A little preparation helps you arrive relaxed, organised, and ready for photographs.
Whether you’re planning an individual portrait session, getting your athlete ready for team photos, or coordinating an entire association, knowing what to expect can make the day easier.
At Scott Tanner Photography, we want your photographs to reflect your personality, celebrate your accomplishments, and give you something meaningful to look back on. Preparing a few things ahead of time helps you enjoy the experience and make the most of your session.
Here’s how to get ready for your portrait session or team and association photo day in the Halifax area.
Preparing for Your Individual Portrait Session
Your portrait session is an opportunity to celebrate who you are. Whether the focus is graduation, your sport, or a personal milestone, start by thinking about what you want your photographs to capture.
Share Your Ideas Beforehand
Let Scott know what you have in mind, how you plan to use your photographs, and whether there are particular interests or achievements you’d like to include.
If you’re considering sports equipment, a meaningful personal item, or a specific style of portrait, discuss it ahead of time. This helps establish what will work for your session.
Plan Your Clothing
Choose clothing that fits comfortably and makes you feel confident. Try everything on before the session, including shoes and accessories, so there are no last-minute surprises.
Solid colours and simple patterns can help keep attention on your face. Large logos or busy designs may draw attention away from you, although a team uniform or clothing connected to your interests may be an intentional part of your portrait.
Check outfits for wrinkles, stains, lint, and pet hair. If you’re unsure about an outfit or want to bring alternatives, ask Scott for guidance before your appointment.
Keep Grooming Familiar
Plan haircuts with enough time to settle into the style, and choose hair and makeup that feel comfortable and recognisable to you.
Bring a small touch-up kit with items such as a brush, comb, and anything you normally use for quick adjustments.
Give Yourself Time to Arrive
Confirm the location and appointment details, plan your route, and allow time for parking. Follow the arrival instructions provided with your booking.
You don’t need to practise a perfect expression or arrive knowing how to pose. Bring your ideas, ask questions, and give yourself permission to settle into the experience.
Getting Your Athlete Ready for Team Photo Day
For families, the best preparation often happens the night before. Having everything together helps prevent a rushed search for a missing jersey or piece of equipment.
Check the Schedule Carefully
Read the team’s photo day message and confirm:
- The date and location.
- Your team’s assigned arrival and photography times.
- Where athletes should meet.
- What uniform and equipment to bring.
- Any ordering instructions provided.
Your arrival time may be earlier than your practice time. Follow the photo day schedule shared by your team organiser.
Pack the Complete Uniform
Make sure your athlete has the correct jersey, matching uniform pieces, socks, footwear, and any requested equipment.
Check that everything is clean and ready to wear. If your team has home and away uniforms, confirm which one is required rather than bringing the wrong colour.
Label belongings where practical, especially when several teams will be using the same space.
Take Care of the Small Details
Before your athlete steps in front of the camera, check for food around the mouth, an uneven collar, or a twisted jersey. Remove gum and clear unnecessary items from pockets.
Arrive with enough time to get dressed and organised. A quick check is much easier when everyone has a few minutes to spare.
Keep the Experience Positive
Explain what will happen in simple terms: your athlete will have their individual photograph taken and take part in the team photo.
Encouragement helps more than pressure to produce a particular smile. For younger players especially, keeping the mood light can make the experience more comfortable.
Organising a Smooth Team or Association Photo Day
For coaches, managers, and association organisers, clear communication is one of the most useful preparations you can make.
Confirm the Plan with Scott
Before sharing the final schedule, confirm the location, number of teams, approximate roster sizes, and photography arrangements.
Discuss access to the space, any facility requirements, and how the photo schedule fits around practices or games. If a locker room session or another specific setup is planned, confirm the space needed in advance.
Send Families One Clear Set of Instructions
A useful photo day message should include the location, arrival time, uniform requirements, meeting point, and any ordering information.
Send a reminder shortly before photo day so families can find the details easily. If arrangements change, make sure everyone receives the updated instructions.
Assign a Team Contact
Choose a coach, manager, or volunteer who can gather players, answer scheduling questions, and help keep the group together.
For an association with several teams, having a contact for each team makes it easier to communicate and move through the schedule.
Keep Athletes Together and Ready
Ask players to arrive dressed as instructed and remain nearby until their team’s photography is complete.
Before leaving, check that everyone has finished the required individual and group photographs. If a player cannot attend, contact Scott about available makeup options.
Share Helpful Information in Advance
If an athlete may benefit from extra time, clearer instructions, or another accommodation, encourage their family to discuss that privately with Scott before photo day.
Advance communication gives everyone a better opportunity to prepare for a comfortable experience.
Arrive Prepared and Enjoy the Moment
The goal of preparation is to make room for an enjoyable photography experience.
For an individual portrait, that means choosing clothing you feel good in and sharing what matters to you. For team photo day, it means arriving on time with the right uniform and equipment. For organisers, it means giving families clear instructions and keeping the schedule coordinated.
These photographs will become reminders of a personality, an accomplishment, or a season shared with teammates. A little planning helps you focus on the moment while Scott captures it.
Ready to plan your portrait session or team and association photo day? Contact Scott Tanner Photography to discuss your session in Halifax and the surrounding area.
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