The portraits people love years later have one thing in common: the person in them looks like themselves, on a good day. Everything below is in service of that — not a fashion shoot, just you, prepared enough to relax.

Start with clothes you already love

The best outfit for a portrait session is the one you reach for when you want to feel like yourself. If you put something on and immediately stand a little straighter, bring it. If you're tugging at it in the mirror, you'll be tugging at it on camera too — leave it at home.

Bring two or three options rather than deciding in advance. Part of the session is choosing together, and different light suits different clothes. There's space to change at the Centurion studio, and time to do it without rushing.

Colours and patterns that photograph well

Solid, mid-tone colours are the safest bet — they keep the attention on your face. Earthy tones, muted blues and greens, cream, charcoal and black all photograph beautifully. What tends to fight the camera:

  • Very fine stripes or checks — they can shimmer oddly in photos
  • Huge logos and slogan prints — they date quickly and pull focus
  • Neon colours — they reflect onto skin
  • Brand-new clothes with fold creases still in them — hang everything the night before

For couples and families

Aim for outfits that belong in the same photograph without matching. A shared palette — say denim, cream and rust — looks intentional; identical white shirts look like a uniform. Lay everything on a bed together before the session: if nothing shouts, you're done.

Grooming, without overthinking it

Come as a slightly-more-rested version of yourself. Haircuts are best a week or more before the session, not the day before. If you wear make-up, wear what you'd wear for a nice dinner — heavy shine control helps under studio light, but this is exactly the kind of thing you can ask about beforehand.

What to bring

  • Your outfit options, hung or folded flat
  • Water, and a snack if you're bringing children
  • Anything that tells your story — an instrument, a jersey, a pet (ask first!), a graduation gown
  • Comfortable shoes for walking between spots if we're shooting on location

The part that matters more than clothes

Nobody is naturally comfortable in front of a camera — that comfort gets built during the session, and it's the photographer's job, not yours. Sessions here start with a conversation, not a pose list, and before the shoot you'll have already confirmed your details and preferences through your booking link, so the day starts on familiar ground.

Portrait sessions at StefCreated start from R950 for a mini session — see the packages page for what each includes, and the FAQ for how booking works.