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Getting ready for a portrait session: hair, makeup, outfit and mindset

A former model shares everything she wishes she'd known before her first shoots. Nothing complicated, just small details that make a real difference.

By Léna Maruitte, photographer in Marseille ·
Portrait of a woman in a white dress by the sea at sunsetPortrait
In short
  • Makeup slightly stronger than your everyday look, but still natural and matte.
  • Wash your hair the day before rather than that morning: it holds better.
  • Wear an outfit you already feel beautiful in before the session even starts.

Before I became a photographer, I spent several years on the other side of the lens, as a model. I had shoots where everything felt perfect, and others where I was tense from start to finish. Very often, the difference came down to preparation. Here's what I learned.

Makeup: a little more, but natural

The camera slightly softens your features. So makeup that's a touch stronger than usual is a good idea, as long as it stays natural:

  • An even, fairly matte complexion (shine shows up a lot in photos)
  • Lightly defined brows: they frame your face
  • Mascara, and a little blush for a healthy glow
  • Avoid high-SPF or very glittery products, which can look white or shiny in flash or sunlight

If you never wear makeup, don't transform yourself. A moisturizer, some lip balm and a bit of powder are plenty.

Doing makeup in the mirror before a photo session
Just before the session, in front of the mirror.
Makeup artist preparing a woman seated by the window
A little bolder than every day, but still natural.
Close-up portrait of a woman with natural makeup by the sea
Even skin, mascara, a healthy glow: that's it.

Your hair

Wash it the day before rather than that morning: it will have more hold and less frizz. If you're planning a trip to the hairdresser, go a few days before, not the day before: it can take a little time to feel at home with a new cut. And pop a brush and a hair tie in your bag.

The problem

You have a pimple, dark circles or a tiny mark that's been bothering you all morning.

The solution

Light retouching is part of my work: small blemishes, temporary redness, heavy dark circles. I don't change your face, but I make whatever isn't lastingly “you” disappear. Don't let that detail spoil your session.

Woman with a braid, holding sprigs of mimosa
A braid holds up well, even in the wind.
Woman with her hair lifted by the wind, seen from a low angle
And sometimes, we let the wind do its thing.

Your outfit

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Woman in a patterned blouse and black pants in front of a gate
One session…
Woman in a leather jacket and denim shorts on the street
… two or three outfits…
Woman in a gray suit and white top on the street
… and three moods.
Portrait of a woman in a red dress sitting among poppies
A solid color that brings out your complexion.
Woman in a blue floral dress holding poppies
A dress you feel beautiful in before the session even starts.

Your mindset

Sleep well, eat beforehand, and arrive without rushing. Above all, don't try to show your “good side” all the time. I take care of the angles and the light. You just think about something that makes you feel good. It shows in your eyes.

A real-life example

Picture a woman treating herself to a portrait session for her fortieth birthday. She arrives very stressed, convinced she's “not photogenic.” We start by walking and talking about what she wants to celebrate. Fifteen minutes in, she's telling me about her kids and her travels, and her whole face changes. That's the look we keep.

My tip

Bring a playlist you love. Music relaxes everyone instantly, especially for indoor sessions.

Woman laughing, holding an iris
Thinking of something that makes you happy…
Woman crouching next to her horse among flowers
… shows right away in your eyes.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wear makeup for a portrait photo session?

Makeup slightly stronger than your everyday look, natural and fairly matte, is ideal. If you never wear makeup, a light touch is enough.

When should I wash my hair before a photo session?

The day before rather than that morning: it has more hold and less frizz.

The author

I'm Léna, a photographer based in Marseille. A former journalist and former model, I photograph pregnancies, newborns, families, couples, portraits and weddings, in Provence and wherever you need me.

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