How to Prepare for Your Photo Shoot

A little preparation goes a long way. Clients who come to their sessions rested, with clear skin and the right outfits, consistently walk away happier with their photos. Here's Gaby's complete guide to getting ready — whether your shoot is at your Chicago office, your home, or a location anywhere in the western suburbs.

The Week Before

Get your hair done early. Schedule a haircut or color appointment 5–7 days before your session, not the day before. Freshly cut hair can look stiff or severe on camera — a few days of natural settling makes a significant difference.

Confirm your outfits. Pull out everything you're considering wearing, try it on, and check it in a mirror from a distance. Make sure nothing needs to be ironed, repaired, or replaced. Bring 2–3 options to your session.

Moisturize your skin. Start using a good moisturizer daily leading up to your shoot. Hydrated skin photographs much more smoothly than dry skin, especially under professional lighting.

The Night Before

Get good sleep. This sounds obvious but it genuinely shows in photos. Tired eyes and puffy skin are hard to correct in post-processing. Aim for 7–8 hours.

Avoid alcohol and salty food. Both cause facial puffiness and redness that linger into the next morning.

Lay out everything you need. Clothes, accessories, makeup, grooming products — have it all ready so you're not scrambling the morning of.

The Day Of

Give yourself extra time. Rushing to a session shows on camera. Arrive at the location — or have us arrive at your office — with time to settle in and get relaxed before we start shooting.

Skip the gym (or shower after). Exercise right before a shoot raises body temperature and causes flushing and sweating. If you must work out, do it hours before or plan to shower and give yourself time to cool down.

Eat normally. Don't skip meals — low blood sugar makes people look and feel drained. But avoid foods that make you feel bloated or uncomfortable.

What Gaby Brings to You

One of the advantages of working with Gabmaster Photography is that we come to you. We bring full professional lighting equipment, backdrops if needed, and all the gear required to create studio-quality photos at your office, home, or chosen location anywhere in the Chicago area including Lisle, Naperville, Aurora, Downers Grove, and surrounding suburbs.

You don't need to prepare a space or move furniture. We handle the setup and breakdown completely.

During the Session

The most important thing during your session is to relax. Gaby has photographed thousands of clients — including many who say they "hate having their photo taken" — and the goal is always to make you feel at ease and natural. Don't try to pose perfectly; good posing guidance comes from us.

Trust the process, communicate your preferences, and know that there are always plenty of shots to choose from.

After Your Session

You'll receive a gallery of edited images within the agreed timeframe. Take your time reviewing — a second look a day or two later often changes which images you prefer. When in doubt, ask someone whose opinion you trust.