How to prepare for your photography session...
So, you have booked your session….Now what?
Dress for Success:
If you don’t usually wear heels now is probably not the best time to start, especially if you told me we get to hang out on River Street for your session. It is really simple, wear shoes that you are comfortable in. If you like the heels, wear them! Bring comfy flip flops for walking between locations.
Want to get your hair and make up done? Coming from a girl who fails at doing this on her own, ok, go for it. Just remember now is NOT the time to try new foundation shades, wax things that have never been waxed, get your first ever spray tan, curl your hair if you know it doesn’t hold curls, etc. Please trim the beards, nose, and ear hairs.
Pick an outfit that you feel confident in. If you want to buy something new, borrow the spouse’s credit card, and go for it! Just make sure it is a style that you would normally wear and something that suits your body type. Oh, and make sure if you are ordering online it will be here in time for you to try in on before hand. Having a back up outfit be delivered in time as well is a plus. All too often I hear a client say they waited for weeks (because, Rona) for a two day delivery item only to have it arrive the day before their session, and guess what? It doesn’t fit well, or it doesn’t fit at all!!! Trust me, if you are feeling self conscious it will show in your photos. Don’t forget to wear the correct underwear (no one wants bra straps and thong lines in the pictures for grandpa).
Scheduled an engagement shoot? Manicure those hands!!! Again, if you want to paint your nails just be sure to pick a color you would normally wear and don’t try out the latest trend offered at the nail salon. Surprise proposal? Make sure your spouse will be comfortable with their hands shown!!! Trust me, someone who normally values a good manicure will not be happy with you if their hands are not up to their own standards.
Location, Location, Location:
Pick a spot that is meaningful to you, especially if there is a spot you have always dreamed of being photographed at… Let’s go there.
Does your session include others? Keep them in mind…. Spouse hates to hike (mine would kill me) or grandma doesn’t get around so well? Don’t have me meet you at the bottom of the summit!
Consider the time of year. For instance, wanting wild flowers? Will they be in bloom when you want to shoot? Remember, even the beach gets cold in the winter time (maybe you are ok with jackets and scarves, maybe not).
Be Prepared:
Make sure the kids are fed, the spouse had dinner, you had coffee. You know yourself, and your people. When is everyone the least cranky? Nap time before or after?
I do a lot of travel photography in season on local beaches. When scheduling your session I like to ask when you will be arriving and when you will be leaving. Why? I know when the least crowded days and times are and can help you schedule accordingly. I also know that waiting until the last day of vacation to schedule your portraits may result in exhausted or sunburnt people, neither of which photograph very well (nor does hungover).
Always bring a back up outfit for the littles, accidents do happen. Bring an extra outfit for yourself if you like. Tangible allows as many outfit changes as you wish that you can fit into your allotted time frame.
Bring a brush, hair tie, umbrella, lip gloss, sunscreen, hair spray, bottle of water, baby’s favorite toy or treat, graduation caps, the dog, champagne to pop, sonogram photos, dog tags or name plates…. whatever it may be that will help keep you fresh and comfortable and add a personal touch to your shoot.
Be honest, relax, have fun:
I will ask you before we shoot if you have any insecurities. Be HONEST. I can help with angles, lighting, etc. I will do my best to make sure you feel you look your best in your photos. I however will not photoshop you to a size zero, change your hair style, or make any other massive altering changes in post production.
Relax!!!! If you have poses you want be sure and let me know. If you have no idea what you want, that’s ok too! Just be you and let me do the rest. We may spend some time on traditional poses, but the majority of this shoot will be me, you, the camera, and whomever else you invite just having fun.
Smile, laugh, snuggle, tickle, joke, hold hands, forehead kiss, make out, chase, play….
“Snakesh*t, Mr. Pickles, Dr Dr Captain Kirk, Bun Bun, Tater Tot Casserole, Fishing, Amazon deliveries” (Actual smile producing quotes from real sessions)
