Did you ever consider that you can dream your ideal photo shoot and make it come to life? Why settle for the same shoot that everybody else is doing? Make it your own. This is a continuation of a previous blog post about planning your ideal photo session, where you can find more tips on making your shoot all about you.

There is no time like the present. Accept who you are. Own who you are. Love who you are. Look forward to all that you can become.

The next set of tips for dreaming your ideal photo shoot addresses putting your whole self into your session and coming out on the other side with images and memories that will make your heart sing, cry, shout, smile, laugh, or melt; images that will make you feel.

Tip #6: Name what you like about yourself.

And be specific. These are the things you want to emphasize in your images. Maybe it’s your eyes or lips or freckles or hair. But it doesn’t have to be a physical feature. Maybe you’re musically talented or athletic. Maybe you have an eye for fashion or a love for reading. What are your gifts and passions? Write them down, own them, and then use your photo shoot to feature them.

Tip #7: Invest in the process.

Know that making great photos is an emotional process and when you see yourself in those photos you want to have an emotional reaction. Making extraordinary images involves time spent soul searching, some vulnerability, and putting effort into discovering the ideal everything. And when you put this time and heart into it, you will be rewarded many times over.

Tip #8: Elevate it.

Dream about your ideal photo shoot. Now is the time to pull out all the stops and take some risks to make epic images. You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not, but take this opportunity to be the best you that you can imagine–the person you aspire to be or to become. Have your hair and makeup done in a way that accentuates your best features. Wear clothing that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together. Pick a setting that complements your vibe. Don’t settle for the everyday nor what everyone else is doing.

Tip #9: Make it an experience.

Consider yourself a model for the day. Have your hair and makeup professionally done. Have your wardrobe, props, lighting, posing, and location curated by the professionals and let the magic happen. Leave exhausted from all the fun you’ve had, the emotion spent, and the knowledge that the experience will always be with you–and so will the images that document it.

Tip #10: Do it now.

There is no perfect time. Embrace yourself as you are at this moment. Don’t wait for the braces to come off. Don’t wait to lose weight. Acknowledge that wrinkles only deepen with time. And realize that your children (and you!) are changing before your very eyes.

When your loved ones view your photos in the years to come, they will not be wishing you had waited to become perfect before having a professional portrait made. Now is the time.

Imagine how refined and emotional your next photo shoot will be if you take advantage of these ten tips. Visualize what you really want your images to be. Put yourself in the frame–with and without your loved ones. Perhaps you already have something in mind. Share it here, or send me a message if you want to discuss further!