Portrait & Fashion · Chirlyart Photography Cologne

How to Prepare for Your Portrait Shoot.

Everything I tell my clients before a shoot. Honest and without the fluff.

By Chirly Chantal Hübenthal · Portrait & sedcard photographer in Cologne

Most people arrive at a portrait shoot with a slight flutter of nerves. Some with real fear. That’s normal – and I don’t say that to reassure you, but because I know it myself. Having a camera pointed at you feels strange. Here’s what I tell my clients: not so they stop being nervous, but so they come prepared.

1. Sleep well – really.

No filter in the world replaces well-rested eyes. When I work on eyes in editing, I notice immediately whether someone was tired. Don’t schedule the shoot right after a long working day or a night of dancing.

Rule of thumb: at least 7–8 hours of sleep the night before. Sounds trivial. But it makes a visible difference.

2. Outfit: less is more. And wear what you actually wear.

Don’t buy an outfit you’d never otherwise wear. I notice at once when someone doesn’t feel comfortable in their clothes – you can see it. Wear what truly belongs to you. What describes you.

Avoid little pattern chaos: stripes on stripes, checks on checks – it distracts. Solid pieces or calm patterns almost always work better. And bring two or three options – then we decide together on the day.

For sedcard shoots: I need different looks – clean, casual, editorial. We discuss that beforehand.

3. Make-up: the way you really wear it.

Don’t do your make-up for the camera, do it for yourself. I work with the light and the mood – not your face. You should look like you in the images. Just in the best light.

For sedcard shoots I recommend professional make-up for at least one of the looks. It makes a noticeable difference – and if you like, I can put you in touch with make-up artists from my network.

4. Don’t come on an empty stomach.

Sounds unimportant. It isn’t. Anyone who’s hungry is more impatient, more restless, less relaxed. Eat beforehand. Bring water. A coffee doesn’t hurt; too much caffeine does.

I always bring something myself. But don’t rely on it.

5. Trust me. And tell me when something feels off.

I’ll never force you into a pose you feel uncomfortable in. I’ll ask, explain, adjust. And if something really isn’t working, I’ll say so – and we’ll try something else.

What I need from you: tell me when something doesn’t feel right. No suffering in silence. The image only turns out well when you truly feel at ease.

One more thing I’d like to say.

The best portrait images don’t happen when someone is perfectly prepared. They happen when someone has forgotten the camera is there. My preparation just helps you get there faster.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up.