You are going to ask me about your outfits, you are going to ask me about posing and hair and makeup. Yet, the number question I get asked by all my babes is “How Do I Prepare For My Shoot??”
As you get closer to your session, I will send you a list of things to help you prepare as the nerves start to kick in. Once those excited nerves kick in, we tend to forget anything we were told before. I have created a list of of things to help you prepare.
The last thing you want is to show up to your session and realize that you forgot something. I want to help you be as prepared as possible so you can show up relaxed and excited. It’s hard to get relaxed and pampered if you are stressed out.
I have years of experience doing this and have noticed things that may help you with your session. It’s completely up to you if you use the tips.
- Bring more than you think you should: You can NOT bring too much! Literally bring a suitcase, most clients do. Will we use it all? Probably not but it's safer to have more with you than you think! You never know what you might be feeling the day of your session. Maybe you are feeling extra sexy or adventurous!
- Try on outfits before coming to your session: I can NOT stress this enough. If you show up with a bunch of things that you have never put on before, there is a good chance that you don't like the way that they look. (Insert all the horror stories from online purchases) Lingerie varies in sizing and fitting correctly is ALWAYS better than what the size says.
- Wear loose fitting clothes and NO bra to the studio: This is pretty self explanatory but wearing tight clothing and a bra, you run the risk of lines being all of your body which can be very distracting in your images.
- Drink water: Staying well hydrated is always important. In this case, it’s AMAZING for your skin. Makeup looks better and your skin glows.
- Don't fake tan: At least don’t do it for the first time or try someone new right before your session. If you are used to spray tans, go for it. Do it a few days before your session. Tanning can be streaky, cause you to look orange or even come off during your shoot. Natural skin tone is always best but it’s who you are, rock it.
- Get your hair and makeup done: It is included in your session but don’t pass it up. It’s not about being someone that you aren’t. It’s about getting pampered and feeling 100% your best self. Also, having your hair and makeup done professionally translates into a regular makeup look for photos. Normal makeup looks like you aren’t wearing makeup.
- Bring shoes and jewelry to match outfits: this is a personal preference. If you have shoes that you LOVE, bring them. Jewelry that is important to you, bring them. You don’t have to wear any of it but options are always nice.
- Color your hair, nails and wax 3 days before shoot: YES, YES, YES! Don’t do these things less than 3 days before your shoot. This gives time for things to settle a bit.
- Don't try something new right before your session: The biggest item here is don’t try waxing if you have done it before, right before your shoot. You don’t know how you might react to the waxing. This goes for spray tanning also.
- Set aside enough time in your day: This is an experience, do you want to feel rushed or like you are missing out because you didn’t leave enough time. 1 1/2 hours for hair and makeup, 1 hour shoot, 1 hour break and 1 hour for your image reveal and ordering session. Total of 4 1/2 hours
- Don't stress, trust me: I am here for you. I am going to guide you through this. It’s new to you but not new to me.
- Don't be shy, tell me what you want: Don’t be afraid to say what you want. What you want for hair and makeup. What outfits you want. If there is a pose that you want or a set. Don’t be shy, I need to know!
-Don't bring a friend: This sounds harsh and probably even a little like “but why not?” Well here is why, they CAN be a distraction for you. You might be more nervous in front of them than if it was just us. Some friends try to take over the shoot and cause you to lose out on time you should have had. They also haven’t been prepped the way you have, so they aren’t familiar with the process. This doesn’t mean you can’t bring some at all or just during hair and makeup. Just truly things about what you want to do.
