How to Prepare for a Photoshoot That Feels Authentic, Empowering, and Uniquely You

There’s a moment in all my photoshoots where the lens fades away and what’s left is pure, unfiltered connection. It’s the look in my client’s eyes, the way they carry their story, and the quiet strength that radiates from within. I turn the camera so they can see the moment I’ve captured. Tears well or smiles swallow up faces. So many times, I’ve heard, “I’ve never felt this beautiful before.” This is why I’m a creative photographer. A professional creative portrait is so much more than just a picture—it’s an intimate reflection of who you are in this season of your life. One that you can look back on to remember fondly or to learn from for the rest of your life.

If you're about to step in front of the camera for a session that aims to truly celebrate you, I have 4 mindful goals that I think can help guide you through this journey and help you get the best portraits you’ve ever taken. The secret to an empowering photoshoot lies not only in the lighting, the location, or the perfect outfit—but in how deeply it all resonates with your true self. Here’s how I create unforgettable photoshoots for my clients.

#1. Embrace Your Story

The beauty of your creative portrait begins long before we meet. Your experiences, your journey, your quiet victories, and those moments of strength when the world might have seen something else—these are the foundations of the story we’ll capture. Spend some time reflecting on what brings you joy, what makes you feel powerful, and the parts of your journey you want to honor through these photos.

When your story is at the forefront, the authenticity comes naturally. It’s your vulnerability, grace, and resilience that make you beautifully and uniquely you, and that’s what I aim to capture.

#2. Choose What Makes You Feel Most You

Your session should feel like a natural extension of who you are. Whether that’s wearing an outfit that really brings out your confidence or incorporating items that hold deep, personal meaning, this is where we craft the heart of your portrait. Maybe it’s a vintage jacket passed down from a loved one, or a pair of boots that have traveled hundreds of miles with you, or neon lipstick that pushes conformative boundaries. These aren’t just details—they’re pieces of your story, stitched into your creative portrait. 

Choosing locations that reflect your spirit is equally important. Whether you feel most alive under a wide-open sky, surrounded by nature’s wild beauty, or in the quiet corners of a place that feels like home, your surroundings will deepen the story we tell. I always aim to create a space where you can feel comfortable, be present, and feel empowered. 

Whether you’re a golden-hour girl or a night-life baddie, a soft or harsh light savant, an edgy or airy character, we will work with the best light to encapsulate your vibe. Lighting helps us display our physical stories. Many different moods can be conveyed just with a simple lightbeam, and I want to make sure we find the perfect lighting to help you shine. 

It might sound like a lot, but all these details help us show the world who you are.

#3. Trust the Process

Being in front of the camera can feel vulnerable, but trust me when I say that vulnerability is so powerful. I’ll get to that more in my next point. During a session, we’ll laugh, maybe even cry, but every emotion is part of the journey. As your professional creative portrait photographer, my role is to hold space for you, to guide you in a way that feels comfortable, and to capture the authentic essence of who you are—unposed, unscripted, and unapologetically you.

We’ll take breaks when needed, shift when the moment feels right, and follow the flow of your energy.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. It’s capturing the quiet moments between poses, the candid smiles, and the beauty of simply being.

#4. Empowerment Through Vulnerability

There’s power in showing up as you are. The photos we create together will honor not only where you’ve been but also where you’re going. Your strength, your beauty, your resilience—all of it will shine through. A professional creative portrait is about embracing your truest self, free from expectations, and stepping into a space of self-love and empowerment.

When you look back at these images, I want you to feel seen and celebrated. This isn’t just about updating your profile picture or your portfolio; it’s about capturing the essence of who you are and creating a tangible reminder of your worth, your strength, and your beauty. It’s about creating art that reflects the real you.

As you prepare for a portrait experience, remember: this is your moment. It’s a celebration of everything you’ve been through, everything you are, and everything you will become. If you want to work together and see my creative process firsthand, we can create a collection of images that honor your journey and inspire the next chapter.

I can’t wait to capture the beauty of your story.