Preparing your Body for Photos

Hair~

If you’re getting a haircut for your shoot, do so about two weeks beforehand, just in case it goes wrong – you just never know.

Facial hair~

If you have some light facial hair (particularly around your lip or chin), indulge in a waxing in advance of your shoot – even barely-there light facial hair may be noticeable in your photos as well as being sure to pluck and clean up those eyebrows.

*Other* Hair

Do what is best for you and yours, there is no need to add to your regiment on my account.

Hair accessories~

Be ready to put your hair up and make it look nice in case of a windy day. Bring bobby-pins, hair clips, headbands or any other favorite accessories.

Red eyes~

Visine is your friend. Not getting drunk the night before your shoot helps, too.

Alcohol~

Speaking of alcohol, as nervous as you may be about your upcoming photo-shoot, being drunk or even buzzed isn't an attractive look, it will flush your skin and dilate your pupils. 

Lips~

You will probably wipe or lick your lips during your shoot, so have fresh lip gloss or lipstick to do touch-up. Use lip balm for a few days in advance of your shoot to make your smoochers look their best.

Teeth~

If you want to brighten your smile, start your treatments about two weeks before your shoot.

Breakouts~

Don’t cake on a lot of makeup to try to hide blemishes – it’s easier for me (and cheaper for you) to Photoshop pimples out of your portraits than to clean up overdone makeup.

Makeup~

A subtle application of makeup can soften your skin and accent your facial features. But  sure it matches your skin tone. It is best not to cake makeup on as it will be more obvious in camera than you thought it would be.

Moisturizer~

Dry skin can really detract from a great photo shoot. Start moisturizing nightly a week in advance of your shoot. When you get out of the shower, dry off until lightly damp, and slather on moisturizer. Focus on anywhere and everywhere, remember you’ll be exposed to the camera.

Nails~

A fresh coat of nail polish makes a world of difference. Pick a neutral color that won’t distract in your shoot or clash with your outfits. Freshen the morning of the shoot, then be careful not to scuff it while prepping. Your photo shoot is a great excuse for a fresh manicure, but if you can’t go to the salon, make sure your nails look tidy and clean, including the cuticles.

Bloating~

Avoid high salt and high fat foods for two to three days in advance of your shoot. Being bloated will sap your confidence and comfort in front of the camera.

Sunburns and tan lines~

If you plan to tan before your shoot, do so at least a week beforehand and don’t get burned. Be mindful of tan lines caused by clothing, sunglasses, hats, etc.. Any spray tans causing orange skin, or severe tan lines you want corrected in post production, will require additional $25/hour for editing or can be rescheduled as directed in the contract. 

Lingerie~

If you’re doing semi-nude/implied nude photos, other bras and underwear will create noticeable lines on your skin, so wear loose-fitting clothing prior to the shoot. When picking your clothing, you can’t go wrong with heels and/or thigh-high stockings. What makes you feel really sexy? Wear THAT for your session!

Inside the Home~

1.  De-clutter as much as possible. Put away toys, clothing, dishes, towels, shoes etc. It’s a lot cheaper to put these things away before the photo shoot than to pay to have the photos photo-shopped.

1.  Depersonalized to a certain degree. Photos of young children should be put away.

2.  Remove any seasonal/holiday decorations that can quickly out-date your photos.

3.  Dust and vacuum (don't forget the fan blades!), make bed, fluff pillows, check bed skirts.

4.  Remove all shampoos, conditioners, body-washes, etc. from the shower.

5.  Put out the guest towels and hide all the others.

6.  Hide all trash cans.

7.  If there are pets, hide all food/water bowls, pet beds, and pet toys.

8.  Put all toilet seats and lids down.

9.  Replace burned out light bulbs.

 

Right Before the Photographer Arrives~

1. Turn OFF all ceiling fans.

2. Light fireplaces and candles.

3. Open all blinds, shades, and curtains.

4. Clear all cars and vehicles from the driveway and the street in front of the home.

4. Please secure any potentially aggressive animals in a safe location, away from all rooms being photographed.

Final Touches~

Now that you’ve cleaned, de-cluttered, and tidied up, there are just a couple last to-do’s. On the day of the photo session, turn off any ceiling fans and televisions. If you have a pet, it’s important to have them out of the way when the photos are taken, otherwise we can include them in a lifestyle session.  Last, move any cars from in front of windows. You want these portraits to be beautiful and if there is clutter in them you will be distracted from your own beauty.