FOLLOW THESE TRIED-AND-TRUE TIPS & TRICKS TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE (don’t forget to read below!)
SKIN CARE
Try and keep yourself on a dedicated skin-care routine a few weeks before your session to work towards the best possible outcome for a fresh, glowing face.
Your parents are right … SLEEP is important! Especially the night before your session. Make sure you get plenty of rest so the only bags we’re carrying are filled with fun props!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is very important to our skin and energy levels. As you know, the Tri-Cities can get HOT during the summer and early fall months. Pack extra water with you to sip throughout the session (with a straw to not smudge makeup!). Also, try to drink plenty of water (half your body weight in ounces) the days leading up to your photo shoot. Don’t forget to eat a meal before your session … we don’t need you passing out of hunger during a photo shoot!
Avoid any abrasive skin products and refrain from facials or chemical peels in the days directly leading up to your photo shoot to avoid any possible skin reactions.
HEAD-TO-TOE
Girls, if you’re not having professional makeup, you’ll want to wear your make-up a tad heavier than normal. Bring along extra powder, a brush and mascara. Wearing more mascara than normal will really bring out your eyes and allow them to pop.
Guys, be sure to shave WELL right before your session. Stubble and missed hairs will show in a photo. Don’t forget to add moisturizer (and even a little bit of translucent powder! shhh, I won’t tell!) to really make for a clean, fresh-faced look.
Do not get your eyebrows waxed the day of or day before your photo shoot. The glue residue from the wax prohibits makeup from applying evenly and often times won’t adhere to the skin in those places.
Don’t try new hairstyles right before your shoot. Make a haircut/color appointment at least a couple of weeks before your session to ensure you are happy with the cut/color before the session date.
Be sure the clothing you choose covers up any tan lines … they WILL show. Avoid tanning or sun burning right before your session.
You’ll want to make sure all your clothing has been ironed/pressed before your session. Wrinkles will show and Photoshop can’t do much about that.
Don’t forget to bring along jewelry, rings, necklaces, changes of shoes, hair accessories, etc.
I retouch acne/blemishes at no extra charge, so don’t fret about a minor breakout.
Brush your teeth. I know … sounds crazy, but you would be shocked how many people forget this and show up with tiny pieces of Doritos in their teeth on photo day.
CLOTHING
Don’t forget to read my WHAT TO WEAR guide HERE.
Bring your favorite tops, bottoms, dresses and more. I can help you mix and match pieces together that will best fit the mood of the location right before the session! Keep in mind things that photograph well may not necessarily be items you would piece together on a regular day.
Try on everything you plan on bringing to ensure the clothes are body flattering. Have all clothes ironed/dry-cleaned as wrinkles will show in photos!
Be careful with baggy clothes, they may make you look larger than you are. Make sure your clothes flatter you.
Ladies, watch any shirts that fit too low! Dad and Grandpa will see these photos too 🙂
Keep in mind that if you bring in light or white pants, your underwear may be seen through, so keep the flowered or stripes at home!
Wear a neutral colored bra (strapless if you own it) … colored bra straps can quickly ruin a photo, and tucking them into clothing makes for unsightly fabric bulges.
NAILS
Nails may show in photos, so make sure they look appropriate. This is a perfect excuse to schedule a manicure/pedicure before your session, or simply use nail polish remover to take off any chipped polish completely. You don’t want “islands” of paint on your fingers or toes.
GLASSES
Let’s face it – glasses glare. If possible, remove the lenses before you get here. Some optometrists will loan you an empty pair of frames similar to your. Check with them.
CONCEPT IDEAS
It’s not just clothing and a smile that makes us who we are. It’s the activities, interests, hobbies, and more that help define our personalities. I encourage you to bring items to your session that we can incorporate to really customize your photo shoot. Fantastic choices are:
-Books
-Phone/laptop
-Musical instrument
-Shopping bags from favorite stores
-Camera
-Sports uniforms: Letterman jacket, FFA Jacket, cleats, boots, jersey, pom poms, etc
-Balls: basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, tennis ball, etc.
-Gloves: boxing, goal keeper, baseball, football, rodeo
-Sports Equipment: bat, racket, hockey stick, wakeboard, surfboard, skate board, snowboard, skis, lasso, rifle, golf clubs, swimming goggles, hurdle, etc.
-Car, motorcycle, truck, ATV, boat, waverunner
-Vacation memorabilia: airline tickets, souvenirs, photos, concert photos/tickets
-Senior ring
-Artwork: paintings, drawings, sculptures
-Trophies / Medals you’ve won
-High School OR future College clothing: tee shirt, sweat shirt, hoodie, pennant, poster, etc
-Sunglasses
-Favorite drink or coffee
-Hobbies or anything that:
-You enjoy
-Makes you happy
-Is important to you
-You are interested in
-You love to do/dream about
-You aspire to be
-You use in your daily life/routine
-Your job or future career
PETS
Pets are good, just make sure you bring someone with you that can control them while we are busy taking the rest of your pictures. You may want to bring a pet carrier. Treats are good to keep a dog’s attention.
FRIENDS OR PARENTS
I encourage keeping it to no more than 2 guests (besides you and me) at a session to make sure we stay on schedule and avoid distractions. You can add on “sibling” shots in a session for $25 a person.