PLANNING YOUR

Portrait SESSION

choosing the perfect time, location,
outfits & more!

Welcome

A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE

I’m so excited to be considered as your photographer! Whether it’s couple’s portraits, family portraits, headshots and branding, high school senior portraits, or college graduation photos you are searching for, you have come to the right place. I’ve been photographing for over a decade and I still get excited to help my clients find the best locations and create imagery that tells their real story. No more awkward poses here, let’s make images that you want to hang on your walls & display in albums for years to come. That’s the idea behind every session with Lexi Photography.

It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that even I still get nervous before having my photos taken…and I do this for a living! I promise that you will feel comfortable by the end of your shoot—making people feel comfortable is actually my superpower.

Portrait sessions are where you can showcase your personalities in a setting that is significant to you (and can even include pets!). I have lots of favorite locations for photographing, but I love it when my clients have a place that is special to them. Of course I’m happy to offer location recommendations, you’ll even find a few in this guide.

There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I often get asked the same questions, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.

I’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas, and more.

– Lexi

A NOTE TO

My Portrait Clients

My focus is not only to give you fantastic images of your real life, but also to help you get these images printed to display for years to come. Upon booking, I will share my 26-page style guide on ways you can display your photos in gorgeous high-end wall art, small framed desk prints, or displayed in a beautiful heirloom album.

My clients hire me not only for my photographic expertise but for my design consultations as well. After all, printing and curating a set of images for you to cherish for years to come is my specialty. I do not just give you your photos and walk away, I provide personalized design services that get you framed images and custom albums in your hands quickly.

What's Included?

in the Lexi Photography portrait session

All portrait sessions are $400 and include:

1 hour session
hand processing and editing up to 100 photos
personalized gallery reveal & print sale in the comfort of your own home
password protected online gallery to view and select your images for printing and sharing
custom designed wall art and album options

TIME & LIGHT

Is there a "good" time to take photos?

Since we live in New England, most portrait sessions take place between April and October. I’ve found that there isn’t a really “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a client has in mind, spring flowers or fall leaves for example, or based on schedules.

Sessions typically last about an hour and when when we can—I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. That is what everyone has come to know as golden hour. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot (especially in the summer when it is very hot later in the day). During the summer this can be as late as 6pm and in the fall as early as 4pm. All session start times are listed in my online booking calendar.

Seasons

While I shoot most of my portrait sessions between April and October, sessions can take place all year. Most of my clients choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.

A few things to keep in mind during each season:

Spring

fresh flowers and sunny days

Even though Spring begins in March, I typically don’t begin shooting for another 6 weeks because the weather in Boston is still pretty chilly through much of April. Anywhere that offers us some flowering trees is a win in my book.

Summer

fun on the beach

In spite of the heat, I’m a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your portrait photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.

For families, this will be a lifestyle session so let’s enjoy some fun on the beach. Headshots or senior portraits will take advantage of all the gorgeous low light.

Fall

colorful leaves and snuggling close

Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of the perfect weather, my schedule typically books up very quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall portrait session (especially in October), I recommend scheduling it as early as possible! I book about 2 months out in the busy season.

Winter

snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats

If you’re planning to take your photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. We recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.

Alternatively, we could do an in-home session that allows us to enjoy all the coziness that the winter brings us here in New England.

Family Portraits

For my families: Let’s leave those matching white shirts at home and take photos of the real you! Do you love making pancakes on Sunday mornings? Let’s recreate that for a shoot! Want to draw with sidewalk chalk in the driveway? Please invite me to photograph this. Love the beach? Well obviously I’ll meet you there!

Think of the vibe you want for your photos, these are your family heirlooms and I want them to reflect who you are as a family.

Locations

BOSTON AND NORTH-SHORE PORTRAIT LOCATIONS

I love when clients choose a location for their session that complements their home style where the photos will be displayed. For example, if you have a clean scandinavian style home then how about an outdoor city location like the South End, or maybe the ICA or Seaport in Boston. Is modern farmhouse your decor? Then think about a cute french bistro, or a field with tall grasses. Is your design aesthetic lean towards coastal? Then definitely the beach at sunrise or sunset will be perfect. The best session locations are often meaningful places to my clients; however, I’m also happy to make recommendations. From city skylines to lavender fields to apple picking and art museums, the options for portrait session locations are endless!

