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Professional photo sessions are becoming increasingly popular. Whether it’s to celebrate an engagement, capture a pregnancy, or simply update family photos, they have become a must for many people.
To help you enjoy a smooth and stress-free experience, here are five common mistakes to avoid during a photo session, along with simple solutions to fix them. No matter the type of session you have booked, these tips will help you fully enjoy the moment and create beautiful memories.
Wearing the wrong clothes
Some clothing simply does not photograph well. This is the case with fine stripes (less than 1/2 cm) and highly saturated colours that can create unwanted visual effects on camera.
In the same spirit, it is best to avoid tops with logos or written text. They tend to draw unnecessary attention and can sometimes involve trademark issues. For this reason, I usually remove them in post-production when needed.
I also recommend avoiding all-black or very dark outfits from head to toe. These can sometimes flatten the silhouette and create a heavier overall look in photos.
Instead, opt for solid, soft, and natural colours. For example, rather than bright yellow or bold red, choose tones like ochre or burgundy paired with neutral shades. These colours are timeless and blend beautifully together, helping create a harmonious look for everyone involved in the session.
Also pay attention to your shoes. They are often visible in photos, and it would be unfortunate if they did not match your outfit. If the session takes place at home, the best option is to go barefoot or wear neutral socks that are identical and in good condition.
For women, I also recommend avoiding tube tops or strapless dresses. They are rarely flattering, can reveal bra straps and often require frequent adjustments throughout the session.
If you are looking for inspiration, my Pinterest boards include many outfit ideas for the whole family and are updated regularly.
Summary of colours to avoid and to favour::
Examples of colour combinations picked by clients for our appointment:
Having distracting objects on you
Once your outfit is chosen, it is important to think about small everyday items that can interfere with the final result.
Items such as keys, wallets, phones, or cigarette packs often take up a lot of space in pockets. Their shape can then become visible in photos and create unwanted distractions. I strongly recommend placing them in a separate bag, which I keep nearby during the session without it appearing in the frame.
I also suggest removing smartwatches such as Apple Watch or Fitbit. Their large black screens tend to draw attention, especially in close-up shots, such as engagement rings, hands on a baby bump, or holding a newborn. Since hands are very present in most photos, removing watches helps create a more timeless and cohesive result. If you would like to wear a watch, an analog version is a great option. It blends more naturally with your outfit and remains elegant over time.
Finally, I strongly discourage photochromic lenses (Transition-type glasses). Since they darken in sunlight, they can hide your eyes in many images. It is better to choose regular lenses or contact lenses for the session.
Choosing a location that doesn’t match your expectations
The location you choose has a major impact on both the flow of the session and your level of comfort.
For many people, a photo session is their first experience in front of the camera. In this context, a quiet and intimate location is highly recommended to help you feel at ease. Even though places like Old Montreal or Mount Royal offer beautiful backdrops, they can be very crowded, especially on weekends. For more shy individuals, this can make the experience less enjoyable.
On the other hand, the countryside offers a beautiful natural setting, but it also comes with challenges such as insects or sometimes a smell of manure. If that bothers you, an urban park or a quiet alley may be a better fit.
If the session takes place at home, it is also important to prepare the space. Take time to remove anything you do not want in the background, such as laundry baskets, overflowing trash bins, or everyday items on surfaces. This helps create a clean, timeless, and minimalistic atmosphere.
Always looking at the camera
Although it may seem natural, constantly looking at the camera can quickly make photos feel repetitive.
The goal of a session is above all to capture your connection and your relationship. Relax and act as if the camera is not there. Talk, laugh, kiss, walk together, whisper secrets to each other. These spontaneous moments are often the most beautiful ones.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with looking at the camera from time to time. But the most touching images are often the ones where you are simply being yourselves.
Going into it reluctantly
The worst attitude to bring to a photo session is not wanting to be there.
Sometimes, an adult may make it clear from the beginning that they would rather be elsewhere. This not only makes my job more difficult, but it also affects the group’s energy and the natural flow of the session.
I completely understand that not everyone enjoys being photographed. That is a very real feeling and I fully respect it. However, a photo session is still a meaningful opportunity to create lasting memories with the people you love. It is also often the only moment when the person usually behind the camera can finally be part of the photos.
Life moves quickly and is unpredictable. Instead of seeing this session as an obligation, try to see it as a moment to pause and enjoy the people who matter most to you.
One day, these images will become treasured memories that you will look back on with deep affection. And you will be glad you have them, regardless of any small discomfort in the moment!
Last update: May 2026
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