I look at those photos.
So, how can you make the most of your photo session?
- Choose a photographer you genuinely connect with — not just for their photography style, but as a person. Since you’ll be spending time together, feeling comfortable with your photographer is crucial. If you’re not at ease, it will show in your photos.
- Work with your photographer to create a clear plan for your photo session. Share your wishes and expectations openly — we want to meet your vision but can’t guess what’s in your mind.
- Prepare. Choose your outfit several days before your session. Wear something comfortable that makes you feel beautiful (or handsome, fearless, bold, brave, calm — insert your preferred feeling here). If you’re being photographed with others, ensure your outfits complement each other. While you don’t need to match exactly, your outfits should create a harmonious look. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your photographer for advice.
- Make a day out of it. Unlike the family from Mad Men, you’re not having your photos taken at a department store during a lunch break. This is a special occasion — not just another item to cross off your to-do list.
- Be open with your photographer when your session begins. Share if you’re feeling nervous, have specific concerns, or if there’s anything they should be aware of. The more information we have, the better we can help you feel at ease and capture photos you’ll treasure.
- Most importantly: enjoy yourself. Your photos will reflect how you felt during the session, so relax, have fun, and create beautiful memories together.
