Preparing for Your Photography Session

Arrive Early

Timeliness is essential to make the most of your session. Arriving late can cut into your camera time, so plan to arrive early, especially if you need to do hair, makeup, or other preparations on-site. Being ready by your scheduled start time ensures we can maximize your session.

Clothing Guidelines

Variety is Key: Diversity in your wardrobe is crucial for capturing different moods and styles. While it’s okay to have a favorite color, avoid bringing several outfits in the same shade. Instead, mix it up with a combination of casual, medium, and formal attire. This allows for a more dynamic and versatile photo collection.

• Plan for Outdoor Sessions: Outdoor shoots offer beautiful natural backdrops but often lack private changing areas. If you’re planning multiple outfit changes, be prepared to use your vehicle or find a discreet spot for quick changes. Layering can also help; consider adding or removing jackets, scarves, or accessories to quickly alter your look.
• Accessorize for Impact: Accessories can dramatically change the feel of an outfit. Bring a variety of items like jean jackets, hats, scarves, jewelry, belts, and hair accessories. These can be mixed and matched with different outfits to create unique looks. Sometimes, our team might even help you accessorize on the spot for extra flair.
• Coordinate Your Outfits: When planning your wardrobe, consider how your outfits will interact with different backgrounds. Darker outfits tend to work better with darker backgrounds, while lighter clothes stand out more against lighter settings. If you prefer both, bring a mix to give yourself options.
• Wrinkle-Free Attire: Presentation is key in photography, and wrinkles can detract from an otherwise great outfit. Bring your clothes neatly hung on hangers to keep them in top condition. We do have an iron on hand for touch-ups, but it’s best to arrive with your clothes already prepared.

Hair & Makeup

• Keep It Natural: Your hairstyle plays a significant role in your overall look, so avoid drastic changes right before your session. Stick to what you’re comfortable with, and bring any necessary tools or products for quick touch-ups during the shoot. If you arrive with your hair in curlers, that’s fine—just ensure you have enough time to style it before we start.
• Makeup Tips: For the best results, apply makeup slightly heavier than your usual daytime look, similar to evening makeup. This enhances your features without overpowering them in the photos. Mascara should be fresh and clump-free, and shiny lips can add a beautiful touch to your images—consider bringing a favorite light lip gloss.
• Nail Care: Hands and feet often make it into photos, especially in casual or barefoot shots. Keep your nails neat and polished, avoiding bright colors that might clash with your outfits. Neutral tones are always a safe bet, ensuring your nails complement, rather than distract from, your overall look.

Jewelry & Accessories

• Keep It Simple: While accessories can enhance your look, they should never overshadow you. Choose simple, elegant pieces that complement your outfits. If you’re bringing multiple sets of jewelry, consider organizing them in small bags and attaching them to your outfit hangers. This saves time and helps you stay organized during quick changes.

Props & Personal Items

• Bring What Represents You: Props add a personal touch to your photos, highlighting your interests and personality. Consider bringing items like sports equipment, musical instruments, or hobby-related gear. For outdoor sessions, vehicles and motorcycles can also be incorporated. If you’re bringing a pet, plan ahead—have someone available to take care of them when they’re not in the shots, or bring a carrier to keep them contained.

Special Considerations

• Glasses: If you wear glasses, it’s important to avoid glare, which can be an issue with some prescriptions. Check with your optometrist; many will lend you an empty set of frames similar to yours for the session. This ensures your glasses don’t distract from your eyes in the photos.
• Sunburn & Tanning: Sunburned skin can be challenging to photograph well, so avoid excessive sun exposure before your session. If you plan to tan, do so gradually and avoid tan lines that might be visible in your outfits. If using a sunless tanner, have it done professionally and test it out at least a couple of weeks in advance to ensure a natural-looking result.
• Complexion: Makeup can do wonders for smoothing out your complexion, and we recommend a light touch-up even for guys. Don’t worry too much about minor blemishes; we offer retouching services for your final images to ensure they look perfect.

Weather & Rescheduling

• Weather-Dependent Sessions: Outdoor sessions are subject to weather conditions. While overcast skies can enhance photos by providing soft, lighting, rain can be a problem. However, we typically don’t cancel a session unless it’s actively raining at your scheduled time. If weather conditions are uncertain, we’ll stay in touch and make the call together.

Tattoos, Scars, & Braces

• Your Choice: Tattoos, scars, and braces are all part of who you are, and we can work with or around them based on your preferences. If you want your tattoos visible or retouched, just let us know. Similarly, we can minimize the appearance of scars or remove braces in post-production if you’d prefer.

Tips for Girls

• Flattering Styles: Choose outfits that highlight your best features. Baggy clothes can sometimes make you appear larger than you are, while sleeveless styles can accentuate fuller arms. Consider the fit and style of each piece to ensure it flatters your figure. When selecting undergarments, match them to your outfits to avoid any visible lines or mismatches that could detract from your look.
• Footwear: Don’t forget about your shoes! Barefoot shots are popular, so make sure your toenails are in good shape. Stick to neutral or classic nail colors that won’t clash with your outfits. Avoid overly bright or trendy colors that might date your photos.

Tips for Guys

• Clothing: For a polished look, bring a dark T-shirt to wear under dark shirts and a white T-shirt for light shirts or tuxedos. Avoid large logos or branding that might date your photos or distract from your face. If you’re planning both casual and formal shots, start with your casual look and bring a razor to shave before switching to formal attire—this way, everyone is happy with the results.
• Shaving: A clean shave looks best in photos, so be sure to shave before your session. If you have facial hair that you love but your mom isn’t a fan of, consider doing some shots with it and then shaving for the more formal photos.
• Hair: Avoid drastic changes to your hairstyle before the session. Bleached hair can look harsh in photos and may not age well as trends change. Stick to natural or subtly styled hair for a timeless look.