The best portraits happen when you stop worrying about how you look and start enjoying the experience.

In fact, one of the first things I hear as a portrait photographer is: "I've never done anything like this before." Many clients arrive wondering what happens during a portrait session and whether they'll actually feel comfortable in front of the camera.

That's exactly why this experience exists. You don't need to know how to pose, what to do with your hands, or how to look natural on camera. My job is to guide you through every step, creating an experience that feels comfortable, effortless, and even fun.

The result? Beautiful, authentic portraits that look like you at your very best.

What Happens During a Portrait Session? Here's Exactly What to Expect

Portrait Photography Consultation: Planning a Session That Feels Like You

Before anything is scheduled, we'll have a conversation.

This free consultation is one of the most important parts of the entire experience. It's not a sales call or a discussion of logistics. It's an opportunity for me to get to know you, understand what matters most, and determine whether we're the right fit for each other.

I'll ask questions like:

What are your hopes and dreams for this session?
What is it about you or how you want to be remembered 20 years from now?
And how do you want to remember it?

Understanding your why is the foundation of everything we create together. When I know the story behind your session, whether you're celebrating a milestone, documenting a new chapter, or simply wanting to see yourself in a new light, I can design an experience that feels deeply personal and meaningful.

Your answers guide every decision that follows, including wardrobe and styling, lighting, posing, and even the overall mood of your session.

This is also your opportunity to ask anything that's on your mind. Worried you'll feel awkward? Not sure what to wear? Concerned you aren't photogenic? We'll talk through it all together.

Many people ask, "What happens during a portrait session?" The truth is that the experience begins long before the camera comes out. The consultation lays the foundation for creating portraits that reflect who you are, not just what you look like.

And if we both feel it's the right fit, we'll begin planning your session.

What to Wear for a Portrait Session (And How I Help You Decide)

What you wear can have a significant impact on how you feel during your session and that confidence translates directly into your portraits.

That's why every session includes wardrobe planning. Whether we connect over Zoom, FaceTime, or meet in the studio, we'll review your options, discuss your goals, and create looks that help you feel comfortable, confident, and authentically yourself.

Most importantly, I don't want you rushing out to buy an entirely new wardrobe. More often than not, the perfect pieces are already hanging in your closet. My role is to help you identify what photographs beautifully and aligns with the vision we've created together.

You’ll also have access to my small studio wardrobe, a curated collection of pieces chosen specifically for portrait sessions. If you’re unsure, text me photos of outfits, ask questions, and get feedback. My goal is to make wardrobe selection feel simple, not stressful.

For added ease, there’s also an optional try-on session before your portrait experience so we can finalize your looks together.

One of the most common questions I hear is: "Can I be attractive but not photogenic?"

Absolutely.

Being photogenic isn’t something you’re born with. It comes from lighting, styling, expression, and guidance, all of which are built into your experience.

What the Portrait Session Actually Feels Like

Another question I receive frequently is, "How long should a portrait session last?"

The answer depends on your goals and wardrobe changes, but the intention is always the same: enough space for you to relax, settle in, and actually enjoy yourself.

If you've chosen to add professional hair and makeup, your morning starts there. My talented hair and makeup artist will sit down with you and discuss the exact look and vibe you're going for, whether that's polished and dramatic, soft and natural, or somewhere in between. And she'll make sure you feel like you.

Then we shoot, and this is the part that surprises most people.

You don't need to know how to pose and you don’t need to have done this before. I guide you through everything, angles, lighting, music, even the energy. I'm constantly reading what's working and what will work better, and I'm talking you through all of it so you're never left guessing what to do next.

Throughout the portrait session, I’ll also occasionally show you a few images so you can see how beautiful you already look. It takes the pressure off and lets you settle into the experience and breathe.

What Clients Experience:

"Susanna takes the time to evaluate the person and what they are wanting to capture, down to the smallest details. She is professional and caring. Anyone can pick up a camera and click, but a true photographer knows angles, lighting, color, and how to get the right energy flowing from the subject. If you want the best, you found it." — Kristine Hill and Gigi

After Your Portrait Session: Image Selection, Editing, and Retouching

Many clients ask, "How many pictures are in a photo session?" During your session, I often capture hundreds of images. From there, I carefully narrow the collection down to the strongest images that best tell your story, showcase your personality, and reflect the person I see behind the lens.

Once we're done shooting, I go through every single frame and I review each one. Is the light right? Is there presence in this image? Does it carry the truth of who you are? Because what you receive should only ever be the absolute best of what we created together.

Then comes the editing. The goal is always to make you look like yourself on the best day you've ever had: refreshed, glowing, and genuinely beautiful. Not filtered. Not altered. You.

Please allow up to three weeks for this part of the process.

What Clients Experience:

"My experience with Susanna Tanner Photography was one of the best things I've ever invested in. Susanna paid attention to every detail, making each shot beautiful. It was so hard to choose what to keep during my reveal session and when the portraits arrived, I was stunned, the colors were vibrant and each portrait was gorgeous and unique." - Sonya Williams

Portrait Reveal Experience: Seeing Yourself in a Completely New Way

And then the moment my clients tell me they weren't prepared for.

You'll sit down and see yourself the way I saw you behind the lens. Not the version of you that picks apart every photo on your phone. Or the version that fixates on one thing and misses everything else. The version that was there all along, fully seen, beautifully lit, and captured in a way that reflects how you deserve to feel every day.

I’ve watched clients go quiet, cry, or simply stare and say, “Is that really me?”, and mean it in the best way.

"Susanna made me feel empowered by providing a photographic outlet to show the world that even though I'm aging, I'm ageless. Her photos reflect my character, my style, and my power as an independent and hardworking woman. I love the way my photos turned out, she captured the very best of me." - Barb Blanford

You’ll also choose your favorite portraits and decide how you want to display them through heirloom-quality products. I’ll guide you through the entire process and help you choose how you want to remember this moment in your life.

Portrait Photography Pricing and Experience Options

Getting extraordinary portraits of yourself should feel like one of the most meaningful things you do for yourself all year.

So whether you came here wondering what happens during a portrait session, exploring portrait photography ideas, comparing modern portrait photographers, or simply trying to understand if this could be right for you, this experience was built to meet you exactly where you are and guide you into portraits you’ll actually love.

I offer a range of portrait experiences, including boudoir, professional headshots and personal branding, magazine-style portrait sessions, generational portraits, and my 50 Over 50 project celebrating confidence and beauty at every stage of life.

Ready to Book Your Portrait Session? Let’s Create Something Meaningful

If you're ready to explore what this could look like for you, you can view session details and pricing. Or, if you'd prefer to talk it through first, book a free consultation. I’d love to connect.

Susanna Tanner Photography serves clients in Richmond, IN and within 75 miles, including Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Oxford, and Dayton.