If you want to know how to write a photography prep guide for your clients, my outline will help you get there.

This is the outline of the prep guide that I have spent 5 years fine-tuning for my clients. I have a few different prep guides depending on the type of session.

The list is broken down into sections from the welcome section to how to prepare for the session for easy reading and searching.

And at the very end, I share my photography prep guide template which you can download and write a photography prep guide in canva in 30 minutes!

Let’s get started!

Welcome

1. Introduction talking about the guide and what’s going to be included.
2. Share an example of what your lifestyle studio looks like (if that is applicable to you).
3. Ask them to reflect on what they’re planning on using their photos for so their goals for photos are at the forefront of their mind.
4. An abbreviated version of the guide.
   1. Not everyone is going to want all the details, an abbreviated version at the beginning is a wonderful gift for those who want to skim.

Choosing Your Location

1. Suggestions on where to hold the session depending on what type of session it is.
   1. Have a different section for Fresh 48, Newborn, Family, Senior, Cake Smash, etc.
2. When to hold outdoor sessions and when it’s best to have indoor sessions due to California weather.

What to Wear

1. Tips for mom on what to wear during a session depending on the type
   1. Link to any resources you have for seasonal clothing ideas on Pinterest or your blog
   2. I link to all of the above and my Client Closet
   3. I also linked maternity clothes and tips specifically as well.
2. Tips for dad on what to wear during a session depending on the type
   1. Link to any resources you have for seasonal clothing ideas on Pinterest or your blog
3. Tips for kids/babies on what they should wear during a session depending on the type
   1. Link to any resources you have for seasonal clothing ideas on Pinterest or your blog
4. Information on how to coordinate clothes but not make them matchy-matchy
5. Color palette examples and how to dress family members within the color palettes

How to Prepare

1. Prepping little ones
   1. Ideas for preparing kids for their family photo session
   2. Link to any relevant resources
2. Prepping Dad for the photo session
   1. Ideas for getting Dad to be excited about the session
   2. Link to any relevant resources
3. Prepping Mom for the session
   1.  Ideas on how Mom can prepare for the session
   2. How to have a positive mindset going into their session if they’re feeling nervous or anxious

Portrait Session Checklist

1. Finalize Location
2. Select outfit choices and accessories
3. Pack a bag with:
   1. Comfy shoes for walking between spots
   2. Snacks for the kids that won’t stain (dry crackers are a good option)
   3. Makeup for touch-ups
   4. Tissues for runny noses
   5. Extra diapers, wipes, etc

Photo Delivery Timeline

1. When they can expect to get their photos back

Final Thoughts

1. Use language around contact information so that your clients feel confident and prepared for their session.

---

If you’d like a small but mighty prep guide you can text your clients, that will take just 30-45 minutes to update, you can grab my Mini Photo Prep Guide here! It has all the wording, the most important points, and suggestions for colors and coordination.

All you have to do is update the photos with your own and plug in your photography business name! Hope this “how to write a photography prep guide” resource helped steer you in the right direction as you write a photography prep guide for your clients!

Save this pin for easy future reference.