How to Prepare for Your Session
Grab your calendar and let’s make a plan for…
OUTFITS
HAIR
SKIN
FACE
NAILS
This step by step guide is going to help you look and feel your best. As you work your way through this guide, keep in mind that these are only suggestions. Please choose what you are comfortable doing and leave the rest. For the items you choose, write them on your calendar and treat them like an appointment. Give yourself permission to care for yourself and enjoy a little pampering. This whole process is about you. Have fun getting ready and choose to prepare in a way that makes you feel beautiful and refreshed.
Headshots & Personal Branding
OUTFITS
About 2-3 weeks prior to your shoot, choose a variety of outfits based on your consultation.
The basics:
Bring your favortie professional outfits.
A blazer is a great addition and often a flattering choice. Use it as a layer over a button down, blouse, or even a t-shirt.
If you’d like to showcase your casual or more personal side, bring your favorites.
Things to consider:
• Solids and very small prints are best. Large prints can be a distraction.
• Wear clothes that show your natural waistline. Bulky clothing isn’t flattering in photos. V-necks are great for women.
• Textured fabric is wonderful. Fuzzy sweaters, chiffon, lace sleeves…
• Choose colors that complement your skin tone and eyes.
Avoid flourescent colors as they can cause a color cast onto your skin.
I’m here to help you. Please send me pictures of your outfits and I’ll be happy to give you feedback. I’ll also use those pictures to plan your shoot.
Accessories: Do you like hats? Scarves? Include these if you’d like.
Remember to pack your jewelry and shoes, and any special undergarments for each outfit. Often times, special dresses or tops need special undergarments.
Action item: Make a list of your outfits with accessories, shoes, and undergarments as needed.
Steam or iron clothes to remove wrinkles.
HAIR
Plan to have your hair cut or trimmed before your shoot. If your hair is color treated, make an appointment for a touch up within 2 weeks of your session. Stick with a cut (and color) that you know you love. Wait until after your shoot to try something new.
SKIN
Shave as needed. For women - legs and underarms
Moisturize - especially legs, arms and hands.
Gently exfoliate any dry skin.
I will remove blemishes from your photos. Please let me know how you’d like to deal with any scars.
Stay hydrated.
FACE
Gently exfoliate as needed.
Moisturize as needed.
Do not pick at pimples or blackheads. They will be covered by makeup and retouched as needed.
For women: Decide if you want a lip or brow wax. If you use tweezers for your eyebrows, take the time to learn how to properly shape your brows. You don’t want to overdo it.
For men: Groom facial hair. This includes a beard or mustache. Also, properly trimming eyebrows and nose hairs makes for a polished look.
Whiten teeth as needed.
NAILS
Schedule a mani-pedi or DIY.
I recommend a more neutral polish. Bright colors will certainly make a strong statement in your photos. You decide.
If you’re preparing your own nails, think:
Clean
Filed to a uniform length
Neutral polish or bare and natural
P.S. Clean your rings
It’s Photoshoot Day!
Start your morning with a tall glass of water.
Eat something
Moisturize arms, legs, hands
Ladies - Follow DIY makeup instructions if not having a professional makeover
Bring your clothes on hangers so they don’t wrinkle
If you are having a professional makeover
Hair should be CLEAN AND DRY
Wash your face and moisturize as needed
Where something comfortable. Button down shirts are great. You don’t have to pull them over your head.
We’re going to have a great time.
I look forward to seeing you!