Unless you are a seasoned model, it is very understandable if you need some tips on how to prepare for your studio portrait session. The good news is that the matter is not too complex. In fact, much of the advice here would seem like common sense for any engagement or event for which you need to look your best, such as interviews, weddings, or first dates. Not only that, but the majority of it applies to both men and women.
Of course, the first order of business is to make sure that your clothing looks neat, clean, and new. Iron it or have it dry cleaned before coming into the studio. While wrinkles can be retouched using computer programs, this method may not work perfectly with excessively wrinkled clothing. Remember that a portrait is a long-term representation of you as a person. Few people would appreciate being considered slovenly due to bad decisions leading up to portrait day.
For group photos, it is best if the clothing of every member of the group properly matches (unless there is some special reason why it shouldn’t). The same goes for any other component of appearance. If only one member of the group has a wild hairstyle or extreme accoutrements, while everyone else has a prim and subdued appearance and fashion, then the final result may look a bit disjointed. Facial expression can also be included in this category. Anyone would agree that an unruly member of the group sticking his tongue out or making some inappropriate gesture makes for a strange picture. Be sure that everyone is on the same page when coming in for a group photo shoot.
Make-up and hair are where advice is most different depending on the gender of the subject of the photo. It also depends on what kind of effect you want to achieve. Make-up advice applies mostly to women, since most men often won’t be wearing it to photo shoots (although a make-up artist can be summoned to provide this service if the client deems it necessary). For anything professional, such as headshots or promotional material, make-up should be subtle rather than heavy.
As for hair, you will surely choose the hairstyle you like best, but you are, again, advised to use subdued styles if your photos will be for professional purposes. Men should be advised that even a modicum of stubble is usually much more visible in photograph than it would be in person, so males are advised to shave completely those parts of the face they choose to shave, unless that is the look they are going for.
Otherwise, make sure to get a good night’s sleep before the photo shoot and to come in with a positive attitude. This is general advice for any type of photo opportunity, as it is well known that negativity can easily seep into the face if left unchecked. If you suffer from allergies or just tend to have red eyes, a bit of Visine or Calming eye drops can give eyes a brighter and awake appearance. Ultimately, you should prepare for the photo shoot in a studio as you would for any important event.