HELLO!

Thank you so much for choosing us to capture your portraits! It's truly an honor to work with you and create images you'll love.

Our goal is to make you feel completely comfortable and confident throughout our session. We know being in front of the camera can sometimes feel a little awkward, but don't worry—we'll guide you through every step. All you need to do is relax, have fun, and trust that together we'll create beautiful photos.

To help you prepare and get excited for our time together, we've put together this guide. Give it a read whenever you have a moment, and please reach out if any questions come to mind.

Can't wait to create with you!

Zaref

We know choosing a style can feel overwhelming—which is why research is your best first step. Start by saving images you’re drawn to on Instagram or Pinterest. Pay attention to what catches your eye: the mood, the lighting, the color palette.

Once you’ve gathered your favorites, share them with me. I’ll transform them into a custom mood board that will serve as our creative guide. We’ll go through it together during our pre-session video call to make sure we’re perfectly aligned. And to help spark some ideas, here’s a board we’ve created for inspiration.

What to wear

When you arrive, I recommend avoiding tight clothing or underwear that may leave marks on your skin before we begin shooting. I encourage you to bring your own outfits that reflect your unique personal style. I'll be here to help you select and style each look, ensuring you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself.

beauty prep

For that camera-ready glow, I recommend using a hydrating face mask daily in the days leading up to your session and keeping your nails neat and tidy.

To help reduce water retention, be sure to drink plenty of water and consider treating yourself to a gentle massage beforehand. Please arrive with a clean, makeup-free face—our artist will be here to create your look and can apply lashes if you'd like. If you prefer to have lash extensions done in advance, it’s best to have them freshly applied 1–2 days before your session. If you wear contacts, natural-looking lenses with a diameter under 14mm.

Mind & Body

Get a good night's sleep before your session. When you're well-rested, it naturally shows—and it makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

Beyond that, there's nothing you need to prepare. Just arrive as you are, and we'll handle the rest. We'll guide you through every step, so you can simply be present in the moment.

Family Wardrobe

If family members are joining the shoot, a little coordination goes a long way in helping everyone look and feel their best. You will need to prepare their outfits, and we will be here to help select them as well. We recommend choosing a simple colour palette with complementary tones—think neutrals, navy, or denim—and mixing in different textures for visual depth.

Avoid loud logos or clashing patterns, and prioritise comfort above all else. When everyone feels at ease, genuine smiles and natural connections shine through beautifully. Please see below for some inspiration.

What to expect after the session

01 The Process & Timeline

After your session, you will receive a private online gallery of all your best images to review. Please allow around 1 week for your proofs to be ready and 4-8 weeks after you make your final selections for your retouched high-resolution images to be delivered via download.

02 retouching & final images

My editing philosophy is to enhance your natural beauty, not alter it. My process is like a digital version of perfect lighting and light makeup; I focus on gentle colour correction, smoothing skin tones for a natural glow, and minor tidying. If you have any specific requests—whether that's leaving a feature exactly as it is or paying attention to a particular area—please just let me know :)

03 privacy

Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. We treat your images with the highest level of confidentiality. Your photos are never shared on our website, social media, or in any promotional material without your explicit written permission.

Frequently asked questions