Thriving Through the Thirties

If you’ve been following me on social media for a while, you know how much I love taking pictures. Over the past year, I’ve had three official photoshoots. While I’m proud of all of them, my last one stands out as my favorite. Why? Because I planned it down to the tiniest detail.

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane: My first photoshoot was a spontaneous affair—I tagged along with a friend and only contributed by picking the hotel and my outfits. It was fun but unstructured. For the second shoot, I had a theme in mind—a birthday picnic— but external circumstances made it challenging to fully execute my vision. Despite that, the venue was lovely, the photographer was amazing, and we pulled it off.

Now, that third shoot? I decided to take full creative control, and it showed. I even made index cards detailing everything—what I’d wear, the order of the outfits, and how the session would flow. Despite a busy schedule (it took place on December 29, no less!), it turned out exactly how I envisioned. Below, I’m sharing the key steps that helped me pull off a successful photoshoot.

1. Start with a Clear Plan

Planning is everything. Start by deciding on the theme and vibe for your shoot. This will guide all your decisions, from location to wardrobe. Since I was on a budget, I got creative and decided to shoot at home instead of renting a studio or booking a hotel room.

For me, I wanted a cozy, intimate shoot—like a glimpse into my everyday life. Pinterest was my go-to for inspiration. I spent hours collecting ideas and saving them to albums, which helped me visualize the setup, poses, and overall aesthetic. Pinterest was also a lifesaver for posing ideas! I’m not the best at posing, so during the shoot, I referenced my saved images to recreate the poses with my personal touch.

2. Choose a Wardrobe That Fits Your Theme

Choosing outfits can be one of the most time-consuming parts of preparing for a shoot. For this session, I leaned into neutral tones to reflect my minimalist aspirations. I incorporated whites, beiges, and a hint of burgundy for balance—all of which complemented my home’s color palette, tying everything together.

3. Set Up Your Space

Once I decided on the theme and wardrobe, I turned my attention to the setting. I did a deep clean of my house and carefully chose locations that offered good lighting and enough room to work.

Props were another key detail. For example, I wanted to take a few pictures in my home office, so I added flowers, rearranged my desk, hung extra artwork, and even selected books with spines that matched my color scheme.

4. Organize Your Outfits and Schedule

To stay on track, I wrote everything down on index cards, detailing each outfit and the order in which I’d wear them. I also factored in practical considerations, like starting with simpler outfits and hairstyles to avoid frustration later.

I planned my hairstyles and makeup to align with the progression of the shoot. Starting with simple hair down and neutral makeup, I gradually worked up to bolder looks, like a smoky eye and dark lipstick, for the final shots.

5. DIY Where Possible

If you’re on a budget, consider doing your own makeup. For my shoot, I booked an early morning appointment to get my hair and nails done, then handled the makeup myself. Starting with a natural look gave me room to build on it as the shoot progressed.

Reflect and Enjoy the Process

A photoshoot can be physically and mentally exhausting, so plan ahead. Keep cold drinks on hand to stay refreshed, and take breaks when needed. Checking your photos throughout the shoot can also help you make quick adjustments and avoid post-shoot regrets.

Planning a photoshoot takes effort, but when everything comes together, it’s incredibly rewarding. My entire experience ran smoothly, and the results matched my vision, making it hard to choose my favorite shots. But that’s a story for another day!

So, what’s stopping you? With these tips, you’ll be ready to plan a photoshoot you’ll love and remember. Share your own experiences or tips in the comments—I’d love to hear them!