how to prepare for your portrait
With the ever-increasing use of social media within business, having a professional-looking profile shot has become essential, and many businesses now require that employees have a professional headshot for their website. I’m sure that having your photographer taken is not among your favourite things to do, but I’m easy to work with + aim to make the process as painless as possible.
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Get a good night’s sleep and avoid alcohol the night before
You will look and feel better when you’re well rested and not hungover.
Iron your clothes
Small creases that go unnoticed in real life show up clearly in photos.
Wear light makeup to define your features
Cameras can wash people out slightly, so a little makeup helps. If the images are for professional use, you may want to book hair and makeup beforehand. I can recommend artists if needed.
Bring a hairbrush
Hair often needs quick adjustments during a shoot. I usually suggest wearing hair down or partly down. Ponytails can look sparse from some angles. Avoid trying a completely new hairstyle right before the shoot.
Make sure you’re generally well-groomed
Eyebrows, roots, facial hair, nails and skin should feel taken care of. If we’re shooting in your home, office, or studio, make sure the space is tidy and presentable too.
Eat and drink beforehand
Being hungry or dehydrated makes it harder to relax and it shows in photos.
Consider wearing contact lenses
Contacts avoid glare and reflections. If you prefer glasses, that’s completely fine and we’ll work with them.
Avoid transition lenses
Even indoors, they can add a colour cast that is difficult to photograph.
Be cautious with false eyelashes
If you wear them, have them professionally applied and keep them light. Heavy or DIY lashes often look uneven and block light from the eyes.
Think about the image you want to project
Professional, creative, approachable? Also consider where the images will be used such as your website, LinkedIn, or social media. Bringing a couple of outfit options is helpful. Simple, fitted, mid-toned clothing usually photographs best.
Consider whether you have a preferred side
If you know one side you like better, tell me. If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal and I’ll guide you.
Tell me about any insecurities
If there’s something you usually dislike in photos, let me know. I hear this every day and there’s nothing embarrassing about it. My job is to minimise distractions and help you feel confident.
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Avoid logos and graphics
Skip clothing with brand names, logos, text, pictures, cartoons, or graphics, unless it’s part of your business uniform. Writing and graphics pull attention away from you and date images quickly.
Bring options
A couple of different tops, or a jacket you can take on and off, gives us flexibility and a few different looks.
Choose simple, timeless, mid-toned clothing
Clean and simple works best and keeps images looking current for longer.
Keep patterns simple
Bold stripes, polka dots, or subtle florals can work if they suit your brand colours. Avoid busy or tiny patterns.
Wear clothes that make you feel good
Choose outfits that highlight your favourite features and downplay areas you feel less confident about. Comfort shows on camera.
Test your outfit beforehand
If it’s new, wear it first. Make sure nothing itches, pulls, rides up, or needs constant adjusting. Feeling comfortable is essential.
Avoid baggy or very tight clothing
Baggy clothes can add bulk. Clothes that are too tight can create unwanted lines and bunching.
Check yourself head to toe before leaving
Look for creases, stains, visible underwear, see-through fabric, or sweat marks. These details matter and are easy to miss in the moment.
Send me outfit photos if you’re unsure
You’re welcome to email photos of options and I’m happy to give guidance.
Don’t overthink it
Plan ahead, but don’t stress or feel pressured to buy new clothes. These are suggestions to help you feel confident and look your best.
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If you are coming to be photographed at my studio, it is conveniently located in the historic Nicholas Building, Level 7, Suite 16, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Please call me on 0406698957 if you get lost.
Public transport is the easiest way to travel to the studio, as the building is directly opposite Flinders Street Station. If you're driving, make sure to allow extra time for traffic and roadworks. For parking, your best bet is the car park at Fed Square. Book online for a discount.
When you get to the Nicholas Building, take the lift up to level 7, turn right as you exit the lift, then turn right again and head through that door, then turn right again and I’m the second door along (suite 16).
FYI the studio is wheelchair accessible but unfortunately the toilets are not (they’re down a set of stairs). The closest wheelchair-accessible public toilets can be found inside the City Library, 253 Flinders Lane.
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Will you retouch my images?
Yes. All selected images are professionally retouched. This includes temporary skin issues (like pimples), lint and stray hairs, minor clothing fixes, gentle softening of under-eyes and wrinkles, and teeth whitening.
My retouching is natural and realistic, I won’t make skin look plastic, remove every wrinkle, or change your body or weight. If you want to see how far I go, my portfolio reflects my standard retouching style.
What if I don’t like any of the images?
If you genuinely can’t find a single image you’d like retouched, I’ll refund you in full, delete your images, and recommend other excellent portrait photographers, no questions asked.
This is extremely rare. During the shoot, we review images together on my iPad so we can adjust as we go.
What if I’m sick or have another emergency?
If you need to reschedule or cancel, please give at least 7 days’ notice where possible.
For last-minute illness or emergencies, we can reschedule your shoot.What’s the deal with copyright?
Under Australian law, the photographer owns copyright and licenses image use to the client.
I provide an Australia-wide, royalty-free, exclusive, perpetual licence for web and print use, including websites, social media, and standard promotional materials. This covers what most clients need.
Commercial uses (such as books, billboards, TV advertising, or overseas use) require a separate licence and fee, arranged if needed.
I may also use selected images from your session on my website or social media to showcase recent work.
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Getting hair and make-up done before your shoot can be a great idea. If you’re in the CBD, you could try booking at Mecca, Mac, or Sephora. Otherwise, here are some ladies that I recommend: