Bring all the things!

Clothing

You should plan on bringing several outfits to your session. Time allows for outfit changes so even if you only want photographed in ONE outfit, bring a backup. Sometimes our outfit choices limit the variety of our shoot, or outfits ‘break’,  so multiple options are a must. I will gladly help with coordinating outfits for your location. Cap & Gown or letterman jackets are a great addition.

Keep your clothing visually simple. Logos, crazy patterns and colors can be distracting in photographs. We want your personality and features to shine on their own, so lets pass on these. Choose undergarments that work for each outfit. Tucking or moving straps will not always work, you probably don’t want a hot pink bra strap showing. Slips are great to wear under dresses. Undershirts work for button-up shirts to prevent sweat stains.

Solid colors or subtle patterns look great and are not too distracting. Colors that go well with a medium or dark background for close-ups include medium or dark tones of green, brown, rust, wine or blue. Darker colors tend to make people look slimmer. Try not to wear flesh-tone or neutral colors such as beige, or tan as these can dominate the picture and make you look washed out. For outdoor shoots, you want to dress based on where you’re shooting. For nature locations textured fabrics and seasonal colors work well. For urban/city locations, feel free to dress up a bit, layering always looks great and adds depth. Try to choose colors that will pop against the city scene.

Use clothing to your advantage, bring out your best features. We all have parts of ourself we LOVE! Choose things to bring those out! Personally, I love my hair, so I always dress for my hair!

Less is more with jewelry.

Make-up/Grooming

Natural is best. Simple Simple Simple! Bring your makeup with you on the shoot. Avoid glitter or sparkly anything (powder, eye shadow, blush) it doesn’t photograph well and makes your skin seem splotchy and uneven. Natural lips tend to look the best, avoid crazy glossy coverage and deep or bright pinks and reds. Powder is your best friend to reduce shine!

Please don’t be concerned about minor breakouts. If your acne is more severe, you’re okay, talk with me about areas you are concerned with.

Your hair knows best.  Avoid new hairstyles. Play with your hairstyles a few days before the photoshoot to get the look you want in advance. Prepare to pivot if your hair doesn't go as planned. I have naturally curly so I always have to be prepared to pin it up when its hot and humid outside.

Haircut: If you want to get a haircut before the session, make sure to do it at last a week in advance. Give your new hair cut some time to relax a bit and look a bit more like you do on the day to day.

No heavy tanning or spray tanning before the shoot! There’s only so much we can do with post editing if you look orange the day of the shoot. Tanning in excess can look unnatural and can throw your skin tone off.

Get rid of glare from your glasses. Either buy or borrow a pair of suitable frames without lenses to prevent glare and reflections from the glass. Or you can ask your optician to remove the lenses from your frames for the photo session. Most will do this for you at no charge, but give them plenty of notice so there is no rush.

Your hands will be in those close ups. Your hands will end up in some of your favorite poses, so be sure to take the time to make them presentable. Get the manicure, or at the very least, trim your nails and make sure they aren't dirty!!

Other  

Go to the mirror and practice those facial expressions. My eyes close tiny when I smile, so I have practiced several smiles that are genuine but don't make me look like my eyes are missing!

Practice Posing. I will give you direction, but its important to understand how you body moves when I direct you. Practice movement. I might ask you to sway side to side, or carefully move your hair, and those movements can make the cutest photos. So play in front of the mirror to see if you like the way you look with movement.

Personalize your photos with props. Thinks sport equipment, instrument, team jersey or even something that is a favorite hobby. Talk with me before the session and can come up with some ideas to incorporate your favorites.

Bring a friend! Things are always more fun with a person you love by your side! That person can also help with clothing changes and “double check” you while you’re being photographed to make sure your clothing hasn’t taken a turn for the worse or that your hair hasn’t come all undone. Friends can also bring up those funny inside joke moments and get you laughing with is always a great shot.

Speak up! Communication is key! If you feel uncomfortable or want to try something different just let me know! I want you to be completely in love with your experience and photos.