Before the Camera: My Notes Before a Personal Photoshoot
It’s early, and I’m at my kitchen table with cafecito, scrolling through a Pinterest board a client shared last night. Tomorrow, I’m meeting them in Wynwood for a personal photoshoot Miami moment that’s supposed to capture their energy—something between polished and spontaneous. I’m reading short notes: “not too posed, but not messy,” “soft light, but Miami colors,” and a handful of screenshots from Instagram. It’s the kind of brief that helps me step inside their world, not just stand behind a lens. Every time I get a brief like this, I remember how much the prep work shapes the final photos. You don’t need to be a creative director to give your portrait photographer what they need—you just need to know what to say and show.
Clarity Changes Everything
Here’s what I’ve learned: the best personal brand photos come from clear, honest communication before anyone even shows up at the location. Vibe isn’t a filter, it’s a feeling that comes through in the micro-details—a color you love, a pose that feels right, a mood you want to avoid. If your photographer gets that, your session will flow. If not, you risk photos that look good but don’t feel like you. In Miami, where every block has its own personality, the difference between “generic portraits” and “that’s so you” is what you put in the brief. You’re not annoying your photographer by being specific—you’re giving them a map.
How to Brief Your Photographer for a Personal Photoshoot
Here’s a checklist to make your 2-hour session count:
- Collect Visual References: Save 5-10 sample photos that match your style, vibe, or color palette. These can be from Instagram, Pinterest, or even your own past shots.
- State Your Purpose: Are the photos for LinkedIn, a personal website, dating app, or Instagram? Let your photographer know.
- Highlight Likes and Dislikes: Mention if you prefer candid over posed, close-ups over wide shots, natural light over flash, or vice versa.
- Wardrobe and Props: Tell them what you plan to wear (bring options), and any props or accessories you want to feature.
- Location Details: Since the package includes 1 location, pick a spot that feels true to your brand or personality. Share why you chose it.
- Share Your Story: A short note about what you do, your brand vibe, or what you want people to feel when they see your photos can be gold.
Giving your portrait photographer this type of brief helps them make quick decisions on lighting, angles, and even small edits that match your vision. If you’re not sure what you want, say that too—a good photographer can help you narrow it down, as long as you’re honest about what you don’t want.
Why OPAH Makes Briefing Easier
When you book a personal photoshoot Miami through OPAH, you get a natural opportunity to share your references and story up front. The platform puts you in touch with photographers who actually want to hear your ideas. Everything you need about the package—today’s price, what's included, export details—is all there, so you can focus your energy on choosing the right package and dreaming up your best shoot.
Looking Forward
Every time I start a new project, I remind myself that the first real piece of art is the conversation before the shoot. Even if you’re nervous or not sure what to say, showing up with a few references and some honest thoughts will set the tone for everything that follows. I love that Miami gives us so many backdrops—and that every shoot is a new chance to get it right. Next time you’re prepping for a session, remember: what you show and tell before the shutter clicks is just as important as what happens after.