Whether you’re booking a shoot to celebrate yourself, mark a milestone, or just because you finally feel ready to see yourself through a softer, more loving lens — first of all: YES. I’m so glad you’re here! 🤩

Feminine photoshoots are powerful, grounding, and beautifully individual. You don’t have to be “girly” or “glam” to connect with your feminine side — and there’s no one version of femininity that we’re trying to fit into. This is about you.

Here’s how to prepare so that you walk into the session feeling confident, relaxed, and excited about the effects to come!

1. Get to Know Your Photographer

I’ve put it as my first point for a reason! If you’re a shy person or you’ve never had a shoot before (or both!), it can be terrifying having someone point their camera at you. There’s something about the moment you’re having a pic taken by someone and suddenly not knowing what to do. And it’s absolutely normal! Guess what… your photographer doesn’t know you that well either!

But a great way to alleviate that stress and relax as soon as the shoot starts, is to get to know your photographer better. Do they have an Instagram? Of course they do! But do they record reels from behind the scenes? Do they sometimes talk on their IG stories? I admit, I don’t always talk myself but I do free video consultations that last 15-20 mins and, apart from helping me and my clients discuss the details of the shoot, they let us get to know each other so then the actual photoshoot feels more like a meetup with someone you have talked to before!

2. Location, Location, Location…

Next up: you need to answer a big question - where do you want the shoot to be done? My first question during my consultations is: ‘do you want an outdoor or an indoor, studio shoot?’

Why is this important?

Well, it all depends on the vibe you want. Studio photoshoots tend to be more controlled and private. This is great because you can wear whatever you want, pose however you want, and you won’t have anyone staring at you! It also allows us to get more creative with the lighting setups.

Outdoor photoshoots, on the other hand, are amazing if you want to get a bit more of nature in the shots, and play around with the sunlight (golden hour shoots are the absolute best🥹). These shoots also give you a lot of room to play around with your creativity: want to get a vintage car? A horse? Or even go to the beach and do a Vogue-style beach shoot in the sunset? The opportunities are endless!

3. Picking the Right Outfit

Once you’ve figured out what type of shoot you want, it’s time to pick an outfit! I always recommend bringing too much stuff, than not enough! My clients often come to my shoots with suitcases… yes, SUITCASES! And you know what? It’s absolutely normal!

But what outfit should to pick?

My advise is always bringing 2-3 outfits, and at least one should be:

Matching the colours of the surroundings: If the studio you’re shooting in is beige, try to find a beige/cream/white outfit. I know you might think ‘but hey, it will all blend!’. And you’d be absolutely right 😂 But it will also bring a classy look, and some sort of unity, but at the same time you can make it pop with…
Different textures: Unless you’re looking to have a headshot done, you don’t want your photos to look like passport pics, right? The camera loves contrast and different textures. Think: smooth silk against the skin, velvet top paired with sheer lipstick, leather trousers on a wooden chair, etc. It’s all about making it pop… like sparkles! Yes, we love those! See how amazing they look with this setup!
The basics: high heels, black bodysuits and lace lingerie with denim trousers are my absolute favourites!

4. Hair & Makeup

You absolutely do not need to show up in full glam unless you want to. This shoot is about feeling like you — your best version, not somebody else’s idea of polished.

That said, a little extra effort goes a long way on camera. Even if you’re someone who barely wears makeup, a touch of mascara, a tinted balm, and some light concealer can really help your features pop without feeling fake.

Same with hair: you don’t have to get a full salon blowout (unless you want to, and honestly, it’s a vibe), but making sure your hair is styled in a way that frames your face and feels done but not stiff makes a big difference.

And don’t forget the little things — moisturize your hands and elbows (trust me, dry patches can pop under studio lights), pack a brush, a water bottle, and a snack. Comfortable people make the best photos. Always.

5. Getting Your Inspo

Before your session, start gathering some inspiration — not to copy, but to spark ideas! Save poses, colors, outfits, vibes you love. What are you naturally drawn to? Moody black-and-white shots? Dreamy natural light? Big laughs and motion?

Having a small mood board (even just a few screenshots on your phone) helps both you and your photographer get on the same page fast, and brings way more intentionality into the session.

6. How To Pose?

Short answer: you don’t need to know!
Longer answer: I’m going to guide you through it.

But if you want a quick tip? The best poses usually come from movement. Small movements: shifting your weight, playing with your hair, turning your face slightly away from the camera, laughing even when it feels silly. It's not about hitting a bunch of stiff “Instagram poses” — it’s about being in your body and letting the photographer catch those moments in between.

7. What’s The Story You Want to Tell?

This is where things get personal.

Every shoot tells a story, whether you realize it or not. What’s yours? Are you celebrating freedom after a hard year? Capturing a softer, more playful side you don’t usually show? Feeling powerful after some major life changes?

Knowing (even loosely) the story you want your photos to tell makes everything feel so much more meaningful — and the final images will feel like you, not just look like you.

8. It’s Not About Your Performance — It’s About…

Presence.
Not about “doing it right” or “being photogenic” or “giving good face.” It’s about being there.

When you’re present — not thinking about your hair, your stomach, your hand placement, the thousand little things we all obsess over — that's when the magic happens. The camera doesn’t care if you’re "perfect." It cares if you're real.

9. Getting Into the Right Mood

Your energy before and during the shoot makes a huge difference.

What makes you feel powerful? Calm? Sexy? Playful? I always recommend creating a little “pre-shoot ritual” for yourself — play your favourite songs while you’re getting ready, wear perfume that makes you feel unstoppable, dance around your living room like you’re already the star of the show.

Whatever it is, get yourself into the mood before you even show up. It'll carry you through the shoot in the best way.

10. Creating Space (for the In-Between, Candid Shots)

Some of the best photos happen when you think the camera isn’t even clicking. Check out this photo below. Ola was still getting into her pose when I took the photo and it’s still one of my favourite pics from that shoot!

That’s why it’s important to leave a little space during the shoot — to breathe, to adjust, to laugh at yourself, to just be.

We’re not rushing through a checklist of poses here. We’re creating a container where real moments can happen. And honestly? Those in-between, off-guard shots often end up being everyone’s favourites — the ones that feel like you when you’re not trying to be anything at all.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re booking a feminine photoshoot, you’re already doing something brave and beautiful. Trust yourself. Trust your photographer (me!). And get ready to see yourself in a way that maybe you haven’t before — softer, stronger, and more yourself than ever.

So… will I see you in the studio soon! 🤩

Love,

Dom