How to prepare for a portrait session at the studio
By Daniel Havelock — Founder,
Practical notes for first-time clients at Urban Moonfield
Most people who book a portrait session have not done one before, or have done one and found it uncomfortable. The preparation is not complicated, but a few things make a real difference to how the photographs turn out.
Clothing and what to bring
Solid colours hold up better over time than patterns. A busy print draws the eye away from the face, which is usually not what you want from a portrait. Bring two or three options and change between them if you want variety. Avoid anything you would not normally wear; the camera picks up discomfort in clothing as readily as it picks up discomfort in expression.
What happens during the session
The session runs 90 minutes. The first fifteen or twenty minutes are usually the least productive, which is normal. Daniel does not direct heavily; he tends to talk, ask questions, and wait for the subject to stop performing for the camera. If you have a specific look in mind, bring a reference. If you do not, that is also fine.
The studio has a north-facing window that provides consistent, soft natural light for most of the day. If you are booking a location session, Daniel scouts the spot in advance or works with somewhere you already know. Either way, the logistics are sorted before the day.
After the session
Daniel delivers the curated edit within ten business days. You will also receive a contact sheet of every frame made during the session. The contact sheet is not a proof sheet for selecting images; it is a record of the session. Some clients find it interesting; others never look at it. It is included either way.
If you need files sooner than ten business days for a specific reason, mention it when you book. Daniel will tell you honestly whether a faster turnaround is possible given the current queue.
A note on nerves
Being photographed is uncomfortable for most people. That is not a personal failing. The session is 90 minutes long partly because the first portion is often spent getting past the initial self-consciousness. There is no pressure to perform or to arrive knowing what you want. The conversation before the session is partly for this reason.
Questions that are not answered here are worth asking before you book. Daniel is reachable at hello@urban-moonfield.com and answers the same business day.