Yost Photography

You deserve to see photos of yourself that you’re genuinely excited about, not ones you have to convince yourself to like. Whether it’s for branding, a personal milestone, or just a celebration of who you are right now, a photoshoot should feel like an empowering experience, not a stressful one.

Loving your final gallery doesn’t just come down to having a “good side” or knowing how to pose (spoiler: you don’t need to). It’s about preparing with intention, choosing the right photographer, showing up fully, and letting the camera capture who you really are—not who you think you’re supposed to be.

Here are some of my top tips to help you prepare—from picking the right photographer to choosing clothes that make you feel amazing, moving with confidence, and taking care of your energy before shoot day.

Let’s make sure you walk away from your session obsessed with your photos.

Do your research

This is number one for a reason—it’s the first step to truly loving your final photos. When I say “do your research,” I mean don’t just go with the first photographer you find because they’re local or affordable. Every photographer has a unique style, both in how they shoot and how they edit.

For example, I specialize in candid photography, so my work is less posed and more focused on capturing real, in-the-moment emotions. That’s not for everyone, which is why it’s important to explore different portfolios and find a style that genuinely resonates with you.

To do the research, find a few photographers local to you or willing to travel and stalk them like you would your crush. Browse their work on their website, Instagram, and anywhere else they post. The more you see, the better you will know if their style truly fits your vision.

Talk to your photographer

Once you’ve found the right photographer, communication is everything. When I book with clients, I actually love when they overshare—it helps me understand exactly what they’re looking for. Send me all the inspo pics, group dynamics, and even a little about yourself! The more I know, the more I can tailor the experience to you.

Be open about anything that might affect the shoot—whether it’s personal insecurities, photo inspiration, or how certain people in the group feel about being photographed. The more your photographer knows, the better they can support you and create a comfortable, confidence-boosting experience.

Use your clothes to enhance not hide

I could make another whole post about this, but the quick version is choosing clothes that makes you feel seen. Try to avoid distracting patterns as it can overpower you and create strange visual effects in the camera. Instead, go for subtle, rich tones, that align with what you are looking for and suite you.

Accessories are always great but keep it purposeful. If it doesn’t add to the story or if it distracts you because you have to constantly adjust or restricts movement, truly consider just leaving it at home.

Let your photographer capture the journey

Instead of freezing into a “perfect” pose, invite the photographer to shoot through movement by walking, spinning, stretching, or laughing. Movement is the key to make emotion visible and where the magic is.

This can also be accomplished by shifting your weight often. Avoid locking your knees or standing flat-footed. Keep your posture fluid and flattering by simply just shifting your weight, swaying your hips, or stepping gently to the side.

Take care of yourself!

Although this is the last one, it is probably my top tip for the day of the shoot. Although such basic advice, do the basics by drinking your water, eating, and getting rest. These things help immensely with confidence and feeling your best. Drink the recommended amount of water for you 1-2 weeks in advance to make sure your skin and body is hydrated. Sleep well to look lively in your photos and have a refreshed mind. These may seem obvious but truly they make such a difference!

Additional tip: don’t try any new products before your scheduled shoot to avoid pimples or reactions.