Preparing for Your Photoshoot: A Calm, Confident Guide
Let’s be real—getting in front of the camera can feel a little daunting. Whether it’s your first branding shoot or your fifth, it’s totally normal to have a few nerves.
The good news is: with a little thoughtful preparation—and a photographer who’s got your back—you’ll be ready to step in front of the lens feeling calm, confident and completely yourself.
Here’s my go-to guide to help you feel prepped and excited for your shoot.
Sam + Emily from Esjay Landscapes photographed at The Cluster co-working space in Melbourne CBD
1. Start with the end in mind: where will you use your photos?
Before you even start thinking about what to wear, take a moment to think about how you’ll use your images. This is where strategy meets creativity—and it can really elevate the whole shoot.
Are you after a hero image for your website? A fresh suite of social content? Something to use across your LinkedIn, newsletters, or course materials? Different platforms call for different formats, framing, and energy. If we know this upfront, we can design your shoot to give you exactly what you need.
💡Hot tip: We’ll chat about all this during our pre-shoot planning call, so don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure yet—I’ll guide you through it.
2. What to wear: keep it simple, polished and you
Choosing what to wear doesn’t have to be stressful (promise). My number one tip? Choose outfits that make you feel like the most polished version of yourself. Not someone else. Just you, on a really good day.
Some tips to help you decide:
Choose 2–3 outfits to bring variety without getting overwhelmed.
Stick with solid colours or simple patterns—they photograph beautifully and won’t date.
Avoid logos and busy prints, which can distract from your lovely face and brand.
Think about your brand colours—a subtle nod to your palette can help everything feel cohesive.
Layers are your friend. Jackets, cardis, scarves, or jewellery can be easily swapped for variety.
And yes, comfort matters. If you’re constantly adjusting a neckline or dealing with shoes that pinch, it’ll show. Wear what makes you feel good in your body.
Christina from Awaken Soul Mastery brings plenty of personality to the scene.
3. Props: purposeful, not cluttered
Props are a great way to personalise your shoot and tell a richer story about what you do. They also help with posing—giving your hands something to do can make things feel much more natural.
Here are some simple, effective prop ideas:
Your tools of the trade: laptop, phone, sketchbook, camera, clipboard, product samples or things you actually use to get your job done.
Printed materials: business cards, packaging, client welcome packs
Lifestyle items: a favourite mug, a candle, flowers, books you love
Brand-aligned extras: if you're wellness-focused, a smoothie or essential oils might feel right. Creative biz? Maybe colourful pens or moodboards.
Not sure what makes sense for your shoot? We’ll go through this together and tailor props to fit your brand.
Peta incorporating this prop into her imagery, you know she’s a woman STEM
4. Grooming & details: the finishing touches
You don’t need to look perfect—you just need to look like you. But a little prep can go a long way in helping you feel camera-ready.
Here’s a short and sweet checklist:
Hair & makeup: I work with wonderful professional hair and makeup artists who are available to help you feel pampered before your shoot, the bonus is that it’s a lovely way to ease into your photo session. Prefer to DIY? That’s totally fine too—just aim for a natural, everyday look that feels like you.
Hands & nails: Your hands will be in the frame more than you think. Neat nails (even bare) are great.
Iron your clothes: It sounds obvious but makes a huge difference.
Glasses wearers: Give them a good clean!
Time your photoshoot: Sync up your hair cut/colour, beauty treatments or even your menstrual cycle (if you have one).
Sleep & hydration: Yep, boring advice—but genuinely the best glow-up.
Hair & makeup artist Jess Jenkins prepares Dana (Monty Osteo) ahead of her photoshoot.
5. Don’t worry about posing—I’ll guide you every step of the way
Most of my clients say the same thing: “I’m so awkward in front of the camera!” And yet, without fail, they walk away saying how fun and easy it was. Why? Because I’ve got you.
I’ll give you gentle direction to help you feel comfortable, natural and never staged. Think: soft movement, genuine connection and a few laughs along the way. We’ll get those polished shots and a few offbeat ones too—because the best images happen when you're relaxed and having a good time.
Annie Reid photographed at The Balwyn House
6. Bring your whole self—and trust the process
More than anything, I want you to show up as you. Your quirks, your calm, your spark. I’ll take care of the technical bits so you can focus on being present.
I’ve done this hundreds of times, and every session is a little different—which is the magic of it. Whether you’re nervous or excited or somewhere in between, I promise you’ll be in safe hands.
“I had the most incredible experience working with Gemma for our recent photo shoot! From start to finish, everything was seamless and enjoyable. Gemma's communication was absolutely stellar – clear, prompt, and thoughtful. She made me feel so relaxed and confident in front of the camera.”
— Michael Cairns
“Gemma made the whole process so fun and stress-free. I normally hate being in front of the camera, but she somehow made me feel completely at ease. The photos are beyond what I imagined—they actually look like me, but on a really good day!”
— Amelia Tang
Simon from Aquea smiles for his headshot in Melbourne Studio
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your photoshoot is a little like planning a really good coffee date with your brand—it’s about showing up, feeling great, and letting your essence shine. With the right prep and the right photographer (hi!) by your side, you’ll walk away with images that feel true, aligned, and ready to work hard for your business.
Still got questions? You’re always welcome to reach out before your session—I’m here to make the whole experience feel smooth, thoughtful and fun!
Ready to feel amazing in front of the camera? Let’s chat about your shoot.
