Be ready on the shoot day


Pre-shoot checklist


At JC Photos and Film, most of our clients have never done a professional photoshoot! We've made this little page to make sure you are ready and confident when your portrait session is here!

 

A couple in wedding attire walking hand in hand along a waterfront at sunset.
Two people in white outfits and brown pants walk together on a dirt path surrounded by autumn foliage.
A couple walks together through a brown field at sunset wearing casual western attire.

 

Style guide

Your outfit sets the entire mood of your photos, so give this some thought! Here are a few guidelines:


Solid colors, rich tones, and textures. Earth tones, deep jewel tones, and muted neutrals all photograph beautifully.



Avoid: Large logos, busy patterns, and neon colors — they pull focus away from you. Very stiff or brand-new clothes can read awkward on camera, so wear things you've broken in and feel confident in.



For couples and families: Coordinate, don't match. Pick a color palette of 2–3 complementary tones and build from there.



Shoes matter! We often shoot full-body, and your footwear is part of the look. Bring a comfortable pair for walking to the location and your photo pair to swap into.



When in doubt, send us a photo of your outfit options and we'll help you pick!

Contact me

Weather



If it rains: We'll reach out at least 2–3 hours before your session to discuss options. We can reschedule to the next available date at no extra cost, or if it's a light drizzle and you're feeling adventurous, rain photos can be stunning.


Extreme heat: For summer sessions, we typically schedule during golden hour (the last 1–2 hours before sunset) to avoid the worst of it. Bring water, and know that we'll take breaks if needed. Your comfort always comes first.

What to Expect

and what not to stress about

A romantic sunset silhouette shows a couple embracing on the shoreline during golden hour.

If you've never done a professional photoshoot before, it's completely normal to feel a little nervous.


We'll start with some easy, natural movement to shake off the awkwardness — walking, laughing, adjusting your hair. This isn't about holding a stiff pose and smiling on command. We guide you through every moment.


You don't need to be "good" at this. That's our job. We'll direct you, adjust small details, and make sure everything looks great so you can just focus on being present and having fun.