I’ll never forget the day a newborn client sent me a 12-slide PowerPoint filled with inspiration images for her upcoming session.
At first? I was annoyed.
She had screenshots from Pinterest, photos from other photographers, and detailed notes on what she did and didn’t want. My gut reaction was, “Doesn’t she trust me? Why did she feel the need to do this much?”
But after a few deep breaths (and maybe a walk around the block), I realized something important—and it completely changed the way I approach session prep.
The Real Reason Behind the PowerPoint
This client wasn’t trying to take over. She was trying to feel prepared.
She was a tired new mom with a toddler at home, and she’d just booked a luxury in-home session. She wanted beautiful, meaningful photos—but she wasn’t sure I knew what she envisioned. So she did what many overwhelmed people do when they don’t feel fully supported: she over-prepared.
That PowerPoint? It wasn’t about micromanaging me. It was a sign that my process wasn’t giving her enough clarity or confidence.
That realization was a game-changer—and it’s exactly why thoughtful session prep for photographers can’t be an afterthought.
Session Prep Isn’t Just About Logistics
Before this moment, my prep process was… fine. I had a welcome guide. I sent a couple of reminder emails. But it lacked structure. It lacked intentional touchpoints. And clearly, it left too much room for anxiety to creep in.
So I went back to the drawing board and overhauled my entire approach to client experience and prep—something I now teach inside The Client Experience Blueprint course. It’s a FULL course that covers every aspect of session prep for photographers from inquiry through post session communications.
Here’s what I changed:
1. I Created a Clear, Strategic Prep Guide
Not just a list of what to wear. A full guide that walks clients through what to expect, how to prep their home, what to do if their kids melt down, and more.
And I made it sound like me—warm, calm, confident—not like a generic PDF.
If you want help writing one that actually sounds like you, my AI-powered Prep Guide Prompts are designed to get you 90% of the way there in a fraction of the time.
2. I Added Touchpoints Between Booking and the Session
I started sending a check-in email a few days after booking, a reminder one week out, and a short “What to Expect” video a few days before the session. These emails are short, conversational, and designed to anticipate questions before clients even ask them.
Need help with email content too? This free email prompts resource might help.
3. I Invite Clients to Share—but Gently Guide Them
Now, instead of asking for a Pinterest board or a list of must-have shots, I simply say:
“Take a look through my portfolio and choose 2–3 photos I’ve taken that you love. This helps me understand what you’re drawn to—whether it’s lighting, posing, or emotion—so I can tailor your session while still keeping things true to your family.”
This keeps the focus on my work and not on Pinterest, reinforces trust, and gives me just enough insight without the overwhelm.
The Result?
No more PowerPoints. No more clients second-guessing what will happen. No more email chains with anxious questions.
Instead, my clients show up feeling relaxed, trusting the process, and excited to be photographed. They leave the session saying things like, “That was so much easier than I thought,” and “You just got us.”
This is what happens when your client experience is rooted in clarity and care—and when you prioritize thoughtful session prep for photographers as a business strategy, not just a checklist.
The Takeaway for Photographers
If you’ve ever felt frustrated when a client micromanages or overloads you with inspo, take a beat and ask:
Have I done enough to make them feel taken care of?
Because when your photography client prep is intentional, strategic, and personal, your clients don’t need to overcompensate. They trust you. And that trust? It leads to better photos, smoother sessions, and long-term relationships.
Want to simplify your own session prep process?
Grab my AI-powered Session Prep Guide Prompts to create emails that sounds like you and give your clients exactly what they need—without the guesswork. I’m making session prep for photographers easy!
Natasha Sewell is a family and newborn photographer plus a photographer educator and mentor. She captures family’s joyful chaos in the place they are most comfortable – home. Natasha serves Washington, DC and surrounding areas and specializes in maternity, baby, and family photography.
