How to Prepare for Your Military Portrait Session
- Austen Hunter
- Apr 14
- 5 min read
The session itself takes about an hour. The preparation you do before it is what separates a portrait you like from one you frame.
Most service members I photograph know exactly what their uniform standards require. But there's a gap between passing inspection and looking your best in a photograph. Cameras pick up details the eye forgives — a crooked ribbon, a loose thread along a pocket flap, a collar that sits slightly off.
I'm a former Air Force officer, a Navy Public Affairs Specialist, and the 2024 Navy Civilian Photographer of the Year. At Austen Hunter Photography, I've photographed hundreds of military portraits across every branch and every uniform combination. Here's what I tell every client before their session.
Key Takeaways
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Military Portrait Uniform Preparation Checklist
Your uniform is the centerpiece of a military portrait. It needs to be flawless — not inspection-ready, but photograph-ready. That's a higher bar.
Start with the basics. Check every ribbon for correct order and alignment. Run your hands along seams and pockets looking for loose threads. Polish shoes until they reflect light evenly, not just enough to pass a glance. Inspect collar devices, insignia, and name tapes for straight placement. If anything is faded, replace it.
Iron or steam your uniform the night before — not the morning of, when you're rushed. Lay it flat or hang it in a garment bag for transport. Wrinkles that look minor in person photograph like deep creases under studio lighting.
If you're unsure about uniform-specific standards, I've put together detailed guides for Air Force uniforms and Navy uniforms that walk through every option.
Category | What to Check | Why It Matters |
Ribbons & Medals | Correct order, spacing, and alignment | Misplaced ribbons are the most common issue I see — and the most visible in close-up shots |
Uniform Fabric | Loose threads, lint, stains, fading | The camera magnifies texture problems that look fine at arm's length |
Shoes | Mirror-polish finish, no scuffs | Full-length portraits put your shoes in the frame |
Insignia & Devices | Straight placement, clean pins, correct positioning | Crooked collar devices and name tapes are immediately noticeable |
Creases & Pressing | Crisp lines, no wrinkles | Studio lighting creates shadows along every fold — sharp creases photograph clean |
Transport | Garment bag, laid flat | Don't undo your prep work on the drive over |
Why You Should Bring at Least Two Uniforms to Your Portrait Session
This is the advice most clients don't expect: bring a second uniform even if you're only planning to photograph one.
Here's why. Once you're in front of the camera, the session takes on a rhythm. The lighting is set. You're warmed up. And almost every time, we reach a point where a second look would make the gallery stronger. Dress blues and OCPs tell different stories. Service dress and mess dress create completely different moods. Having that option available — without needing a second session — is worth the five extra minutes of packing.
"I tell every client the same thing — bring two, even if you think you only need one. I've never had someone regret having options. I've had plenty wish they'd brought more." — Austen Hunter
The practical side matters too. If something is off with your primary uniform — a stain you didn't catch, a fit issue under certain lighting — your backup keeps the session moving.
How to Practice Your Expression Before a Portrait Session
This is the one that surprises people, but it makes a real difference: practice your expression in a mirror before you show up.
Most service members default to one of two looks — a stiff, locked-jaw official expression or an over-wide smile that doesn't match their face. Neither photographs well. What works is somewhere in between: a relaxed, confident look that feels natural to you.
Stand in front of a mirror, square your shoulders, and try slight variations. A small closed-mouth expression with relaxed eyes. A natural smile that doesn't feel forced. Pay attention to your jaw, your brow, and whether your eyes are engaged or flat.
I coach every client through expression during the session. But when someone walks in already knowing what their face does on camera, we spend less time finding the right look and more time getting great frames.
"The clients who show up having done even two minutes of mirror work always — always — end up with stronger portraits." — Austen Hunter
Grooming and Logistics Tips for Military Portrait Day
Get your haircut two to three days before the session, not the day of. A fresh cut looks sharp, but a same-day cut can leave razor lines, irritation, or a hairline that looks too tight on camera. Give it a day or two to settle.
If you wear glasses, bring them clean and consider bringing a backup pair without lenses if glare is a concern. I manage lighting to minimize reflections, but anti-glare lenses make a noticeable difference.
For coordinating details — if family members are joining part of the session, or if you're incorporating memorabilia like a shadow box or command coins — let me know ahead of time so we can plan the setup. Military portraits that include personal touches need a bit of extra planning to get right.
Final Thoughts
A military portrait lasts longer than any assignment, any duty station, any single chapter of your career. The session itself is the easy part. The work you put in before you walk through the door is what makes the difference between a photo and a portrait worth keeping.
A little preparation goes a long way — and I'm here to help with the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a military portrait session?
I recommend booking at least two weeks out, especially if you're on a timeline for a retirement, promotion, or PCS. That gives us flexibility on scheduling and gives you time to prep your uniform.
What if I'm not sure which uniform to wear?
Reach out before your session and we'll talk through it. The right choice depends on the purpose of the portrait — official records, personal keepsake, retirement gift — and I can help you narrow it down.
Do you help with uniform placement during the session?
Absolutely. I check placement, alignment, and fit before we start shooting and between setups. But starting with a well-prepped uniform means we spend more time behind the camera and less time adjusting.
Can I bring props or memorabilia like a shadow box?
Yes — just let me know ahead of time so I can plan the lighting and composition around it. Items like shadow boxes, command coins, or flags add personal meaning to the portrait when they're incorporated intentionally.
