How a Photoshoot Works

Some details of the process may vary depending on your request, but in general, this is how a photoshoot works.

What does the photoshoot process look like?. Street & Portrait photographer Lina Thorne based in Moscow

1. Discussing the Idea & Booking a Date

The first step is to tell me about your idea for the shoot.

If you don’t have a specific concept in mind, that’s completely fine. You can simply describe what you’d like to achieve, the mood you’re looking for, your preferences, or the overall atmosphere you’d like the photos to have.

You’re also welcome to send reference images. However, it’s important to understand that I don’t recreate other photographers' work shot-for-shot. References serve as inspiration and help me understand your aesthetic preferences and vision.

I don’t copy other photoshoots or replicate colors exactly as they appear in references, but I always take your wishes into account.

Once we’ve discussed the concept, we’ll talk about potential dates for the shoot.

The timing of the session is always chosen based on your goals. For example, if you’d like soft golden-hour light, the shoot needs to take place around sunset rather than in the middle of the day. I’ll be happy to advise you on timing and help choose the best option.

2. Choosing a Location

Once we’ve discussed the concept, the deposit has been paid, and the date has been reserved, I’ll help you choose a suitable location.

Based on your idea, I’ll send you several options for outdoor locations or photo studios to choose from.

If the shoot involves multiple locations, I’ll plan a convenient route in advance.

If the Shoot Takes Place in a Studio

Studios should be booked in advance, especially for seasonal photoshoots. For example, many Christmas-themed studio sets begin filling up as early as autumn.

If you’d like a shoot with artificial lighting, the necessary equipment must be booked and paid for separately in addition to the studio rental. That’s why it’s important to have a clear idea of what we’d like to create before booking.

Please note:

Studio rental is paid separately.
Lighting equipment is paid separately.

If you’ve never booked a studio before and feel unsure about the process, I can help organize everything for you.

3. Planning Your Outfit

Once we’ve chosen the location, we’ll move on to planning your look.

I’ll send you references and suggestions for clothing, footwear, makeup, and hairstyle (if needed). I’ll also help you choose suitable accessories.

If you’re planning to wear clothes you already own, feel free to send photos, and I’ll help you choose the most suitable option.

If you’re purchasing or renting clothing specifically for the shoot, please send photos or screenshots as well.

It’s important to remember that every element in the frame should work together harmoniously. If you’re working with a makeup artist and/or stylist, I need to know what makeup is planned and what you’ll be wearing.

Details really matter. For example, if you’re planning a soft, natural outdoor photoshoot, neon-colored nails or very bold makeup may feel out of place and distract from the overall mood of the images.

Please note: any clothing rentals are arranged independently by the client.

4. Preparing for the Shoot

I’ll also provide recommendations on how to prepare for the session and advise you on:

what to do before the shoot;
what is best avoided;
how to prepare so that you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

If the shoot takes place in a studio, I can also help put together a playlist for us to listen to during the session.

5. The Photoshoot

Outdoor Photoshoot

We’ll meet at the chosen location. Before we begin, we’ll spend a little time chatting to help you feel comfortable and create a relaxed atmosphere.

It’s completely normal to feel slightly awkward at the beginning. I see the first few minutes of every shoot as a warm-up period while you get used to the camera and settle into the experience.

The shoot may take place:

at several spots within the same location;
or along a pre-planned route.

This depends on your concept and goals for the session.

Please note: for outdoor shoots, you’ll need to arrive wearing your chosen outfit or change before the session begins.

Studio Photoshoot

Studio sessions follow a very similar process but take place within a single studio space.

You’ll have the opportunity to change outfits, touch up your makeup, and prepare comfortably before we start shooting.

If artificial lighting is being used, part of the session time will be spent setting up and adjusting the equipment. For these shoots, I usually work with an assistant.

Please keep in mind that a portion of your booked studio time will be used for lighting setup, not just for taking photographs.

No matter the type of session, I strive to create a calm, friendly, and comfortable environment while gently guiding you throughout the process.

6. Editing the Photos

I personally select the final images for your gallery based on my professional judgment and artistic vision. Each image receives my signature color grading and light, natural retouching.

I remove minor imperfections, but I do not:

perform extensive body or facial reshaping;
alter your appearance beyond recognition;
digitally apply makeup.

RAW (unedited) files are not provided.

7. Delivery of the Final Images

Your finished gallery will be delivered within 2–3 weeks, starting from the day after the photoshoot.

The images are delivered via cloud storage. The link to your personal gallery will remain active for 3 months.