Sofiia Martyniuk
Preparation Guide

How to Prepare for a Portrait Session

Seven simple steps so you arrive calm, confident, and ready. Read through once - then just write to me with anything unclear.

Book a sessionSee before and after
Smiling woman in an oversized black blazer and lace tights, eyes closed, against a deep red studio backdrop
01 / 07

Define the Purpose and Mood of the Session

Write down what you need the photos for: work, social media, personal project, gift.
If you have examples of style or mood, send them to me.
If your vision is still unclear, I'll help you shape it.
Collage of women's sessions in natural light: window portraits, a woman on a bed with lilies, mother and daughter
02 / 07

Idea, Moodboard and Concept

Together we define the idea, mood and overall style of the shoot.
I prepare a moodboard: a simple collage with examples of mood, poses and lighting.
You receive it before the shoot so you understand how I see our photo session and what to expect.
Woman in a white shirt and jeans sitting on a bed with a bouquet of pink lilies, eyes closed, soft light
03 / 07

Location

I often work in studios. They offer many possibilities: different backgrounds, props, sometimes clothing and a convenient place for makeup.
We can also shoot in the city – on the streets or in old tenement buildings – or in a place that has meaning for you.
If you already have your own location, write to me and we'll coordinate the details.
Dark-curled woman in a red blazer and pearls leans on a chair in moody red studio light – portrait session
04 / 07

Clothing for the Shoot

Choose clothing that fits the idea of the shoot and in which you feel confident.
Make sure items are clean, ironed and without noticeable creases.
You can bring 2-3 outfits to choose the best option for photos on location.
Black-and-white close-up of a woman in profile wearing hoop earrings, her gaze lifted upward – portrait session
05 / 07

Makeup and Hairstyle

I work with a makeup artist who can do makeup and light hairstyling before the shoot (this is a separate service).
You can come with your own makeup artist or prepare yourself.
Makeup and hairstyle should be neat and match the chosen style.
Girl in a red beret and black knit top with pearl bracelets looks into the camera – soft studio photo session
06 / 07

Retouching and Natural Look

I don't paint makeup in Photoshop or change faces from scratch.
I work with natural retouching: I preserve skin texture, gently enhance what's already there, remove small details you don't want to see in photos.
Perfect makeup, hair and ironed clothes depend on you, and I'm responsible for the frame and delicate processing.
Black and white close-up of a woman: one eye and a strand of fair hair, half the face blurred behind glass
07 / 07

Questions and Concerns Before the Shoot

Nervousness before a shoot is normal, especially if this is your first experience.
If you have questions, doubts or something remains unclear, just write to me.
We'll discuss everything and prepare so that you feel calm and confident in front of the camera.