If you’ve been putting off getting new photos taken—whether for your business, your LinkedIn profile, or that long-overdue family session—you’re not alone.
I can’t count how many women have sat in my chair and confessed, “I’ve been meaning to do this for years.” Often, they tell me they were waiting to lose a few pounds first, find the perfect outfit, or simply work up the courage to be in front of the camera at all.
Photos can feel confronting. They freeze a moment in time, and that can come with pressure to look flawless. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be “perfect” to get photos you love—you just do what you can to look and feel like the most polished, confident version of yourself.
That’s where a few strategic beauty decisions can make all the difference.
How to Feel More Confident Before the Camera Clicks
If you’re finally ready to stop procrastinating and book that shoot—amazing! Let’s set you up for success with a few key tips to take the pressure off and help you look and feel your best.
1. Plan Your Wardrobe Wisely
When it comes to clothing, less is often more.
- Skip busy patterns or overly trendy pieces that might distract from your face or date the photos over time.
- Stick to solids in colours that flatter your skin tone.
- Avoid flashy, oversized jewelry—it can look cluttered in a cropped frame.
2. Don’t Forget the Little Things
Photos pick up details you might not even notice in real life.
- If you colour your hair, touch up your roots ahead of time.
- Make sure your nails are tidy—whether that’s bare and buffed or polished in a classic shade.
- Check for things like chipped polish or loose threads the night before.
3. Your Makeup Should Look Like You—Just a Bit More Defined
One of the biggest myths about photography is that you need a lot of makeup to look good on camera. You don’t. But you do need to enhance your features more than you would for everyday life, because cameras tend to soften and flatten how we appear. What you see in real life will look like ~20-30% less in a photo.
Here are my top photo makeup tips:
- Brows: Fill and shape them slightly more than usual. Defined brows frame your whole face.
- Skin: Keep your foundation lightweight but even. Aim for smooth, natural-looking skin—not heavy or cakey.
- Lips: Pick a flattering shade that adds polish without stealing the show. A little lip liner can help define your shape on camera.
- Eyes: Consider natural-looking false lashes if your lashes are sparse. They bring subtle drama and help your eyes stand out in photos.
- Set with care: A soft, natural finish powder helps prevent shine—especially on your T-zone—but don’t overdo it. Skin should still look like skin.
Why Professional Makeup (and Hair) Can Be a Game-Changer
Even if you’re great at doing your own makeup, professional lighting and high-resolution photography are a whole different ballgame. The camera picks up things the mirror doesn’t—and subtle refinements from a trained hand can make a world of difference.
Having your makeup (and possibly hair) professionally done means you can walk into your shoot feeling ready—not second-guessing yourself or touching up in the car. It also means you’ll walk away with images you’re proud to share, whether they’re for your brand, your dating profile, or just for yourself.
Ready to Feel Beautiful in Front of the Camera?
I’d love to help you get photo-ready. Whether it’s for a headshot session, personal branding shoot, or a family photo you’ve been meaning to update, booking a makeup application at Prête Studio can take the stress out of the day and ensure you love your final images.
Book your professional makeup application here, and if you’d like a hand with hair styling too, we’ve got you covered.
You don’t need to change who you are for the camera—just let yourself shine.
