Empty Your Pockets, Friend — Let’s Talk About the Little Details That Make a Big Difference in Your Photos

Before every session, I always give my clients one simple piece of advice: the tiny things matter. And the truth is, they really do. The difference between a polished, timeless gallery and a set of images that feel “off” often comes down to the smallest details—those little distractions we don’t even notice in real life but stick out instantly in photos.

So let’s talk about what to empty, remove, and tuck away before we start shooting.

1. Empty Those Pockets

Bulging pockets are the silent photo-ruiner.
Phones, keys, wallets, lip balms, gum packs—they all create lumps and bumps that your clothes simply weren’t designed for. In person? Not a big deal. On camera? Your eye goes straight to it.

Before your session starts, take everything out of your pockets. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when your images look clean, sleek, and distraction-free.

2. Smart Watches—Just Say No

I love a good smart watch for everyday life, but during a photoshoot? They tend to stand out like a glowing little rectangle of distraction.
Notifications light up, bands clash with outfits, and even the neutral ones still pull the eye away from what matters most—you.

For your session, swap it for a classic watch or go with no watch at all. Empty wrists photograph beautifully and keep your images feeling timeless.

3. Neutral Nails Are Always a Yes

Your hands end up in more photos than you realize—holding your babies, brushing hair back, adjusting clothing, hugging your people.
Bright nails, chipped polish, or fun designs (as cute as they are!) can take center stage without meaning to.

Neutral, soft, or bare nails keep the focus exactly where it should be. Think: creams, soft pinks, taupes, or a simple clean nail.

4. No Sunglasses (Even on Your Head!)

Sunglasses on your shirt, sunglasses in your hand, sunglasses sitting on top of your head like a cute little crown… they always sneak their way into photos.

Sunlight reflects off them, the shape disrupts your hair, and before you know it, every image has a pair of Ray-Bans making a cameo.
Leave them in the car or tuck them safely away—I promise your future self will thank you.

The Goal: Clean, Intentional, Timeless

Photography isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating images where nothing distracts from the people in them. When we strip away the clutter, the focus becomes your expression, your connection, your story.

So before our session:
• Empty your pockets
• Take off the smart watch
• Keep nails neutral
• Ditch the sunglasses

These small, simple steps go a long way in making your photos look polished, cohesive, and undeniably beautiful.