Brighton Photographer
Preparing for your Studio Portrait Photoshoot
There's something un-nerving about booking a portrait photography session....
....you’re not just arranging some photos, you’re putting yourself right out there, warts and all.
Whether you’re an actor updating headshots, a business owner refreshing your brand, or simply marking a moment in time, walking into a studio makes even the biggest characters wither. So here’s what to prepare for practically, and more importantly mentally, and emotionally.
1. Clothing: Keep it simple
A few gentle guidelines:
- Bring 2 or 3 options. Don’t over cook it.
- Favour neutral or muted tones, not colours that will outshine your personality.
- Avoid busy patterns or large logos. Especially logos.
- Choose clothes that feel like you on your best day.
Most importantly, wear something you feel comfortable standing and sitting in. If you’re adjusting it every few seconds, it’ll show.
If you’re a Brighton creative, that might mean something relaxed but refined. If you’re corporate, perhaps something sharper. Either works, authenticity always wins.
2. Grooming: Polished, Not Overdone.
Think “well rested version of yourself.”
- Get a haircut a few days before (not the day of).
- Keep makeup natural and matte.
- Bring a brush, powder, or anything you may need for touch-ups.
- Moisturise, skin texture matters in studio light.
The camera sees detail, but that doesn’t mean you need to be flawless. It just means every small preparation makes a difference.
3. Rest & Mindset: this Matters More Than You Think.
The best portrait photographs aren’t about perfect symmetry or angles. They’re about ease.
- Avoid rushing.
- Arrive fifteen minutes early.
- Drink lots of water.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
When people walk into my Brighton studio, the first 10 to 15 minutes are rarely about photographing. They’re about settling. Conversation. Breathing. Finding your natural rhythm.
You don’t need to “perform.” You don’t need to know your angles. That’s my job.
4. What Actually Happens in the Studio?
There’s no dramatic spotlight interrogation.
Instead:
- We’ll talk.
- I’ll guide you gently into small movements.
- We’ll refine posture and expression naturally.
- You’ll see preview photographs along the way.
Most people say the same thing halfway through:
“Oh… this isn’t as awkward as I thought.”
That shift from self conscious to comfortable is when the real portraits begin.
5. Leave Perfection at the Door.
You don’t need to lose weight.
You don’t need a new jawline.
You don’t need to be “more photogenic.”
You do need to show up.
creating great portraits is about creating images that still feel like you five years from now.
And that only works if you allow yourself to be present.
A Final Thought.
A portrait session isn’t about how you look.
It’s about how you feel while being seen.
Prepare practically.
Arrive calmly.
Trust the process.
Brighton Headshot Photographer
Mark Turrell is a Photographer based in Brighton.
Contact
+44 (0)7798 772 886
mark@mjtphotograph.com
Find
Portland Place, Kemp Town, Brighton.