This is a checklist for all of my clients to go through the day before and/or the day of their photoshoot. Going through this checklist will make sure that you’re prepared for your shoot and being prepared will make the whole process feel less stressful so you can just sit back and have fun during your session.

Keep your photoshoot plan handy

A few days before your shoot, I will have emailed you a photoshoot plan with the locations you chose and what order we’ll be going to them. I’ll also include exact addresses, parking instructions, meeting places, and any extra information I think you’ll need. I recommend all of clients either screenshot this email or copy it into the notes app on their phone so it’s easily accessible during their shoot and they don’t have to worry about remembering where to go next.

Hair and makeup plan

I think that you should at least have an idea of what you want your hair and makeup to look like for your photoshoot (and how much time they’ll take) that way you don’t feel unprepared when you’re getting ready. A great way to make this less stressful would be to make a hair and makeup appointment right before your photoshoot so you can just sit back and relax.

Do you know what outfit you’re wearing to each location?

Okay, so you picked your outfits. But do you know what outfit you’re wearing where? If your shoot includes multiple outfits and/or locations, you should plan ahead of time what outfit would look best where. You might even make a note of it in your phone or put sticky notes on their hangers or something.

Appropriate undergarments

This may seem silly or obvious to include, but you should double check that you have what you need for all of your outfits. You’d hate to be caught without a strapless bra or seamless undies.

Remove any tags, stickers, hanger loopies

If you just bought a new fit for you photoshoot, make sure you’ve removed all of the tags and stickers, and you don’t have any of those hanger loop things sticking out of your armpits.

Steam your clothes

Please please please steam your outfits before your photoshoot. Your photos will end up looking so much more polished if your clothing is wrinkle free. After you steam them, I recommend hanging them up in the car or laying them flat in the backseat.

Pack the car

Okay now it’s time to pack the car. I recommend bringing water (especially when it’s hot), snacks (not messy) if it’s a multi-location shoot, a hairbrush, and any makeup you’ll need to touch up during the shoot. If you’re doing a family shoot, do you have everything you need to keep the kiddos happy and entertained (we are not above bribery)? If it’s super hot, bring something to pat away the sweat if need be. If it’s cold, definitely throw a big coat in the car and you can slip it on when we’re walking to different shooting spots.

Do you have a plan for where you’re changing?

If you have multiple outfits, you’ll have to make a plan for where you’ll be changing. If you’re comfortable changing in the car, that’s perfect. If not, I recommend picking fast food places or clean gas stations that you can change in between locations.

Don’t forget the props

Do you have all the stuff you wanted to include in your shoot? Cap & gown? Letterman jacket? Flower bouquet? Tennis racket?

Unwanted accessories

The last step before your shoot is to take off your apple watch, hair ties on your wrist, empty your pockets, and make sure there’s nothing you’re wearing that you don’t want in your photos.