11 Tips to Rock Your Next Photo Shoot

How do you feel when it's photo shoot time? I've finally gotten to the point where I have fun, but my first one three years ago? Awkward city.

The photos turned out, thanks to having an absolute pro behind the camera, but my armpits were dripping and I was understanding the "what do I do with my hands?!" dilemma on a whole new level.

The morning of, I recruited my husband to help me roll up the rug in my office and rearrange furniture while I had yesterday’s blowout pinned up in an attempt to keep some body in my stick-straight hair.

Meghan, my photographer and friend, arrived and weighed in on wardrobe and jewelry. She also taught me to “turtle,” which I didn't know was a thing, let alone a good thing, or something I should do to get a good shot.

A bit later, my business bestie Colette came over to help me loosen up and to pose with me in some photos.

We got some great shots that day, but it wasn’t until this latest shoot that I realized how to unlock the energy for a great photo – and it’s nothing I’ve seen in any of the many resources I’ve scoured as part of my prep.

Here, I’m sharing my top tips so you can rock your next photo shoot with confidence and get the pictures that will draw in your right people.

11. Think through how these will be used. Website? Emails? Social? All of the above? What specific campaigns? Knowing the end-use will help you and your photographer align on the vision and logistics -- landscape vs. portrait, editorial vs. relaxed, close-ups vs. wide angle.

10. Make a Pinterest board that reflects the vibe. Curate a board that captures the essence and mood you want to convey. This was my inspo for my most recent shoot.

9. Check wardrobe. Do you own what you need to bring it to life? Time to borrow? Do Rent The Runway? This shoot was my first time renting clothes, and I have to say, it was pretty fun to swan about in gowns that cost more than my wedding dress. And then send them back without worrying about dry cleaning!

8. Hire a professional. I’ve been working with Meghan since before I officially launched my company, and I’m always grateful. She has the skills to bring my vision to life, adjusts my clothes and hair, etc. Getting your friend with a DSLR to take photos is one thing, but I promise, having a pro behind the camera (and editing in post!) really does make a difference.

7. Think about the lead-up. Drink lots of water, skip super salty food the night before, tap out on caffeine and booze if you can so that YOU come through.

6. Make sure your hair and makeup reflect the look you want. Schedule your regular haircut and blowout for the morning of the shoot. Or get a dry style at Drybar (only $35 + tip!). If you want to test drive any new products, do it the week before so you have time to practice – or recover if anything goes awry. There's a reason I'm not wearing fake lashes in any of my photos, and I'm glad I wasn't trying to figure that out at 5:30 a.m.

5. Capture B-roll. You already got the look — make use of it! Set up a tripod or bring along a friend (or, in my case, my kids) to capture movement you can use on reels and for unexpected pops.

4. If you’re in a space that allows it, play music! Curate a playlist ahead of time that channels the vibe you settled on in step 2. This scene from Big Little Lies always makes me laugh.

​3. Remember that things that feel ridiculous in person often make for eye-catching photos. The pose, the clothes, the eyelashes — often make for eye-catching photos. Unless you’re deliberately going for restraint, this is the time to experiment with something bold. I channeled a frigging disco ball and feel great about it.

If you do nothing else, do these two things:

2. Make time to center. I take Alexis Smart’s Wallflower flower essence, listen to the Magnetic Self recording from To Be Magnetic*, and ask for support from my guides and highest self.

1. ✨Remember your why.✨ In my latest shoot, I focused on the transformative impact my services have on my clients. I pictured them achieving their goals, feeling confident and empowered. The energy and emotion this brought out in me were palpable and made for incredibly powerful images. The ones when I was just trying to smile or “look good?” So flat.

Whether you're planning your first photo shoot or your fifteenth, I hope these tips help you feel prepared and excited. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your authentic self shine through.

If you have any questions or need more advice, feel free to reach out. And I'd love to see your amazing photos, so don't hesitate to share them with me!

Happy shooting! 📸✨

*I can't tell you how much I love the To Be Magnetic program! If you’re interested, you can save 15% with coupon code OLIVIA1560. (You get a savings and I get an affiliate bonus, so it’s a win-win.)