Preparing for your shoot

 

What to bring

 
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Rest up

We all have busy lives, and this is often easier said than done, but ensuring you get a good night’s sleep the night before (and the one before that!) your shoot, the better. Being rested will reduce bags under your eyes, will help with your skin, and will give you some extra perk.

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Skincare

Everyone has unique skin that responds to life in different ways. Before your shoot, focus on what you have learned makes your skin look the healthiest. Whether that’s a skincare regime you’ve set up for yourself, avoiding food and drink that makes you break out, or putting on a daily skin cream with some SPF, the more (and longer) you can baby your skin before your shoot the better.

Hair and grooming

Before your shoot, it’s a good idea to groom yourself and pay some attention to your hair. That might look like getting a haircut or trim, or recoloring your roots. For the guys, trim or shave your facial hair so it’s neat and tidy. If your hair is feeling dry or you have split ends, consider giving it some extra love by doing a deep conditioning next time you’re in the shower.

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Pearly Whites

Brush! Floss! And if you’re into that sort of thing, whitening your teeth in advance of your shoot can make a difference.

 
 
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Clothes

Bring two outfits - one lighter, one darker. In general, avoid noisy patterns, or overly bright colors (e.g., neons, unbroken stark whites). Dress appropriately for the type of photo you’re taking. If you’re getting a professional portrait, a t-Shirt might not be the best, just like a suit might be too stuffy for a casual lifestyle-oriented portrait.

If you’re unsure, just ask! I can even give you wardrobe recommendations.

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Product

If you’re doing your own hair and makeup for the shoot, show up with it applied. It’s also a good idea to make sure you have product on hand so you can touch up your hair and makeup as needed.

If you opted to have hair and makeup done for you, no need to bring anything.

If you’ve asked for hair and makeup for your shoot, arrive with bare face (washed with your usual moisturizer, if you have one), and clean, dry hair (no product).

During your shoot

 

For many people, sitting in front of a camera is a nerve-wracking experience. The good news is that you don’t have to work very hard to look good. Here are some tips to help ease your nerves.

 
 

Be casual

Don’t worry – our photo session will be very casual, so don’t feel like you need to be proper and put-together, unless that’s exactly what you want. And if it makes you comfortable, feel free to crack a bad joke, because chances are I will do the same. The more you can be okay with being where you are, the better!

 

Embrace the warm-up

For most people, the first 15 minutes of their session is spent warming up and relaxing in front of the camera. Don’t stress about this – it’s okay to feel a little stiff and uncomfortable! If you accept this as natural, you’ll ease into things more readily.

 

You don’t need to pose

People often think the key to a good portrait is how well someone can pose. In most cases, this is bad advice. The key to looking (and feeling) natural on camera is in your own innate movements. I will provide you with some direction during the shoot, so try not to pay too much attention to how you’re positioned, and you’ll naturally relax as the shoot progresses.