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.
Teen Girls
OUTFITS
About 2-3 weeks prior to your shoot, choose a variety of outfits.
#1 Casual – a cute outfit you’d wear out to dinner.
o A jumper
o Jeans and nice top
o Jeans and a t-shirt (t-shirts don’t always lay nice – use a jacket layer over a T-shirt, OR choose a t-shirt that fits well and lays nicely)
#2 Field dress – Something with body in the skirt that’s great for twirling/swishing. Ask me for a Pinterest link for ideas.
#3 A formal dress – your favorite prom or homecoming dress, etc.
#4 Something fun – something you might not wear every day, but would love to be photographed in. Something funky, a t-shirt with your favorite band, your sports uniform, etc.
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.
• 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.
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 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.
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.
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
To prepare for your 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.
Bring your clothes on hangers so they don’t wrinkle
We’re going to have a great time today.
I look forward to seeing you!