Ready for the Shoot

Here are our suggestions to help give you some pointers for preparation for the shoot and for you to look your best in your portraits.

Share your intentions for the photo session.

 Let us know what kind of look you want. Also, let us know if you have a "shot list". What is a shot list? It's a list of shots or poses or combinations of people in a shot that you share with the photographer prior to the shoot. This gives us an idea of what's important to you.

 Do a dress rehearsal at home in front of a mirror. Practice poses and expressions. What you see and like in front of the mirror will help you know what expressions to make in front of the camera.

 Drink lots of water and be well rested (so your eyes will not have dark cirlces).

 Bring your outfits with you, and be dressed and ready to go for the first location. Makeup, hair, and clothing you get to choose. {Just be aware that you prolly will end up changing in the car, as access to bathrooms while on location is often limited}. Make sure to bring accessories to accent your beauty.

What to wear: I usually suggest 1 casual outfit, 1 outfit that is more dressy/formal, and 1 outfit that you like best and makes you feel good!

Solid colors photograph best, and dark colors help slim you down.
For women I always recommend something that has sleeves that at least cover the upper arm, it makes your arms look more toned.
Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look great
 Avoid logos or branding
 A simple black shirt/blouse/dress is often a good option
Avoid white shirts unless you plan to wear it underneath something (white makes you look bigger)
 Darker clothes attract less attention and put the attention on your face and eyes Solid colors are great
Avoid busy patterns and large lines or stripes
Blue/green/turquoise clothing can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes
Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new
 For multiple looks, bring a variety of clothing that emphasizes different looks
 Pay attention to the small details. Layers, ties, belts etc
 Different necklines will change the apparent shape of your face.
 Bring a variety different shirts/blouses to see what works best
 Don't worry about shoes too much unless you specifically want a full-length look
 Don't only bring 3-4 same-style shirts in different colors. Bring variety of styles
Bring a few extra oufits so we can choose what looks best on you at the shoot
REMEMBER: Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable.
Select something that makes you look good.

 Jewelry:

 Keep jewelry extremely simple - small is better
Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated
The picture is about your face not your jewelry

 What to bring:

 The signed model release and payment for the shoot - $200 an hour by cash, check or credit card
 Samples from magazines, the internet, or other shots to help communicate the look you want
Various changes of clothing (see above)
 Good attitude
 Lip balm Hair brush/comb Makeup and hair products you prefer (especially if you have allergies)

 Arrive with:

Hair styled and makeup already applied (if not using makeup artist)
Nails manicured )if you want that look)
Already dressed in first outfit

 Hair and Makeup Tips: Make-up should be clean and natural.
Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder - your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even, and blush is smoother.
Don't get a new hair cut just before the shoot (you may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut).
Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot. Avoid over-styling (soap opera hair looks too staged) or the latest fad such as pinning tresses with lots of tiny barrettes.

After the session:

 I will have a sneak peak of 5-10 images on the web within 24-48 hours post session.
And all of the photographs will be available for you to view in 1 week from the session.
You can order online or give me a call and order over the phone. I can help walk you through the process of placing print orders.