📸 5 Things Clients Should Do Before a Studio Photoshoot

Planning a studio photoshoot is an exciting experience, whether it’s for personal branding, family portraits, maternity, or even birthday sessions. But showing up prepared can make a huge difference in how confident you feel — and how amazing your final photos turn out.

As photographers, we want to make sure you get the absolute best out of your session. So here are 5 important things every client should do before stepping into the studio:

1. Plan Your Outfit(s) Ahead of Time

Your outfit tells a big part of the story in your photos. Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable, confident, and reflect the look you want.

Tips:

• Stick to solid colors or soft patterns to avoid distractions.

• Iron or steam your clothes in advance to avoid wrinkles.

• If you’re unsure, bring 2–3 outfit options and we’ll help you decide.

• Coordinate outfits if it’s a family or couple session — not matching exactly, but complementary.

2. Grooming & Personal Care

Looking your best starts with the basics. Make time for grooming a day or two before your shoot.

Think about:

• Hair: Fresh trim, styled neatly, or edges cleaned up.

• Skin: Moisturize, exfoliate gently, and avoid any new skincare products just before the shoot.

• Nails: Clean, neatly trimmed or polished — your hands might be in the frame!

• For men: Shave or shape facial hair as needed.

3. Communicate Your Vision

Don’t be shy about sharing ideas! Your photographer wants to know the style or mood you’re going for.

Share with us:

• Any references or inspiration photos you’ve seen online.

• What the photos will be used for (e.g., social media, prints, business, keepsakes).

• Any personal preferences — specific angles, lighting, or even songs to set the mood in the studio!

The more we know, the better we can tailor the shoot to suit you.

4. Get a Good Night’s Rest

It may sound simple, but rest is powerful. Being well-rested helps reduce puffiness in your eyes and makes you feel more energetic and relaxed in front of the camera.

Avoid staying up too late or consuming too much alcohol the night before. Your skin, posture, and mood will thank you!

5. Arrive On Time (and Don’t Rush)

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready and travel. Arriving calm and composed sets the tone for the session.

Bonus tip: If you have kids coming to the shoot, pack snacks, favorite toys, or anything that keeps them happy and settled during their session.

Final Thoughts

A successful studio photoshoot is a team effort between you and your photographer. By taking these five steps before your session, you’re not only helping your photographer but setting yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable experience — and stunning final results!

Ready to book your next shoot? Reach out to us today, and let’s create something beautiful together.

📸 Mastering the Moment: The Best Way to Photograph an Event By Goke Photography.

Photographing an event goes far beyond simply pressing the shutter. It’s about presence, precision, and preserving real emotions. At a recent event I covered, I leaned into a philosophy that always brings out the best results: using the right tools, working with available light, and staying invisible enough to catch the magic. Here’s how that unfolded — and how you can apply the same approach to elevate your own event photography.

1.

Use the Right Tools at the Right Moment

Every shot is a decision — and gear plays a huge role in how that decision unfolds.

For this event, I used the Sony A7RV paired with the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM lens. Why this combo? The A7RV offers incredible resolution, which allowed me to capture even the finest details — from intricate decor to subtle facial expressions. The 50mm 1.2 GM lens gave me that gorgeous depth of field and bokeh, helping subjects stand out naturally from the background, even in low-light conditions.

This setup wasn’t just technically powerful — it gave me the confidence to move freely, knowing each frame would be sharp, clean, and cinematic.

2.

Let the Natural Light Lead

Flash has its place — but sometimes, the most beautiful moments come unfiltered.

90% of the images from this event were taken with natural light only. From soft ambient glows to golden hour tones pouring through windows, I let the environment set the mood. Working with natural light brings an organic feel that artificial lighting often misses. It requires awareness and timing, but the payoff is worth it.

The result? Photos that feel as real as the moment they captured.

3.

Capture the Candid, Stay Invisible

My style leans heavily toward candid photography — because the best smiles are the unplanned ones.

Throughout the event, I remained alert, always ready to anticipate laughter, glances, hugs, and joy. The goal was to capture the essence of the event without disrupting it. Blending into the background allowed me to photograph moments people didn’t even realize were happening — and that’s what makes an image powerful.

With this approach, every photo becomes a story — not just a snapshot.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all to event photography, but the recipe that works for me is simple:

• Equip wisely. Use gear that delivers both performance and creative freedom.

• Chase light, not perfection. Natural light tells its own story.

• Stay present. Be invisible, be alert, and let the moments unfold.

If you’re an aspiring photographer or a client looking for timeless images, remember: it’s not just about documenting an event — it’s about honoring the feeling behind every frame.

Stay inspired,

Dr. AdeGoke OlaWuyi