CLASSIC & ELEGANT

Boston Public Garden
Bunker Hill Monument
Charles River Esplanade
Charlestown Navy Yard
Newport mansions

COASTAL

Castle Island
Halibut Point
Newburyport
Bearskin Neck (Rockport)

URBAN

ICA and Seaport
Back Bay
Beacon Hill
North End

BEACH

Wingaersheek Beach
Lynch Park
Salisbury State Park
Singing Beach
Plum Island

RUSTIC

Smith Barn at Brooksby Farm
An apple orchard
Endicott Park
Rock Meadow
Barn at Gibbet Hill

ADVENTURE

Cooking class
Hiking
Sailing / Boating

the above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my clients!

High School & College Seniors

For senior portraits I am focused not only on getting you a yearbook photo (or a Linked In photo for my college seniors) – trust me we’ll get that – but also capturing this very special moment in time for you. So expect a lot of photos!

I usually suggest 1-2 outfit changes. A more dressed down outfit like shorts and a Red Sox tee or jeans and tall boots. And a more dressed up outfit like a sweater dress with booties or a simple black dress and heels.

And definitely bring items from your favorite hobbies as well. Are you a guitarist? Bring your guitar. You love soccer? Let’s show that off! The beach is your favorite place to be? Then that’s where we’ll go! For college seniors, a cap and gown photo is always a good idea.

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Pets

Obviously our 2 dogs are a huge part of our family, which is why I love when clients choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.

I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.

If you’re going to bring a pet, I definitely recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.

Outfits

TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST

When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” In most cases there is one main person preparing for the shoot and booking the session, so work off of his or her favorite outfit. For example, if you love that olive green dress you should choose some colors and patterns that go well with it (bright pinks, dark jeans, etc.) and work from there. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels, neutrals, or jewel tones.

Generally senior or branding sessions have more options for outfit changing. Pick two or three outfits for a senior, headshot, or branding session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when everyone usually feels more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes, and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.

for the ladies

Wardrobe Tips

Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.

I love the way larger patterns photograph – just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small – it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.

Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors – especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.

find it fast

for the ladies

Accessories

Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs. Really anything with a little texture.

And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms. Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy maxi dress! They look great in walking photos and any photos with movement.

I love classic sheath dresses or pencil skirts with great pair of boots or heels. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!

find it fast

for the ladies

Favorite Shops

Rent the Runway
ASOS
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
ModCloth
LOFT
Hazel & Olive
Lulu’s
H&M
Nordstrom
Madewell
Banana Republic

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for the ladies

Hair & Makeup

Some women choose to have hair and makeup done for their portrait session! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind.

I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos – but also that you feel like yourself. So be sure to choose a hair and/or makeup artist that you trust to make you look like yourself. For example, I’m not a glam girl so I would never do full hair & makeup for a shoot. Here are a few of my favorites.

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for the gents

Wardrobe

No matter what kind of portraits we are taking, you can’t go wrong with something a little dressed up. For headshots, consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen! Family portraits – layer with a sweater or something with a little texture. High school senior – definitely be comfortable but more dressed up than you usually are. For example, wear a henley instead of a t-shirt, a button down and denim jacket instead of a sweatshirt. I still suggest having a few options to help change up the look a bit.

Be careful with pattern. A pattern that is really large will take over the photo but if it is too small it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors – especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.

find it fast

for the gents

Favorite Shops

ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Abercrombie
Zara
Banana Republic
Ben Sherman
Scotch & Soda
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters

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Inclement Weather

what to do if it rains

I’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for your portrait session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. I can also work to find a covered location if the timing or date can’t be changed, so when I check in you can let me know what you would prefer. I will tell you that umbrella photos can also be really cute.

Generally if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call a day in advance so you aren’t feeling stressed about the weather on the day of the session.

POSING

"What do I do with my hands"?

When it comes to posing for your portrait session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make you laugh – and that’s the photo I’m actually looking for.

Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I’ll often tell the guys to put their hands in pockets. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time in front of the camera!

When to Expect Your Images

As soon as possible after your session is complete, I’ll give you a sneak peek through social media. I love being able to give you a little idea of what to expect. And then it takes me about 3 weeks to edit your images. A few days before your gallery is finished I will email you about your gallery reveal. You will choose the date and time for your gallery release so you know you will be present and excited to see all your photos. You can expect to receive your photos between 3 and 4 weeks after your session.

THANK YOU!

I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers any questions you have about how to prep for your portrait session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email lexi@lexiphotography.com

Ready to book your session? Click below to book right through my online calendar.