Have you ever wondered what happens before you step in front of the camera for professional portraits? Today, I want to share with you one of the most important elements of how I create exceptional portrait photography: the design consultation.
It’s More Than Just Taking Pictures
When you invest in professional portraiture – whether for yourself or your brand – you’re not just booking someone to take a few photos. We’re embarking on a journey to create visual representations of who you truly are, images that communicate your essence to everyone who sees them.
This is where the design consultation makes all the difference. It’s our opportunity to connect, plan, and lay the foundation for portraits that don’t just capture what you look like, but reveal who you truly are.
What Happens During Your Design Consultation?
Once you book your session with me, we’ll schedule your design consultation within about ten days. This meeting can happen either at my studio or virtually, with most clients choosing the virtual option to accommodate busy schedules.
We’ll spend about 45-60 minutes diving deep into your vision for your portraits. This is where the magic begins to take shape.
Discovering Your Authentic Self
During our consultation, we explore questions that help me understand the essence of who you are:
For personal branding clients, I might ask:
- “What three adjectives describe you in your professional role?”
- “What are three adjectives that describe your ideal client?”
- “What do your clients need to see in your imagery to trust you?”
That “know-like-trust” factor? We intentionally build that into your imagery.
For fine art portrait clients, we might explore:
- How your best friend would describe you
- What aspects of yourself you want to celebrate
- How you envision displaying these portraits in your home
We take all these insights and design your session around them. This is how we create portraits that feel authentically like you – not some stiff, uncomfortable version that nobody recognizes.
The Psychology of Color in Your Portraits
One of the most powerful yet often overlooked elements of portrait photography is color theory. This goes beyond simply “I look good in blue” (though that matters too!).
Each color communicates specific emotions and qualities. For example:
- Red conveys energy, passion, strength, and creativity
- Green evokes prosperity, nature, loyalty, and health
- Blue communicates trust, confidence, purpose, and tranquility
During your consultation, we’ll discuss which colors align with your personal style or brand values and how we’ll incorporate them through wardrobe, posing, lighting, and background. These choices aren’t just aesthetic – they communicate on a subconscious level to your audience.
Would you rather watch or listen instead of read? Check out my video below!
Creating Versatile Images for Every Context
Your portraits need to work in different environments and for different purposes. We’ll discuss exactly how you plan to use your images:
For personal portraiture:
- Different decorating styles mean different types of wall art
- Display versatility with a reveal box with printed images
- An album for when you want ALL the images in one place
For personal branding:
- Different types of speaking engagements require different visual approaches—a daytime workshop calls for a different presence than an evening gala
- Social media platforms each have distinct audiences and atmospheres
- Seasonal considerations, brand colors, and specific contexts all influence our planning
The goal is to create a diverse portfolio that allows you to show up authentically in every context, with visuals that resonate with each specific use case while remaining true to your essence.
Setting You Up for Success
I believe in clear communication and thorough preparation so that there’s no surprises on the day of your shoot. During your design consultation, I’ll share everything you need to know to prepare for your session:
My Top Preparation Tips
- Hydration is key! Staying well-hydrated keeps your skin looking its best and minimizes retouching needs
- Wardrobe choices matter tremendously – what looks amazing in person can sometimes create unflattering silhouettes on camera
I’ll also walk you through exactly what to expect during your time in the studio:
- The professional hair and makeup experience
- How I’ll guide you through posing and expressions
- How we’ll handle wardrobe changes and styling variations
- The image review and selection process
This thorough preparation ensures you arrive confident and ready to shine no matter what session you’re experiencing.
Creating a Safe Space for Your Authentic Self
I recently completed a design consultation with a client who’s in the midst of rebranding during a significant personal transformation. The words she used to describe how she wants to feel in her imagery and what her brand will represent in this new chapter have me incredibly excited to create for her.
This highlights something important: my studio is a judgment-free zone where you can feel comfortable being your authentic self.
So many people feel nervous about being photographed, often telling themselves that:
- “I’m not photogenic”
- “I never look good in photos”
- “I don’t know how to pose”
These concerns are completely normal, and during our consultation, we’ll address them directly. My approach to direction, lighting, and posing is specifically designed to bring out your best features and help you feel at ease in front of the camera.
My goal is to create imagery you love, want to use, want to cherish, and proudly display.
Beyond Photos: Creating Your Visual Legacy
When done thoughtfully, professional portraits become more than just images—they become treasured artifacts that tell your story now and for generations to come.
During our consultation, we’ll discuss how you envision using these images as part of your legacy:
- As beautiful artwork displayed in your home
- As powerful visuals for your business that instantly communicate your value
- As meaningful gifts for loved ones
- As records of who you are at this significant point in your life
By understanding the deeper purpose behind your portraits, we create images worthy of the legacy you’re building.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re ready to create imagery that authentically represents who you are, I invite you to fill out the form below and get your Discovery Call on the books.
I can’t wait to have you in the studio!
Book your discovery call today!
