SESSION PREP
TIPS!

YOU’VE BOOKED YOUR SESSION, WHAT’S NEXT?

Most don’t know this, but getting yourself “photo-ready” begins well before that day. “How?” Let us explain what you can do!

Plan your outfit
You’ll find the theme of this soon enough, but we won’t spoil it right now. Choose your attire well in advance, especially if you plan on outfit changes. Make sure everything fits the way you want it to. If your session will involve seated positions, practice with your outfit. If you’re a dancer and motion will be captured, test those moves and be comfortable in how your clothing responds before your session begins! You want to feel your best when you step in front of the camera.

Some things to note, particularly for a professional headshot:

  • Avoid small, tight patterns: while they look great to the eye, camera lenses can do some odd things with tight stripes and plaids.

  • Keep from large amounts of orange: Orange is an amazing color, one of my favorites. A bright orange top reflects light oddly, especially if the materially itself has a reflective nature. Orange as an accent is great, but an orange top may not yield the results you want.

  • Last but not least, be sure that your clothing is ready for the camera. Wrinkle-free is the key. If dressing on-site (studio, venue, etc.), travel with clothing on hangers and inside of a garment bag if possible. If clothing is new, be sure to remove those folded creases!

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Hair & Makeup
There is no proper or appropriate hairstyle or makeup for your session. That’s not what this section is about. Photographers want to publish the best you. You’re the expert on you, not us :) Why we bring this up is because these things can be huge distractions for the subject while being photographed. If you plan on coming in with a new “do”, the suggestion here is to have that new style for a few days so that you can be comfortable with it. The same goes for makeup. If possible, try out your new look in the mirror a day or two ahead of time.

Have your brush, comb and anything you may need to use in-between shots. If your hair is done in a way where mid-session maintenance may be needed, bring those things with you. If your session will be taking place outdoors or where other elements are involved (fans, etc) and there is no stylist on-hand, be prepared. Even if it’s never used, great, but if you start to sweat, a small towel may be the hero of your session.

Test out how best to handle the makeup and dressing process to keep your clothes free of “additional color” :)

Rest
Get a good night rest and plan your shoot for the morning. Nothing worse than being bleary eyed, puffy and tired during a shoot. For that matter, shooting in the morning helps avoid some of the distractions that can kill a late afternoon shoot.

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Look In Your Mirror
Rehearse your facial expressions. Everyone prefers the way they look with a certain expression. A full or half smile could work well for a young and passionate entrepreneur. Alternatively, a CEO or a board member in a professional industry may feel that a neutral expression communicates strength. Once you have figured out the look(s) you are comfortable with (or know what looks you aren’t comfortable with), communicate that with your photographer. If a full smile isn’t what works for you, share that.

Relax
The subliminal theme throughout the post. Be comfortable. You’ve done everything here. You look good! The session you’re about to complete will go much quicker than you think. Bring the energy and confidence you showed yourself in the mirror, while setting up your outfit, practicing your makeup, and after great rest the night before. You are ready to go!

-Will

If you haven’t booked your session, what are you waiting for? We’re waiting for you!