Photo Session Tips

Hair

If you plan to try out a new haircut for your shoot, I recommend doing so at least one week beforehand to be sure that you are comfortable with the look and can style it to your liking. For men, a fresh cut a couple of days prior to the shoot is fine.

Hair accessories

If you are having an outdoor session, please be prepared to put your hair up or to tie it back in the case of a windy day. Bring bobby pins, hair clips, headbands or any other favorite accessories. We do not want unruly locks to distract from your perfect photos!

Red eyes

Visine or your choice of eye drops can help if you find yourself with red or dry eyes on the day of your shoot. Being properly hydrated will help with this as well.

Lips

Moisturized lips are essential to a good photograph. You will probably wipe or lick your lips during your shoot, so bring lip balm, fresh lip gloss or lipstick for touch-ups. Use lip balm for a few days in advance of your shoot to make your lips look their best.

Teeth

If you plan to brighten your smile, it is recommended that you start your treatments at least two weeks before your shoot for best results.

Make-up

A subtle application of make-up can enhance the look of your skin and accent your facial features. Please make sure that your make-up matches your skin tone to avoid noticeable differences in skin tone in your photos.

Facial hair

Men, please be sure to use a new razor, shaving cream and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to avoid bumps and redness. Trim your beard, sideburns, mustache or goatee paying attention to any stray hairs. It is important that both men and women remember to groom those eyebrows!

Moisturizer

Dry skin can really detract from a great photo. Start moisturizing nightly a week in advance of your shoot. When you get out of the shower, dry off until slightly damp, and apply moisturizer, focusing on your arms, shoulders, neck, face, hands and anywhere you’ll be exposed to the camera. This includes your legs if you’re shooting in shorts or a skirt. Drink plenty of water to ensure that your skin will be revitalized and looking its best.

Nails

A fresh coat of nail polish can make a world of difference in your photo shoot. Pick a neutral color that won’t distract in your photos or clash with your clothing. Your photo shoot is a great excuse for a fresh manicure but if you can’t go to the salon just make sure your nails look tidy and clean, including the cuticles.

Bloating

To be photo ready, it is best for men and women to avoid foods high in fat and sodium for two to three days in advance of your shoot. Feeling bloated and uncomfortable can sap your confidence and comfort in front of the camera.

Undergarments

Unsightly bra straps will not allow your chosen outfit to look its best. Prior to the shoot, be sure to try undergarments on with any clothing that you plan to wear to avoid any unpleasant surprises! 

Sun burns and tan lines

A sunburn will not make for a great photo so please avoid one at all costs. If you plan to tan before your shoot, do so at least a week beforehand and be careful not to get burned. Be mindful of clothing tan lines, sun-glass tan lines, hat tan lines, etc.

Ironing/Clothing

Please make sure that clothes are freshly pressed and ironed for your shoot. Also, please check your clothing for pet hair and, if necessary, bring a lint roller with you for touch ups as needed.

Shoes

It is important to consider the location of your shoot when selecting your footwear. For example, high heels look great but may not be the best choice for a session at an ocean-side location. Please make sure that all shoes are non-scuffed and polished.

Maternity 

Moisturize that belly! Gather your props – ultrasound printout, alphabet blocks that spell your baby’s name, baby shoes, stuffed animals, flowers; anything you may have seen in other maternity photos that you like. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and pretty – long, flowing skirts paired with a stomach bearing top, tube dresses to show off your shape-whatever suits YOU!  A button-up shirt also makes it easy to transition into showing your belly.If you will be doing semi-nude/implied nude photos, bras and underwear will create noticeable lines on your skin, so please wear loose-fitting clothing to the shoot. You can add undergarments as necessary for photos later in the shoot. Do bring your significant other! They’ll make a great prop for your photos, and greatly expand the number of photo options. They should bring outfits that coordinate with what you’ll be wearing. The focus should always be on you, your expressions, your emotions, your personality, your joy and your connection.

Children

Clean, clean, clean – clean nails, clean hair, clean feet (sandals on kids = black feet!) If your child is still in diapers or pull-ups, tuck them in or have them wear bloomers. If your child is still of napping age please make sure they nap before the shoot.It is perfectly okay to bring bribes to a photo shoot – Some cereal or other treat  that won’t stain teeth can help a photo shoot to go smoothly. Avoid colorful drinks or lollipops within 24 hours of your shoot and try not to let them eat or drink anything that will stain their face, teeth or mouths. Wardrobe – Girls: cute dresses, rompers, and dainty hats or headbands always look great. Boys: jeans, khakis  and polo’s or a button-up shirt or a T-shirt with a button-up over it can be very cute; whatever reflects your child’s age and personality. For siblings, the children don’t have to match perfectly,  just try to coordinate the looks as best you can. You can’t go wrong with dark, rich monotones, which drive the attention in photos to sweet faces and darling expressions instead of attention getting loud prints or colors. Alternatively, you might pick a color that compliments your child’s eye color.

Families

You don’t have to match perfectly, the idea is to wear something that coordinates well together- for example, if Mom and Dad are casually dressed it might not make sense to have the children wearing dress shirts.

High school seniors

Have an even tan and avoid being sunburned. Have clean, neatly trimmed nails (with fresh nail polish as appropriate) Bring a variety of outfits – something casual, something stylish, cap and gown. Girls might choose a dress while boys might try a formal look. Wear what you think you look best in and also feel free to take the opportunity to try out a new look. Bring props that are symbolic of your high school years – band instruments, sports gear, your beloved (or cursed) high school car, whatever is meaningful to you- Your senior photo should represent your unique life and personality. Have fun with it!

Please remember, the best photographs happen when you feel relaxed, comfortable and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Come prepared with a positive attitude and an open mind, and I will take care of the rest. 

Contact me to schedule your session. I am excited to work with you!