Your Ultimate Guide to Portrait Photography in Fort Worth
Whether you are a busy mom planning a family photo session, a young entrepreneur seeking new headshots, or a seasoned influencer in search of content for your feed, hiring a professional portrait photographer can be a milestone in your adult life and career. Professionals have the artistry and skill to help bring out your unique personality and beauty.
Here we offer some tips to help you feel confident and comfortable during your photoshoot and highlight some of the most talented shutterbugs in the Tarrant County area.
Clarify your “why” before the photoshoot
There are a few reasons why you may be interested in booking a portrait photographer. Whether you are commemorating milestones like birthdays, weddings, graduations, or other personal achievements, professional photographs may tell a story about a particular chapter of your life.
Ask yourself questions to determine your vision for your photos: Do you want to look your sharpest and most professional? Project the warmth of a new parent? Embody your love for a partner? Once your needs and goals are clarified, you will be better equipped to choose the ideal photographer to match your vision and aesthetic.
Choose the right portrait photographer
There are many different styles of portrait photography, from classic (professional headshots and glamour portraits) to conceptual and abstract (fine art photos). Each portrait photographer will have their own strengths and style, so it is a good idea to review their portfolio of work to make sure they have a history of delivering the photo experience you have in mind. Look for each of these when researching:
- Experience and portfolio: Look for a photographer who specializes in portrait photography with a portfolio that showcases their past work. This will give you an idea of their style, creativity, and ability.
- Style and vibe: Consider the photographer’s style and make sure it aligns with your vision. Some photographers may specialize in traditional posed portraits, while others may have a more modern or candid approach. Do you prefer bright, crisp, & sharp; soft, romantic & ethereal—or do darker, moodier shots resonate with you?
- Personality and communication: Choose a photographer with whom you feel comfortable communicating and who can put you at ease during your session. Every photographer’s personality and “bedside manner” will impact your overall experience and the images that come out of the session. The best photographers will feel like trusted old friends, perhaps even sharing similar interests as you.
- Equipment and technical skills: Ensure that the photographer has the right equipment and technical skills to produce high-quality portraits. They should have knowledge and familiarity with various types of lighting, composition, editing software, and possibly even their own professional studio to ensure that your portraits look their best. If a studio is not an option, they should have a list of go-to locations to suggest, ranging from the rural outdoors to urban backgrounds. Their knowledge of local background locations and all of the lighting possibilities for your session can save you hours of research and logistical planning.
- Pricing and packages: Consider the photographer’s pricing and packages to ensure that they fit within your budget.
There are many talented photographers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but here are a handful of our favorites who can make you look and feel like a shining star. Check out these pros and support them with a like, a follow, or (better yet) a spot on your calendar!
Best photographers for traditional portraiture
- Locations Photography is a full-service photography studio with endless possibilities for professional headshots and portraits for executives, families, and youth.
- Mariel and Joey Lifestyle Photography provides timeless images to capture the cherished memories and magical milestones of life—weddings, growing families, and corporate and editorial portraiture for executives, brands, and businesses.
- Lightly Photography is a team of three entrepreneurial and creative women who love capturing life’s most joyful moments in a modern, crisp way.
- Ada Lee Photography is run by Tash Calhoun, a wedding and family photographer who pivoted into branding photography for influencers and small businesses who want to take their digital content to the next level.
Best photographers for creative portraiture
- Kaylee Lynn Creatives offers unique custom Western-styled shoots for brands, creatives and influencers. Think Texas culture at its finest!
- Monica Cassell Photography has the power to help women see their beauty through someone else’s eyes, and offers the perfect full-service luxury boudoir experience for brides or couples.
- Boudoir with Mary is a down-to-earth team of women who offer hair, makeup, and styling to help you feel empowered to be yourself during the photo shoot.
- Michael + Rhi Photography is a dynamic husband and wife duo who specialize in moody and raw portraiture for engagements, weddings, families, and boudoir.
Remember, the warm months are busy for photographers, so book early!
Dress to impress the camera
Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, especially bright solid colors that complement your skin tone. Avoid clothing with large logos or busy patterns, as they distract from your face and “confuse” the camera lens and audience. You can always consult your photographer about your clothing choices ahead of time. Depending on your package, you may be able to bring more than one outfit and try a few different options.
Makeup can also help accentuate your facial features, but be especially conservative about the makeup look you choose for close-ups. Here are some great tips if you decide to DIY; if you want professional assistance with hair, makeup, and wardrobe styling, some photographers offer packages that include luxury “glam” services with your shoot.
Each portrait photographer will have their own strengths and style, so it is a good idea to review their portfolio of work to make sure they have a history of delivering the photo experience you have in mind.
Strike a pose
Rest assured that the majority of portrait photography is for everyday people, not full-time models, so let your photographer guide you into the best poses for your shoot. Tell them in advance if there are any specific shots or poses you hope to capture; Pinterest and Instagram are also great resources for gathering inspiration.
Everyone has a “good side,” so practice learning your most flattering angles in the mirror ahead of time. Good posture is another factor that can make a big difference in how you appear in your portrait: stand up straight and avoid slouching to give off an air of confidence and poise, even if you have to “fake it to make it.”
If you feel tense or stiff, you can loosen up your body and relax your mind by dancing or laughing. You may want to bring along a speaker to play your favorite music during the shoot to help capture your most authentic, positive facial expressions.
Ready for your close-up?
If you are looking for professional aesthetic treatments or procedures before scheduling your shoot, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby and our expert medical aesthetics team offer a range of effective, safe services to help you feel camera-ready. At Kirby Plastic Surgery and Kalos Medical Spa, we serve patients in Fort Worth and the DFW area with surgical procedures, such as breast augmentation and tummy tucks, and cutting-edge non-surgical treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and laser skin rejuvenation.
Our office is conveniently located in the Shops at Clearfork. To schedule your consultation, simply call or text us at 817-292-4200 or contact us online.
