It’s safe to say that everyone wants to look their absolute best during a portrait session and it’s our job to ensure that we succeed in meeting that goal.  Sure, there’s a lot of work to be done in the studio and behind the camera on the day of your shoot.  But the secret to success here lies in the preparation.  So, how are you supposed to know what you need to do to plan for success?  Well, the way we see it, that’s our job too.  We’ll guide you through the process every step of the way.  …and if you forget anything, you can always refer back to this post.

 

THE DESIGN CONSULTATION

One of the first things we’ll do after meeting you for the first time as a client, is to schedule you for a Design Consultation.  This meeting is casual and comfortable.  We’ll give you a tour of the studio, so you’re not seeing the place for the first time on the day of your session.  This will make you more comfortable with the setting and should help to put you at ease with the shoot.  Most people are not naturally comfortable in front of the camera and that’s ok.  It’s normal to feel a little anxiety.  Our plan is to help you become familiar with our team and the studio, so that you can be more relaxed during your session.  If you’re relaxed and having fun, it will show in your photos and we will be on the road to an amazing session.

During your design consultation, we’ll discuss your goals for the session, how you intend to use the photos, your personal interests and taste in style.  You will also get to know us and see how we work together to provide you with a wonderfully fun portrait experience.  Once we’ve wrapped up our discussion and have the info we need, we’ll set a date for your photo shoot!

We will then use the information we gather in the design consultation to plan and design a session specifically for you.  It’ll be like no other we’ve done.  We’ll use this planning time to make recommendations pertaining to wardrobe, styling, props and themes.

On the day of your portrait session, you will have everything in order because we will have prepared you for this day.  We’ve found that when we are all adequately prepared for the day, it goes much smoother and we end up having a LOT of fun.  We also finish the day with some beautiful and unique images to work with.  So, rest assured, we’ll guide you every step of the way.  But, here are some basic tips to help you along the way:

 

MAKEUP

We recommend having your makeup done by a professional makeup artist.  We can provide one for you, if you’d like.  It’s perfectly fine to do your own makeup, too.  Here are some tips:

  • Wear matte makeup; nothing that shines or shimmers. Dab your t-zone with a tissue or facial blotting paper to eliminate shine and dust some powder on your nose
  • Apply concealer and foundation generously, and evenly.  They are important for a flawless look
  • Don’t be afraid to apply your blush and bronzer a little heavier than normal. It will help to contour your cheek bones and give you a healthy glow.
  • It’s okay to go a little more dramatic with the eyes.
  • Bring your makeup bag for touch-ups
  • Fake lashes — They may not be something you would normally wear, but they can completely transform your eyes in photos.
  • Moisturize.
  • DO NOT APPLY FAKE TAN!
  • If we have booked our make up artist for you please come with a clean face and relax into having the make up done for you!

 

HAIR/NAILS

  • Volume is a good thing.
  • Apply some hair anti-frizz if your hair is very static
  • Don’t have your hair cut the day before.  Give it a couple days to settle down.
  • Avoid last minute drastic coloring changes
  • Bring hair clips, a brush, curling wand, etc. for touch-ups
  • Wash the day before, not the day of your session.
  • Have a manicure done just before. Use natural colors.  Bright colors are a distraction in most cases.
  • Men, if you want to look clean-shaven, you must shave right before your session.  Some of you can grow a beard by noon.

 

WARDROBE

We will give you guidance on how many and the style of outfits to bring to your session.  It’s always better to bring too much than not enough.  Here are some general guidelines:

 

Ladies

  • Bring complete outfits to include accessories and shoes for each.
  • Bring clothes that make you feel pretty and fabulous.
  • If you need to buy new things to make this the best session ever, do it.
  • Choose outfits that fit and are not baggy.  Preferably something with a tapered waist.
  • If you wear glasses, bring them.  If you’re married, wear the ring.
  • No big, distracting patterns.
  • No tiny repeating patterns like small stripes or checks.
  • Bright colors are fine, so are neutral colors.  We will likely ask you to bring a white or light colored outfit, as well as a dark or black one.
  • Bring work tools if we are doing professional portraits
  • Jewelry, hats, scarves and other stylish accessories are important. Bring some.
  • Make sure your wardrobe is ironed and wrinkle free.

Men

  • Bring several sport coats
  • Dress shirts and ties if you wear them
  • Sweaters can be good.  V-necks preferred.
  • Make sure your clothes fit properly.
  • If you wear glasses, bring them.  If you’re married, wear the ring.
  • No big, distracting patterns.
  • No tiny repeating patterns like small stripes or checks.
  • Solid neutral and dark colors.
  • Bring work tools if we are doing professional portraits
  • MAKE SURE YOUR WARDROBE IS IRONED! If it looks like you wrestled your shirt away from the dog, that’s bad.

 

If you have questions along the way, feel free to reach out by filling out the form below or just give us a call.  We are all about the experience.  We will strive to make this process as easy and relaxing for you as we can.  Expect to have fun and look forward to seeing yourself in a way that makes you smile.  You’re beautiful and we’re about to prove it to you!