What to Expect from Your Professional Photoshoot

As someone who has always chosen to stay behind the scenes, I can fully understand stepping in front of a professional camera can feel a bit daunting, even for the most confident among us. Whether this is your first shoot or you’ve done it before, knowing what to expect can make all the difference. My aim? To create an experience that’s collaborative, empowering, and tailored to you. Here’s how we’ll work together, step by step.

Step One: The Initial Connection

Every great photoshoot begins with a conversation. When you reach out, I don’t just want to book a slot in my calendar—I want to learn about you, your goals, and what excites you. That’s why I always start with a video consultation.

We’ll discuss what kind of shoot you’re after, your vision, and how we can bring it to life. Whether you’re looking to elevate your personal brand, launch a new creative project, or just want portraits that truly feel you, this call is where we plant the seeds of collaboration.

Unlike some photographers who offer rigid shot lists or mood boards, I like to keep things flexible, though of course I’ll provide you general guidance, like:

• What colours or styles might photograph best

• Whether we need props or a specific backdrop

• Ideas for wardrobe pieces that align with your goals

But here’s the thing—I don’t believe in over-planning. Creativity thrives in freedom, and by leaving some room for spontaneity, we ensure your final images feel authentic, not overly staged.

Step Two: Prepping for the Day

I know this isn’t something most people do every day, so preparation can feel overwhelming. Let me break it down into bite-sized steps to make it as simple and stress-free as possible.

1. Wardrobe Planning: Think of your wardrobe as an extension of your message. Whether you’re a creative looking to tell a bold story or a professional aiming for approachable elegance, what you wear can amplify your personality. If you’re stuck, don’t worry—I’m here to guide you with recommendations tailored to your needs.

2. Styling and Grooming: You don’t need to look “perfect” (what does that even mean?), but feeling polished can boost your confidence. Whether that’s a fresh haircut, professional makeup, or just showing up as your most authentic self, the choice is yours.

3. Mindset Prep: This might sound surprising, but your mood can influence the shoot. Are we going for high-energy, bold vibes? Or something softer and more reflective? Knowing how you’re feeling helps me tailor everything from lighting to music and even how I guide you during the shoot.

Step Three: The Day of the Shoot

The day of your shoot is where the magic happens. Whether we’re in a studio or on location, I’ll ensure the atmosphere is welcoming and vibes are immaculate . You might expect photographers to stick to a rigid plan, but that’s not my style. I come prepared with ideas but leave room for us to experiment and flow with the moment. Ale, one of my clients, shared: “I had no idea what to expect as it was my first professional shoot, but once I got there, Valerie made me feel so comfortable and guided me through every look. I never wanted it to stop!” Music to my ears! After all, my ultimate goal is to make you feel excited and confident before you even step in front of the lens.

During the shoot, I’ll guide you as needed—whether it’s adjusting your posture or tweaking the lighting—but this isn’t just about me. It’s a collaborative process with you being the central point of the shoot. As my lovely client Tatiana put it:

Expect plenty of encouragement, music to set the vibe, and a little bit (or a lot!) of laughter. My ultimate goal is to help you feel at ease so that the real you shines through.

Step Four: After the Shoot

Once the shoot is wrapped and we separate on a high, my focus shifts to post-production. Here’s where my expertise comes into play to deliver the final results you’re after.

Some photographers might send you a watermarked gallery, asking you to pick your favourite images. For commercial shoots, where the deliverables are often more specific, we can adjust this process. But for personal branding projects, I want the experience to feel effortless and tailored to your goals, while you rely on my expertise. To be perfectly upfront, I take a different approach—especially for personal branding shoots. Since we’ve built a collaborative foundation, discussed your goals and direction, I hope you’ll trust me to select the shots that best capture your vision. This approach ensures consistency and saves you the hassle of trying to decide between dozens of images.

Once your images are ready, they’ll arrive in a beautifully curated gallery. You’ll receive high-quality, ready-to-use files that are perfect for everything from LinkedIn to website banners. My doll Maeve described the results best:

After delivery, I (and most photographers) also love seeing their work out there, loved, used and credited - I can't describe the feeling of seeing Maeve leverage our shoot for her music cover art, YAY!

Final Thoughts

Hope this helps you prepare for what to expect from your professional photoshoot. Though every shoot is a journey, my role is to make sure you enjoy and feel confident at every step. From our first conversation to the moment you receive your final images, my focus is on creating an experience that’s as meaningful as the photos themselves.

If you’ve been hesitating to book your own session, I encourage you to take the leap. Whether it’s for your career, creative goals, or professional portfolio, I’d love to collaborate with you and capture your story. Reach out today to book your photoshoot in London with me! And who knows - maybe this could be the start of a lifelong collaboration😉