Booking a portrait session is more than checking a box—it’s about pausing to honor this chapter of your life. Whether it’s a family milestone, an engagement, or simply a season worth remembering, a little preparation goes a long way. These are the portrait session tips we share with all our clients to help the experience feel effortless, intentional, and uniquely yours.

Love the Light

Light shapes everything in a portrait session—it softens edges, adds depth, and sets the mood. We often recommend shooting during golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is at its most flattering and cinematic. It’s a beautiful way to add warmth and magic to your images.

That said, the most important element isn’t the light—it’s you. If a different time of day feels more relaxed or meaningful, we’ll make it work. The joy you bring into the session is what truly makes your photos shine. After all, it’s your story we’re telling—and it should feel like you from start to finish.

Location, Location, Location

If you’re dreaming of soft, glowing images with that golden, light-filled aesthetic, your location plays a key role. Ideal settings offer open spaces where natural light can gently fall across you—illuminating your features without overpowering them. Look for areas that also provide open shade: spots where you can see the sky above, but the sun’s rays are diffused. This type of lighting flatters the skin, avoiding harsh shadows or uneven patches, and helps achieve that effortlessly luminous feel in every frame.

Take a look at the two images above. The photo on the left captures a tender moment—but it’s positioned in what we often call a “black hole.” With the sky obscured by dense tree cover, there’s no natural light to sculpt or highlight the subjects. As a result, the image feels darker and lacks that luminous, airy quality that draws focus to the emotion between mom and daughter.

In contrast, the image on the right showcases an expecting family beautifully lit in open shade. The sky is visible overhead, allowing soft, even light to fall across them, while the sun behind them creates a golden halo—an effortless, dreamy glow.

Below, the final image is a perfect example of complete open shade. The sun has just slipped behind the mountains to the left of the mother-to-be, casting a warm, diffused light that flatters every detail. So if your photographer suggests a spot that may look unconventional at first, trust their eye. These lighting choices are intentional, and they make all the difference.

It is also very important to keep the surrounding landforms in mind. If you have higher elevation areas, thick tree lines, or mountains, you want to start your session earlier in the day so that it doesn’t get dark too quickly!

Consider All Possibilities Ahead of Time

After years behind the lens, we’ve seen it all—and learned from every moment. These days, we schedule sessions with everything in mind: unpredictable weather, traffic delays, toddler moods, shifting sunset times, and the way light moves across the landscape. If your photographer isn’t already well-versed in natural light and meticulous planning, these are the things to keep in mind when preparing for your session. Thoughtful timing and a flexible mindset can turn unexpected moments into the most memorable ones.

-Don’t wait until the last minute to book your session.

Whatever you do—don’t choose your photographer based on availability alone. If you’re drawn to someone’s work and feel you’d connect well, reach out early. Give yourselves the gift of time—time to plan, to prepare, and to align on a date that feels unrushed for both of you.

This gives you the space to take care of the little things that make a big difference. Schedule that haircut or blowout. Exfoliate, moisturize, and settle into feeling your best. Because the last thing you want is to receive your images and feel distracted by the brassy tone of a rushed dye job, an untrimmed neckline, or a wardrobe swap after your dog decided your outfit was lunch. Trust us—it happens!

And before you lock in your session, be sure you’re aligned on your photographer’s turnaround time. If you’re hoping to use your portraits for holiday cards, gifts, or announcements, planning ahead will keep your experience stress-free and full of ease.

-Start thinking about your outfits ahead of time, and if you need to order something, give yourself plenty of time in case there are shipping delays.

Have a backup outfit ready, just in case. Aim to feel comfortable and confident—especially when it comes to your hair. Make any changes at least a week in advance so you’re not dealing with surprises right before your session. The same goes for skincare: now’s not the time to try new products or routines. Avoid last-minute self-tanner, new exfoliants, or anything that might lead to breakouts or uneven skin tone. And for the ladies—if your cycle affects your skin or stress levels, be mindful of that when choosing your session date. Feeling your best starts with being kind to your body and planning ahead.

If your partner isn’t exactly thrilled about portraits or isn’t into dressing up, take the lead. Choose their outfit ahead of time and lay it out the day of. Should we have to do this? Maybe not. But does it help everyone feel calm and avoid pre-session tension? Absolutely.

-Give yourselves an additional thirty minutes of drive time.

You just never know—traffic delays, unexpected detours, a last-minute bathroom break, or a parking situation that’s trickier than planned. Giving yourself a buffer can make all the difference. Arriving early not only keeps things stress-free, but it gives everyone (especially little ones) a chance to settle in and adjust—no one wants to go from a car nap straight to smiling on camera.

