• Home
  • Family/Couples/Individual
  • Professional
  • Fine Art
  • Book
  • Contact Me
  • Client Guides
  • More
    • Home
    • Family/Couples/Individual
    • Professional
    • Fine Art
    • Book
    • Contact Me
    • Client Guides
  • Sign In
  • Create Account

  • Bookings
  • Orders
  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • Bookings
  • Orders
  • My Account
  • Sign out

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • Family/Couples/Individual
  • Professional
  • Fine Art
  • Book
  • Contact Me
  • Client Guides

Account


  • Bookings
  • Orders
  • My Account
  • Sign out


  • Sign In
  • Bookings
  • Orders
  • My Account

Michaela McGill Photography

Michaela McGill PhotographyMichaela McGill PhotographyMichaela McGill Photography

(850) 822-4563 Santa Rosa Beach, FL

(850) 822-4563 Santa Rosa Beach, FL(850) 822-4563 Santa Rosa Beach, FL(850) 822-4563 Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Tips & Tricks for a Successful Session

Beach SessionHeadshot Session

Tips for a Successful Beach Session

1. What to Wear

  • Opt for outfits that complement the beach setting and reflect your personal style.
  • Choose colors that work well with the beach environment, such as pastels, neutrals, and soft blues or greens.
  • Flowy dresses, linen outfits, and casual beachwear are great options for a relaxed and natural look.
  • Consider coordinating the group's outfits, but avoid overly matching or identical outfits to maintain individuality.
  • Dress comfortably and ensure that you feel confident in your chosen attire.


2. What Not to Wear

  • Avoid clothing with large logos or busy patterns that may distract from the natural beauty of the beach.
  • Steer clear of clothing that is too tight or restrictive, as it may affect your comfort and movement during the shoot and may result in an unflattering look In the photos.
  • Minimize the use of vibrant and clashing colors that may create distractions in the final photos.


3. Fun Props to Use

  • Beach umbrellas, colorful beach towels, and straw hats can add a playful touch to your photos.
  • Consider bringing along beach balls, kites, or other items that resonate with your group's personality and interests.
  • Shells, starfish, or even a small sandcastle can create lovely focal points or details in your photographs.


4. Best Time of Day

  • The golden hours, which are the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, typically offer the best lighting conditions for beach photography.
  • During these times, the sunlight is softer, creating a warm and flattering glow on the subjects.
  • Aim for a session scheduled around sunrise or sunset to capture stunning natural lighting and breathtaking scenery.


5. Time Allowance

  • Allow for at least 1-2 hours for your beach photo session, depending on the size of your group and the number of desired shots.
  • This timeframe allows for different poses, settings, and breaks if needed.
  • Arriving a few minutes early will ensure that you're ready to start on time, maximizing your session time.


6. Suggested Poses

  • Group Poses: Encourage interaction and create a relaxed atmosphere. Walking along the shore, forming a circle, or sitting in a semi-circle are popular group poses.
  • Candid Moments: Capture spontaneous moments of laughter, playfulness, or shared emotions among the group.
  • Individual and Small Group Poses: Have individuals and smaller groups strike natural and comfortable poses that highlight their personalities.
  • Scenic Poses: Incorporate the beach landscape into your photos, such as posing near dunes, palm trees, or other beautiful coastal elements.


Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy your time at the beach. I will guide you through the session and capture beautiful moments that you'll cherish for years to come.


If you have any specific requests or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to working with you and creating stunning beach photographs for you or your group!

Headshot Session

Tips for a Successful Headshot Session

1. What to Wear

  • Solid Colors: Opt for solid-colored clothing as they tend to be more flattering and timeless in headshots. Avoid busy patterns or prints that can distract from your face.
  • Neutrals and Jewel Tones: Colors like black, gray, navy blue, and deep jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, etc.) work well for most individuals and complement a variety of skin tones.
  • Necklines: Choose necklines that flatter your face shape. For example, V-necks elongate the neck and draw attention to the face, while crew necks can create a more casual and approachable look.
  • Layers and Textures: Add interest to your outfit with layers or textures like a tailored blazer, cardigan, scarf, or statement necklace. However, keep it simple and avoid anything too distracting.


2. What Not to Wear

  • Loud Patterns and Logos: Avoid wearing clothing with large logos, busy patterns, or graphics as they can take the focus away from your face.
  • Overly Bright Colors: Extremely bright or neon colors can reflect on your face and affect the overall tone of the photo. Stick to more muted or softer shades.
  • Sleeveless Tops or Revealing Outfits: It's generally recommended to avoid sleeveless tops or outfits that expose too much skin, as headshots are typically more professional and focused on your face.


3. Fun Props to Consider

Props can add personality and make your headshots more unique. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Glasses: If you normally wear glasses, consider using them in your headshots. They can enhance your overall look and add a professional touch.
  • Books or Journals: Holding a book or a journal can give a sense of intellect, creativity, or a specific professional interest.
  • Musical Instruments: If you're a musician, incorporating your instrument into the session can showcase your talent and passion.
  • Remember, props should be relevant to your personality or profession, and not overpower the focus on your face.


4. Time Allowance

Plan for approximately 1-2 hours for your headshot session, which includes setup, outfit changes, and breaks if needed. It's important to have enough time to relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera.


5. Pose Suggestions

During your headshot session, our photographer will guide you through various poses to capture your best angles and expressions. Here are some common poses for both indoor and outdoor sessions:
A. Indoor Poses:

  • Classic Head and Shoulders: Stand or sit straight, facing the camera, with a slight tilt of your head. This pose emphasizes your facial features and exudes professionalism.
  • Leaning Forward: Leaning slightly towards the camera can create a more engaging and dynamic headshot.
  • Crossed Arms: For a confident and approachable look, cross your arms loosely in front of your chest. This pose adds a subtle layer of depth.


B. Outdoor Poses:

  • Natural Environment: Take advantage of the outdoor setting by incorporating elements like trees, buildings, or natural landscapes. Lean against a tree or sit on a bench for a relaxed and approachable pose.
  • Walking Shot: Capture a candid moment by walking naturally towards the camera. This can add movement and energy to your headshots.
  • Sitting Pose: Find a comfortable spot outdoors, like a park bench, and sit in a relaxed yet professional manner. Experiment with different angles and perspectives.


I will provide further guidance during the session to capture the best shots that highlight your unique personality and professionalism.


I hope this guide helps you prepare for your headshot photo session. If you have any further questions or specific ideas in mind, please don't hesitate to reach out beforehand. Remember to relax, be yourself, and enjoy the experience. I look forward to capturing stunning headshots that represent you at your best!


Copyright © 2025 Michaela McGill Photography - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  • Home
  • Family/Couples/Individual
  • Professional
  • Fine Art
  • Contact Me
  • Client Guides

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept