We live in an age where most people younger than 30 have more than likely never had professional photos taken of themselves before! We’ve grown up in an age of cell phones and consumer grade digital cameras. Our parents, friends, and family members have been able to document special moments for us since we were young, we’ve never had to think about a lot of things that can make a big difference in professional photos. Here are 5 Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to having professional pictures taken!

Do’s

1. Do Coordinate Your Outfits

Outfit coordination is huge and can make couples photos that much better! Pick outfits out that compliment each other. Choose similar colors and styles that suit you and your significant other. Typically, neutral or solid colors are the safest bet to go with because they’re easier to match and allow for more background options that will compliment the outfit. 

2. Do Layer Your Outfits

When you layer your outfits with jackets, cardigans, or sweaters it allows for more variety in your photos. Not only does layering outfits help with additional posing options and prompts, but a lot of photographers limit the number of outfit changes available to you during a session in the interest of saving time. When you layer an outfit most photographers won’t mind if you pop your layers on and off during the session which will allow you to get more variety with a limited number of outfits.

3. Do Have Your Hair and Makeup Professionally Done

You can by all means do your own hair and make up if you don’t want to spend too much extra on your photo shoot, but hair and makeup can make a big difference on camera! With that said though, it’s more than likely that you probably don’t get professional photos done regularly. It’s definitely worth the extra splurge if you can afford it because it’ll make you and your photos look that much better! If you don’t know of a hair or makeup artist, ask your photographer! They likely have a couple they can recommend to you. 

4. Do try to Schedule Your Session In the Morning or Evening

It’s a secret photo tip, but you will want to avoid having your photos taken during the mid-day sun. When the sun is at its highest point, it makes lighting conditions much more challenging. It casts hard shadows on your eyes, can cause you to squint during your photos, and minimizes the amount of shade (which photographers love). Morning between 8:00 -10:00 AM and After 3:00 or 4:00 are going to be your best bets! If you can manage to book a session during golden hour or sunset, you’ll really have some amazing light and colors in your photos!

5. Do Make Your Photographer Aware of Any Insecurities

Your photographer won't judge you or make you feel bad about your insecurities! They want to make sure you feel confident and beautiful in your photos. Their goal is to create photos that you're going to love for the rest of your life! By letting your photographer know of anything you're insecure about they can be sure not to pose or direct you in a way that will draw attention to your insecurities. 

Don’ts

1. Don't Wear Hair Ties on Your Wrist

Ladies and gent’s with long hair, this is a big no no! Jewelry is totally fine to wear during your session, and I definitely encourage you to accessorize. Hair ties aren’t usually a style choice though, and will definitely be noticeable in your photos. Some photographers won’t remove them in the editing process either, so make sure you pop those suckers off your wrist before your session starts!

2. Don’t Keep Your Phone, Wallets, and Keys in Your Pocket

This one mostly applies to the fellas, but these objects can be bulky and will definitely show up in your photos if you keep them in your pockets. Obviously you can’t leave your keys in your locked car, so ask your photographer if you can place them safely in their car. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, remove your car key from your key ring and leave your extra keys, phone and wallet in your own car. Just make sure you put your key in a pocket that won’t show in the photos!

3. Don’t Wear Short or Tight Clothing

By all means wear what you feel comfortable in, but if you at all feel self conscious about certain parts of your body, tight clothing can accentuate areas that you may not want to show off. Also, your photographer may have you do some poses or prompts that can be a challenge in tight clothing. You don’t have to wear baggy clothes, but wear something comfortable and that will allow you some mobility during your shoot!

4. Don’t Choose a Bra that Doesn’t Work With Your Outfit

A good photographer will find a way to let you know discretely when your bra straps are popping out, but nothing will drive you more crazy then seeing your bra strap hanging out of your neck line or popping out of your top. There are plenty of solutions out there to avoid this common mistake!

5. Don’t Try to Be Someone You Aren't

Don’t try to be someone you’re not in your photos! If you don’t ever do your hair and make up, don’t get them done special for your photos. Don’t pick out fancy outfits that aren’t representative of who you and your significant are. These things will lead to you feel uncomfortable and less confident during your photoshoot! Be you in your photos!