After photographing 1,000+ women, I've heard the same nerves, the same questions, and the same "I don't know what to wear" message more times than I can count, right before almost every single session.

So I thought I'd put it all in one place, the honest, no-fluff version of how to prepare for your portrait session with me, so you can skip the spiral and just enjoy it.


Here's everything you need to know before your session with Nami Creative.


What to Wear to Your Portrait Session

Flowing fabrics and solid colours are your best friend outdoors, busy patterns tend to fight with the landscape instead of complementing you. And don't stress if you don't have "the right thing," I do a full styling chat with you beforehand, and I've also got pieces you can borrow on the day, sizes 6 to 22.


When to Book Your Session

Golden hour, the hour before sunset, is the best time of day for outdoor portrait photography in New Zealand. Sessions are booked around this window to get the softest, most flattering natural light.


How to Actually Feel Confident in Front of the Camera

Here's the thing almost every single woman tells me before we start: "I'm going to feel so awkward." And almost every single time, by the end, they don't want to stop.

You don't need experience. You don't need to know how to pose. That's genuinely my job, not yours. I guide you through every single moment, what to do with your hands, where to look, when to just breathe and be. You just need to show up.


What to Expect on the Day

Sessions are shot exclusively outdoors at Nami's special locations around Raglan, New Zealand, never in a rushed or crowded setting. Expect a slow, unhurried experience built around real connection and genuine moments, not stiff, forced posing.


Getting Your Head in the Right Place

Most of the nerves aren't really about the camera, they're about being seen. So if you take one thing from this, let it be this: let go of needing a "perfect" photo. The best sessions happen when you stop performing and just let yourself be captured as you actually are.

Woman in traditional Maori attire with feather cloak stands among lush green foliage in a dark, moody forest setting.
Black and white photo of a person wearing a traditional Maori cloak with feathers and geometric patterns outdoors.
Māori woman wearing traditional feathered kākahu cloak stands in native New Zealand bush at dusk.
Silhouette of a person raising their arm toward the golden sunset on a reflective beach at low tide.
Black and white photo of a woman standing on a reflective beach at dusk with a full moon in the sky.
Silhouette of a woman praying at sunset on a beach, with golden light glowing behind her and hair blowing in the wind.
Black and white photo of a woman in a feathered garment standing outdoors at dusk, gazing upward thoughtfully.
Woman in traditional Maori cloak stands on beach at sunset, hand on chest, silhouetted against golden sky.
Woman in traditional Maori cloak stands barefoot on a beach at sunset, ocean waves behind her.

Ready for Your Own Portrait Session?


Whether this is your first time being professionally photographed or your fifth, a little preparation goes a long way toward feeling calm and confident on the day.


Ready to book your portrait session in Raglan, New Zealand? Contact me for availability and package options below.

Smiling woman in white dress holding a DSLR camera, sitting by large glass windows with ocean view.

A Few Questions I Get Asked a Lot

How far in advance should I book my portrait session?

Golden hour slots are limited, so booking a few weeks ahead is recommended, especially during busier seasons.

Do I need to bring my own outfit?

Not necessarily. A styling consultation happens before your session, and outfit options are available to borrow on the day.

What if it rains on the day of my session?

I shoot in all weather, moody, overcast days create some of the most incredible photos. I check the weather closely throughout the week leading up to your shoot, so I always know what to expect. The weather can't be controlled, but beauty can be created in all of it.

Can I bring a friend or family member for support?

Yes, Some women choose to bring someone with them for support, just let me know ahead of time.