Be sure you have a clearly defined meeting spot for your photographer and confirm parking coordinates ahead of time. The last thing you want is to lose precious sunlight or start your session feeling rushed.

-Keep these things in your car!

Always bring a snack and a bottle of water—yes, even if there are no children in your session. Some of the most beautiful locations require a bit of walking, and it’s easy to forget to eat when you’re caught up in preparing for your portraits. Arrive a little early, take a breath, and enjoy a quick bite to stay energized and comfortable.

It’s also a good idea to keep at least $10 in cash in your car. While we always do our best to confirm entry fees ahead of time, occasionally a location surprises us. Having cash on hand means one less thing to worry about—and one more step toward a smooth, stress-free session.

 

Say Yes to the Dress and Accessories

Don’t shy away from dressing up—we promise it’s worth it. While some clients initially resist the idea, wanting to keep things casual or feeling a formal look doesn’t suit their style, we gently encourage them to lean into the moment. And every time, they come back raving about how elevated and timeless their portraits feel.

A flowing dress or long skirt adds a beautiful, flattering silhouette to any body type and introduces an effortless elegance to your images. It also gives your hands something to interact with—eliminating any awkward poses and adding natural movement and visual interest. And if you’re going for the dress, let your partner match that energy: tailored dress pants, a crisp shirt, and a belt bring the whole look together in a cohesive, sophisticated way.

Consider accessories as well. A fresh floral crown, a simple bouquet, or a statement piece of jewelry can subtly elevate your look and add personal style that photographs beautifully.

Invest in more than just photos—invest in the experience from beginning to end.

We believe portrait sessions should be more than just checking a box—they should be a celebration of the season you’re in. Make space for that joy. Budget for it once a year, and do it right. You are stunning exactly as you are—your style, your smile, your natural beauty. But this is your moment to pour a little extra love into yourself. Take the day off. Book that manicure. Let someone else handle your hair and makeup. This is your time to slow down, feel beautiful, and step fully into the experience.

Life isn’t always polished. It’s unpredictable and messy, and we know that well. But even in the chaos, there is beauty—there is gratitude and joy worth capturing. That’s what we’re here for. To document this moment in time with honesty, intention, and heart. So lean in. Let go. And if you’re in the Baltimore, MD area and looking for the right beauty team to help you shine, we’re always happy to share our dream vendor list.

The Contract Conversation

We get it—the contract can feel like the least exciting part of your photography experience. Full of legal jargon and fine print, it’s easy to skim through and sign without a second thought. But here’s the truth: your contract is a safeguard, not just for your photographer, but for you.

That said, clarity is everything. If something reads one way to you but was intended differently by your photographer, miscommunication can follow. So here’s our advice: read the contract carefully, then read it again. And don’t stop there—hop on a quick call to talk it through.

At MaeWood Photography, we always schedule a consultation before any payments are made. We walk you through every expectation, answer every question, and ensure that what’s on paper aligns with what you’re really getting. If something’s unclear, please ask—chances are, someone else is wondering the same thing. Your peace of mind is part of the investment.

Why Printed Photographs Still Matter

Family members don’t pass down USB drives, Instagram feeds, or cloud links—they pass down printed photographs. These tangible pieces of history, whether framed on your walls or bound in heirloom albums, become the artwork of your life: preserved memories, visible reminders, and treasured stories that outlive trends and technology.

Digital photography was just gaining momentum when I was born. My grandmother, ever the memory-keeper, has saved every image from my life—on USBs, CDs, DVDs, external hard drives, and online servers. She’s even scanned old prints to back them up. It’s sweet and well-intentioned, but despite her incredible effort, the digital clutter is overwhelming. Finding one specific photo feels like a needle-in-a-haystack task, even with folders and file names.

But the photo books I’ve created—the ones that live on my bookshelf—tell a different story. They’re reachable, touchable, and timeless. Guests leaf through them when they visit. My daughter pulls them out to see her toddler grin or that golden-hour image of our pup from years ago. These books, and the framed prints throughout our home, remind me every day of the moments that matter most.

These pieces are more than décor—they are legacy. They will be handed down, just as the photographs of my own childhood were passed to me. And while I still believe in keeping digital backups (always), I can’t stress this enough: invest in high-quality printed artwork. Your images aren’t just for the annual holiday card—they’re the visual heartbeat of your story.

At MaeWood Photography, we believe in the power of print. That’s why every piece of artwork you purchase from us is guaranteed for life. Because your memories deserve nothing less.