mpricephotography.ca
Kelowna, BC
Kelowna, BC
Session Prep Checklist
Professional Headshot Session · Quick Reference
The Week Before
- Go through your wardrobe. If anything pulls, bunches, or doesn't sit right, leave it behind.
- Book a haircut now if you need one (aim for 3–7 days before, not the day before).
- Book hair or makeup appointments if you are planning to use either.
- Confirm any dress code or background colour preferences with your employer if applicable.
- Find one or two reference photos on your phone of looks you like.
The Day Before
- Get a solid night of sleep. Fatigue is visible in portraits.
- Drink plenty of water. Hydrated skin photographs differently.
- Avoid heavy alcohol or very salty food. Both can cause puffiness.
- Do not try new skincare products. Leave no room for a reaction.
The Morning Of
- Iron or steam your clothing. Wrinkles are clear under studio lighting.
- Shave or tidy facial hair. Arrive with it intentional, not in-between.
- Keep makeup natural and matte. Avoid gloss or shimmer.
- Check collar and neckline for lint or creases before you leave.
- Leave early enough to arrive without rushing.
What to Bring
- Two or three outfit options
- A backup outfit in a different colour
- A lint roller
- A hairbrush or comb
- Lip balm
- Makeup touch-up items (if applicable)
- A glasses cloth (if applicable)
- Oil blotting sheets (if your skin gets shiny)
- Reference photos on your phone
What to Avoid
- New skincare products in the days before. No time to recover from a reaction.
- An experimental haircut the day before. There is no time to recover.
- Heavy lotion or shiny products on your face the morning of.
- Arriving rushed. Stressed energy is visible and takes minutes to settle.
- Assuming retouching fixes everything. Clothing fit and fatigue do not retouch well.
- Memorizing poses from online. Let the direction come from the session.